Physical Examination in Veterinary Medicine

These flashcards cover key concepts related to conducting a thorough physical examination in veterinary medicine, including vital signs, auscultation techniques, and specific conditions observed during the examination.

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.