In Practice 26: 304-317 (2004)
© 2004 British Veterinary Association

Clinical examination of the abdomen in adult cattle

¹ University of Cambridge

CLINICAL examination of the abdomen in adult cattle can be daunting due to the fractious nature of infrequently handled animals and the lack of adequate restraint facilities on some farms. For many veterinary surgeons, cattle have become an unfamiliar species which are only examined periodically. The range of abdominal conditions which may occur in cattle is challenging and a careful cost- benefit analysis is required before an investigative or treatment protocol in embarked upon. Nevertheless, much can be achieved by using a methodical approach and many conditions may be successfully (and dramatically) treated if the correct diagnosis is achieved. This article describes how to conduct a systematic clinical examination of the bovine abdomen and outlines the abnormalities which may be found. In particular, it considers the observation and examination of the patient and any further diagnostic investigations which may be useful. Where appropriate, specific conditions are used to illustrate the abnormalities which may be present. The urogenital system is not covered.

Note:

The authors would like to thank Miss Melanie Balasingham for her assistance with the photographs and the University Farm, Cambridge, for the use of its cows and facilities. The line diagrams in this article are reproduced from Jackson and Cockcroft (2002), with permission from Blackwell Science.