A632
Physical Examination

The following information and the physical exam sheet on page K632 of the appendix can be used to collect and then record a cow’s basic condition when a problem arises. This information can be used to help determine a diagnosis and then develop a treatment plan with the help of the local veterinarian.

When performing a physical examination, the following tools are required:

  1. Stethoscope
  2. Thermometer
  3. Palpation sleeve

  1. Before actually handling the cow, step back and look carefully at the entire animal. Look for signs that may indicate if the cow is experiencing pain (hunching, grinding teeth), or where the problem might be located. For example, a cow with a respiratory problem may extend the neck and lower the head to help breathing, or a cow with a problem in the uterus, bladder, or colon may act like it is straining to defecate. Examine the general condition of the animal (too thin, too heavy, etc.) and assign a body condition score.

  2. Move to the head:
  1. Look at the eyes and eye socket - There should not be any cloudiness or discharge from the eyes. The eye should not be sunken into the eye socket (see page B115). If the eye is sunken, the cow is probably dehydrated.
  2. Make sure equal amounts of air pass out of each nostril.
  3. Feel the ears. If they are cold this could indicate the cow is suffering from milk fever or another problem influencing the circulatory system.
  1. Examine the mouth:
  1. Check the CRT and mucous membranes (see page B105).
  2. Examine the teeth to observe the age and condition.
  3. Examine the papilla and look for lesions on the tongue and gums.
  1. Evaluate the throat and neck regions:
  1. Listen to the trachea with a stethoscope.
  2. Perform a skin tent procedure (see page B115).
  1. The chest, heart, and lungs can be examined next:
  1. Using a stethoscope, listen to both sides of the chest and then the trachea. See page B880 for exact locations and what to expect.
  2. Listen to the heart on the left side of the chest in the area shown on page B880. If abnormal rhythms and patterns are noticed, additional evaluation will need to be conducted by a veterinarian.
  1. Listen to the rumen on the left side of the animal. The left flank area can be examined listening for a "ping." Hearing a ping may indicate a displaced abomasum. Again, look at page B880 for additional help and what to expect. The right side of the cow should also be examined and the intestines listened to with the stethoscope.

    For record keeping of rumen contractions, use the following criteria:

    0 = No contractions
    1 = One contraction per minute
    2 = Two to three contractions per minute
    3 = Continuous contractions

    *Having 2-3 rumen contractions per minute is considered normal.

  2. At this point it is helpful to take a temperature. See pages A560 and B800 for additional information.

  3. Once a temperature has been taken, a rectal palpation should be performed. This procedure should be performed by an experienced person. When performing the rectal palpation, structures such as the rumen, uterus, bladder, lymph nodes, and potentially the right kidney should be felt. Abnormalities such as an infected uterus (pyometra), a distended bladder or rumen, and some cancers can be felt.

  4. Collect a manure sample if diarrhea is a concern. Bacteria, viruses, and internal parasites can be the cause. For additional information on how the manure sample will be tested, refer to pages D135 and D220.

  5. In some circumstances, it is helpful to draw blood for routine blood work and to screen for different diseases such as BVD and BLV. These samples should be collected in red and purple top blood tubes, and must be submitted by a veterinarian. See page B235 for additional information on drawing a blood sample.
    6.

The information collected during the physical exam can be recorded on page K632 in the appendix. Page K632 can be copied for personal use.