signs of health in animals Flashcards
how would you take an animals temperature?
rectal thermometers generally provide the most accurate reading of an animals temperature
what must you do before taking an animals temperature?
make sure that the thermometer is sterile and a plastic sleeve is placed on top of it
what can ensure a smooth process when taking an animals temperature?
add lubricant to the thermometer
what is the normal rectal temperature range for a cat?
38.1 - 39.3 celcius
what is the normal rectal temperature range for a dog?
37.9 - 39.9 celcius
how is an animals pulse rate taken?
by locating a major artery and pressing your index and middle finger against it
what is the most common location to find a pulse rate on a dog and a cat?
at the top of inside back leg (same on both animals)
how is an animals pulse rate counted?
you can count the beats of the pulse on the artery located over a full minute, or count over thirty seconds and multiply it by two
what is the normal pulse rate for a cat?
120 - 140 beats per minute
what is the normal pulse rate for a dog?
70 - 120 beats per minute
what is one way you can measure an animals respiration rate visually?
by counting the rise and fall of the animals chest over a minute
what is one way you can measure an animals respiration rate physically?
by place your hand between the ribs and the hips of the animal and counting the breaths over a minute
what is the typical respiration rate of a cat?
16 - 40 breaths per minute
what is the typical respiration rate of a dog?
18 - 34 breaths per minute
what does CRT stand for?
capillary refill time
what is capillary refill time?
how long it takes for blood too return to a section of the capillary system after the system has been interrupted
why is capillary refill time taken?
to help assess the animals blood pressure and recognise indicators of ill health
how is CRT taken?
by pressing firmly on an animals mucus membranes (gums) so they turn white and counting how long it takes to return to its normal colour
what would be the CRT in a healthy animal
normally less than two seconds
what does a dark red mucus membrane indicate?
heat stroke, sepsis or poisoning
what does a yellow mucus membrane indicate?
liver or kidney problems
what does a white or pale mucus membrane indicate?
shock
what does a mucus membrane with a blue tinge indicate?
low blood oxygen
