CLINICAL
EXAMINATION OF
CATTLE
Submitted by: Muhammad Zubair
Submitted to: Dr. Shaista Fazal
Roll # 22
DVM 7th Semester
Session 2020-2025
Steps of Clinical Examination
1. History
2. Observation
3. Approach
4. Physical Examination
5. Systematic Examination
6. Additional Tests
7. Documentation
8. Treatment and Follow up
1. History
This involves gathering information about the
animal's symptoms, the duration of the illness, and
any previous treatments that have been carried out.
History taking is an important aspect of the
examination as it helps the veterinarian to locate the
disease and determine its potential causes.
Weak, low BCS
2. Observation
• Start by observing the
animal from a distance to
assess its
a. general demeanor,
b. posture, and behavior.
c. Look for signs of
alertness,
• lethargy,
• lameness, or discomfort.
Lethargic
3. Approach
• Approach the animal calmly and quietly to avoid
startling it.
4. Physical Examination
Temperature:
> Use a rectal thermometer to measure the animal's
temperature, which should typically be between
100.5°F to 102.5°F (38.0°C to 39.2°C) in cattle.
• Pulse
• > Palpate the animal's pulse, usually found on the
underside of the tail artery. The normal heart rate for
cattle is around 40 to 80 beats per minute.
• Respiration
• > Observe the animal's breathing rate and pattern.
Normal respiration rates for cattle range from 10 to 30
breaths per minute.
• Mucous Membranes
• > Check the color of the animal's mucous membranes
(gums, conjunctiva) for signs of paleness, jaundice, or
cyanosis.
• Capillary Refill Time
• > Press a finger against the animal's gum to check how
quickly the color returns. Normal capillary refill time is 1
to 2 seconds.
• Hydration Status
• > Assess skin elasticity by pinching the skin over the
neck or shoulder. Hydrated animals will have skin that
snaps back quickly.
• Body Condition Score
• > Evaluate the animal's body condition by assessing
the amount of fat cover over its ribs, spine, and tailhead.
5. Systematic Examination
• Perform a systematic examination of
different body systems, including:
• Integumentary System
• > Check for any lesions, wounds, or
signs of parasites.
• Musculoskeletal System
• > Evaluate gait, muscle tone, and
any signs of lameness or joint
swelling.
• Gastrointestinal System
• > Palpate the abdomen for any
abnormalities, and listen for
abnormal gut sounds using a
stethoscope.
• Respiratory System
• > Auscultate the lungs for abnormal sounds
such as crackles or wheezes.
• Cardiovascular System
• > Listen to the heart for abnormal rhythms or
murmurs.
• Urogenital System
• > Check for any discharge or abnormalities in
the udder, prepuce, or vulva.
• Nervous System
• > Assess mentation, cranial nerve function, and
responses to stimuli.
5. Additional Tests
• > Depending on the findings of the physical
examination, further diagnostic tests such as blood tests,
fecal examination, or imaging studies may be necessary
to confirm a diagnosis.
6. Documentation
• > Record all findings, including vital signs,
abnormalities, and any diagnostic tests performed, for
future reference and treatment planning.
7. Treatment and Follow-up
• > Based on the examination findings, develop a
treatment plan and schedule any necessary follow-up
appointments to monitor the animal's progress.
