As a general rule, whenever an animal falls ill or has an accident, you should consider whether to consult a vet.
In the case of minor health problems, particularly those likely to resolve themselves, simple treatment measures (e.g. applying a bandage, disinfecting wounds, physical therapy such as applying heat or cold, etc.) may be carried out alongside careful observation. However, if the animal’s general condition does not improve, it should be taken to a vet.
Serious health problems always require veterinary assessment and, where necessary, treatment, if only for animal welfare reasons.
It is important to correctly assess the animal’s overall condition (see examination procedure) and to adhere to the principle of always seeking the help of a vet in case of doubt. The table below lists some examples for classifying the severity of an illness.
| Mild | Significant |
| Mild lameness (animal slightly favouring the limb) | Significant lameness (limb is clearly being spared) |
| Small, superficial wounds without fever | Extensive or deep wounds, wounds accompanied by fever, non-healing or festering wounds |
| Mild cough or diarrhoea without fever | Severe cough or diarrhoea, fever |
| Mild umbilical hernia with normal general condition | Mild umbilical hernia with impaired general condition |
| Mild swelling without fever | Significant swelling with or without fever |
| Detached hoof with appropriate wound care and no complications | Horn breakage and horn injuries with complications |
| Mild changes in behaviour and posture | Apathy or markedly unusual posture |
| Mild, temporary prolapse of mucous membranes or organs (vaginal prolapse, umbilical hernia) without injury/inflammation and without complications | Persistent or acute organ prolapse with complications |
| Bone fracture | |
| Immobility, hind limb paralysis | |
| Complications arising from minor disorders, failure to heal |
<figcaption>Table 1: Examples of mild or significant health problems include: (from the Laboratory of the Original Cantons. The Cantonal Veterinary Officer (2020): Dealing with sick and injured farm animals)</figcaption>
Once a sick or injured animal has been identified within the herd, its condition assessed and a vet consulted, a prognosis must always be made. This prognosis helps determine not only whether treatment measures need to be initiated, but also whether treatment is worthwhile – that is, whether there is a reasonable chance of recovery. Treatment can take place within the herd, in a recovery pen or at a veterinary clinic. It is possible to transport sick animals to a clinic in a gentle manner.
If the likelihood is low that treatment will lead to rapid improvement and recovery, a decision must be made as to whether the animal is fit for transport and whether its meat is fit for human consumption. As shown in the diagram below, the options are then emergency euthanasia, emergency/on-farm slaughter, or transport and slaughter at a slaughterhouse.
