5-130
rear one and repeat.
e. Cattle Tail Restraint - Bend the tail of the cow toward the side or back of the animal to distract the
cow. Stand to the side of cow to avoid being kicked. Secure tail base with both hands to avoid damaging
the tail and bend.
- Examination: Once an animal is sufficiently and securely restrained, begin the physical exam. General
observations and clinical signs are similar to those found in humans. Follow the SOAP approach, just as
when examining a human patient. Remember: the diseases and injuries of animals can be similar to those
in humans, but seek advice from appropriate veterinary providers or the Merck Veterinary Manual if available.
One can only diagnose and treat based on his level of knowledge and understanding of veterinary medicine.
Table 5-7
Normal Physiologic Values
Species Rectal Heart Resp. Feces Urine W.B.C. HCT%
Temp (°F) Rate Rate (lbs./day) (ml/kg/day) x1000
Horse 100.5 23-70 12 30-50 3-18 6-12 39-52
Cow 100.5 60-70 30 30-100 17-45 4-12 24-48
Sheep 103 60-120 19 2-6.5 10-14 4-12 24-50
Goat 104 70-135 15-20 10-14 6-16 24-48
Pig 102 58-86 15-18 1-6.5 5-30 11-22 32-50
Dog 101.5 100-130 22 0-1.5 20-100 6-18 37-55
Cat 101.5 110-140 26 10-20 8-15 24-45
Rabbit 102.5 123-304 55
- Animal Care and Management:
a. Have enough clean, potable water available to the animals. Maintain a clean source and keep it free of
feces and foreign material. Many animals will not drink contaminated or soiled water.
b. Have food or forage readily available. Allow animals to graze land and pastures. Keep feed clean,
palatable and free of pests.
c. Shelter animals when possible.
d. CONTINUOUS monitoring of the animals for signs of disease and/or parasites will prevent disease
transmission within the herd and to humans. A zoonosis is a disease transmissible between animals and
man. Many zoonoses are threats in the field environment and precautions need to be taken to minimize
them. Monitor and cull sick or debilitated animals. Review the Preventive Medicine chapter and individual
infectious disease sections for specifics on zoonoses and how to prevent them.
What Not To Do:
Do not attempt to restrain animals by yourself.
Do not abuse animals. Abuse is unethical, unnecessary and may jeopardize the relationship with native
personnel.
Do not alienate local medical and veterinary personnel. Work with them and assist them.
Vet Medicine: Large Animal Obstetrics
MAJ Joseph Williamson, VC, USAIntroduction: Many millions of animals have been born without assistance and forced extraction may do more
harm than good. If the cow is calving naturally, leave it alone. Do not assist. When to intervene is
dependent on the state of parturition, the presentation of the fetus, duration of labor and history of underlying
disease processes. The owner will usually be more able to perform intervention if it is necessary. This outline
will provide only the basics of “normal” parturition and guidelines for observation and minimal intervention. We
will use the cow model throughout.