CLINICAL - Canine and Feline Clinical Examination Flashcards
What does S.O.A.P stand for in terms of clinical examinations?
Subjective observation
Objective observation
Assessment
Plan
What is subjective observation?
Subjective observation is making interpretations based on personal observations and opinions
What is objective observation?
Objective observation is unbiased, balanced observations made based on facts that can be verified (i.e. diagnostics)
When making subjective and objective observations, what two important factors need to be considered?
Signalment
Environment
Why is the subjective observation of cats less accurate than the subjective observation of dogs?
Cats are both predator and prey animals, thus subjective observations of cats will not be as accurate compared to dogs
Which four factors should you observe when making subjective observation?
Demeanour
Posture/movement
Breathing
Body condition
What is the normal internal temperature range for dogs and cats?
Temperature: 37.8-39.2°C
What are the pulse reference values for dogs?
Pulse: 70-160
What are the pulse reference values for cats?
Pulse: 120-180
What are the respiratory reference values for dogs?
Respiration: 10-30
What are the respiratory reference values for cats?
Respiration: 20-40
(T/F) Larger breeds have higher temperatures than smaller breeds
FALSE. Smaller breeds have higher temperatures than larger breeds
(T/F) Young animals tend to be on the higher end of the pulse rate scale
TRUE.
Why shouldn’t you stare at an animal at the beginning of a consultation?
Staring directly at an animal can often be perceived as aggression
What are the seventeen main steps of a general clinical examination?
- Body condition scoring
- Facial symmetry
- Nose and nostrils
- Eyes
- Ears
- Teeth and gums
- Hydration
- Lymph nodes
- Femoral pulse
- Auscultating heart
- Auscultating lungs
- Abdominal palpation
- Genitals
- Temperature
- Rectal exam (if indicated)
- Feet and limbs
- Coat and skin
(T/F) Nasal discharge is abnormal in dogs and cats
TRUE.
What are the three parts of the eye that should be examined during a clinical exam?
Sclera
Conjunctiva
Eyelids
Why are dogs with droopy ears more likely to experience ear complications?
Droopy ears provide a dark and moist environment for bacteria to habituate
What is the normal value for capillary refill time (CRT)?
Capillary refill time (CRT) should be less than two seconds
If an animal has black gums, what other part of the body can be used to assess capillary refill time (CRT)?
The conjunctiva of the eye can also be used to assess capillary refill time (CRT)
What are the three normally palpable lymph nodes in dogs and cats?
Submandibular
Prescalpular
Popliteal
What are the three NOT normal palpable lymph nodes?
Axillary
Iliac
Inguinal
The submandibular lymph node is located in the same location as the submandibular salivary gland. How do you tell the difference between the two?
The submandibular salivary gland is fixed in place, whereas the submandibular lymph nodes moves when palpated
What normal feature should you consider when taking femoral pulses in dogs?
Dogs have sinus arrhythmia which leads to an irregular pulse when the dog is breathing in and out
Which three components should you record when taking a femoral pulse?
Pulse rate
Pulse quality (weak/strong)
Rhythm
What are the four heart valves you should be able to identify when auscultating the heart?
Mitral valve (left atrioventricular valve)
Aortic valve
Pulmonic valve
Tricuspid valve (right atrioventricular valve)
What can be done to stop cats from purring to allow for more accurate auscultation of the heart?
Running the tap often stops cats from purring allowing for more accurate clinical examination
Which three components should you record when auscultating the heart?
Heart rate
Abnormal heart sounds
Rhythm
What is the area of cardiac dullness?
The area of cardiac dullness is the area near the apex of the heart that doesn’t allow for the auscultation of the lungs due to the heart sounds
Which two components should you record when auscultating the lungs?
Respiratory rate
Adventitious breath sounds (abnormal sounds)
When examining the coat and skin, which two areas are important to check and often missed?
When examining the coat and skin, examine the undercarriage and the paws (think about where the animals can reach to lick etc)
