Topic 35 - Examination methods and findings of the abdomen in small animals. Examination of the spleen. Flashcards
Examination methods of the abdomen:
Inspection
Palpation MOST IMPORTANT
Percussion
Auscultation
Parameters to examine when inspecting the abdomen:
- Size
- Form (Look from both sides and from above)
- Skin surface, haircoat
- Local deformities, masses
Parameters to examine when palpating the abdmone:
- Check for pain
- Temperature
- Abdominal wall (thickness)
- Palpate the digestive organs
- Check for foreign bodies
How to perform palpation of the abdomen?
- Dog should be in standing position
- Palpation with one or two hands, from cranial to caudal
- Superficial and deep palpation
Which organs are palpable?
Liver
Intestinal tract
Pancreas
Kidney
(stomach)
How to perform percussion of the abdomen?
Finger to finger
Abnormal findings we can find when performing percussion of the abdmonen:
- Organs filled with gas and/or fluid
- Organ enlargement
What can we detect when performing auscultation of the abdomen?
- Detection of intestinal sounds
- Detection of changes of the normal sounds
Name abnormal sounds we can hear when performing auscultation:
-splashing
-crepitation
what can you see?
Ascites
= fluid collects in spaces within your abdomen.
Obstipation
Megacolon
Examination methods of the spleen:
Palpation through the abdomnen
BUT can only if enlarged
Where, location, can we palpate the spleen?
Behind the stomach
Left side
Tongue-shaped
What is it called if the spleen is enlarged?
Splenomegaly
