13 - Antemortem Inspection

Question 1

Understand the reasons why antemortem inspection of animals is performed

Answer 1

Allow inspector to…

• Detect dz not detectable on postmortem (neurologic!)
• Eliminate potential contamination of the kill floor by carcasses or parts not fit for human food
• Gather more info for making post-mortem decisions
• Cooperate w/ state and federal animal health authorities for regulatory diseases

Question 2

What criteria would warrant condemnation of animal on antemortem inspection?

Answer 2

• Deads or dead on arrivals
• Moribund (in a dead or dying condition -> can be released for tx from vet -> usually condemned)
• “downers” -> can’t rise from recumbent position (all bovine animals that are down are condemned on AM inspection regardless of reason that they are down -> in order to pass an inspector/vet must observe them walking)
• elevated temp

Question 3

Identify several disease conditions that may be observed on antemortem inspection

Answer 3

CNS disorders, pneumonia, lumps or abscesses, lacerations/injuries, cancer eye, swine erysipelas

Question 4

Describe what a “downer” animal is and the appropriate disposition for a “downer” animal on antemortem inspection

Answer 4

Downer = unable to rise from recumbent position