The Diagnosis Table 3 Systems of the Body
3.5 THE DIAGNOSIS
Which System & What Disease?
Which system of the body? Information from the history, observations, and examination must be used to decide what body system is affected. The following table might help.
Table 3: Systems of the Body
| Body System | Organs within the System | System Function |
|---|---|---|
| Reproductive System | Female: ovaries, oviducts, uterus, vagina, mammary gland | Reproduce offspring and provide milk for the young offspring. |
| Male: testes, vas deferens, glands, penis | ||
| Digestive System | Mouth (teeth, tongue, gums), throat, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas | Obtains, chews and digests food. |
| Respiratory System | Nose, larynx, epiglottis, trachea, lungs, bronchi | Allows air to move in and out of the body; takes oxygen from the air; filters and warms air; cools the body. |
| Muscular System | Muscles, tendons | Enables movement of the body and organs. |
| The Skin | Skin, sweat glands, hair, nails and hooves | Protects the body and regulates body temperature. |
| Skeletal System | Bones, cartilage | Cartilage protects joints; bones support and protect the body. |
| Urinary System | Kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra | Cleans the blood (makes urine); removes waste; balances water and salts. |
| Nervous System | Brain, spinal cord, nerves | Responsible for sensing, moving, coordination of the body and thinking. |
| Circulatory System | Heart, blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries) | Supplies and regulates blood flow to all parts of the body. |
| Blood & Lymphatic System | Blood cells (red, white, platelet), plasma, lymph vessels and nodes, spleen | Carries oxygen and nutrients; removes wastes; contains cells and proteins that fight infection. |
| Endocrine System | Hormones and all glands in the body which make hormones (pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas and reproductive glands) | Hormones act as chemical messengers which travel in the blood and regulate most functions of the body. |
| Special Systems | Eyes, ears, nose, tongue | Detect stimuli to allow interaction with the environment outside the body. |
What disease?
After deciding which body system is affected, the next step is to determine what disease the animal has. But how?
| 1. First, know the most common diseases in your area. Discuss with other experienced Animal Health Agents, visit slaughter houses, observe or perform autopsies whenever possible, attend meetings where AHAs, extension agents and veterinarians gather to discuss technical issues. | |
|---|---|
| 1. Learn from local people and AHAs more experienced than you. Learn from local farmers about the diseases of their animals and how they treat and prevent them. Working and discussing technical issues with a competent and experienced AHA is often an effective way to learn how to diagnose and treat the most common problems in your area. | |
| 1. Study and have an open mind to new ideas. Use this book and any other available books to learn more. Keep an open mind about new treatments and techniques. This book is organized by body systems. Once you identify the body system affected, turn to the chapter on that body system and learn about the most common diseases affecting that system. |
What if I am unable to diagnose or treat a problem??
Do not panic or get discouraged!! Even the best AHAs are sometimes unable to diagnosis or treat a problem! Diagnosis is especially difficult when an AHA is working alone in a remote area.
If unable to make a diagnosis, all information (history, observations, examination) should be recorded and sent to the nearest veterinary officer, or to a veterinarian in the Ministry of Agriculture. This specialist may then help you diagnose the problem. Even if the animal dies, a diagnosis will be important for other animals in the future with the same problem. The veterinary specialist will be more likely to help AHAs who provide good information. Sometimes, a diagnosis may require specimens from the sick or dead animal. If this is the case, be sure to ask exactly what and how specimens should be taken and preserved.
Sending For Help Include the following information when sending a report to a district or regional veterinary / animal health officer, or to a veterinarian in the Ministry of Agriculture.
| Information from the History | Include the proper information in your requests for help. |
|---|---|
| Species, sex and age of animal. | |
| When the problem began. | |
| How the problem began; how it progressed. | |
| Whether it is getting better or worse. | |
| Whether there are other animals in the area with similar symptoms. | |
| Information from Observation and Examination | |
| Important findings after examining the animal and the environment, including the animal's temperature and any observed abnormalities. | |
| A list of possible diseases based on the history and examination findings. (This list is called a "differential diagnosis.”) | |
| Presumed diagnosis based on findings. | |
| Information Regarding Treatment | |
| How the animal was treated, including the name and dose of medicine given, method of administration, and length of treatment. | |
| How the animal responded after treatment. |