Performing the Large Animal Physical Examination

Gayle Leith (Editor), Sarah Eaton (Editor), Ryane E. Englar (Editor), Skyler Bentley (Editor), Lisa Hallam (Editor) 

ISBN: 9781119830351

April 2025

Wiley-Blackwell

624 pages

Description

Easy-to-follow guide to performing physical examinations on horses and ruminants, with a comprehensive collection of color photographs demonstrating important concepts and procedural techniques.

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:

• Equine and ruminant behavior, including feeding, social, herd, and separation behaviors, sleep and rest disturbances, other stereotypies

• The distance examination, observation, and efficient methods to approach and restrain patients, with emphasis on flight zones and point of balance, safety of personnel, and animal welfare

• Big picture considerations with respect to the patient’s body, coat, and skin, including coat color and markings, weight and height estimations, and forms of patient identification

• Evaluation of the head (eyes, ears, nose, and throat) as well as the cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic, gastrointestinal, reproductive, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems, plus considerations specific to the lameness exam

• Basic clinical procedures and common clinical conditions specific to each body system in horses, small and large ruminants

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.

Table of Contents

Contributor Names and Affiliations xx

About the Editors xxiii

Preface xxvii

Acknowledgments xxviii

About the Companion Website xxix

Part I Performing the Physical Examination of Horses 1

1 Setting the Stage: Observing and Understanding Equine Behavior 3

2 Safe Methods by Which to Approach and Restrain the Equine Patient 17

3 Assessing the Big Picture: The Equine Body, Skin, Coat, Coat Colors, and Markings 42

4 Examining the Head, with Emphasis on the Eyes and Ears 99

5 Examining the Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Lymphatic Systems of the Equine Patient 138

6 Examining the Alimentary Tract of the Equine Patient 173

7 Equine Musculoskeletal and Lameness Exams 203

8 Examining the Nervous System of the Horse 226

9 The Reproductive Exam in the Mare 252

10 The Reproductive Exam in the Gelding and Stallion 272

11 Examination of the Neonate 284

12 Basic Clinical Procedures in Equine Practice 301

13 Indications for Referral in Equine Practice 357

Part II Performing the Physical Examination of Ruminants 369

14 Setting the Stage: Observing and Understanding Ruminant Behavior 371

15 Safe Methods by Which to Approach and Restrain Ruminants 392

17 Examining the Head of the Ruminant, with Emphasis on the Eyes, Ears, Nose, Mouth, and Throat 419

18 Examining the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems of the Ruminant 445

19 Examining the Lymphatic System of the Ruminant 455

20 Examination of the Ruminant Digestive System 461

21 Examining the Musculoskeletal System of Ruminants 483

22 Examining the Nervous System of the Ruminant 503

23 The Reproductive Exam in the Cow, Ewe, Doe, and Female South American Camelid 518

24 The Reproductive Exam in the Bull, Ram, Buck, and South American Camelid Stud 529

25 Examination of the Neonate 537

26 Clinical Diagnostic Procedures in Ruminants 550

27 Indications for Referral 575

Index 581

About the Author

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.