Checking
the mucous membranes and capillary refill time is essential to
evaluating the health status of any cow.
Note:
If the cow is
dehydrated, the membranes will be dry and the capillary refill time
will be prolonged (>2-3 seconds).
A cow in shock may also have an
increased capillary refill time.
With
a thumb or finger, apply pressure to the gums just below a tooth.
Once
the gums under the thumb have been blanched out, the thumb can be
removed. The blanched area should return to normal color in less
than 2 seconds.
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