C634
Physical Examination

The following information and the physical exam sheet on page K634 of the appendix can be used to collect and then record an animal’s basic condition when a problem arises. This information can then be used to help determine a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan with the help of the local veterinarian. Realize that some of the suggested observations are specifically used when examining a newborn and may not be useful when examining an adult.

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

  1. Stethoscope
  2. Thermometer
  3. Clean ziplock bag for fecal samples
  1. Before actually handling the animal, step back and look carefully at the entire animal. Look for signs that may indicate if the animal is experiencing pain (hunching, grinding teeth) or where the problem might be located. For example, a ewe with a respiratory problem may extend the neck and lower the head to help breathing, or a ewe with a problem in the uterus, bladder, or colon may act like she is straining to defecate. Examine the general condition of the animal (too thin, too heavy, etc.) and assign a body condition score. See page C85 for help on body condition scores.

  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 C115). If the eye is sunken, the animal is probably
      dehydrated.
    2. If the bottom eyelid is turned in, consider entropion (see page C202).
    3. Are the eyes inflamed? If so, eye infections are a concern.
    4. Make sure equal amounts of air pass out of each nostril.
    5. Examine the ears for malformations, infections, or inflammation.

  3. Examine the mouth:
    1. Check the capillary refill time and mucous membranes (see page C100).
    2. Examine the teeth to observe the age and condition.
    3. Is the lower jaw normal, under- or overshot? If so, birth defects and fractures should be considered (see F360).
    4. Are there any pustules or scabs on the lips or mouth? These are signs of contagious ecthyma (see page F129).

  4. Evaluate the throat and neck regions:
    1. Listen to the trachea with a stethoscope.
    2. Perform a skin tent procedure (see page C115).
    3. Feel under the jaw and down the neck for lumps. These lumps may indicate a caseous lymphadenitis infection (see page F108).

  5. 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 C888 for exact locations and what to expect.
    2. Listen to the heart on the left side of the chest in the area shown on C888. If abnormal rhythms and patterns are noticed, additional evaluation will need to be conducted by a veterinarian.

  6. Listen to the rumen on the left side of the animal. Again, look at C888 for additional help and what to expect. The right side of the animal 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 1-3 rumen contractions per minute is considered normal.

  7. Examine the abdomen and udder:
    1. Is the navel swollen? Consider navel ill.
    2. Can a "hole" at or around the navel be felt? These defects are under the surface of the skin and may indicate an umbilical hernia.
    3. When examining a ewe/doe, make sure the udder is soft and pliable and has two well-developed teats.

  8. Testicles, scrotum, sheath, and penis: Inspection and palpation (feeling) of the scrotum and its contents will often reveal some abnormalities. Hernias, orchitis, and epididymitis are conditions of special concern that may be detected by palpation. Palpation may be performed when close examination is called for, but is especially important just before the breeding season. If this technique is practiced on healthy, normal rams/bucks, detecting abnormal conditions when they are encountered will be much easier.
    1. Palpation procedures:
      • Inspect the scrotum for boils, shearing cuts (rams), and severe scabbing from mite infections. External lesions often lead to internal infection.
      • Beginning high up against the body wall, lightly grasp the scrotum with both hands. Presence of a scrotal hernia will be indicated by a large mass inside the upper scrotal area. The "spermatic cords" are examined for hardness or lumpiness, a common sign of boils.
      • Working downward, let the testicles slide slowly through the hands. If the testicles are healthy, they will be firm, adequate in size, uniform in contour, and free from lumps and irregularities. Abnormalities may indicate orchitis or infection of the body of the epididymis.
      • At the bottom of each testicle is the smaller, clearly defined tail of the epididymis. Hardening, lumpiness, or enlargement of the tail of the epididymis are signs of epididymitis (see page F700).
      • The prepuce is examined for any signs of pizzle rot or ulcerative dermatosis.
      • The penis is extended and examined for any adhesions, lesions, deviation (crooked/bent) or other abnormalities.
      • Look for the presence of the urethral process to ensure it has not been cut off during a shearing accident or because of stones.
    2. During the exam, look for the following diseases: sheath rot (pizzle rot), ulcerative dermatosis (lip and leg disease), orchitis, and epididymitis (only in rams).
    3. A breeding soundness evaluation and semen evaluation should be performed on every male animal intended for reproduction. Additional information on these procedures can be found on B710.

  9. Fleece:
    1. Is the spinning count, density, character, grease content, and grade appropriate for breed?
    2. Are there any abnormally colored fibers or heterotype fibers?
    3. Is there belly wool on locations other than the belly?

      * Additional details can be found in the wool portion of this manual.
  10. Next, examine the legs and joints:
    1. Are the joints fully extended or are they held in a "flexed" position? Tendon, ligament, and joint defects can be the problem.
    2. Joint ill can cause swelling and pain in the joints.
    3. Is there any evidence of fractures (swelling, not bearing weight)?
    4. Look for evidence of footrot, foot scald, or "bumble foot."

  11. Evaluate the anal area (most important for newborns):
    1. Is the anus present? If not, a congenital defect called atresia ani is present. Consult a local veterinarian.
    2. Has the animal been castrated and docked (lambs) correctly?

  12. At this point, it is helpful to take a temperature. See pages C564 and C800.

  13. Collect a fecal sample if internal parasites, diarrhea, or scours are a concern. For additional details on how the sample will be tested, refer to pages D135 & D228.

  14. In some circumstances, it is helpful to draw blood for routine blood work and to screen for different diseases. These samples should be collected in red and purple top blood tubes, and must be submitted by a veterinarian. See page C172 for additional information on drawing a blood sample.