Table of Contents

Title page

Copyright page

Contributors

Preface

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1: Anatomy

Introduction

Chapter 2: Preventative Health Care

Introduction

Physical Examinations

Vaccinations

Chapter 3: Nutrition

The Importance of Nutrition

Chapter 4: Internal Medicine

Chapter 5: Reproduction

Introduction

Female Reproductive Anatomy

Male Reproductive Anatomy

Female Reproductive Physiology

Male Breeding Soundness Examination

Female Breeding Soundness Examination

Estrous Detection

Artificial Insemination

Pregnancy Diagnosis

Abortion

Parturition

Postpartum Complications

Initial Care of the Neonate

Vaccination Schedule for Breeding Stock

Chapter 6: Nursing Care

Nutritional Support

Pain Management

Behaviors Suggesting Pain in Large Animals

Wound Care and Management

Fluid Therapy and Administration

Basic Clinical Techniques

Chapter 7: Clinical Pathology

Introduction

Blood Chemistry Tests

Hematology

Microbiology

Urinalysis

Chapter 8: Radiography of the Horse

Introduction

Markers

Positioning

Technique

Radiation Safety

Tranquilization

Foot

Fetlock

Carpus

Tarsus

Stifle

Elbow

Shoulder

Radius

Tibia

Metacarpus (MCIII)/Metatarsus (MTIII)

Cervical Spine

Thorax

Pelvis

Skull

Chapter 9: Pharmacology

Introduction

Chapter 10: Emergency Care

Introduction

Emergency Supplies

Triage

Chapter 11: Holistic Medicine for Horses

Holistic Medicine

Glossary

Bibliography

Index

Eula

This edition first published 2014 © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Editorial offices: 1606 Golden Aspen Drive, Suites 103 and 104, Ames, Iowa 50010, USA

The Atrium, Southern Gate, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 8SQ, UK

9600 Garsington Road, Oxford, OX4 2DQ, UK

For details of our global editorial offices, for customer services and for information about how to apply for permission to reuse the copyright material in this book please see our website at www.wiley.com/wiley-blackwell.

Authorization to photocopy items for internal or personal use, or the internal or personal use of specific clients, is granted by Blackwell Publishing, provided that the base fee is paid directly to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923. For those organizations that have been granted a photocopy license by CCC, a separate system of payments has been arranged. The fee codes for users of the Transactional Reporting Service are ISBN-13: 978-0-8138-1621-0/2014.

Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book are trade names, service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publisher is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.

The contents of this work are intended to further general scientific research, understanding, and discussion only and are not intended and should not be relied upon as recommending or promoting a specific method, diagnosis, or treatment by health science practitioners for any particular patient. The publisher and the author make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this work and specifically disclaim all warranties, including without limitation any implied warranties of fitness for a particular purpose. In view of ongoing research, equipment modifications, changes in governmental regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to the use of medicines, equipment, and devices, the reader is urged to review and evaluate the information provided in the package insert or instructions for each medicine, equipment, or device for, among other things, any changes in the instructions or indication of usage and for added warnings and precautions. Readers should consult with a specialist where appropriate. The fact that an organization or Website is referred to in this work as a citation and/or a potential source of further information does not mean that the author or the publisher endorses the information the organization or Website may provide or recommendations it may make. Further, readers should be aware that Internet Websites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared between when this work was written and when it is read. No warranty may be created or extended by any promotional statements for this work. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be liable for any damages arising herefrom.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Veterinary technician's large animal daily reference guide / [edited by] Amy D′Andrea, Jessica Sjogren.

p. ; cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-0-8138-1621-0 (softback : alk. paper) – ISBN 978-1-118-69478-7 – ISBN 978-1-118-69484-8 – ISBN 978-1-118-69488-6 – ISBN 978-1-118-69499-2 (Pub) – ISBN 978-1-118-69502-9 (Mobi)

I. D′Andrea, Amy. II. Sjogren, Jessica.

[DNLM: 1. Veterinary Medicine–methods–Handbooks. 2. Animal Technicians–Handbooks. SF 748]

SF981

636.089–dc23

2013010434

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats. Some content that appears in print may not be available in electronic books.

Cover images: © istock image; Left: Brzi; Center: LazingBee; and Right: R.J. Seymour.

Cover design by Nicole Teut

The Veterinary Technician's Large Animal Daily Reference Guide is a comprehensive resource designed for use in educational settings, as well as large animal veterinary facilities. This text provides veterinary technicians with detailed information about a wide variety of large animal species. As the veterinary technician profession becomes increasingly diversified, there is a greater need for a text that covers all aspects of veterinary medicine as it relates to large animal species. Practicing veterinary technicians, as well as veterinary technician students, will find this book useful. It is designed not only as a quick reference guide, but also as a detailed collection of information ranging from anatomy and preventative health care to pharmacology and internal medicine and everything in between.

This book was created from the desire to create a textbook that could provide a wide array of information about large animals in one place. Practicing veterinary technicians and students will find it useful, as it will serve as a quick reference guide in practice and also as an all-encompassing resource in the classroom.

The chart and table format of this book supplies the information in an easy-to-utilize manner. All of the information is organized in a way that is designed to enable the reader to look up topics effortlessly and quickly.

Several of the chapters reference many helpful illustrations, pictures, and diagrams that enrich the information in the text. Black-and-white, as well as color, artwork provide meaningful enhancement to the material.

We are proud to have collaborated with some of the industry's top professionals in authoring the material in each of the chapters. Each individual brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this project, with the end result being this one-of-a-kind collection of large animal veterinary information.

This book has become a labor of love for both Jessica and me, and we want to thank each and every person who has dedicated their time to making it a reality. Teaching large animal nursing has been a passion of mine for over 15 years, and it is my hope that this text will become a trusted resource for many practicing veterinary technicians and veterinary technician students.

First and foremost, I am thankful for the support and perseverance of my friend and colleague, Jessica Sjogren, without whom this book would never have been possible. Next, we would like to offer our appreciation to the many individuals who authored chapters in this text. Their expertise and knowledge has truly made this project a superior collection of information.

The illustrations were created by Nathan Davis, who not only did an outstanding job, but also has given his time freely to make sure we portrayed the information in the diagrams as accurately as possible.

To all of my students who have given me the satisfaction of molding generations of veterinary technicians—I thank you. You have become the symbol of our profession. I learned just as much from you. This project is dedicated to you. May you always be the proud, caring animal advocates I knew you could be.

Finally, to my two amazing children, Austin and Morgan Butzier; my stepdaughter, Madison Borrelli; and the love of my life, my husband Greg D'Andrea—I thank you for your support and love. Family is what makes life worth living, and I live every day to the fullest because of each of you.

I want to thank my family, especially my parents, for believing in and encouraging me. I would like to thank Kevin for his love and support and my friends, especially Ashley, who has helped me through this process. I would not have been able to do this without them. Lastly, I want to thank all the authors for their knowledge, hard work, and devotion and thank Nate for his amazing drawings and enthusiasm. Amy, I would not be where I am today without you. All of you made this possible, so thank you.

Introduction

In relation to large animal species, anatomy plays an integral role in how the body works. As technicians, we should be familiar with how the body is put together and the vital functions of each structure. There are nine basic animal systems that we study: the integumentary system, the musculoskeletal system, the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system, the respiratory system, the digestive system, the nervous system, and the genitourinary system.

This chapter will give a basic overview of each system and the specific anatomical structures that are important to recognize in various large animal species (Table 1.1). In addition, this chapter includes a detailed description of equine conformation and its relation to structural abnormalities.

Figure 1.1 Conformation of a normal side view.

Figure 1.2 Conformation of a normal hind and front view.

Figure 1.3 Conformation faults in the forelimb of the horse.

Figure 1.4 Conformation faults in the forelimb of the horse.

Figure 1.5 Conformation faults in the forelimb of a horse (frontal view).

Figure 1.6 Conformation faults in the hind limb of the horse (side view).

Figure 1.7 Conformation faults in the croup/hip of the horse (side view).

Figure 1.8 Conformation faults in the hind legs of a horse (back view).

Figure 1.9 Conformation faults in the hind limbs of a horse (side view).

Figure 1.10 Body condition scoring of the horse. (Reprinted with permission from AAEVT’s Equine Manual for Veterinary Technicians, published by Wiley Blackwell).

Figure 1.11 Body condition scoring chart of cattle.

Figure 1.12 Lower limb bones of the horse.

Figure 1.13 Diagram of the superficial muscles of the pig.

Figure 1.14 Equine skull.

Figure 1.15 Equine spinal column.

Figure 1.16 Diagram of the anatomy of the cow.

Figure 1.17 Diagram of the anatomy of the goat.

Figure 1.18 Diagram of the anatomy of the horse.

Figure 1.19 Diagram of the anatomy of the pig.

Figure 1.20 Lateral view of the respiratory tract of the horse.

Figure 1.21 Equine muscles.

Figure 1.22 Equine skeleton.

Introduction

Preventative health care consists of services that are designed to help prevent diseases and/or ailments in animals. It includes routine physical examinations, vaccinations, deworming programs, nutrition, and hoof/foot and dental care (in large animals). Each species has a recommended preventative health care program that is designed for its optimum health benefits and encourages an overall healthier life. This approach to veterinary care is proactive, and it is important to establish a preventative program at every stage of life.

Physical Examinations

The physical examination is by far the most cost effect diagnostic tool available in veterinary medicine. Much can be learned about the animal through a thorough examination. Technicians can play vital roles by assisting the veterinarian in this process. It is also important that technicians have the ability to assess an animal's overall health so that they can better help their clients with compliance in animal care. Large animal species should have a physical examination at least once per year. A proper exam should be done prior to purchasing an animal, prior to immunization, prior to any procedure involving anesthetics, and when the veterinarian is visiting the farm to see an animal with a problem. The following tables will cover methods and specific areas of the physical examination in both pediatric and adult patients.

Figure 2.1 Intravenous venipuncture (Vacutainer® system).

Figure 2.2 Intravenous venipuncture (Vacutainer®; waiting for blood tube to fill before removing).

Figure 2.3 Intravenous venipuncture (needle and syringe).

Vaccinations

Colostrum is the first secretion of a dam's mammary gland. It contains essential immunoglobulins for the neonate. Newborn large animals are born immunologically naive and must ingest and absorb the large macromolecules of IgG, IgM, and IgA within the first 18–24 hours to provide passive immunity. Failure of ingestion or absorption results in failure of passive transfer or an immunocompromised neonate. The neonate begins to make its own antibodies within the first few weeks. Vaccination is used to boost the immune system and assist in the prevention of or protection from contagious diseases.

The animal needs vaccinations to continue to improve its protection against contagious diseases. Vaccines are stored in the refrigerator and rolled before drawing up into a syringe. They should be given using an aseptic technique.

Vaccine Categories

1. Live vaccines

a. Changed version of the infecting agent that stimulates the immune system and does not require as many doses

i. Examples:

(a) Modified live vaccines (MLV)

(b) Recombinant vector vaccines

2. Killed vaccines

a. Not able to replicate and need multiple doses to aid in protection. Adjuvants are usually included to stimulate immunity.

Table 2.6 / Equine Injection Sites

Areas for Injection	Intramuscular (IM) (Figure 2.4) or Intranasal Lateral neck Pectoral Semimembranous Semitendinous (Note: Gluteal muscles are often avoided because it is hard to drain a post-injection abscess.)
Frequency	Broodmares: 4–6 weeks before foaling (Note: This makes the concentration of antibodies the highest possible for the colostrum.) Foal: Series of 3 vaccines If the mare was not vaccinated, the series should begin at 3–4 months of age. If the mare was vaccinated properly, the series should be started at 5–6 months of age.

Note: Sedation and medication can be administered intravenously for the fastest results (Figure 2.1, Figure 2.2, Figure 2.3, and Figure 2.5). (Do not give any medications or sedation unless directed by your veterinarian.)

Figure 2.4 Intramuscular medication administration.

Figure 2.5 Basic clinical technique (SQ medication administration).

Table 2.7 / Vaccines for Preventing Fatal Diseases in Horses

Table 2.8 / Vaccines to Minimize Illnesses in Horses

Table 2.9 / Areas of Injection and Blood Draws in Cattle

Areas of Injection	Subcutaneous vaccination: In front of the shoulder blade	Intramuscular: Can be given in the rump, thigh, or neck
Area of Blood Draws	Intravenous venipuncture: Coccygeal vein (Figure 2.6)	N/A

Figure 2.6 Intravenous venipuncture (coccygeal vein). Courtesy of Tiffany Matthews.

Table 2.10 / Dairy and Beef Cattle Vaccines

Table 2.11 / Small Ruminant Vaccines

Table 2.12 / Areas of Injection in Swine

Table 2.13 / Swine Vaccines

Rabies

This disease is an acute viral encephalomyelitis that principally affects carnivores and bats, although it can affect any mammal. There are 3 clinical phases: prodromal, excitative, and paralytic/end-stage. However, this separation is not practical because of the different signs and irregular lengths of the phases.

• Prodromal period: Lasts ∼1–3 days. The animals show vague central nervous system signs, which intensify rapidly. Then, after the start of paralysis, the disease progresses rapidly, and death is nearly certain. Some animals die quickly without clinical signs.
• Excitative phase (“furious” rabies): Aggression is distinct in these animals.
• “Dumb or paralytic” rabies: Behavioral changes are minimal, and the disease is obvious mainly by paralysis.
• Paralytic form: Paralysis of the throat and masseter muscles, profuse salivation, and inability to swallow. Paralysis progresses rapidly to the whole body. Coma and death come within a few hours.

Table 2.14 / Rabies

Disease	Rabies
Presentation	Presenting Clinical Signs Acute behavioral changes: Anorexia, apprehension, nervousness, irritability, and hyperexcitability Seek solitude Change in temperament is apparent. Aggressiveness Note: Horses and mules frequently show evidence of distress and extreme agitation. These signs are usually accompanied by rolling, biting, or striking. Due to their size and strength, they become unmanageable in a few hours. They often suffer self-inflicted wounds.
	Examination Findings Ataxia Altered phonation Unexplained progressive paralysis
Diagnosis	Laboratory Should be euthanized and the head removed if suspected for rabies Testing should be done by qualified laboratory personal, who have been chosen by the local or state health department in agreement with established national standardized protocols. The test of choice is immunofluorescence microscopy on fresh brain tissue, which allows visual examination of a specific antigen-antibody reaction. Imaging N/A Procedures N/A
Treatment	Medication N/A Nursing Care/Patient Care Strict inpatient quarantine
Follow-Up	Prevention/Avoidance Strict quarantines Euthanize all animals known to have rabies. Horses Adult horses previously vaccinated against rabies: Vaccinate yearly. Adult horses previously unvaccinated or having unknown vaccination history: Administer a single dose; booster yearly. Pregnant mares, previously vaccinated against rabies: Vaccinate 4–6 weeks before foaling. Alternatively, veterinarians may recommend that mares be vaccinated with rabies vaccine before being bred. Pregnant mares, previously unvaccinated or of unknown vaccination history: Vaccinate 4–6 weeks before foaling. Foals of mares vaccinated against rabies: Give a primary series. The first dose should not be administered before 6 months of age. The second dose should be given 4–6 weeks later. Booster yearly. Foals of mares not vaccinated against rabies: Administer according to label directions. The first dose of vaccine should be administered at 3–4 months of age. Booster yearly. Foals of mares with unknown vaccination history: Follow one of these two rational options: 1. Assume the mare to be antibody-positive and follow the above recommendations for foals from mares known to be vaccinated against rabies, that is, the first dose starting at 6 months of age followed by second dose 4–6 weeks later. Revaccinate annually thereafter. 2. Document the rabies antibody status of the foal by testing serum collected from the foal at 24 hours of age or older or from the dam during the peri-parturient period. Note: If the foal or mare is rabies antibody-negative, follow the above recommendations for foals of mares known not to be vaccinated against rabies. If the foal or mare is rabies antibody-positive, follow recommendations for foals of mares known to be vaccinated against rabies. Cattle: Administer a single dose; then booster yearly. Goats and Sheep: Can be vaccinated yearly. Complications N/A Prognosis Almost 100% fatal
Notes	Transmitted in saliva Inactivated by disinfectants Animal's head should be chilled on wet ice and sent to the lab for evaluation.

Table 2.15 / Anthrax

Disease	Anthrax
Definition	A disease that is zoonotic and caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis.
Presentation	Clinical findings Anorexia Depression Weakness Bloody diarrhea
	Examination Findings Colic Inflammation in the neck, sternum, lower abdomen, and external genitalia Fever
Diagnosis	Laboratory Cotton swab with blood Bacterial culture PCR tests Fluorescent antibody stains Western blot and ELISA tests Fixed blood smears that are stained with Loeffler's or MacFadean Imaging N/A Procedures N/A
Treatment	Medication Oxytetracycline Amoxicillin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, erythromycin, gentamicin, streptomycin, or sulfonamides Nursing Care/Patient Care Supportive care
Follow-Up	Prevention/Avoidance Notify appropriate regulatory officials. Quarantine (after vaccination, for 2 wk before movement off the farm, for 6 wk if going to slaughter) Properly dispose of dead animals, manure, bedding, or other contaminated material with preferred cremation or deep burial. Isolate animals that are sick and keep well animals away from contaminated areas. Clean and disinfect stables. Use insect repellents. Remove scavengers that feed on animals that have died from the disease. People who handle the diseased animals should observe sanitary procedures. Horses Adult horses: Vaccinate against anthrax. Booster yearly. Adult horses previously unvaccinated or of unknown vaccination history: Give 2 doses with 2–3 weeks between. Booster yearly. Pregnant mares: Do not vaccinate. Foals: No information available. Adult cattle: Vaccinate 2–4 weeks before the season of outbreaks. Do not vaccinate 1 week after antibiotics have been given.

Table 2.16 / Hoof Care

Table 2.17 / Common Diseases and Disorders of the Hoof

Table 2.18 / Lameness Grading Scale

Grade	Assessment
0	Normal
1	Trouble to see below any conditions, obscure
2	Hard to see, except under certain conditions
3	Constantly seen when trotting
4	Visibly lame with all gaits
5	Puts no weight on affected limb

The Importance of Nutrition

Nutrition is a very important aspect of all animals' well-being; but, when it comes to large animals, it is vital. Large animals are not only companions, but they are also a business and livelihood for many. Nutrition is just as important as a proper vaccine schedule or a physical examination. It is imperative that these animals are given the proper nutrition in order to grow and stay healthy. If owners do not have a good understanding of nutrition, their animals may become ill and die. This may mean the loss of a pet or the loss of income. Many serious animal diseases stem from a nutritional issue; if not addressed promptly, death may occur. Making sure that an animal has the proper amount of vitamins, minerals, water, and protein is a very important part of their care.

Every species of animal has its different nutritional needs; and, within the species, each individual animal has specific needs. For example, a horse that is a pasture pet does not need as much fat or protein content as a horse that is endurance racing. A cow that is nursing a calf needs more nutritional support than a non-nursing heifer. It is our job as veterinary technicians to give the owners of these animals the information that they need. This enables the owners to take proper care of their animals and make sure that all their nutritional needs are met. Veterinary technicians need to be able to educate the owners about the nutrition that is right for their animal and its specific circumstances. Veterinary technicians should be able to educate owners on the diseases and the issues that can arise due to poor nutrition.

Table 3.1 / Vitamins

Table 3.2 / Minerals

Table 3.3 / Nutritional Deficiencies

Table 3.4 / Nutritional Requirements for the Horse (1100 lb Mature Body Weight [b.w.])**

Table 3.5 / Nutritional Requirements for Dairy Cattle (grams per day)

Table 3.6 / Nutritional Requirements for Beef Cattle (grams per day)

Table 3.7 / Nutritional Requirements for Sheep