Signs of disease, first aid and cooperation with the vet

Because the animal caretaker spends more time with the animals than any other professional group, observation skills are one of the most important competencies in the trade. Most diseases show themselves first as small changes in behavior or body posture — long before they become obvious to an outsider.

§Classical disease signs

• 01Reduced or absent appetite
• 02Lethargy, isolation from the flock or changed activity level
• 03Changed bowel movements or urination
• 04Discharge from eyes, nose, or other body openings.
• 05Limping or reduced mobility
• 06Changed breathing or cough
• 07Coat changes, itching or visible wounds
• 08Abnormal sound or changed social behavior.

§Basic first aid

First aid for animals is primarily about stabilizing the situation until the veterinarian can take over — not about diagnosing or treating on your own. Basic principles are calm, isolation from other animals, stopping any bleeding with clean bandaging material, and keeping the animal warm and quiet. If fracture or serious injury is suspected the animal should be handled as little as possible to avoid further damage, and transport should follow the veterinarian's instructions.

§Isolation and infection control

For suspected infectious disease the animal must be isolated from the rest of the herd as soon as possible and enhanced hygiene routines must be established around the sick animal — separate equipment hand washing and possibly protective equipment for staff. This applies both for the sake of the other animals and for zoonotic diseases for the staff's own health.

§Cooperation with the veterinarian

The animal keeper is the veterinarian's most important eyes in daily routines. Good collaboration is built on accurate and concrete reporting: when the symptom started, how it developed, what the animal has eaten, and what changes have occurred in the surroundings. The more precise information the veterinarian gets, the faster a correct diagnosis can be made.