Meeting and Examining the Patient Submitted by Callie Parr and used in cooperation with the University of Illinois at Ur

1. Meeting and Examining the Patient Submitted by Callie Parr and used in cooperation with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The materials that appear in this document may be freely reproduced for educational/training activities. There is no requirement to obtain special permission for such uses. We do, however, ask that the following statement appear on all reproductions: This permission statement is limited to the reproduction of material for educational/training events. Systematic or large-scale reproduction or distribution (more than one hundred copies per year)—or inclusion of items in publications for sale—may be done only with prior written permission. Also, reproduction on computer disk or by any other electronic means requires prior written permission. Contact the University of Illinois Agricultural Education Program to obtain special permission. The University of Illinois and its affiliated entities, in addition to the individual submitting the materials, assumes no liability to original work or activities therein. MEETING AND EXAMINING THE PATIENT, by CALLIE PARR Materials produced for classroom use in conjunction with permission from the University of Illinois Agricultural Education Program.

2. Meeting and Examining the Patient

3. Meeting New Animals • Look for signs of distress/agitation in the animal • Cats will lay their ears straight back, crouch down or arch their backs • Dogs will lay their ears straight back or perk them straight forward, raise their flews (upper lip) to expose teeth • Horses will dart their eyes, lay their ears straight back or straight forward darting them around, swish their tail vigorously

4. Meeting New Animals • Look for signs of distress/agitation in the animal • Cattle will get a “wild” look in their eye, cows are very protective of calves, and bulls can be very protective of herds • Pigs will chomp their jaws and squall when agitated, sows are extremely aggressive when piglets are around

5. Meeting a New Animal • Tips • Move slowly and deliberately • Stay within the animals range of vision • Allow the animal to smell you • Talk in even tones – no loud noises

6. Restraining Animals - Cats • Cats can be very difficult to restrain do to flexibility and shear stubbornness. • Use the least restrictive method possible. • Holding both front paws in one hand and both back paws in the other is very effective. • Many devices can be used or improvised. • Wrapping the animal in a towel and exposing only the necessary part is also effective.

8. Restraining Animals - Dogs • Dogs pose a different problem with size and strength. • Placing an arm around the neck/chest area affords the best leverage. • Muzzles can also be used to reduce risk of bites.

10. Restraining Animals - Horses • Horse are large and very strong, total restraint is usually impossible without aids. • Begin with least aggressive and work progressively as needed. • Halter and lead rope keeps the horse’s head in one area. • Pushing the animal against a solid wall can further assist. • Tying (hobbling) one leg will restrict dancing around. • Twitches are effective but should be used sparingly and cautiously as they can cause more problems.

12. Restraining Animals – Cattle and Pigs • Cattle are almost always run into a head chute or squeeze chute. • This restricts the animal’s movement completely. • This does not mean the animal is not dangerous. • Pigs are notorious for managing to bite even from a head chute.

14. Standard Vitals

15. Respiration • When distressed, an animal will begin to pant or breath very heavily. • To calculate respiration, count number of times the animals sides go in or out (not both) Normal Respiration Rates (breaths per minute)

16. Pulse/Heart rate • This is also an indicator of distress • Usually must use a stethoscope • Place just posterior to the front limbs against the rib cage. Normal Heart Rate (beats per minute)

17. Body Temperature • Body temperature rises in response to infection • Body’s natural way to kill pathogens • Dangerous if it raises to high • Fetus • Brain Normal Temperature (degrees Fahrenheit)