Читать книгу Farm Animal Medicine and Surgery - Graham R Duncanson - Страница 92

The clinical examination is the vital start for making a diagnosis in cattle practice. The respiration rate in the normal adult animal is 12-30 breaths/min, with a quicker rate of 20-24 breaths/min in calves. The pulse rate, which should normally be 60-80 beats/min can be taken from the coccygeal artery at the same time as taking the rectal temperature, which should be between 38 and 39 °C. Also, while in this area of the animal, an abnormal pulse in the urethra of male animals can be felt. The normal pulse rate in calves lies in the range of 70-120 beats/min and the normal rectal temperature is between 38.5 and 39.5 °C. Auscultation of the heart should reveal a steady rhythm with a pulse being seen in the lower third of the jugular being normal. Careful lung auscultation should reveal a lack of sounds in the normal animal. Subcutaneous oedema, which is abnormal, will be seen below the mandibles, on the brisket and in front of the udder. The mucous membranes can be checked in the vulva of females or in the conjunctiva of both sexes. The eyes should be checked for abnormalities and any ocular discharge. The mouth should be checked for excess saliva and for abnormal lesions on the mucosa of the lips and tongue. Auscultation of the rumen should reveal contractions every 20 or 30 s. A resonant ping on auscultation of the left flank is abnormal, as is a splashing on simultaneous ballottement and auscultation of the right flank. The consistency of the faeces can be checked on rectal examination.

The history taken should include the type of animal and its age. Knowledge of the number in the group, together with the total number on the farm, is also important. It is useful to find out how long this group of cattle have been on the farm and whether their management has changed recently. Obviously, the number affected by the condition under examination and any deaths that have occurred should be recorded as well. Asking for any other observations is useful. Farmer’s ideas should not be disregarded.