Featuring hundreds of full-color images demonstrating the observation and hands-on clinical skills described, Performing the Large Animal Physical Examination offers a step-by-step guide to all aspects of assessing the health and wellbeing of equine patients and ruminants. Cattle, sheep, and goats are emphasized, with vital commentary about camelids included when applicable.

Each section begins with information on observing, approaching, and safely handling patients, then discusses how to systematically evaluate each body system. A companion website features video clips demonstrating key concepts.

Performing the Large Animal Physical Examination includes information on:

Performing the Large Animal Physical Examination is an essential resource for students and other veterinary team members to develop comfort and confidence observing, approaching, handling, and examining equine and ruminant patients, as well as for experienced practitioners who may wish to refine their skills and clinical acumen.

Contributor Names and Affiliations xx

About the Editors xxiii

Preface xxvii

Acknowledgments xxviii

About the Companion Website xxix

 

 

1 Setting the Stage: Observing and Understanding Equine Behavior 3
Gayle Leith and Ryane E. Englar

2 Safe Methods by Which to Approach and Restrain the Equine Patient 17
Gayle Leith and Ryane E. Englar

3 Assessing the Big Picture: The Equine Body, Skin, Coat, Coat Colors, and Markings 42
Gayle Leith and Ryane E. Englar

4 Examining the Head, with Emphasis on the Eyes and Ears 99
Gayle Leith and Ryane E. Englar

5 Examining the Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Lymphatic Systems of the Equine Patient 138
Gayle Leith and Ryane E. Englar

6 Examining the Alimentary Tract of the Equine Patient 173
Gayle Leith and Ryane E. Englar

7 Equine Musculoskeletal and Lameness Exams 203
Lara Shreve

8 Examining the Nervous System of the Horse 226
Gayle Leith and Ryane E. Englar

9 The Reproductive Exam in the Mare 252
Sarah Eaton

10 The Reproductive Exam in the Gelding and Stallion 272
Sarah Eaton

11 Examination of the Neonate 284
Sarah Eaton

12 Basic Clinical Procedures in Equine Practice 301
Gayle Leith, Sarah Eaton, and Ryane E. Englar

13 Indications for Referral in Equine Practice 357
Gayle Leith and Ryane E. Englar

 

14 Setting the Stage: Observing and Understanding Ruminant Behavior 371
Skyler Bentley and Shaun Huser

15 Safe Methods by Which to Approach and Restrain Ruminants 392
Skyler Bentley and Shaun Huser

17 Examining the Head of the Ruminant, with Emphasis on the Eyes, Ears, Nose, Mouth, and Throat 419
Brian M. Shoemake and Dusty W. Nagy

18 Examining the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems of the Ruminant 445
Leslie Weaver and Bryan Weaver

19 Examining the Lymphatic System of the Ruminant 455
Leslie Weaver and Bryan Weaver

20 Examination of the Ruminant Digestive System 461
21 Examining the Musculoskeletal System of Ruminants 483
Brian M. Shoemake and Dusty W. Nagy

22 Examining the Nervous System of the Ruminant 503
Dusty W. Nagy and Brian M. Shoemake

23 The Reproductive Exam in the Cow, Ewe, Doe, and Female South American Camelid 518
Jennifer H. Koziol DVM, MS, DACT

24 The Reproductive Exam in the Bull, Ram, Buck, and South American Camelid Stud 529
Jennifer H. Koziol DVM, MS, DACT

25 Examination of the Neonate 537
Dusty W. Nagy and Brian M. Shoemake

26 Clinical Diagnostic Procedures in Ruminants 550
Philippa (Pippa) Gibbons

27 Indications for Referral 575
Bryan Weaver and Leslie Weaver

 

Index 581

Gayle Leith, MS, DVM, MA, DABVP (Equine Practice) is an Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine in Oro Valley, Arizona, USA.

 

Sarah Eaton, DVM, DACT, CVA, DABVP (Equine Practice), is an Associate Professor of Practice Faculty at the University of Arizona in Oro Valley, Arizona, USA.

 

Ryane E. Englar, DVM, DABVP (Canine and Feline Practice), is a dual appointment Associate Professor of Practice and the Executive Director of Clinical and Professional Skills at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine in Oro Valley, Arizona, USA.

 

Skyler Bentley, BS (Veterinary Science) is the Animal Care Manager on-site at the Campus Agricultural Center (CAC) in Tucson, Arizona, USA for the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine.

 

Lisa Hallam has been working in veterinary medicine as a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) since 1999.