Download PDF Large Animal Internal Medicine Fourth Edition by Bradford P. Smith

Sinopsis

The initial and often the most important step in the diagnostic approach to the sick ruminant is the physical examination. Throughout this process an anamnesis is obtained by asking questions of the owner or manager during the examination of the animal. The examiner should obtain the signalment either by observation or by questioning the owner. The information that one wishes to obtain while taking the history is that related to the chief, or presenting, complaint-that is, the complaint, the duration, whether the onset was gradual or sudden, and any associated signs that have been noted. For females, one must know when the last parturition occurred, and for dairy cows, what the production parameters were in the previous lactation as well as in the current lactation. With dairy cows a drop in milk production is often the only sign noted by the owner. Weight can be either approximated, via heart-girth measurements, or determined exactly if facilities exist to do so. What and how the animal is fed are questions to be asked. Does the animal refuse any or all of the feed offered? Is there more than one ration or feeding regimen for this particular operation? If so, are these same signs noted in animals exposed to different feeding practices? The examiner also obtains vaccination and worming history and inquires about pasture or housing practices to determine the influence that management factors have on the incidence of the disease. Previous diseases noted in the herd, therapeutic regimens used, and resolutions of previous problems are pertinent aspects. Finally, the examiner should note the treatment history of the patient. An example of a history questionnaire that can be used for ruminants is included (Fig. 1-1). Specific problems that are noted in the history or physical examination can be looked up on pp. 21 and 22, and lists of differential diagnoses considered.

Content

1. HISTORY, PHYSICAL EXAMINATION, AND MEDICAL RECORDS
2. MANIFESTATIONS OF DISEASE
3. DISORDERS AND MANAGEMENT OF THE NEONATE
4. COLLECTION OF SAMPLES AND INTERPRETATION OF LABORATORY TESTS
5. DISORDERS OF THE ORGAN SYSTEMS
6. PREVENTIVE AND THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES
7. CONGENITAL, HEREDITARY, IMMUNOLOGIC, AND TOXIC DISORDERS

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