Approach to Diagnosis and Physical Exam

Question 1

What are the 6 main steps in a cardiovascular exam?

Answer 1

Signalment, History, observation, palpation, percussion, auscultation.

Question 2

What types of things may you be looking for in signalment in a cardiovascular exam?

Answer 2

Age (young, congenital defect?, older, acquired?), Size of dog (small; primary mitral valve, large; DCM/myocardial), breed predispositions.

Question 3

What types of things may you be looking for in history in a cardiovascular exam?

Answer 3

Typical signs related to congestive heart failure: dyspnoea, coughing, excercise intolerance, lethargy, ascites, collapse, syncope, weightloss.

Question 4

What types of things may you be looking for in observation in a cardiovascular exam?

Answer 4

Demeanor, jugular venous distention (venous congestion), ascites, BCS, MM colour, respiratory rate (and effort)

Question 5

What are the important things to palpate in a cardiovascular exam?

Answer 5

Precordium of thoracic wall (feeling for heart beat, location, rhythm, intensity, murmurs?), pulse (rate, same as HR?, character), Abdomen (ascites etc.)

Question 6

What are the important things to percuss in a cardiovascular exam? (NOTE: DIFFICULT TO DO)

Answer 6

Thorax: Fluid lines, dull areas.
Abdomen: fluid thrills

Question 7

What are the important things to auscultate in a cardiovascular exam?

Answer 7

Heart - normal cardiac cycle, murmurs, rate, rhythm

Thorax - lung sounds