Reindeer Veterinary Care for Small Ruminant Practitioners

There are hundreds of small reindeer operations scattered across the continental United States. These facilities house small groups of reindeer, typically between 2 and 30 animals. Small ruminant practitioners often are called on to help diagnose and treat a variety of conditions in these reindeer herds. This article discusses the restraint, anesthesia, reproductive management, common diseases, and problems that a veterinarian may encounter when providing care for Rangifer species.