A healthy animal does not usually become sick and die overnight: Disease is a process that develops over time. The most important factor in identifying and treating diseases is to recognise the first signs. Daily observation and closer examination of any animal showing signs of disease cannot be emphasised enough.
Closer examination always includes taking the animal’s temperature with a rectal thermometer. If the temperature is 40˚C or more, you are dealing with an infection. If the temperature is normal (38.5˚C-39˚C), the farmer should consider other causes of disease, such as parasites, poisoning or feed-related problems. When you phone the vet, the first question he (or she) will ask is: “What is the animal’s temperature?” At first, there will only be a few signs that may help the farmer decide on the possible cause of the disease and the treatment.
Later on, there can be so many signs of disease that the farmer trying to establish the cause will be totally confused. A systematic guide helps the farmer who is observing and examining an animal showing signs of disease. This guide will ensure all body systems are evaluated – thus identifying what is normal and what is abnormal. A farmer examining an animal could tick the relevant block in the guide if the observation is normal. If signs of disease are seen, a cross should be made in the relevant blocks, and abnormality can be explained in the space left for writing notes.
The cause of the disease is often identified if a system guide is followed. With the right information the farmer can explain the symptoms clearly when asking the vet for help. One cannot expect veterinary support (from a distance) if all one can say is that the animal is sick. See part of the guide as an example.
