Physical Examination of the Dairy Cow Flashcards
How long should a physical exam of a dairy cow take?
<15 mins
Outline a successful history for a dairy cow?
Identify the cow/signalment (age, breed, sex, husbandry)
Establish the presenting signs
Understand management on the farm, farmer expectations and time of year and area of the country.
Check herd history - i.e. are others affected.
What should one observe from a distance with respect to the cow?
Her and her surroundings Gait/Posture General demeanour and health behaviour faeces body shape
What general features give an indication of the health of the cow?
Coat condition, eating, rumination, sunken eyes, resp.
What are the TPR normals/abnormals for a dairy cow?
T (38.0-39.2) 38.5, >39.2/40 abnormal
P 60-80
R 26-50
Where can one check the MMs?
Vulva and eyes
What should be done on the left hand side?
Palpate and ausculate the left flank.
Examine contour of the abdomen
Ausculate rumen for minimum 1min. Then palpate
Ausculate for pings - if pings then ballot the flank for splashing
Ausculate heart and check HR
Ausculate the lungs
Repeat on RHS
What is the respiratory rate of a dairy cow like?
15-35. Inspiration, expiration, pause
What should be checked at the head/neck?
Check for jugular filling Palpate subscapular LN Head symettry Eyes Nose Teeth Mouth Ears Submandibular LNs
What needs to be done at the tail end?
Examine vagina and vulva
Rectal Palpation
Faeces
What aspects of the environment can be examined?
Housing
Nutrition
Climate
Poisons
Note that this info sheet has advanced information on clinical exam of the dairy cow.
n/a
