Canine PE review

What initial assessments are made from a distance during a physical exam?

Respiratory rate and effort, body condition score, coat condition, behavior, and gait.

What should be the first technique used upon starting a physical exam?

Gently petting the animal to assess body condition score, muscle condition, and coat condition.

What tool is recommended for auscultation in cats and small dogs?

A pediatric stethoscope, as it provides better sound quality.

Where is the best location to hear the heartbeat during auscultation?

Caudal and ventral to the left elbow, specifically in the left axilla.

What are heart sounds S1 and S2 associated with?

S1 corresponds to the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves, while S2 corresponds to the closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves.

What does a gallop sound indicate during auscultation?

Auscultation of S3 or S4 heart sounds in diastole, often indicating conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

What causes heart murmurs?

Turbulent or high-velocity blood flow through a cardiac valve or major blood vessel.

What is myxomatous mitral valve disease?

The most common cause of a heart murmur in dogs, associated with degenerative changes in the left heart valve.

What does a muffled heart sound indicate?

Possible pericardial effusion, more likely than pleural effusion.

What indicates hypotension in pulse palpation?

Inability to palpate a distal metatarsal pulse, suggesting a systolic blood pressure of less than 90 mmHg.

What is the normal capillary refill time?

Less than two seconds.

What does a blue or purple mucous membrane indicate?

Cyanosis, indicating severe hypoxemia.

What factors can affect respiratory rate assessment?

Stress in patients, which can markedly increase respiratory rates.

What should be noted during lung auscultation in cats?

Lung sounds may be quiet or not heard at all due to smaller airway size.

What is the significance of harsh lung sounds?

They indicate inflammation or constriction of the airways.

What does crackles during lung auscultation suggest?

Fluid in the small airways and alveoli, often due to conditions like pulmonary edema or pneumonia.

How can you evaluate an animal's vision?

Using a menace response test or an obstacle course.

What does an absent pupillary light reflex (PLR) indicate?

It could be due to severe stress rather than vision impairment.

What do you assess in the oral cavity during a physical exam?

Dentition, gingiva condition, and the presence of foreign bodies or tumors.

When performing a rectal exam, what is critical to remember?

It should be done last, and is essential for all canine patients.

What is the primary objective of a physical exam in veterinary medicine?

To gather objective data about the animal's health.

What does 'BAR' stand for in a physical exam context?

Bright, Alert, and Responsive.

What is the normal temperature range for dogs?

99 F to 102.5 F.

What are the components included in the TPR?

Temperature, Pulse, Respiratory Rate.

Name one key aspect to consider when performing a physical exam.

Use a systematic approach.

How should you approach the examination of a patient?

Start when you first see the patient and consider their attitude and behavior.

What is meant by the term 'obtunded' in a veterinary context?

A patient that shows a slow response to stimuli.

What does 'QAR' stand for?

Quiet, Alert, and Responsive.

What are the general systems assessed during a physical exam?

General, Nervous, Eyes/Ears/Nose/Throat, Oral Cavity, Lymph nodes, Musculoskeletal, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Abdomen, Gastrointestinal, Urogenital/Reproductive, Integument.

What is one method to assess cranial nerves during a physical exam?

Using an alcohol swab to check the Olfactory nerve.

What does 'CRT' stand for and what is its significance?

Capillary Refill Time; it should be less than 2 seconds.

What should you look for when checking the eyes during a physical exam?

Symmetry, position, discharge.

What are signs of pain indicated in a canine physical exam?

Behavior changes like reluctance to move or touch.

What is the typical heart rate range for dogs?

60 to 150 beats per minute, depending on size and other factors.

What should be assessed in the abdominal area during a physical exam?

Symmetry, displacement, deformity, distention, and auscultation.

Why is it important to ask for permission before starting an examination?

To show respect and reduce the animal's anxiety.

What is palpation and why is it important?

A technique used to assess various body structures based on touch.

Describe the assessment for the respiratory rate in dogs.

Normal range is 18-40 breaths per minute, assess airflow and rhythm.

How do you assess the lymph nodes on a canine?

Checking for size, symmetry, and firmness.

What is the purpose of evaluating the musculoskeletal system?

To check for symmetry, range of motion, and abnormalities.

What are the components of the thorax examination?

Heart rate, rhythm, pulse quality, and auscultation of lungs.

How is 'pain' typically scaled in a physical exam?

On a scale of 1 to 4.

What symptoms indicate a dog is in a comatose state?

No reaction to stimuli.

What should be checked in the integumentary system during a physical exam?

Hydration status, external parasites, and skin condition.

What structures should be checked in the mouth?

Lips, mucous membranes, teeth, and gums.

What is the purpose of grabbing specific equipment for a physical exam?

To ensure a thorough and organized examination.

Why is communication with a technician important during a physical exam?

To coordinate care and ensure all aspects of the exam are covered.

Which part of the physical exam should include auscultating the heart?

The thorax examination.

What assessment is applied to evaluate the dog's mental status?

Mentation.

What do you check when assessing the ears?

Symmetry, position, and any signs of discharge.

What is the primary purpose of a physical exam in veterinary medicine?

To objectively assess the health status of a canine patient without personal biases.

What does TPR stand for in a physical exam?

Temperature, Pulse, and Respiratory rate.

During a physical examination, what does BAR stand for?

Bright, Alert, and Responsive.

What are the normal temperature parameters for a dog?

99°F to 102.5°F.

What is the significance of performing a digital exam on male dogs over 3 years of age?

To check for any abnormalities or issues in the gastrointestinal and reproductive systems.

Which cranial nerves are assessed during a neurological examination?

I (Olfactory), II (Optic), III (Oculomotor), IV (Trochlear), V (Trigeminal), VI (Abducent), VII (Facial), VIII (Vestibular), IX (Glossopharyngeal), X (Vagus), XI (Accessory), XII (Hypoglossal).

What are common normal pulse ranges for dogs?

60 to 150 beats per minute, varying based on size, age, and temperament.

What should you observe about a dog's behavior during the examination?

Attitude, behavior, gait, posture, and interaction with the environment.

What is an important consideration when performing a physical examination on a dog?

Using proper restraint when necessary and maintaining a systematic approach.

What elements are included in the assessment of the head and neck during a physical exam?

Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat structures.