VMD 512: Zoo/Wild Animal Breeding, Management, Nutrition and Health Care (1+1)

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

Eyes

• The eyes have to be examined forthe presence of excessive dryness or bleeding. The eyes have to be blind foldedif sedated in order to avoid the excessive drying out of the ocular regions andstress.

External abnormality of body regions

• Skin status may provide some clues for the diagnosis of the clinical problem in case of wild animals.
• Check up for presence of any wound or bruises or injuries on the body.
• Rule out any foreign body in case of paw region if it is a carnivore or foot pad if it is an animal like elephant.
• Rule out any visible abnormal growths or swelling on the body regions.
• Any dragging of leg during the gait needs to betaken care of during the physical examination of the concerned wild animal species.
• Check up for signs of diarrhea by observing the fecal remnants adhering the cutaneous regions.
• Observe the bleeding related appearance either from the mouth region or other body regions. Rule out the heat related problems in case of herbivores like gaurs etc.