Ovine and Caprine Husbandry and Care

Flashcards covering clinical procedures, surgical techniques, and common diseases of sheep and goats.

What are the two most common small ruminants encountered in veterinary practice?

Sheep (ovine) and goats (caprine)

What is the key focus of Module 5 in veterinary technology?

Ovine and caprine clinical procedures and diseases.

What fundamental skill areas are emphasized in this module?

Diagnostic sampling, medication administration, anesthesia protocols, and surgical preparation.

What is the importance of preventive strategies in flock health?

To mitigate major infectious, parasitic, and non-infectious conditions affecting sheep and goats.

What do sheep and goats require for appropriate housing?

Well-ventilated, draft-free housing.

What is a common behavioral trait of sheep?

They tend to flock together and follow one another closely.

What is a key distinction between the behavior of sheep and goats?

Sheep rely on herd instinct for safety, while goats are more independent and curious.

What fencing requirement is specific to goats?

Secure, tall, and often electrified fencing.

What is one nutritional consideration for sheep?

Sheep are sensitive to excess dietary copper.

What dietary preference do goats have?

Goats prefer brush, shrubs, and a varied diet.

What disease are sheep particularly prone to regarding internal parasites?

Haemonchus contortus (barber pole worm).

What preventive measure is commonly practiced in sheep to prevent fly strike?

Tail docking.

Which parasites are goats more at risk for?

External parasites such as lice and mites.

How should sheep be restrained during handling?

Best moved as a group using their flocking instinct.

What is the 'set-up' position used for in sheep?

A restraint method useful for hoof trimming and certain procedures.

What strategy is important for handling sheep and goats to reduce stress?

Calm, low-stress techniques.

What system is used to assess anemia in sheep and goats?

FAMACHA scoring system.

What is the normal heart rate range for sheep and goats?

70–90 beats per minute.

What is a unique clinical sign of infection by Haemonchus contortus?

Pale mucous membranes (anemia).

Which disease is associated with late-term abortions in ewes?

Chlamydophilosis (Enzootic Abortion of Ewes).

What two main components are crucial for routine health monitoring of sheep and goats?

Assessing appetite and body condition.

What is an essential part of hoof care in sheep and goats?

Regular hoof trimming.

What is the appropriate average temperature range for sheep?

102.0 – 104.0°F.

What is the appropriate average temperature range for goats?

101.5 – 104.0°F.

How can you describe the impact of proper handling techniques on sheep and goats?

Reduces disease and improves production.

What is a common method for collecting urine samples from goats?

Catching during natural voiding.

What are the main symptoms of a sheep affected by Clostridium perfringens?

Sudden death and abnormal digestive signs.

In what way do sheep react when isolated from their flock?

They panic more easily.

What are the most common routes for vaccination in sheep?

SQ (subcutaneous) or IM (intramuscular).

How is the FAMACHA system beneficial in flock management?

It helps guide selective deworming to improve herd health.

What animal safety precautions should be taken when working with sheep and goats?

Wear gloves, use low-stress handling, and ensure appropriate restraint.

Why is it critical to not exceed the maximum dosage of lidocaine in sheep?

Sheep are very sensitive to lidocaine, and overdose can cause seizures or death.

What does a technician need to do before administering an IV to a sheep?

Clip the wool/hair over the jugular groove.

What condition could arise in goats from excessive grain feeding?

Urinary calculi (urolithiasis).

What should be in place to avoid infections when performing procedures on sheep?

Ensure appropriate hygiene measures are followed.

When should hooves be trimmed to avoid issues like lameness?

Every 6-8 weeks.

What is the treatment for lameness in sheep typically linked to foot rot?

Hoof trimming and foot baths.

What common bacterial disease causes abscesses in the lymph nodes of sheep?

Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL).

What vaccination protects against the enterotoxemia caused by Clostridium perfringens?

CDT vaccine (Clostridium perfringens Types C & D + Tetanus).

What are common symptoms of botulism in goats?

Progressive paralysis and respiratory failure.

Which method is employed for doing mastitis testing in dairy goats?

California Mastitis Test (CMT).

What key management practice helps control parasite loads in sheep?

Rotational grazing.

What does 'bloat' refer to in sheep?

Gas buildup in the rumen due to slow motility or overeating.

What is tailored to ensure animal safety during anesthesia procedures?

Using cuffed endotracheal tubes.

What does a technician record during medication administration in sheep and goats?

The treatment provided, site, dosage, and time.

What are the clinical signs of other diseases such as coccidiosis?

Diarrhea and poor growth in young animals.

What behavioral characteristic differentiates goats from sheep?

Goats are more mischievous and like to explore.

What injectable route is preferred for vaccines in sheep?

Subcutaneous (SQ) in the neck area.

What focus should dairy goat producers have in feed management?

Avoiding excessive copper intake.

What is a necessary step before conducting preventive care in goats?

Educate owners on proper herd management practices.

When are sheep most commonly castrated?

At a young age, often within the first few weeks.

When should 'set-up' restraint be avoided in sheep?

In situations where calmness and safety are compromised.

Why is it important to minimize stress during handling procedures for sheep?

Stress can affect vital signs and complicate medical evaluations.

What is a primary concern with high copper levels in sheep's diet?

It can lead to fatal toxicity.

What is the purpose of tail docking in sheep?

To prevent fly strike.

What condition manifests as frequent difficulty in breathing due to rumen issues?

Bloat (Rumen Tympany).

What are the primary symptoms of listeriosis in sheep?

Neurological signs, including circling and facial paralysis.

What is an important component in prevention of urinary issues in male goats?

Managing calcium to phosphorus ratios in diets.

What method must be followed to evaluate the rumen's function?

Regular assessment of rumen contractions.

What is an indication of poor body condition in sheep?

Weight loss or lack of appetite.

What disease should a veterinary technician look for when performing a necropsy?

Identify infectious agents and chronic conditions.

What food safety consideration must be made after administering injections?

Observing withdrawal times for meat and milk.

What behavioral response is often seen in sheep during handling?

Increased stress and isolation panic.

What is one commonly recognized outcome of improper hoof care?

Foot rot leading to severe lameness.

What is the feature of the pathology of anthrax in sheep?

Sudden death and bleeding from body orifices.

What treatment method is used to address clostridial diseases such as tetanus?

Antitoxin administration and wound care.

What clinical presentation defines scrapie in infected sheep?

Intense pruritus and neurological signs.

How often should vaccinations be given to maintain herd immunity?

Annually or as specified in vaccination protocols.

What should always be performed before any surgical procedure on a small ruminant?

Pre-surgical fasting to reduce regurgitation risk.

In what circumstance would a technician need to assess the mucous membranes in sheep?

To evaluate for anemia and dehydration.

What is the purpose of biosecurity measures in sheep care?

To prevent the introduction of infectious diseases.

What type of diet are sheep designed to primarily consume?

Grasses and forages as grazers.

How can signs of parasite infection in sheep be differentiated?

By monitoring FAMACHA scores and regular fecal checks.

What is the management strategy for herd health that involves regularly rotating livestock?

Pasture management.

What clinical sign suggests a high parasite load in sheep?

Pale mucous membranes indicating anemia.

What common mistake occurs with drenching sheep?

Aspiration due to improper restraint.

What is one sign of needing to deworm sheep?

Anemia visible through FAMACHA evaluation.

What condition is recommended to monitor for in dairy goats?

Mastitis and its clinical signs.

What is the significance of understanding behavior and temperament differences between sheep and goats?

It aids in proper handling and care specific to each species.

Which vaccination strategy is essential during lambing for ewes?

Booster vaccinations to ensure colostral immunity for lambs.

What is crucial to remember when assessing the heart rate in sheep and goats?

Values may change with stress and handling.

What routine should be established for parasite management in sheep?

Implementing FAMACHA scoring and targeted deworming.

What common condition is called while discussing cattle-like diseases in sheep?

Bloat.

In terms of anatomy, what differentiates the approach to placing IVs in sheep and goats?

Soft tissue and neck anatomy require advanced restraint techniques.

What disease is particularly noted for risk in pregnant women in the context of small ruminants?

Chlamydophilosis.

What otic issues are prevalent in sheep and goats?

Ear mite infestations.

What role does fiber play in the goats’ diet?

It helps maintain gut health and motility.

What are the signs of urinary tract obstructions in male goats?

Straining to urinate and visible abdominal pain.

What strategies should be in place to prevent diseases linked to periparturient complications?

Proper nutrition and monitoring during late gestation.

What should be assessed during every veterinary visit for sheep?

Weight, body condition, and signs of illness.

What critical assessment must a technician conduct pre-anesthesia?

Check the animal's vital signs for stability.

What should technicians monitor closely for during recovery from anesthesia in small ruminants?

Signs of hypoventilation and regurgitation risk.

What type of injuries can occur in sheep during handling if not careful?

Contusions from improper restraint methods.

What is one major reason for implementing regular hoof trimming in small ruminants?

To prevent foot rot and improve mobility.

What type of veterinary assistance can limit disease spread in flocks?

Consistency in health checks and vaccination schedules.

What to do if managing cattle and sheep in a shared grazing environment?

Ensure proper health management plans for both species.

What is the most commonly seen external parasite affecting small ruminants?

Lice and keds.

What are the indicators for respiratory distress after inhaling anesthetics?

High respiratory rates and abnormal lung sounds.

Why is it necessary to educate owners about the importance of nutrition?

To maintain optimal health and prevent common diseases.

What are the advantages of using local anesthesia blocks in surgical procedures?

Reduced systemic drug use and lower anesthesia risks.