Feline and Canine Physical Exams

How should one start their exam?

- From a distance (examine walking, mentation, sitting posture, breathing, etc.)

Remember to _______________ with the animal before abruptly starting the exam.

- Socialize

With physical exams, it is key to be ________________ and _____________. One should develop a ___________ method and use it every time. One should _______________ their steps and findings.

- Consistent

- Thorough

- Consistent

- Verbalize

One should avoid the temptation to focus on what?

- The most obvious complaint

What are some things one can evaluate when considering the general appearance of the animal?

1) Symmetry

2) Mentation

3) Posture/Gait

4) Hydration

In regards to mentation, define these terms:

- Obtunded =

- Stuporous =

- Comatose =

- Obtunded = Depressed/dull = less responsive to stimuli

- Stuporous = Only responsive to noxious stimuli

- Comatose = No response to stimuli

How can one evaluate the hydration status of an animals?

- Evaluate the delay in the return of the skin to the normal position after tenting, the mucous membranes, etc.

What are the two scales which can be used for BCS?

- 5 point

- 9 point

In a dog with a BCS of 5, the ribs are ___________ without excess __________. The waist is _________ when viewed from above. The abdomen is ___________ when viewed from the side.

- Palpable

- Fat

- Observed

- Tucked

What is the normal temperature of a dog?

- 99.5-102.5

What is the normal heart rate of a dog? It varies based on ___________.

- 70 - 120 BPM

- Size

What is the normal respiratory rate of a dog? It varies based on ___________.

- 18 to 34

- Size

In regards to vitals, what are the two perfusion indicators?

1) Mucous membrane color

2) Capillary refill time (CRT)

When assessing the canine head and neck, what four things should one evaluate?

1) Compare both sides of the face and head for symmetry

2) Assess eyes for size, position, and discharge

3) Evaluate nose and nares for symmetry and discharge

4) Examine oral cavity

When assessing the canine head and neck, what three things should one palpate?

1) Palpate the submandibular lymph nodes

2) Palpate the salivary glands

3) Palpate the trachea - not if any coughing

In regards to the trunk and limbs, on a canine physical exam what two things should one palpate?

1) Palpate each limb and joint

2) Palpate peripheral lymph nodes

In regards to the trunk and limbs, on a canine physical exam what two things should one evaluate?

1) Evaluate muscle mass and tone

2) Examine skin and haircoat for alopecia, masses, parasites, dryness, excessive oil, matting, etc.

When ausculating the thorax, one should try to determine the point of what?

- Point of maximal intensity

Explain the two parts of the "lub dub".

- S1 = Closure of AV valves

- S2 = Closure of semilunar valves

Where should perform cardiac auscultation?

- Both sides of the chest in multiple locations

How are heart murmurs graded?

- Out of 6

During cardiac ausculation, can be heard in the following locations?

- Left 4th-6th intercostal space just above the sternal border =

- Left 2nd-4th intercostal space above sternal border =

- Left 3rd-5th intercostal space at mid thorax =

- Right 3rd-5th intercostal space at mid thorax =

- Left 4th-6th intercostal space just above the sternal border = Mitral valve

- Left 2nd-4th intercostal space above sternal border = Pulmonic valve

- Left 3rd-5th intercostal space at mid thorax = Aortic valve

- Right 3rd-5th intercostal space at mid thorax = Tricuspid valve

How should one start respiratory ausculation?

- Listen for noisy breathing without stethoscope

When performing respiratory auscultation with a stethoscope, where should one listen?

- At least 4 different areas including right and left ventral and dorsal lung fields

One should inspect the abdomen for what?

- Distention, deformity, symmetry, and bruising

What should one verify about a patient's signalment?

- Sex and reproductive status

One should insect the perianal region for what?

- Anal sphincter tone, mats, hernias, feces, masses, and discharge

Regarding external genitalia and the perineum, one should inspect males for what two things?

1) Inspect prepuce and penis for discharge, inflammation, tumors

2) If intact, inspect both testicles for symmetry, size, and conformation

Regarding external genitalia and the perineum, one should inspect females for what two things?

1) Palpate mammary glands for tumors, cysts, swelling, heat, or discharge

2) Inspect vulva for size, inflammation, discharge, tumors, etc.

What are some general guidelines for feline exams (4 general things)?

1) Environment should be peaceful

2) Assemble all the equipment you need prior to exam

3) Feliway in a clean room

4) Examine in carrier

In a cat with a BCS of 5, the ribs are ___________ without excess __________. The waist is _________ when viewed from above. The abdominal fat pad is ___________.

- Palpable

- Observed

- Minimal

What is the normal temperature of a cat?

- 100.5-102.5

What is the normal heart rate of a cat?

- 120-140

What is the normal respiratory rate of a cat?

- 16-40

When working with cats, one should be mindful of _______________.

- Whiskers

One should always use a ________ comb and check for __________ ___________.

- Flea

- Flea dirt

Which two peripheral lymph nodes are the most easily palpated/the ones that should always be palpated?

1) Submandibular

2) Popliteal

If a cat is purring when you are trying to ausculate, what can be done?

- Try turning on water or letting the cat sniff alcohol

What should one palpate in feline patients during abdominal exam?

- Kidneys and bladders

The right kidney is typically more ______________ than the left kidney.

- Cranial

It is more difficult to palpate the kidneys and bladder in feline patients with a BCS of ______+.

- 7

When testing the pupillary light reflex (cranial nerve. II and III), the pupil should ______________ in response to light.

- Constrict

The pupillary light reflex can have a ____________ response due to stress.

- Reduced

When light is shined in one eye, a _________ pupillary light reflex should be observed in this eye and a ___________ pupillary light reflex should be observed in the other eye.

- Direct

- Indirect

When one is testing menace, what should one be careful of?

- One should be careful not to touch a patient's whiskers or create wind

In response to a menace test, the patient should ________.

- Blink

Is menace present in puppies/kittens?

- No

What is nystagmus?

- Abnormal movement of the eye

What is the "elbow trick" regarding cardiac auscultation in dogs?

- Auscultate where the elbow meets the body