Veterinary medical Practices: Clinical Examinations

What should be the normal color of an animal’s gums and mucous membranes?

Pink

What could be the cause for swollen lymph nodes on an animal?

Infection or systemic disease

Where are fleas and ticks most commonly found on a small animal?

Rump and Neck

During a small animal examination, how does the veterinarian feel for enlargement of the internal organs and/or masses and fluid within the animal?

Palpating the Belly

When performing a physical exam on a horse, how does the veterinarian check for dehydration?

Making a skin tent 

Where is the temperature taken in cattle?

Rectally

What is the average respiration rate, in breaths per minute, for cattle?

10-30 Breaths per minute 

What is the most common anatomical order when performing a physical exam on any type of animal?

Head to Tail

Where are the popliteal lymph nodes located?

Behind the hind legs

What is the most common reason for tartar on a small animal’s teeth?

Age 

Listening for gut motility and function is extremely important when examining a horse. How many quadrants must the veterinarian listen to in order to examine both high and low portions of the gut?

Four

Where is the femoral pulse located?

Inside the hind legs

The capillary refill time on a healthy animal should be which of the following?

Two seconds or less 

Where are the submandibular lymph nodes located?

Beneath the Jaw