Physical Exam Flashcards
What do you need to know in order to perform a physical examination?
Health Status
Behavior
Risks
Species
Individual
What equipment do you need for restraint?
Gloves
Towel
Squeeze cage
Net
What equipment do you need for a PE?
Stethoscope
Thermometer
Glucometer
Blood tubes, syringe, needle
Blood pressure monitor
Pulse Oximeter
What is an example of what can help a PE go more smoothly?
Training the animal beforehand.
What are the recorded vitals for a PE?
General appearance (BAR?)
Hydration
Heart rate
Respiratory rate
Temperature
Capillary refill time
Mucous membrane color
Weight!
What are we looking for when we are considering general appearance?
Any asymmetry (from a distance)
Body condition score
Mentation (reactions, consciousness)
Posture and gait
What is considered adequate hydration?
0% - 5%, skin immediately returns to normal
What is considered marginal hydration?
5% - 8%, slight delay of skin returning to normal
What is considered inadequate hydration?
8% - 15%, obvious delay, skin remains tented, or state of shock (death probable)
What do pink gums indicate?
Normal, adequate perfusion/oxygenation
What do pale or white gums indicate?
Anemia, poor perfusion, vasoconstriction
What do blue (cyanotic) gums indicate?
Inadequate oxygenation.
What do brick red gums indicate?
Increased perfusion, vasodilation
What do yellow (icteric) gums indicate?
Build up of bilirubin (hepatic disorder)
What do brown gums indicate?
Methemoglobinemia
What do petechiae (red spotting) gums indicate?
Coagulation disorder
What general areas does a PE cover?
Ears
Eyes
Nose
Mouth
Teeth
Lymph nodes
Coanas & beak for birds
What do we look for when examining feathers/fur?
Body condition
Ectoparasites
Wounds
What are we looking for when considering respiratory rate?
Effort
Abnormal sounds
Open mouth breathing
What are we looking for when considering heart rate?
Pulse rate, strength and quality
What are we looking for when considering the abdomen?
Sounds - GI movements
What are we considering when palpating lymph nodes?
Site
Shape
Size
Consistency
Mobility
Tenderness
What are we checking for during
a musculoskeletal PE?
Movement/Range of motion (extension)
Symmetry
Fracture/Luxation
Pain/inflammation
Condition
Muscles and joints
What are some conditions related to the anus/cloaca/tail/genitals/mammary glands?
Diarrhea, wounds, parasites, mass/tumor, prolapse.
