Institute of Arctic Biology
Veterinary Services

VETERINARY PREVENTIVE MEDICINE PROGRAM

CARIBOU/REINDEER

GENERAL

All animals are visualized daily and evaluated for abnormal behavior by an experienced animal caretaker. Any abnormalities are noted in the daily log book and in the individual animal's health record. The attending veterinarian is immediately notified of any abnormality.

VETERINARY VISITS

Minimum of one visit per month to check animal management records including weight records, inspect facility and animals. These will be separate from emergency visits or other (i.e. IACUC or USDA Inspections).

DIETS (experimental diets may vary)

• pasture
• commercial pelleted ration (QTX) 1 ton/animal/year (see special considerations below)
• hay is not fed unless chopped (see special considerations below)
• diets available in Large Animal Research Records

HOUSING

• pasture or paddock depending on project needs

HANDLING

• regular handling protocols vary

HOOF TRIMMING

• done on an as-needed basis

VACCINATION

Vaccination notes

1. 7-way clostridial vaccines: Products may vary from year to year. Boosters are usually needed for first time vaccinates -- always check labeling.
2. Tetanus toxoid: Products may vary from year to year. Boosters are usually needed for first time vaccinates -- always check labeling.

Trade names may vary depending upon availability. At present, other vaccines commonly administered to domestic livestock are not considered necessary unless potential contact with domestic animals is expected.

WORMING PROGRAM

HEMATOLOGY AND SERUM CHEMISTRY

• inadequate "normal" values -- we use a continuous record of individual animal blood results for evaluating changes from the norm. A graduate student is using our records for the past 5 years to establish a normal range for reindeer.
• RECOMMEND each animal should have 1 CBC and serum chemistry profile run annually (spring). Other profiles run as needed.

RETICULUM MAGNETS

• Administered to all individuals in the fall of their first year.

DRUG DOSES

• General: Most cattle or sheep doses are used for worming medications, antibiotics, etc.
• Immobilization: Ketamine (5-10mg/kg) - Xylazine (0.25-0.5mg/kg) combinations are most useful and economical. Dose varies considerably depending upon the animals temperament and stage of excitement. Calm, tractable animals respond well to low doses of xylazine. We reverse xylazine using tolazoline although yohimbine can be used. WARNING: RUTTING BULLS ARE EXTREMELY SENSITIVE TO XYLAZINE AND MAY BE UNABLE TO CLEAR CYCLOHEXAMINES. USE OF THESE DRUGS ON RUTTING BULLS MAY BE FATAL.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

1. Susceptible to necrobacillosis (oral, foot, and internal abscesses). Isolate animals with draining abscesses. Control of fox-tail can help reduce the incidence.
2. Chronic weight loss/muscle wasting often indicates an internal abscess problem -- haptoglobin measurement is useful for prognosis.
3. Rutting bulls are extremely sensitive to xylazine and may be unable to clear cyclohexamines. Use of these drugs on rutting bulls may be fatal.
4. Do not feed long stem hays. This predisposes animals to impactions. If hay is to be part of the diet it must be chopped.
5. Feed intake varies seasonally. Adults usually consume 1kg/day in the winter and up to 4kg/day in the summer. Adequate amounts of feed must be offered in the summer to ensure adequate body condition going into the fall. Feed intake may drop in half during rut and bulls may not eat at all. Calves from 2 months of age through 5 months of age usually eat up to 1.5kg/day.

John E. Blake D.V.M. M.V.Sc.
Attending Veterinarian
Date October 26, 1995