Physical exam

• Prior to admitting an animal  to the show grounds, a physical examination should be performed on each animal.
• Place a fresh pair of disposable gloves on in front of the participant.  
• If possible observe the animal in the trailer while it is calm, look at how the animal is breathing, standing, and if it seems alert.  
• Have the participant gain control of the animal and remove any clothing that the animal maybe wearing.  
• Start at the shoulder of the animal to introduce yourself to the animal in a ‘safe zone’.
• Start your physical examination on the head; look at eyes, ears, nose, and inside the mouth looking for lesions, lumps, swelling, discharge and abnormalities.  
• Using your hands run down the neck and across the body of the animal, checking the lymph nodes and for any lumps, raised areas, and abscesses.
• Around the shoulder part the hair (fiber, wool, feathers) looking for parasites (lice, sheep keds) and fungus (ringworm). 
• If possible run hands down the legs and feet checking for heat, swelling, lesions and abnormalities. 
• Check  for diarrhea and the genitalia for any a discharge, lumps, and abnormalities. 
• If you see anything that concerns you, consult the veterinarian in charge.  
• Remove gloves and or wash hands before moving onto another participants animals.