large animal lab equine and sheep exams

What is the purpose of a twitch?

To provide distraction and mild restraint by releasing endorphins.

What are the three types of twitches?

Humane twitch, rope twitch, chain twitch.

What is a stud chain used for?

Increased control of horses during handling.

What is the first step of a systematic physical exam in horses?

Visual assessment.

After visual assessment, which systems are auscultated?

Heart, lungs, intestines

Why is GI auscultation extremely important in horses?

Because of high risk for colic and GI dysfunction.

Name 4 common artery sites used for pulse evaluation in horses.

Transverse facial a., coccygeal a., dorsal metatarsal a., digital arteries.

Where are the lateral and medial digital arteries located?

Along the pastern/fetlock area.

What is the primary method for aging horses?

Evaluating the teeth (eruption and wear).

What online resource is commonly used for aging horses by teeth?

CSU Tooth Aging Website.

Why might a vet tech need to remove a horseshoe?

For surgery or if the shoe is partially removed.

Where is a microchip placed in a horse?

Subcutaneously in the neck, left side near the mane.

What are two types of branding used in horses?

Hot branding and freeze branding

Which are permanent forms of ID?

Microchips, brands, tattoos.

What is the normal temperature range for an adult horse?

99–101.5°F

When might a horse’s temperature reach up to 102°F and still be normal?

In warm weather or in certain individuals

What is the normal pulse rate for an adult horse?

28–40 bpm

What adult heart rate is considered a “gray zone” but not yet abnormal?

44–48 bpm

What pulse rate is common in athletic (fit) horses?

<28 bpm

What is the normal pulse rate for a newborn foal?

60–120 bpm

What is the normal pulse rate for foals in the first 2 weeks?

70–100 bpm

What is the normal respiratory rate for an adult horse?

8–24 breaths per minute

What is the typical weight of an adult miniature horse?

32–55 kg

What is the typical weight of an average adult Quarter Horse?

450–600 kg

What is the typical weight of an adult draft horse?

700+ 

How do sheep prefer to move?

As a group (flock animals).

What should you always wear when handling sheep?

Gloves.

What are two safe ways to control a sheep during basic restraint?

Hold the head up and place a hand on the back or rump.

Why must gloves always be worn when handling sheep?

Sheep carry many zoonotic diseases.

Name at least four zoonotic diseases sheep can transmit.

Rabies, anthrax, brucellosis, ringworm.

Where do you auscultate a sheep’s heart?

Left side, same as equine

Are pulses easy to find in sheep?

No, but can sometimes use digital arteries or coccygeal artery.

What integumentary feature is unique to sheep?

Oil glands in inguinal and axillary regions.

What must be palpated on ewes during reproductive exams?

Udder for mastitis or infection.

What GI feature must be assessed in sheep?

Rumen contractions and borborygmi

What is the FAMACHA test used for?

Assessing anemia caused by barber pole worms.

How does the FAMACHA card work?

Matches eyelid color to anemia levels to decide if deworming is needed.

What is the normal temperature range for sheep?

101–104°F

What is the normal heart rate for sheep?

70–90 bpm

What is the normal respiratory rate for sheep?

12–25 breaths per minute

What is the typical weight of a Suffolk ram?

230–350 lbs

What is the typical weight of a Suffolk ewe?

180–250 lbs