Oorsig/Review
Each of the 5 main observation points is then explained in more practical detail. See the explanation of
the Head (Observation point number 1) below.
BEHAVIOUR
The head houses the brain, which controls behaviour and other body systems. Any disease that has
a direct effect on the brain, or on the whole body, will affect behaviour in many different ways.
EYES
The eyes are a direct extension of the brain. It can be affected by damage to the eye itself or it can
show signs that the whole body is affected.
EARS
The posture and activity of the external ear lobes is a very sensitive indicator of the well-being of
the animal. Any change in posture and activity will, in many cases, be the first non-specific sign
indicating that the animal is not well.
The inner ear can only be viewed when the animal is examined.
Hearing is also a sense that is directly linked to the brain.
NOSE
The nostrils represent the start of the respiratory system. Livestock normally only breathe through
their noses. The nose can also show non-specific signs when the whole body is affected, for
instance, in the case of fever.
MOUTH
The mouth is the start of the digestive system. Visual signs of disease (such as salivation, tongue
hanging out, sores etc.) can be caused by lesions in the mouth or by lesions lower down in the
digestive system up to the big stomach.
Most of the problems inside the mouth can only be viewed when the mouth is opened during
examination of the animal.
Examples of specific signs of disease in each subcategory are then given in order to teach the user
to be very specific when observing signs of disease.
BE VERY SPECIFIC WHEN SIGNS OF DISEASE ARE OBSERVED
Keep tightly closed
Tears Stays behind
Stands alone Hyperactive
Shaking head Hang
Slow movement
White/blue Bellowing Head down Ticks in ear
Bleeding
White with pearl
Hair loss around eyes
Yellow discharge
Bloody discharge
Swelling below
BEHAVIOUR
Eyelids swollen
EYES
Flies around ear
EARS
Lips swollen
Salivation
Froth
Swelling of jaw
Swelling below jaw
18
Brown wax discharge
Dry
Cracked
Hangs open
Tongue hangs out
Wounds on lips
Pus discharge
MOUTH
NOSE
Red or raw
Wounds
Bleeding from nostril
Watery discharge
Slime discharge
Yellow discharge