4-H Veterinary Science4-H Veterinary Science

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension ServiceDivision of Agricultural Sciences and Natural

ResourcesOklahoma State University

4­H Youth Development

4H•ANSI•906

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension ServiceDivision of Agricultural Sciences and Natural

ResourcesOklahoma State University

Developed by: David Sparks D.V.M., Oklahoma State University; Area Extension Food-Animal Quality and Health Specialist

Edited and activity development by: Cathy S. Allen; Oklahoma State University; 4-H Curriculum Coordinator

Layout and design:Gayle Hiner, Ag Communications Services, Oklahoma State University Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. This publication is printed and issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the Vice President, Dean, and Director of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and has been prepared and distributed at no cost to the taxpayer. 0114 GH

4H Veterinary Science Curriculum The Oklahoma 4-H Veterinary Science manual provides an introduction to the fundamentals of veterinary science. Responsible animal stewardship involves knowing about the needs of animals and developing our powers of observation to effectively utilize the time we need with our animals to safeguard their comfort and health. This manual can serve as a resource to be able to recognize what is normal for our animals.

Members can:• Learn what is normal for animals• Identify signs and causes of disease• Practice management skills for healthy animals• Explore career opportunities in Veterinary medicine

Oklahoma 4-H Veterinary ScienceMy Project Goals

Member Name: ___________________________________________________________________________

Animal’s name or number: __________________________________________________________________

Species: _________________________________________________________________________________

Breed: __________________________________________________________________________________

What I want to do and learn in 4-H Veterinary Science:

1. ______________________________________________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________________________________________

Life Skills gained through the Veterinary Science Project:• Head: Learning to learn, decision making, keeping records.• Heart: Cooperation, communication, sharing. • Hands: Teamwork, responsible citizenship, self-motivation. • Health: Disease prevention, character

Table of Contents

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................1 What is normal? ............................................................................................................................................................1 Signs of disease ..............................................................................................................................................................2 Causes of disease ...........................................................................................................................................................4 Proper use of veterinary drugs ....................................................................................................................................5 Classes of Drugs Used in Veterinary Medicine .........................................................................................................6 Routes of Administration for Veterinary Drugs ........................................................................................................8 Animal Husbandry - Management for Healthy Animals ........................................................................................9

Nutrition ........................................................................................................................................................... 10 Monogastric .................................................................................................................................................................10 Ruminant ......................................................................................................................................................................10 Pseudo-Ruminant .......................................................................................................................................................10 Test Your Animal Digestive System Knowledge ......................................................................................................10 Water .............................................................................................................................................................................11 Carbohydrates (Energy) .............................................................................................................................................11 Fats (Energy) ................................................................................................................................................................12 Protein ..........................................................................................................................................................................12 Minerals ........................................................................................................................................................................12 Vitamins .......................................................................................................................................................................12

Immune system ................................................................................................................................................ 13 Sanitation ......................................................................................................................................................................13 Zoonotic Diseases .......................................................................................................................................................14 Careers in Veterinary medicine .................................................................................................................................15

Glossary ............................................................................................................................................................ 18

Introduction

It is important to realize that when we claim ownership of pets and domestic animals, we also must accept responsibility for their well-being and health needs. This is especially important when these animals are kept in confinement. Confinement conditions prevent the animals from seeking the nutrients that they need and concentrate organisms that cause disease into smaller areas. Good stewardship involves getting to know as much as we can about the needs of our animals and developing our powers of observation to effectively utilize the time we spend with them to safeguard their comfort and health.

What is Normal? Before we can detect problems we must first be able to recognize what is normal for our animals. There are things that we can easily measure that are known as normal physiological values, or normal healthful functioning. Although these values can be influenced by environmental conditions, they give a good indication that all is normal when our animals’ values fall within or near the accepted ranges. Figure 1 shows the accepted ranges for several types of animals that you may be caring for. Heart rate should be taken at rest by either feeling the pulse of the animal where a large blood vessel crosses beneath the lower jaw or by listening between the elbow and the ribs with an inexpensive stethoscope. Heart rate is usually significantly higher in young animals than in mature animals. Excessively high heart rate may be an indication of shock. Body temperature is measured in domestic animals with a rectal thermometer. Today, inexpensive plastic digital thermometers are readily available from

a variety of sources and should be kept in the barn or traveling kit. Because environmental temperature can influence the animal’s body temperature, it is always best to measure the body temperature early in the morning before heat builds up in the animal’s body if possible. Elevated, or an increased body temperature usually indicates that the animal has an infection somewhere in the body. When you are concerned if an animal’s condition is normal or abnormal, it is always a good idea to check the body temperature. It is quick, easy, and inexpensive. Respiration rate, number of breaths taken within a set amount of time, is best obtained by observing the animal from some distance away while it is at rest. Use a wristwatch or clock with a second hand and count the times the chest rises and falls during a one minute

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Figure 1.

Respiratory Heart Rate RateSpecies Temperature (Beats/Minute) (Breaths/ °F ± 1°F Range Minute)

Beef Cow 101 60-70 30Goat 102.3 70-135 12-20Horse 100 23-70 12Pig 102.5 55-86 8-18Sheep 102.3 60-120 19Rabbit 103.1 123-304 39Dog 102 100-130 22Cat 101.5 110-140 26

period. Increased respiration rate, especially with shallow respirations, usually indicates pneumonia or other condition that compromises, or causes harm, to the lungs. It can also suggest bloat or conditions that infringe on the chest capacity.

Activity 1: Animal Assessment: Conduct an assessment of your pet or animal to familiarize yourself with the necessary steps. Record your findings below: In addition to the physiological values, visual observations can also be important. A normal animal should have a smooth and even hair coat. The mucous membranes that cover the gums and line the inside of the eyelids should be bright pink. The animal should be alert. Since some individuals are more active than others you must know how active your animal typically is to be able to make a comparison.

Signs of Disease After the What is Normal discussion, it should be obvious that physiological values outside of the expected ranges would indicate disease. If we observe our animals carefully many other indicators can also point to problems. The earlier we are aware of problems, the easier they are to correct successfully. Healthy animals show good appetite. Animals that are slower than usual coming to feed or fail to clean up their normal amount of feed are likely experiencing problems. All changes in diet or feed sources should be made gradually so that the animal’s system can gradually adjust to the new program. Healthy animals are alert. It is not uncommon for animals to lie down to rest, but when disturbed they should immediately put their head up and show interest in their surroundings. Animals that act depressed, carry their head low, have drooping ears, or show little interest in the things around them are very

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Temperature Heart Rate Respiratory Rate Date Species °F ± 1°F (Beats/Minute)Range (Breaths/Minute)

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when the affected limb strikes the ground in order to minimize the weight it carries. If the lameness is in a rear limb the head will bob down when the affected limb strides the ground in order to shift more of the weight to the front limbs.

Name four (4) observations that could indicate possible disease in an animal:

1. _____________________________________

2. _____________________________________

3. _____________________________________

4. _____________________________________

likely sick and should be further examined by having their body temperature checked. When animals that normally travel near the front of the herd or group are noticed to be at or near the back, a problem is indicated. Animals that have pale or white mucous membranes covering their gums or lining the inside of their eyelids are anemic due to the loss of blood. In small ruminants this is usually associated with internal parasitism and can result in death if not corrected quickly. Eyes that appear sunken and hair coats that appear dry and lifeless indicate dehydration. Take a little time to watch your animals move and check for lameness. All four limbs should bear weight equally and move freely. You can often tell which limb is the affected limb by watching the head. If the lameness is in a front limb the head will bob up

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Causes of Disease

There are many causes of disease in animals and awareness of these causes is an important step in preventing, as well as treating, disease. Living organisms that have the capacity to cause disease are called pathogens. These pathogens are grouped according to their body types and characteristics. Bacteria are one-celled organisms that can live in any of the body tissues. Some bacteria live in the body and cause no problems and some bacteria found in the digestive tract are even beneficial. When pathogenic bacteria invade tissues where they do not belong, however, problems are sure to follow. Bacteria have a strong cell wall which allows them to live for extended periods of time in the environment and out of the host animal. Some bacteria produce a chemical substance known as endotoxin. As the bacteria multiply more and more endotoxin is produced until it enters the bloodstream and causes the animal to go into shock. Some bacteria have their effect at the site of the infection, causing local inflammation. Viruses are very small living particles that have no cell wall or cell material but consist of a piece of genetic material that enters and destroys the cells of your animal. Because they have no protection, viruses cannot live in the environment for more than very short times, and must rely on being passed from one host animal to the next to survive. Antibiotics are effective against bacteria if the right antibiotics are chosen, but antibiotics have no action against infections caused by viruses. Often viruses invade the tissues of an animal and, while not causing a severe problem, they weaken the tissues enough to allow a

bacterial infection to become established that may be very severe. A fungus is an organism that is commonly found in nature. While most varieties cause no problem a few can result in infections in domestic animals. The most common sites for fungal infections are the skin and the reproductive tract. While antibiotics have no action against fungal infections there are anti-fungal drugs available that may be helpful. Parasites can range from one microscopic cell such as coccidia to organisms several feet long such as tapeworms or roundworms of horses. Most parasites live in the digestive tract, but many of these organisms have immature life stages that migrate through the body and can also cause problems in other tissues, notably the brain and spinal cord or the lungs. Each type of domestic animal has its own group of parasites and, although they may be closely related, they do not cross over. For example, coccidia of poultry are totally different from coccidia of cattle, and roundworms of small ruminants are different from roundworms of horses. In addition to infective organisms there are many other causes of disease, and toxins are high on the list. These can range from chemicals that accidentally find their way into animal feeds, to naturally occurring chemicals that may be present in abnormal amounts. An example of a chemical that accidently find its way into the animal feeds would be herbicides that are sprayed on vegetation without removing grazing animals, or chemical spills around industrial sites. An example of a naturally occurring chemical that may

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be present in abnormal amounts would be nitrates that accumulate in abnormally high levels in Johnson grass or sudan sorghum crosses under adverse weather situations. Some chemicals, while beneficial for some species, might be toxic to other species. Rumensin® is commonly added to feeds for ruminants to help them better utilize the nutrients, but it is deadly to horses in very small amounts. Nutritional factors are a common cause of disease. The most common nutritional problem is malnutrition, or inadequate nutrients, resulting in thin, weak animals and ultimately in starvation. Water can quickly be a cause of disease. To do the animal any good the water must be drinkable. Water that is dirty, hot, or frozen will not be consumed in sufficient quantities and may be the cause of digestive upset, dehydration, and colic. Minerals must not only be supplied in adequate amounts but in the proper ratios to avoid problems such as urinary stones.

Causes of Disease There are many causes of disease in animals and awareness of these causes is an important step in preventing, as well as treating, disease.

Proper Use of Veterinary DrugsDrugs used to treat animals are grouped into two categories according to their availability. “Over the Counter” (OTC) drugs are available at feed stores, farm supply stores and other sources of livestock and pet supplies. Prescription drugs (Rx) are available only from, or on the order of, a licensed veterinarian. Do not make the mistake of thinking that once you have acquired a drug, you can use it as you please. In either case the label of the product is a legal document, and by using the drug you are agreeing to abide by the conditions the label imposes on the use of that drug. Always read the label carefully before you use any drug, regardless of how you acquire it. The label will tell you

____ 1. Bacteria A. Anorganismthat is commonly found innature. Whilemostvarietiescausenoproblem,itcanresultininfectionsindomesticanimals.

____ 2. Malnutrition B. Can range from one microscopic cell to organisms several feet long. Mostliveinthedigestivetractbutmanyhaveimmaturelifestagesthatmigratethroughthebodyandcancauseprobleminothertissues.

____ 3. Fungus C.Themostcommonnutritionalproblem,knownasinadequatenutrients,resultinginthin,weakanimalsandultimatelyinstarvation.

____ 4. Parasites D.Verysmalllivingparticlesthathavenocellwellorcellmaterialbutcon-sistofapieceofgeneticmaterialthatentersanddestroysthecellsofanimals.

____ 5. Viruses E.Canrangefromchemicalsthataccidentlyfindtheirwayintoanimalfeeds, to naturally occurring chemicals that may be present in abnor-mal amounts.

____ 6. Toxins F.One-celledorganismsthatcanliveinanyofthebodytissues.

what species you may use it on, what conditions you may use it to treat, what dosage to use, what routes of administration are acceptable, and how long you must withdraw the drug before harvesting the milk or meat of the animal in order to avoid residues in food products. There is an exception to the restrictions of the drug label. It is called “off label usage” and is the sole right of licensed veterinarians. In order to use drugs “off label” a veterinarian – patient - client relationship must exist. This means that the veterinarian must have firsthand knowledge of both the animal with the problem and the over-all management program of the client. Sometimes there is no drug that is labeled for a given problem in a given species. In these cases, having a good relationship with your local veterinarian is important to be able to treat the problem successfully.

Classes of Drugs Used in Veterinary Medicine There are many drugs used in veterinary medicine and not even your veterinarian can remember or be

familiar with all of them. They can, however, all be sorted into a few simple groups according to their intended use and action. Understanding these groups will help you to select drugs that have the action your animals require. Vaccines do not treat disease but are intended to work with the animal’s immune system to help prevent disease. They not only have no effect once the animal is sick but may make the condition worse. The manufacturer of the vaccine starts with a culture of the infective organism and then either kills it or renders it unable to multiple. When introduced into the animal it causes the immune system to develop a strong immunity that allows the body to overcome any naturally occurring challenge by that specific organism in the future. Some vaccines produce long lasting protection while some require “booster’ doses at intervals to maintain the protection. Antibiotics are drugs used to treat diseases caused by bacterial infections. They have no action against viruses or other sources of infection. Since bacterial diseases usually involve elevated body temperatures,

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the thermometer can help decide if an antibiotic is needed. If the animal’s temperature is normal, administration of an antibiotic is probably a waste and may, in fact, be counterproductive. Since bacteria often act as secondary invaders in tissues that are weakened by virus infections, antibiotics can serve as covers to prevent the development of these secondary infections. A good example is Bovine Respiratory Disease complex where one of several viral infections allows bacteria that causes pneumonia to become established. Timely antibiotic therapy can prevent the bacterial pneumonia portion of the complex. All antibiotics can be divided into two groups, bacteria-cydal drugs, which kill bacteria, and bacteria-static drugs that prevent or slow the replication of bacteria so the infection can be handled by the body’s normal defense mechanisms. If the wrong antibiotics are given in combination they can effectively cancel out each other’s action. There is great concern in the human medical community that using antibiotics in domestic animals may lead to organisms that cause disease in people becoming resistant to antibiotic therapy. It is vital to follow label directions exactly or involve your local veterinarian when utilizing antibiotics. Always use the correct dose and route of administration and complete the prescribed course of therapy, even if the animal improves before the course is completed. Anthelmintics are drugs that kill or control internal parasites. They are widely used in domestic animals, but also are widely misused. Before using any anthelmintics or dewormer read the label carefully and follow directions exactly as to dose, route of administration, and withdrawal time. If the drug is not labeled for use in your type of animal, consult your local veterinarian before proceeding to make sure that residues do not enter the human food chain and that you are not contributing to the development of resistant strains of parasites. Parasite resistance is becoming a major issue, especially in small ruminants. This is doubly serious because very few products are labeled for small ruminant animals. No matter what animal species is involved, deworming should only be looked upon as a single management tool to be used in combination with fecal testing and evaluation, sanitation, and knowledge of the parasite’s lifecycle. Your local veterinarian or extension veterinary specialist will be able to assist you in setting up a comprehensive program of parasite control that minimizes the requirements for frequent deworming.

Inflammation is the result of anything that damages body tissues. Inflammation is characterized by heat, swelling and redness. It can indicate infection by any organism or physical trauma such as burning, bruising, or chemical damage. An anti-inflammatory is a drug that reduces inflammation. Inflammation is a good thing and is a necessary part of the body’s healing process. It brings immune products such as white blood cells and antibodies into the area as well as increasing blood flow to facilitate waste product removal. If it is excessive or when it occurs in certain areas, however, inflammation can be detrimental. For example, excess inflammation can depress the appetite at a time when a convalescing animal needs all of the nutrition it can get. Also the end product of inflammation resolution is often scar tissue. If

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Remember:It is vital to follow label directions exactly or involve your local veterinarian when utilizing antibiotics. Always use the correct dose and route of administration and complete the prescribed course of therapy, even if the animal improves before the course is completed.

animal holding and handling facilities, and to sterilize food, water, and grooming instruments. Some common commercially available disinfectants include tamed iodine (Welado®), quaternary ammonium compounds (Roccal ®), and chlorhexidine (Nolvasan®). A very serviceable disinfectant can be made at home by mixing 1 part liquid chlorine bleach with 10 parts water. Disinfectants are not substitutes for cleaning compounds. They cannot do their work in the presence of organic matter such as fecal material or bodily fluids. Always clean first with plenty of soap and water and then disinfect with an appropriate compound.

Routes of Administration for Veterinary Drugs There are several routes by which drugs are commonly administered to animals. The choice of which route depends on the type of animal, the

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this scar tissue formation occurs in the lungs or the intestinal tract future efficiency of oxygen transfer or nutrient absorption will be compromised. In these cases the use of an anti-inflammatory drug is helpful. Your local veterinarian should be contacted to help you decide if an anti-inflammatory is indicated and if so which one is best to use. It is important to realize that anti-inflammatory drugs do nothing to stop or control infection, and in fact, when used improperly, may make infections worse by depressing the body’s natural immune system. Most drugs in this class will require a prescription from your veterinarian unless they are dispensed by him or her. Disinfectants are drugs that have the ability to kill or neutralize organisms that are capable of causing disease out of or on the surface of the body. These drugs are commonly used to cleanse the skin before surgical procedures, to clean or sterilize veterinary equipment and instruments, to control organisms in

Insert Word Search:Vaccine, Booster, Antibiotics, Anthelmintics, Anti-inflammatory, Disinfectants.

certain drugs that are damaging to subcutaneous or muscular tissue. It is also more dangerous than the other injection techniques and can result in death due to shock or blood born infections. Intravenous injections are usually only given by veterinarians or trained technicians. Topical applications are used for drugs that have their action on the surface of the skin. These are often used for burns, scrapes, skin infections and infections of the feet such as foot rot, foot scald or thrush. Another form of topical application is pour-on administration. This involves drugs suspended in specific carrier chemicals that are designed to penetrate the skin and carry the drug internally. These preparations should only be used on the animals they are labeled for, as skin composition varies between species and action on one type of animal will be different from the action on another type. For additional information for routes of administration for veterinary drugs visit: Possible video link.

Animal Husbandry – Management for Healthy Animals In today’s world of readily available drugs it is easy to place too much reliance on the therapeutic approach to animal health. In fact, treatment with drugs is expensive and often does not adequately address the issues of animal suffering and loss of production. For centuries, however, good stockmen have worked to safeguard their animals’ health and well-being by utilizing good animal husbandry practices. These practices include nutrition, immune system enhancement, minimizing stress and good sanitation.

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drug administered, and, to some extent, the course of therapy. The simplest and least invasive route is orally. Drugs can be administered in a bolus or liquid form with specialized devices or sometimes simply mixed in the feed or water. Oral administration takes longer to achieve a therapeutic level throughout the body via absorption into the bloodstream and circulation than some other routes, but it is a good option where a sustained level of drugs is desirable or for drugs where the desired therapeutic action is in the digestive system. In recent years it has become common for some producers to administer drugs manufactured for other routes of administration, especially pour-on dewormers administered via oral route. Only administer drugs orally that are labeled for oral administration. There are several routes that use injections to place the drug into the tissues of the animal, where it is more rapidly picked up by the blood stream and distributed throughout the body. Injection routes include subcutaneous, sometimes called sub Q and abbreviated SQ, intramuscular, abbreviated IM, and intravenous, abbreviated IV. Subcutaneous means under the skin and it is the least invasive type of injection. The drug is placed directly below the skin and above the muscle. It is the most desirable for use in food animals because if a lesion develops at the injection site it is easily found and removed at harvest. The intramuscular injection places the drug within a muscle. When this route is used in food animals the injection should always be given in the muscles of the neck. Never give more than 10 cc at any one injection site. If larger injections are needed divide them into multiple locations in the neck area. Intravenous injections are sometimes necessary for

Nutrition is the most important factor to maximize the potential of each animal. The nutrition that you provide for your animal plays an enormous factor in the immune function of that animal. It can often tip the balance between a healthy animal and one that is susceptible to sickness or a disease. To reach optimal immune function it is best to supply nutrients at or above the animals’ nutritional requirements. As a steward to your animals, one responsibility is to understand your animals’ nutrient requirements and supplying those requirements with qualifying feedstuffs. Almost all animals raised today are raised in a confined environment, whether that be in a small pen or even in a large fenced pasture. Therefore, these animals are relying on their owners to provide the care and nutrition that is necessary to survive and produce. Your animals’ nutrition requirements depends on what species, breed, age, size, production level, and any external stress. The digestive system of an animal can help us understand the digestive capabilities and limitations of each animal. There are three different types of digestive systems in animals: monogastric, ruminant, and pseudo-ruminant.

Monogastric Monogastric animals (humans, pigs, dogs, monkeys, etc.) are animals with one stomach and the biggest majority of the nutrient break-down is done in the stomach.

Ruminant Ruminant animals (cattle, sheep, goats, camels, deer, llamas, etc.) have a four-compartment stomach. The four parts of the stomach are the rumen, reticulum,

Nutrition

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omasum, and abomasum. In the first two chambers, the rumen and the reticulum, the food is mixed with saliva and separates into layers of solid and liquid material. Solids clump together to form the cud or bolus, which is then regurgitated and mechanically broken down (chewed on) even further.

Pseudo-Ruminant Pseudo-Ruminant animals (horse, rabbit, hamster, guinea pig) only have one stomach but the nutrient break down is done in the “functional cecum.” This means that the animal does their fermentation of feeds in the cecum, which is in large intestine of the animal.

Test Your Animal Digestive System Knowledge: The digestive system of an animal can help us understand the digestive capabilities and limitations of each animal There are three different types of digestive systems in animals: (M) – Monogastric (R) – Ruminant (PR) - Pseudo-Ruminant

Identify the digestive system of the following animals by placing an M, R or PR next to the animal.

_____ Hamster _____ Goat _____ Cattle

_____ Dog _____ Sheep _____ Human being

_____ Horse _____ Pig _____ Rabbit

The feedstuffs that we provide for our animals must be palatable and nutritious. These feedstuffs can come from meat, animal products, grains, forages, or any other approved source of nutrition. There are specific nutrients that all animals require, no matter which digestion system they have: water, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals, and vitamins.

Water Water is often overlooked as a nutrient but its function within the body makes it the most essential nutrient to supply. A large proportion of every animal is made up of water, and anywhere from 60% to 70% of an animal’s body is water. A domestic animal can survive up to 60 days without food but can only survive about 7 days without water. Therefore, good clean water must be provided to every animal to maximize their immune system, digestion system, and performance.

Carbohydrates (Energy) Carbohydrates are the sugars, starches, and cellulose in feedstuffs. Carbohydrates provide the

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Remember:As a steward to your animals, one respon-

sibility is to understand your animals’ nutrient

requirements and supplying those

requirements with qualifying feedstuffs.

best source of energy for most animals. They are easily broken down and stored. Excess carbohydrates are stored as fat within the animal’s body.

Fats (Energy) Fat, or lipid, is a concentrated form of energy and without enough energy a young animal’s body cannot grow. Animals that are growing or reproducing require more energy than other animals. Fat tends to make feeds and some food more palatable to animals and people. It also supplies a source of essential fatty acids to aid in metabolic processes. Excess fat storage cushions vital organs, like the kidneys, and serves as insulation, especially just beneath the skin.

Protein Protein is a complex compound of amino acids. Protein is in all plant and animal cells. Plants make their own protein, whereas animals get their largest proportion of protein from either plants or meat. Protein consumed by an animal provides the nitrogen required for the body’s growth, tissue maintenance, reproduction, and lactation. When a young animal does not get enough protein, its growth will be limited and its energy intake will be decreased and malnutrition can result. Protein requirements change depending on the kind of animal and performance expected of it. Younger animals have a higher protein requirement than younger animals.

Minerals Minerals are the inorganic materials of plants and animals. Minerals make up for about two to five percent of an animal’s body. Minerals are in the bones, teeth, blood, and other body fluids of an animal. They are vital for growth, health, and reproduction. A deficiency of a mineral will result in a loss of production and can eventually lead to death. The most common minerals looked at in animal feeds are calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and sulfur because these minerals are the ones required in larger amounts.

Vitamins Vitamins are required for several functions within the body, but are only required in very small amounts. Most vitamin consumption comes from natural sources, such as forages, grains, fruit, meat, and sunlight. However additional vitamins may

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be required depending on the animal’s age, size, and production level. A deficiency in a vitamin will directly decrease an animal’s production and immune response. Most commercially made foods for domestic animals are formulated to provide the complete vitamin requirement of that animal. Knowledge of your animal’s nutrition requirements and supplying those requirements will help keep your animal happy, growing, producing, and healthy.

Read the below statements and place a T for True or F for False beside each statement.

1. _____ 60% to 70% of an animal’s body is water.

2. _____ Fats are the sugars, starches and cellulose in feedstuffs.

3. _____ A domestic animal can survive up to 60 days without food but can only survive about seven days without water.

4. _____ Protein is in all plant and animal cells.

5. _____ The most common OTC Over the Counter drugs looked at in animal feeds are calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium, magnesium and sulfur.

6. _____ A deficiency in a vitamin will directly decrease an animal’s production and immune response.

7. _____ Proper nutrition is not important to the immune systems.

8. _____ Animals that are allowed to recover from the stress of weaning for 45 days before being sold or shown are better able to withstand the stress associated with shipping and life changes.

Answers:1. T 2. F 3. T 4. T 5. F 6. T 7. F 8. T

Immune System

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The immune system is the body’s natural defense system against disease. It is made up primarily of white blood cells, specialized cells in other body tissues, and special proteins called immunoglobulins or antibodies. The immune system has the ability to recognize a challenge from invading organisms and assign immune cells or antibodies to fight the infection in various ways appropriate for that type of infection. Sometimes the immune system actually kills the invaders or interferes with their ability to multiply. In other cases the immune system neutralizes toxins produced by the organism, thus limiting the organism’s ability to cause damage to the tissues. When the body has recognized the challenge and responded, it is better prepared to meet future challenges by the same or similar organism. Individual animals respond to challenges with varying degrees of immune response. The stronger the individual’s ability to respond, the better able that animal is to fend off disease before it becomes a problem. Proper nutrition, as outlined above, is very important to the immune system. The body cannot manufacture the cells and antibodies it needs if it doesn’t have the appropriate nutritional building blocks, especially protein and trace minerals such as copper and zinc. Newborn domestic animals have no immunity and rely on transfer of the immune products from their mother through the first milk. They can only absorb these products for the first few hours of life so it is important for them to nurse as soon after birth as possible. Animals that have been recovering from other diseases may not be able to respond to new challenges due to the depletion of their immune cells and proteins. For this reason it is important to

allow animals to fully recover from infections or stress situations before challenging them with additional vaccines if we want a strong immunological response. In all animals stress from such things as weather, weaning, dietary changes, comingling with other animals, or shipping also suppresses the body’s ability to respond immunologically. It is important to allow animals to compensate for one stress before adding others whenever possible. For example, animals that are allowed to recover from the stress of weaning for 45 days before being sold or shown are better able to withstand the stress associated with shipping and life changes.

Sanitation Basic cleanliness is important to the health and well being of animals. When manure, wasted feed, contaminated water or other foreign materials are allowed to accumulate in animal living quarters or facilities it provides a breeding ground for infective organisms as well as internal and external parasites. Manure contains bacteria that cause diarrhea and eggs and larva of internal parasites. D e c o m p o s i n g hay and feed is a perfect hatching environment for stable flies that in turn can carry other diseases. Contaminated water in ponds or drinking troughs can carry leptospirosis, salmonella, coccidia, and other diseases. Sick animals and new arrivals should be quarantined away from healthy animals until they have recovered or their health status is determined. Always tend to sick animals after healthy animals are cared for and change clothes and boots before re-entering the areas occupied by healthy animals in order to prevent spreading infections throughout the

population. Control insects as many of these can be vectors or carriers for animal diseases.

Zoonotic Diseases Any disease that can be transferred from vertebrate animals to humans, or vice-versa, is classified as a zoonotic disease or zoonosis. These diseases can involve a wide variety of host animals and can be caused by all types of agents. More than 200 zoonotic diseases worldwide have been described and many of these have been known for centuries. Some are found only in other parts of the world. Some were present in the US at one time but through the efforts of various state and federal agencies are not found in this country now. Some are in the process of elimination and are rare. Many more are endemic and are so commonly found in the animal and human populations that they are probably here to stay. Many bacteria can cause food borne illness and digestive upsets when transferred from animals to man. These include Salmonella and E. coli, and anthrax. Others are transmitted in other ways and can

cause severe systemic illness, including leptospirosis, Q fever, and tularemia. Viruses cause diseases such as rabies, soremouth, West Nile, and avian influenza which can be transmitted to people. Several fungus infections commonly grouped as “ringworm” are readily transferred to people from their animals. Some of these problems are readily transmitted to animal handlers by direct contact with their animals. Others are ingested by people when they fail to observe proper sanitation procedures between handling animals and preparing or consuming food. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling animals. After treating sick or convalescent animals change clothing and footwear. Avoid contact with animals who exhibit abnormal behavior or lesions. Aborted fetus and birth fluid can contain organisms that cause severe health problems in people so if it is necessary to handle these tissues wear plastic gloves and dispose of both the gloves and the tissues properly. If in doubt about the disease status of an animal, involve your local veterinarian for a diagnosis and recommendations on safe handling procedures.

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1. Why is it important to control the spread of disease?

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__________________________________________2. What can you do to reduce your chances of

getting diseases?

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3. How can you teach others about disease prevention?

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Careers in Veterinary Science Most people think of the veterinary practitioner when they consider careers in veterinary medicine, because that is the position that has the most public exposure. All veterinary students receive education for all of the domestic species, but after graduation veterinarians can specialize into the fields of pet medicine, food-animal medicine, equine medicine,

exotic animal medicine, or choose to engage in general practice where they see, diagnose, and treat all species. This can be a rewarding career choice for veterinarians who enjoy working with people. The career objective for most practitioners is to help people through working with their animals. Veterinarians also enjoy careers in medical research where their extensive medical background prepares them for both animal and human areas of discovery. Other veterinarians are engaged in government regulatory roles with state and federal departments of agriculture and human health. Almost all health departments utilize the education and training of veterinarians in mapping the forecast spread of disease and minimizing risks to the human population. Other veterinarians pursue academic careers as educators or address a dual role in education and research. The USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) employs veterinarians to safeguard the wholesomeness of our meat and food supply. All meat inspectors work under the supervision of licensed veterinarians to eliminate foodborne germs and residue contaminants from all meat products consumed in this country. The U.S. military utilizes graduate veterinarians as officers in many capacities. Military veterinarians may find themselves serving as food and meat inspectors, overseeing laboratories, or caring for drug-or explosive-sniffing dogs, as well as many other functions. A degree in veterinary medicine can lead to a rewarding career, but it is not for everyone who is interested in a career in the veterinary science field. Oklahoma has several educational programs around the state that offer training and degrees as a veterinary technician. The Oklahoma Board of Veterinary Examiners is responsible for testing and licensing both veterinarians and veterinary technicians. The Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act defines by law what procedures can be performed by licensed veterinary technicians, under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Other veterinary clinic employees without formal training are characterized as veterinary assistants. These individuals usually work directly with a licensed veterinarian to assist in the performance of his/her surgical and medical procedures. No matter what your comfort level of education and responsibility may be, there is a career in veterinary science that fits.

Remember:Always wash your hands

thoroughly with soap and water after handling

animals.

Do Your Homework and explore career options in Veterinary Science

Veterinarian Veterinary Assistant

Degree required _________________________________________________________

Number of years of education _________________________________________________________

Cost of education _________________________________________________________

Average salary _________________________________________________________

Working conditions _________________________________________________________

Work schedule _________________________________________________________

Job market _________________________________________________________

Interest in specializing _________________________________________________________

Vet Practice location _________________________________________________________

Why do you want to be in Veterinary Sciences?

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Glossary

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Term Definitionabomasum—One of the four chambers of the

stomach on ruminant animalsamino acid—A building block making up long chain

molecules that we know as proteins.anemia—A below normal number of red blood cells,

resulting in decreased oxygen carrying capacity. anemic—A descriptive term for an animal exhibiting

anemia.animal husbandry—Proper care and management

practices for the well-being of animals. anthelmintic—A drug that kills, or controls, internal

parasitesanthrax—A rare, but serious disease that occurs in

animals in Oklahoma occasionally under certain conditions. Anthrax can be passed from animals to humans.

antibiotic—A drug used to fight bacterial infections. avian influenza—A virus disease of birds that can be

passed to humans.bacteria-cydal—A drug that kills bacteria.bacterial pneumonia—Severe inflammation of the

lungs caused by a bacterial infection. bacteria-static—A drug that prevents, or slows, the

replication of bacteriabirth fluid—The fluids that surround the unborn.

These fluids are spilled into the environment when birth occurs.

bloat —Distention of the rumen by gas or froth. bolus—A drug that is given orally in a concentrated

dose.

booster—A second, or annual, vaccination given to boost the immunity created by the original vaccination.

Bovine Respiratory Disease—A disease of cattle caused by a combination infection with both a virus and bacteria. Commonly called shipping fever.

breeding ground—An environment that encourages the spread of infective organisms as well as internal and external parasites.

calcium—One of the major minerals required in the diet of all animals.

carbohydrate—A nutrient, usually starch or sugar, that supplies most of the energy in the diet.

cellulose—A product found in the cell wall of plant material. It can be utilized by ruminants and pseudo-ruminants but not by single stomach animals.

coccidia—A group of one-celled internal parasites that affect animals.

colic—Severe digestive system upset evidenced by extreme pain and shock.

comingling—Mixing animals with other animals of the same type but from different farms or social systems.

contamination—Unwanted mixing of undesirable products with desirable products.

convalescent—The time spent recovering from serious disease, required for the body systems to return to normal function.

decomposing—The process of breaking-down or rotting.

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deficiency—The shortage of a given nutrient when compared to the requirement for that animal.

dehydration—Condition resulting from below normal amounts of water in the body tissues.

dewormer—A drug that kills or removes internal parasites from an animal’s body.

diagnosis—The process of identifying a disease and determining its cause.

digestive tract—The part of an animal’s anatomy that processes food so that it can be used by the animal.

disinfectant—A drug that has the ability to kill or neutralize organisms that are capable of causing disease out of, or on the surface of, the body

domestic animal—Any animal that is bred to serve as a food source or as a companion to man.

E. coli—A common environmental bacteria. Some strains can cause serious illness in both animals and people when ingested.

endemic—Widespread and common in a given population and a given area.

endotoxin—A chemical substance produced by some bacteria. It can enter the bloodstream and cause an animal to go into shock.

essential fatty acid—A breakdown product of carbohydrate fermentation that serves as a primary energy source in ruminants.

fecal—Related to animal digestive waste products. feedstuff—Materials that are commonly used to

supply nutrients in the formulation of rations. fermentation — The mechanism where beneficial

bacteria break down plant materials for use as an energy source in ruminants.

fetus—An unborn animal.food borne—A disease that is transmitted by the

disease-causing organism being present in food and ingested.

forage—Vegetative plant material used as a foodstuff. This would include hay or growing pasture plants.

functional cecum—A highly developed organ in pseudo-ruminants that serves as a location for fermentation of plant materials.

fungus—An organism that is commonly found in nature. While most varieties cause no problem a few can result in infections in domestic animals.

genetic material —The material found within cells that serves as the unit for inheritance and directs the cellular activities of the tissues.

immune response—The response when an animal’s system is challenged by invading organisms / infection.

immune system—A collection of organs, cells, and proteins that work together to allow the body to mount an immune response to infections.

immunoglobulin—A complex protein that works within the immune system to attack or cancel out infective organisms.

immunological—Related to the immune systeminfective organism—An organism causing

infection.inflammation—The body’s response to anything

that damages body tissues. Inflammation is characterized by heat, swelling and redness.

injection—Use of a syringe to force a liquid into an animal’s body. Types of injection include subcutaneous, intramuscular or intravenous.

intestine—A part of the digestive system, between the stomach and the rectum, which is involved with digestion and absorption of food.

intramuscular —A type of injection where the drug is placed within a muscle.

intravenous—A type of injection typically given by a veterinarian or veterinary technician where the drug is placed into a vein.

Johnson grass—A variety of grass, common in Oklahoma, often found in fields and road ditches.

laboratory—A place where scientific research or testing is carried out.

lactation—The stage of production where the female is producing milk to feed her young.

lameness—An abnormal movement usually associated with disease or damage to the feet or legs.

leptospirosis—A common animal disease that can readily be passed from animals to people.

lesion—The physical manifestation of a disease or damage. An area of ringworm infection or a serious scrape would both be considered skin lesions.

lipids—Molecules that make up fats.magnesium—A mineral required in the diet for

animal health.

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malnutrition—A condition where an animal has suffered from poor diet to the extent that bodily functions are damaged.

metabolic process—The process where animals turn nutrients into energy to do work at the cellular level.

mineral—A group of nutrients that are inorganic or never-have-lived products.

monogastric—Describes an animal with one stomach, where majority of nutrient break down is done in the stomach.

mucous membranes—The membranes covering the areas of the body exposed to the environment but not covered by skin, such as inside of the mouth or eyelids.

neutralize—To make something ineffective, especially by removing its ability to act as a threat or obstacle.

nitrogen—One of the chemical elements, it is a necessary part of a protein.

nutrient—A group of related compounds that must be supplied in the diet and have a common action and purpose.

nutrition—The study of which nutrients are required by the body and how they work to supply the body’s needs.

off label usage—Using any drug in any manner not allowed by the label of the drug.

omasum—One of the four chambers of the stomach on ruminant animals

organism—Any living entity. over the counter (OTC) —Type of drug available

without a prescriptionpalatable—The quality of being acceptable as a

feedstuff, usually based on smell, taste, and texture. parasite—Any organism that lives off of another

organism. pathogen—A living organism that has the capacity to

cause disease.phosphorus—A mineral required in the diet of

animals. physiological —Relating to the way that living things

function.potassium—A mineral required in the diet for animal

health.pour-on—One method of drug administration,

typically used with liquid dewormer.pseudo-ruminant—An animal with one stomach,

but where the nutrient breakdown is done in the “functional cecum.”

Q fever—A very serious disease that affects both livestock and pets and can be passed to humans.

quarantine—To hold separate for observation. rabies—A deadly disease carried by wild or domestic

animals that can be passed to humans. regulatory—Related to the enforcement of laws or

rules.regurgitate—The action where a ruminant can bring

ingested material back up for further chewing. residue—An amount of chemical left behind as a

contaminant. resistant—Able to overcome. Example: bacteria

resistant to an antibiotic can overcome the action of the antibiotic and multiply.

respiration—The act of breathing. reticulum—One of the four chambers of the stomach

on ruminant animals, where food is mixed with saliva and separated into layers of solid and liquid material

ringworm—A grouping of fungus infections that are readily transferred to people from animals.

roundworm—A group of internal parasites that live in the digestive system.

rumen—One of the four chambers of the stomach on ruminant animals, where food is mixed with saliva and separated into layers of solid and liquid material

ruminant—An animal with a four-compartment stomach.

saliva—Digestive secretions from the mouth that serve to lubricate the passage of foods and start the digestive process.

salmonella—Common bacteria that can cause severe digestive upsets and is commonly passed from animals to humans.

sanitation—The practice of basic cleanliness.shock—A condition where the circulatory or blood

carrying system collapses and loses efficiency. sodium—A mineral required in the diet of animals. soremouth—A disease of sheep and goats that can be

passed to humans. spinal cord—The nerve tissue that passes through the

backbone and supplies nerves to most of the body. starch—A carbohydrate that can be readily digested

by all animals, regardless of the type of digestive system they have.

stethoscope—An instrument designed to listen to the internal sounds of an animal.

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subcutaneous—Type of injection where the drug in placed under the skin.

sudan sorghum cross—A hybrid grass that is commonly associated with nitrate toxicity.

sulfur—A mineral required in the diet that can also be toxic if present in too high quantities.

susceptible—Likely to be affected by something, such as sickness or disease.

systemic illness — Illness that affects the entire system, such as leptospirosis, Q fever and tularemia.

tapeworm—A common internal parasite of animals.technician—A highly-trained professional who works

under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.thermometer—A device for registering the body

temperature of animals. topical—On the surface of the skin. Some drugs may

call for topical application.toxin—A chemical that does injury to body

tissues. It can be released by a disease-causing organism or present in the environment or diet.

trace minerals —Minerals that are very necessary in the diet, but required in very small quantities.

trauma—Physical damage, such as burning or bruising.

tularemia—A disease transmitted from animals, usually rabbits, to humans.

vaccine—A product which causes the animal’s immune system to develop an immune response to a particular disease causing organism.

vertebrate animal—Any animal that has a spine or backbone.

virus—A very small living particle consisting of a piece of genetic material that can enter and destroy cells within an animal.

vital organs—Body organs that are necessary for an animal to sustain life.

West Nile—A disease that can be passed from birds to domestic animals or humans.

zoonosis—A disease that can be transferred between vertebrate animals and humans.

Suggested Activities for 4H Members Working on the Veterinary Science

Curriculum

• Complete Youth Beef Quality Assurance Certification.

• Visit and interview a local veterinary practitioner. Write a report or give a verbal presentation about your visit.

• Visit an open house at OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences and write a report or give a verbal presentation about your visit.

• Know the normal physiological values and some common diseases of your animals and write a report or give a verbal presentation.

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• Visit an approved veterinary technician training program and write a report or give a verbal presentation about your visit.

• Contact the Animal Industry Division, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry to arrange for a visit with a regulatory veterinarian in your area. Write a report or give a verbal presentation.

Notes

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