Canine Physical Exam

Question 1

What are the steps in a canine physical exam?

Answer 1

1. Observation from a distance

2. The hands-on physical exam

Question 2

What are you looking for in the distance exam?

Answer 2

1. Habitus or general external appearance – odor, conformation, body
   condition score (BCS)
2. Gait and posture‐how the animal stands and moves.
3. Behavior‐the animal should be bright, alert and responsive

Question 3

What are the parts of the hands on exam?

Answer 3

1. TPR
2. Head
3. Neck
4. Thorax
5. Hind limbs
6. Perineum, penis, mammae and tail
7. Rectum

Question 4

What lymph nodes can be palpated in the dog?

Answer 4

mandibular, superficial cervical, popliteal

Question 5

What is normal CRT?

Answer 5

Less than 2 seconds

Question 6

What is normal respiratory rate in a dog?

Answer 6

10-30 RPM

Question 7

What is the normal respiratory rate in cat?

Answer 7

20-40 RPM

Question 8

What is the normal temp in a small animal?

Answer 8

100.4-102.2 (Cats under stress can be a little higher)

Question 9

What is the normal pulse in the dog?

Answer 9

60-120 BPM

Question 10

What is the normal pulse in a cat

Answer 10

120-180 bpm

Question 11

Were is the apex beat?

Answer 11

Mitral valve

Question 12

How long do you auscultate each valve?

Answer 12

Two cycles

Question 13

Where are the bronchial respiratory sounds heard most readily in the small animal?

Answer 13

Cranial aspects of the lung fields

Question 14

T/F: It is normal in healthy dogs and cats to not hear any respiratory sounds

Answer 14

True

Question 15

T/F: Lung fields are auscultated unilaterally in 2-3 intercostal spaces through two respiratory cycles

Answer 15

False!
The lung fields are auscultated BILATERALLY in 3-5 intercostal rib spaces above the costochondral junction per side for 2 respiratory cycles