Farm animals Flashcards
1
Q
What are the indications for intrauterine antibiotic treatment in cattle?
A
Endometritis only
2
Q
Which antibiotic is suitable for intrauterine treatment in cattle?
A
Cefapirin (Metricure)
3
Q
Outline the method for intrauterine antibiotic treatment in cattle
A
- Clean vulva, then pass catheter into the cervix
- With the other hand, rectally palpate the cervix and hold onto it
- Gently pass the catheter through the cervix, making sure to manoeuvre with the shape of the cervix rather than push against it
- Keep going until the catheter is palpable just on the other side of the cervix, deposit the antibiotics and withdraw the catheter
4
Q
What is a key contraindication for use of intrauterine antibiotics?
A
Metritis - wall is more friable and there is a risk of perforation
5
Q
What traction methods can be used for dystocia cases in cattle?
A
- Vink calving aid
- Pulley system
- Manual traction
6
Q
List the indications for foetotomy in cattle
A
- Size of foetus is too big for birth canal of dam (oversized foetus or undersized/juvenile dam)
- Abnormal presentations which cannot be corrected, or where correction would present unacceptable risk to the dam
- Abnormal foetus e.g. monstrum or schistosome
7
Q
When are partial and total foetotomies appropriate?
A
- Partial for abnormal presentation
- Total if all parts are oversized
8
Q
List the methods of pregnancy diagnosis in cattle
A
- Non-return to oestrus
- Laboratory based methods
- Transrectal ultrasonography
- Transrectal palpation
9
Q
List the laboratory based methods that may be used in the pregnancy diagnosis in cattle
A
- Early pregnancy factor/early conception factor
- Pregnancy specific proteins
- Plasma and/or milk progesterone
- Oestrone sulphate in milk or plasma
10
Q
Discuss the use of non-return to oestrus as a method of diagnosing pregnancy in cattle
A
- Not 100% effective, depends on efficient and accurate detection of oestrus
- Some cows show oestrus behaviour when pregnant (most commonly between 4-8 months)
11
Q
Discuss the use of EPF/ECF for the diagnosis of pregnancy in cattle
A
- Can be detected in serum or milk as early as 3 days after insemination, but most accurate if collected at 7-8 days
- Only demonstrate conception, not pregnancy retention
- Not completely reliable
12
Q
Discuss the use of pregnancy specific proteins for the diagnosis of pregnancy in cattle
A
- Good where transrectal palpation or ultrasonography are not possible
- Can be detected long after foetal death or parturition - false positives
13
Q
Discuss the use of plasma/milk progesterone for the diagnosis of pregnancy in cattle
A
- Milk better, greater difference between oestrus and pregnant progesterone concentrations
- Milk progesterone can be measured with ELISA kit on farm or in practice
- 85% specificity at 24 days pregnant, 100% sensitivity
14
Q
List potential reasons for false positives on plasma and/or milk protesterone for the diagnosis of pregnancy in cattle
A
- Incorrect timing of AI
- Persistent CL
- Luteal/luteinised cysts
- Short return to oestrus interval
- Pre-natal death
15
Q
Discuss the use of oestrone sulphate in plasma/milk for the diagnosis of pregnancy in cattle
A
- Major oestrogen produced by foeto-placenta unit
- By 106 days pregnant, is present in plasma and milk of all pregnant cows
- Very reliable method from 105 days of pregnancy
16
Q
What is the earliest time at which ultrasound can be used to detect pregnancy in cattle?
A
B mode can detect as early as 9-12 days
17
Q
Outline the advantages of transrectal ultrasonography for the diagnosis of pregnancy in cattle
A
- Able to assess viability of conceptus
- Able to detect twins
- Determine stage of pregnancy
18
Q
What features are indicative of pregnancy on transrectal palpation and at what time points?
A
- Persistence of CL (mature CL ~3 weeks after insemination suggestive of pregnancy)
- Palpation of amniotic vesicle (10mm by 30 days, 17mm by 35 days)
- Disparity in horn size and change in texture (from 30-35 days)
- Palpation of chorioallantois (35-40 days)
- Palpation of foetus (65 days)
- Palpation of placentomes (10-11 weeks)
- palpation of middle uterine artery (from 3-4 months unilaterally, bilaterally from ~6 months)
19
Q
Describe the change in texture of the uterus that occurs in pregnancy in cattle
A
- Uterine wall thinner, less tubular
- Soft, fluctuant feel on palpation
- One horn larger than the other
20
Q
Discuss the safety of palpation of the amniotic vesicle for pregnancy diagnosis in cattle
A
- Can be palpated from 30 days
- But palpation may cause trauma which may lead to embryonic death - not recommended
21
Q
Briefly describe the palpation of the chorioallantois for the diagnosis of pregnancy in a cow
A
- Aka membrane slip
- Grasp horn between thumb and index figer, roll and squeeze gently allowing grasped structures to fall away
- Chorioallantoic membrane is first to fall away (is thin and sharply demarcated)
22
Q
Discuss the value of palpation of the chorioallantois for the diagnosis of pregnancy in cattle
A
- Positive result may occur after foetal death
- Risk of damage to foetal membranes which can cause embryonic/foetal death
23
Q
Describe the semen preparation stage of performing straw insemination
A
- Check empty tank to ensure able to lift canister
- Prepare thawing bath at 90-94degreesF for thawing (32.2-34.4C)
- Select straw quickly (<10 seconds)
- Thaw 3 or fewer straws for 30-40 seconds
- If difficult to locate straw after thawing, replace cannister and wait 15 seconds
- Once straw removed, close lid of tank
- Dry straw with paper towel and protect from sunlight and cold shock
- Do not return thawed or partially thawed straw to tank
24
Q
Describe the method for loading the AI gun
A
- Prewarm AI gun to body temp by rubbing with paper towel and placing inside shirt or into warmer
- Cut crimped end of straw, place into gun, then sheath over gun and straw
- Check if plunger of AI gun fits cotton plug end of straw
- Lock sheath with O-ring
- Place in gun warmer
25
Describe the method for performing the AI procedure
- Clean the perineal area
- Insert gun at 40-45degree angle until toughing roof of vagina
- Manipulate cervix over gun
- Keep finger at end of cervical canal to ensure correct location
- Remove finger and infuse semen into uterine body
- Withdraw gun and arm, release sheath and straw
26
Describe the preoperative management for vasectomy of a ram
- Bed ram on clean straw for at least 24 hours, fast for 12 hours
- Shave scrotal and abdominal wool and surgically prepare area
27
Describe the anaesthesia and restraint for vasectomy of a ram
- GA recommended, not always possible, if used place in dorsal recumbency
- Sedation with IM xylazine and local anaesthetic can be used, place in sitting position on Shepherd's chair and restrain
28
Describe the procedure for vasectomy of a ram
- Vertical skin incision ~4cm length on cranial surface of neck of scrotum to left of midline (left scrotal sac)
- Left spermatic sac freed by blunt dissection, exteriorise through skin incision, hold in place with haemostats or tissue forceps
- Roll sac outwards to access medially located ductus deferens (solid texture, small artery and vein run close to it)
- Make nick in vaginal tunic over ductus, use spay hook to hold duct out
- Portion of duct exteriorised and length of at least 3cm is resected
- Ends of vas ligated, one end anchored in faty tissue outside vaginal tunic
- Hole in spermatic sac does not need to be sutured
- Close any significant dead space in sac, but not usually needed
- Skin sutured/stapled closed
- Repeat procedure on the right
29
List the indications for a caesarean section in a cow
- Foetal oversize
- Maternal undersize
- Foetal deformity
- Inadequate cervical dilation
- Uterine rupture
- Uterine torsion that cannot be rectified before surgery
- Uterine inertia
- Narrow, undersized pelvis
- Abnormal pelvic conformation
- Malpresentation of foetus that cannot be correct manually
30
Describe the assessment of the patient prior to performing a caesarean section in a cow
- Reiterate to farmer that calf not guaranteed to be alive
- Activity of calf per vagina: overly active suggests distress e.g. hypoxia
- Assess potential cause (hypoCa, uterine torsion, delayed second stage labour etc.)
31
Discuss the different approaches to caesarean in cows
- Midline if in hospital conditions
- Left flank is procedure of choice on farm
- Right flank approach if there have been previous left flank laparotomies
32
What questions should be asked when approaching a caesarean in a cow?
- Has cow had previous problems, incl. previous C-sections
- Breed of sire?
- Sire known to produce difficult calvings?
- How long has cow/heifer been trying to calve?
- Has farmer intervened?
- Is patient undergoing treatment for other problems?
33
Describe the patient restraint and preparation for a caesarean in a cow
- Secure cow in area that is well lit, w/ clean straw
- Right side of animal against firm structure
- Tie cows head out of the way to prevent contamination of the wound
- Xylazine in fractious patients
- Systemic pain relief into jugular vein (or IM if cannot safely access jugular) e.g. flunixin meglumine, meloxicam, ketoprofen, carprofen
- Administer uterine relaxants e.g. buscopan, clenbuterol
- Administer antibiotics with broad spec + good penetration e.g. pen+strep
- +/- Epidural anaesthesia (5ml lidocaine)
- Sterile prep of site
- Local block with procaine hydrochloride and adrenaline (paraverteral or L block)
34
Describe the method for the incision made for a bovine caesarean
- Stand as close to shoulder as possible
- Make incision through skin over line where LA has been infiltrated
- Use rat tooths, or blunt dissection scissors to retract skin and dissect fascia beneath
- Dissect through 3 muscle layers
- Artery forceps applied if there is excessive haemorrhage (must be removed before manipulation+ removal of foetus)
- Retract peritoneum laterally w/ forceps to prevent incision of rumen
35
Describe the method for locating and removing the calf in a bovine caesarean section
- Insert hand into abdomen, locate gravid uterus
- Make decision re. position of foetus and condition of uterus
- Attempt to bring gravid horn towards abdominal incision (locate limb within uterus, to stabilise uterus and aid control + accuracy of incision)
- Make incision over limb ~9 inches long
- Try to exteriorise limb within uterus, ideally with grater curvature of uterus towards surgeon
- Tie calving ropes to limb, retrieve second limb, attach more calving ropes
- once head exteriorised and if calf not too heavy, support calf and allow umbilicus to rupture naturally
36
Describe the method of finishing and closing a bovine c-section post removal of a calf
- Remove as much placental material as possible, do not spend too much time separating placental cotyledons from uterine caruncles
- Check for another foetus
- Close uterus with continuous inverting suture e.g. modified Lembert, absorbable material (start at proximal commissure nearest cervix)
- Ideally apply second layer of sutures
- Scoop out debris from abdomen with cupped hand, consider lavage with sterile saline if risk of contamination
- Begin suturing the peritoneum and muscle layers with simple continuous pattern
- 2 layer - peritoneum +transverse abdominal muscle, and second layer for obliques
- Avoid dead space
- Subcut layer can be placed, close skin
37
Describe the post operative care following a C-section in a cow
- Oxytoxin 4ml IM
- Continue parenteral ABs for 4 days min
- Additional NSAIDs following day, longer if required
- Assess cow for signs of endotoxaemia, haemorrhage, hypoCa, metritis, RFM, peritonitis
- Examine calf - ensure no haemorrhage from navel, dress with antiseptic, ensure calf able to stand and suck, check for cleft palate
- Ensure dam delivering colostrum
38
Approximately what is the cost of each "non-pregnant" day for a cow
£2-3
39
Describe the features of a typical post-natal check for a dairy vet
- ~14-28 DIM
- Check clean, check cycling
- Not always necessary
40
Describe the features of a typical "oestrus-not-observed" or "Not seen bulling" check for a dairy vet
- >21 days past VWP OR had previous PD-ve and no subsequent service
- Check for abnormal findings
- +/- treatment to reduce days to next service
41
Describe the features of a typical "pregnancy diagnosis" visit for a dairy vet
- 28-60days after service
- Pregnancy diagnosis made
- Treat as ONO if -ve
42
Why might a pregnancy diagnosis check be repeated after 40 days pregnant?
Most pregnancies lost between 28-40 days, need to make sure they do not lose and pregnancy and if they do that this is diagnosed
43
In broad terms, what are the most common findings for a dairy vet in any examination?
Normal: pregnant, or not pregnant but cycling
Abnormal: endometritis, ovarian cyst, anoestrus, other
44
Discuss the use of hormone diagnostic tests for dairy cattle
- Milk progesterone: confirms luteal/pregnant/oestrus (most useful for confirming oestrus - low milk P4)
- bPAG: milk tested, 60-80d after serve, £3-4/test, useful if currently carrying out no pregnancy diagnostics incl. vet
45
Discuss the financial benefit of routine fertility visits from a vet for a dairy farm
- Overall net benefit in >83% of herds
| - Typical median herd would gain 317/cow/year from routine visits (based on identifying CLs and administering PGs)
46
What are the options available for a cow presented as ONO, not seen before, no previous heat recorded, cycling normally, CL present, clean on vaginal exam
- Has ovulated but not recently
- Can either leave alone (if think heat was 15+ days ago)
- Or treat with PG in order to bring back into oestrus more rapidly (would save money - PG £4 to bring into oestrus in 3-4 days, vs possible £3/day for number of days)
47
Discuss the role of the vet in the management of a dairy herd
- Routine fertility visits
- Monitor health, performance and welfare as well
- Look at milk recording data
- Look at management records i.e. calving dates, drying off dates, serves etc.
- Fertility, lameness, mastitis, production etc.
48
Discuss how "no-data" monitoring can be achieved by the vet in dairy farms
- No. of pregnancies per unit time e.g. per visit
- % of PD+ve (indicator of heat detection)
- Other disease monitoring e.g. no. of cases of mastitis last month scaled up to look at approximate year
- Current bulk milk SCC (but can be manipulated)
- Prevalence of lameness in cows seen (selection bias risk)
49
List the questions to ask in a case of a cow that a farmer would hope to be pregnant by now
- Previous calving?
- Previous calving uneventful?
- Shown any other abnormalities/disease?
- How many DIM and current yield?
- Has he seen oestrus behaviour? Method of oestrus detection?
- Individual or herd problem?
50
In a cow that is not getting pregnant, what cause would the following history suggest?
2nd calver, 60 DIM, BCS 3, 25L yield (< herd average), no oestrus observed since calving, uneventful calving, no specific issues after calving
Anoestrus due to presence of risk factors e.g. endometritis, pyometra, cystic ovarian disease, lameness
51
Discuss the difficulties with diagnosing true anoestrus in a dairy cow
- Single examination insufficient
- Small ovaries, no CL, normal external and internal gentialia may be anoestrus or could have just ovulated
- Second examination 7-14 days later required for diagnosis
- Lack of CL at this stage will confirm diagnosis
- Need good records to be able to compare findings
52
Discuss the treatment of anoestrus in a dairy cow
- Remove calf if beef suckler cows
- Address underlying cause e.g. NEB, subclinical ketosis, uterine infection etc.
- Once these are treated, PRID/CIDR for 12 days
53
Define what is meant by an ovarian cyst in cows
Fluid filled structure >25mm diameter persisting >10 days in absence of a CL
54
Explain the development of ovarian cysts in dairy cattle
- Subluteal levels of P4 often observed in high yeilders, esp. if NEB
- → inadequate LH receptor formation, → decreased sensitivity of LH of growing follicle → persistent dominant follicule/cyst → anovulation and anoestrus
- Cyst can be follicular or luteal
55
Compare follicular and luteal ovarian cysts in cattle
- Thin walled follicular cysts are early stage cysts (may produce more oestrogen and cause nymphomania)
- Luteal cysts more common, thicker walled, secrete progesterone, may have fluid filled centre
56
List the options for management of cystic ovarian disease in cattle
- PGF2a
- Inject GnRH and pGF2a 7-14 days later
- Insert PRID for 12 days
- Ovsynch protocol (d1 GnRH, d7 PGF2a, d9 GnRH, optional PRID d1-8)
57
When would use of PGF2a to treat ovarian cystic disease in a cow be appropriate?
If it is a luteal cyst
58
Explain the use of GnRH followed by PGF2a 7-14 days later as a treatment for ovarian cystic disease
- May work for follicular cysts
- Increase FSH → new follicular wave → CL to be lysed at 7-14 days
- After this, normal ovulation of dominant follicle should occur
59
Explain the use of a PRID for the treatment of ovarian cystic disease in cattle
- May work for follicular cysts
- Increase plasma P4 → reduce LH pulse frequency
- Also increases FSH and new follicular wave on removal
60
Explain the use of the Ovsynch protocol for the treatment of ovarian cystic disease in cattle
- More expensive
| - When not certain if follicular or luteal, combination willl cover for both
61
Define a "repeat breeder" in cattle
>3 inseminations and not pregnant, with repeated regular returns
- Usually normal inter-service intervals, no evidence of clinical disease, examination of genital tract normal
62
List potential causes of a cow being "repeat breeder"
- Infectious causes e.g. BVDV, BHV-1, Leptospira hardjo
- Luteal deficiencyi.e. low P4
- Poor AI technique
- Oviduct obstruction e.g. salpingitis
- Poor semen quality
- Impaired embryo development
- Poor uterine environment
- Poor conception due to delayed ovulation or an extended follicular phase
63
Outline the possible medical management methods for repeat breeders and how these work
- GnRH 11-13 days post insemination: enhance CL function throughout period of maternal recognition of pregnancy
- Embryo transfer: improves chance of embryo successfully embedding in a uterus
- PRID for up to 10 days post AI: increase P4 when luteolysis is expected
- GnRH at insemination: augment LH surge, enhance CL function
64
List the benefits of AI for beef farmers
- Avoid bull costs and bull management
- Avoid inbreeding
- Utilise superior genetics
65
List the benefits of synchronisation protocols for beef farmers
- Synchronise oestrus making cows easier to identify
| - Efficiently breed cows with blind AI (difficult to observe if at grass the rest of the time)
66
What are the disadvantages of AI and synchronisation for beef farmers?
- Need to have excellent management facilities
| - Space to be able to manage cows and calf crop in short period of time
67
At what age are heifers usually run with bull for the first time?
14mo (aim to calve ~24mo)
68
Outline the options for termination of pregnancy following an unwanted mating in cattle
- Wait 7-14 days then inject with PGF2a
- Observe over next 25 days, if NSB give PGF2a
- Wait 30 days, scan for pregnancy, and abort any with PGF2a
69
Describe the follow up to an abortion in cattle
- Monitor for abortion/return to oestrus in 3-5 days post injection
- If in doubt, follow up with rectal reproductive examination
70
What are the potential consequences of inducing dairy heifers/cows with short acting corticosteroids e.g. dexamethasone?
- Will often not bag up
| - Milk production may not increase enough post-calving to keep her in the milking herd
71
Briefly describe the luteal phase in cattle
- Lasts ~15 days
- P4 high, PG sensitive
- Minimal/tacky vaginal mucus
- Low uterine tone
72
Briefly describe the oestrus phase in cattle
- Lasts ~6 days
- Mucus increases, ovulation occurs (copious clear mucus)
- Following ovulation, mucus decreases, often blood stained, no large follicles
73
Briefly outline prostaglandin in the reproductive management of cattle (incl. cost)
- E.g. Estrumate
- Causes luteolysis, reduce P4
- Cow back into oestrus in 3-4 days
- ~£4/dose
- Variations in half life between products, may be important re. ecbolic effects
74
Briefly outline GnRH treatments for the reproductive management of cattle (incl. cost)
- E.g. Receptal
- Causes large release of LH → luteinisation of follicles/ovulation
- New luteal tissue form, P4 increases
- £4/dose: synchronisation
- £8/dose: treatment of pathology e.g. cyst
75
Briefly outline the use of progesterone releasing intra-vaginal decises for the reproductive management of cattle (incl. cost)
- PRID/CIDR
- Slow release of P4 over 7-11 days
- Acts as removable CL
- If no other luteal tissue present, removal → oestrus 2-4 days later
- £11/device
76
What are the different types of method for synchronisation of oestrus in cattle?
- CL regressing methods
- Induction of follicle ovulation
- progesterone based methods
77
Describe the CL regressing method of oestrus synchronisation in cattle
- Luteolysis using PGF2a
- Either single or double dose
- Next ovulation depends on stage of follicular wave, could be 2-7 days, so heat detect for next week
- Double injections 11-14 days apart tightens luteal phase and fixes ovulation (fixed time AI at 72 and 96hrs, or one at ~80hrs post PG)
78
Describe the follicle ovulation induction method of synchronisation in cattle
- Fix ovulation
- No heat observed
- Ovsynch:GnRH d0, PG d7, GnRH d9 then AI 16hrs later
- Conception rates vary between herds
- Presynch-Ovsynch: double PG then ovsynch, more accurate synchronisation of follicular waves
- Double ovsynch: Ovsynch, week gap, another ovsynch (serve on second)
- Not good in heifers
79
Describe progesterone based methods for synchronisation of cattle
- Mostly for synchronisation of non-cyclic or maiden heifers
| - PRID in on day 0, remove on day 7
80
Outline the management options for the following presentation:
- 52 DIM, ONO, VWP 45days, vagina clean, uterus involuted, right ovary CL, left ovary 10mm follicle, BCS 3
- Leave and reassess in 14 days (only one week past VWP), should have oestrus in this time
- Lyse with PG (may have financial benefit, waiting may cost ~£17.5, PG costs £4)
81
Outline the management options for the following presentation:
- 46DIM, ONO, VWP 45 days, vagina clean, right ovary 15mm follicle, left ovary small, BCS 2
- Wait for oestrus behaviour, should occur soon
- Administer GnRH to stimulate follicle (but this may not be that helpful although is skinny cow so may need help ovulating)
- Re-examine
82
Outline the management options for the following presentation:
64DIM (VWP 45 days), not served, vaginal exam clean, uterus involuted, both ovaries small and inactive
- Improve BCS and look for underlying cause
- PRID
- GnRH - licensed, but no follicle so may not be that useful
- Possible that ovulation has occurred and no CL yet but ovaries small so less likely, would expect bloody vaginal discharge
83
Outline the management options for the following presentation:
- 77 DIM, PG 14 days ago, not served, NSB, vaginal exam clean, uterus involuted, left ovary Cl, BCS 2.5
- Likely missed oestrus, now luteal phase
- Administer PG again (now is double PG synch regime), serve in 3-4 days time
- Consider heat detectors and serving at fixed time
- OR start ovsynch regime and serve in 10 days (better chance of pregnancy)
84
Outline the management options for the following presentation:
Bulling heifers currently at grass, ~12mo, considering AI, hire bull not an option, wanting sexed semen for heifers
- Outsource: pay company to heat detect and AI heifers
- Or heat detect and AI themselves, but need to keep separate from milking herd (more effort)
- Or synchronise with fixed time AI regime e.g. Ovsynch, or more commonly CIDR in heifers
- Or PG approach
85
What is the best treatment for a vaginal prolapse in a sheep?
- Harness
- Epidural lidocaine
- +/-xylazine
86
Compare the breeding season and oestrus of different sheep breeds
- Primitive/hill breeds have tighter breeding season
- Modern breeds e.g. Texels, Merinos etc. have longer breeding cycle
- 12-36hrs oestrus in British breeds, 1-24hrs in gimmers, 48-72hrs in Merinos
87
Describe the oestrus cycle of the sheep
- 17 days (range 14-18)
- Luteal phase 13 days, follicular phase 3-4 days
- ovulation spontaneous at end of oestrus (lasts ~30h)
88
Discuss the importance of the sheep year
- Follicles develop ~6 months before ovulation, affected by Spring conditions
- Summer conditions can affect condition of ewes affecting fertility
- Flushing of traditional breeds can increase no. of follicles and thus fecundity
- Poor nutrition around tupping affects lambs
89
Outline the ewe fertility KPIs
- Conception rates >90% to first service
- <2% barren ewes after 2 cycles, 5% start to worry
- Abortion rates >2% must be infectious cause
90
How should individual non-pedigree sheep that don't breed as shearlings be managed?
Culled - many don't breed the following year
91
List the key zoonotic causes of abortion in sheep
- Chlamydophila abortus
- Toxoplasma gondii
- Q fever
- Listeria
- Salmonella
- Campylobacter
92
Outline the risk factors for acute mastitis in ewes
- Teat lesions
- Chilling of udder
- Mismatch of supply and demand of milk
- Higher incidence in lowland
93
What are the main causative pathogens of acute mastitis in ewes?
Staphylococcus and Pasteurella
94
Describe the clinical signs of acute mastitis in ewes
- Rapid onset gangrenous black bag, H lameness, depression, inappetance
- Udder painful, swollen
- Initially red → purple → black and cold
- NB not all cases gangrenous
- Milk watery/flaky/clots
95
Discuss the prognosis for a ewe with acute mastitis
- If ewe survives, black necrotic bag will slough away, lengthy healing, consider PTS
- Rapid treatment with antibiotic (tilmicosin, amoxycillin, oxytet) and NSAID will save ewe but rarely saves udder
96
Discuss the importance of chronic mastitis in ewes
- More economically significant vs acute mastitis
- Flock prevalence 1-15%
- Major cause of culling ewes
- Often found at weaning, culling or next lambing (abscesses in bag or thick fibrous cord in teat canal)
97
Which conditions should be checked in particular if there is a high barren rate when scanning ewes?
- Toxoplasmosis
- Border disease
- Se and iodine
98
What are the key components of a breeding soundness exam for a ram?
- General physical exam
- Genitalia (standing)
- Genitalia (sitting)
- +/- semen sample
- +/- ultrasound
99
Outline the general clinical examination for a breeding soundness exam of a ram
- BCS (aim for 3-4/5)
- Conformation
- Fleece
- Brisket
- Limb soundness
- Eyes
- Teeth
- Neck for lumps and bumps
100
Outline the standing examination for the genitalia for a breeding soundness exam of a ram
- Scrotum: testes fully descended, scrotum not too woolly, neck of scrotum no restrictions e.g. lumps, bumps or scars
- Testes and epididymes: even shapes, firm, freely moving, no lumps, bumps, scars
- Scrotal measurement: measure at widest point, compare to minimum acceptable scrotal circumference within 3 weeks of breeding season (NB only gives information on quantity of semen)
