Recognise important signs, improve the information you give your veterinarian and understand when delay is dangerous.
Separate the animal where appropriate, check water access, temperature, droppings, mouth, breathing and recent feed changes. Sudden complete appetite loss—especially with weakness, bloat, fever or pregnancy—needs prompt professional assessment.
Reduce dust and heat stress, improve ventilation without chilling, isolate from the group and contact a veterinarian. Open-mouth breathing, neck extension or blue colour is an emergency.
Provide clean water, isolate when infectious disease is possible, preserve a fresh sample, and record feed and medication changes. Young animals dehydrate quickly and require early care.
Move the animal calmly to a clean safe area. Apply gentle pressure to active bleeding with clean material. Do not give human pain medicines unless specifically directed by a veterinarian.
Stop animal movement, separate sick animals, restrict visitors and equipment sharing, record deaths and symptoms, and contact veterinary or animal-health authorities promptly.