1. Physical Examination of Cattle
Douglas E. Hostetler DVM, MS

2. Indications:
When an individual animal requires examination to allow diagnosis and treatment for an illness
Examination of a representative sample of animals to investigate a herd outbreak of disease
Evaluation prior to completing health certificates for intrastate or interstate transport

3. Procedure:
Develop a systematic procedure for performing a complete physical examination
Personalized
Prevents omission of important information
Enables easier recall of abnormal findings

4. Dr. Hostetler’s Physical Examination
Observe 1st from a distance
Demeanor
Level of alertness
Responsiveness
Segregation from herdmates
Not possible in a referral situation

5. Visual Observation: Proprioception Strength Lameness
Head and neck position
Udder symmetry
BCS

6. Examination:
Restraint
Chute
Halter
Headgate
Ganglock

7. Examination: Collect data most affected by sympathetic tone first
Urine Sample for Multistick analysis
Rumination Rate
Heart Rate
Respiratory Rate

8. Urine Collection: Gently rub the escutcheon in an upward motion
Perineal region from udder to Ventral commissure of the vulva
Do not hold the tail!
Collect sample in a clean container
Insert thermometer following urine collection
Some Normal Values
pH 8
Glucose Neg
Ketone Neg
Protein Neg-trace

9. Start on the Left
From the rear forward

10. Rumination Rate
Listen, count and record the primary and secondary rumen contractions over two full minutes
Mid Left Paralumbar Fossa
Normal 1-2 per Minute

11. Direct Heart Rate, Rhythm and Sounds
Left side
Intercostal Spaces 3-5
Behind the elbow
Normal Rate?
48-84 Adults
Calves

12. Respiratory Rate and Lung Sounds
Rate can be evaluated by observation of chest excursions
Normal 26-50
Sounds (triangle)
Point of elbow
T13 at Transverse Processes
Caudal to triceps
Acoustic Percussion
Dullness Dorsal to the Heart Shadow?
SQ Emphysema Dorsally?
Reach up and feel for it

13. Peripheral Lymph Nodes
Prescapular
Prefemoral
Supramammary
Parotid
Submandibular

14. Superficial Veins Jugular Caudal Superficial Epigastric Pulses?
Distension
Caudal Superficial Epigastric
Distension?
Swelling?

15. Abdominal Auscultation and Percussion
Simultaneous Auscultation and Percussion
“Pinging”
Entire Abdomen

16. Abdominal Auscultation and Percussion
Simultaneous Auscultation and Percussion
“Pinging”
Entire Abdomen

17. Left limbs and Udder Swelling of the limbs?
Fore and Rear
Palpate left quarters of the mammary gland
Heat
Hardness (swelling)
Edema
Teat lesions

18. Proceed to Right Side

19. Heart Sounds
Right AV Valve Area
3rd to 5th Intercostal Space
Murmurs?

20. Respiratory System Mirror Image of Left Thorax Crackles Wheezes
No sounds
Emphysema

21. Peripheral Lymph Nodes
Prescapular
Prefemoral
Supramammary
Parotid
Submandibular

22. Superficial Veins Jugular Caudal Superficial Epigastric Pulses?
Distension
Caudal Superficial Epigastric
Distension?
Swelling?

23. Abdominal Auscultation and Percussion
Simultaneous Auscultation and Percussion
“Pinging”
Entire Abdomen

24. Abdominal Auscultation and Percussion
Simultaneous Auscultation and Percussion
“Pinging”
Entire Abdomen

25. Right Limbs and Udder Swelling of the limbs?
Fore and Rear
Palpate left quarters of the mammary gland
Heat
Hardness (swelling)
Edema
Teat lesions

26. Collection of Milk California Mastitis Test
Relative concentration of somatic sells in the milk
2 ml Milk from each quarter
Add Reagent
Look for coagulation
Negative
Trace 1 2 3

27. Rectal Examination Reproductive Tract Female Male Vaginal wall Cervix
Uterine Body
Uterine Horns
Oviducts
Ovaries
Bursae
Internal iliac lymph nodes
Sublumbar lymph nodes
Male
Intrapelvic penis
Prostate
Seminal vessicles
Ampullae
Internal inguinal rings
Internal iliac lymph nodes
Sublumbar lymph nodes

28. Rectal Examination Intra-abdominal Urinary System Left kidney Ureters
Bladder

29. Rectal Examination Digestive System Right Cranial Central Left
Abomasum
Central
Small intestines
Left
Rumen
Dorsal sac

30. Vaginal Examination
If indicated by the rectal examination or history

31. Examination of the Head
Eyes
Enophthalmus
Exophthalmus
Discharge
Corneal Opacity
Lenticular Opacity
Scleral Injection
Pupillary Light Response
Masses

32. Examination of the Head
Nares
Discharge
Unilateral/Bilateral
Plaques
Erosions
Hemorrhage/ Epistaxis
Flaring

33. Examination of the Head
Oral Cavity
Dentition
Erosions
Vesicles
Masses
Blunted Oral Papillae

34. Examination of the Head
Cursory Cranial Nerve Examination
1-8
Submandibular Region
Lymph Nodes
Edema
Brisket
Swelling

35. Questions?