C: Clinical skills

Question 1

Oesophageal stethoscope

Answer 1

Heart/breath sounds of anaesthetized animal. Inserted via oesophagus to level of heart base.

Question 2

ECG lead placement colours

Answer 2

• Red- R.fore
• Yellow- L.fore
• Green- L. hind

Question 3

ECG in large animals

Answer 3

• Red- Neck
• Yellow- Sternum
• Green/black- Lateral thorax

Question 4

Direct arterial BP measurements

Answer 4

Arterial catheterization and connection via transducer (most accurate but most invasive)

Question 5

Doppler (BP)

Answer 5

Cuff proximal to probe and inflated until no sounds heard. Deflated time-point sounds return=systolic pressure

Question 6

Oscillometric (BP)

Answer 6

Cuff over median artery of thoracic limb (or pelvic limb/tail). Inflated and deflated by microporcessor.

Question 7

Pulse oximetry

Answer 7

Saturationof O2 using infrared light through tissues and measuring absorbance of light

Question 8

Capnography

Answer 8

Measures expired CO2 (efficacy of ventilation, metabolism and cardiovascular function). Gas sampled between endotracheal tube and breathing system.

Question 9

Dorsoventral view (thoracic radiography)

Answer 9

Caudal to scapula, include thoracic inlet, entire diaphragm, lateral extent of ribs
(sternal recumbancy)

Question 10

Ventrodorsal view (thoracic radiography)

Answer 10

Include thoracic inlet, diaphragm and skin edges
(Dorsal recumbancy)

Question 11

Lateral view (thoracic radiography)

Answer 11

Caudal border of 5th rib, midway between sternum and vertebral bodies of thoracic spine.

Question 12

When is the best time to take a thoracic radiograph?

Answer 12

At peak inspiration

Question 13

What is the order of positions in which you should take thoracic radiographs?

Answer 13

VD/DV before lateral. Lateral may collapse lung.

Question 14

Vertebral heart scoring

Answer 14

Used to evaluate size of heart on lateral thoracic radiographs.

Question 15

Process of vertebral heart scoring

Answer 15

1. Determine borders of the heart
2. Identify 4th thoracic vertebrae
3. Take measurements (L/W of cardiac silhouette, measured in vertebral body space up to 1 decimal point)
4. Add 2 numbers together