Physical Exams and Vital Signs

M R. PAC E

PHYSICAL EXAMS AND VITAL SIGNS

PHYSICAL EXAMS AND VITAL SIGNS

A. Identify instruments used for a physical examsB. List observable signs of problems associated

with each body systemC. Take a preliminary animal history from a clientD. Measure and record vital statistics

INSTRUMENTS FOR THE P.E.

• Stethoscope• Used to listen to

heart, lung, or gut sounds

• Thermometer• Used to measure

body temperature

INSTRUMENTS FOR P.E.

• Scale• To measure weight

INSTRUMENTS FOR THE P.E.

• Clock/Timer• Used to time pulse

and respiration rate

• Medical Chart• To see past history

and record info

INSTRUMENTS FOR P.E.

• Otoscope• Used to see inside

ears

• Ophthalmoscope• Used to see eyes

INSTRUMENTS FOR P.E.

• Gauze, Q-Tips, Cotton Balls• Used to clean ears or around eyes• Used to take swabs for tests

INSTRUMENTS FOR P.E.

• Exam Gloves• Used to keep

hands clean….(er)

• Restraint Equipment

OBSERVABLE SIGNS

• Integumentary System• Coat – Shiny/Full or Dull/Brittle• Bald Patches• Rashes• Dry, Flaking Skin

OBSERVABLE SIGNS

• Musculoskeletal System• Is there any visible lameness?

OBSERVABLE SIGNS

• Circulatory System• Coughing• Fainting• Dyspnea• Heart Murmurs

OBSERVABLE SIGNS

• Respiratory System• Coughing• Sneezing• Nasal Discharge• Exercise intolerance• Cyanosis

OBSERVABLE SIGNS

• Digestive System• Eating Normally• Diet Changes• Toxin exposure (rat poison, chocolate, antifreeze)• Vomiting or Diarrhea

OBSERVABLE SIGNS

• Urinary System• Abnormal Discharge, smell, color• Swelling• Difficulty or inability to urinate

OBSERVABLE SIGNS

• Nervous System• Seizures• Behavior Changes• Head Tilt

OBSERVABLE SIGNS

• Others:• Lymph nodes – swollen• Eyes – Excessive tears, discharge• Ears – discharge, unusual odor, head shaking• Mouth – Gums and Teeth healthy, moist and pink mucous

membranes

PATIENT HISTORY

20 questions….What are the most helpful

question to ask?

PATIENT HISTORY

• Characteristics of good questions:

• Open ended questions• Owner is more likely to give more information than if you ask

yes/no questions

• Lead to all pertinent information• Vaccine history, exposure to other animals, date of injury or

illness onset, etc

PATIENT HISTORY

• Basics:• Owner info• Breed and species• Age and Gender

PATIENT HISTORY

• Illness/injury report:• List of symptoms• When did it start?• Onset of injury/illness

PATIENT HISTORY

• Background Info• Vaccine History• Illness/injury history• Exposure to other animals

PATIENT HISTORY

• Make a list of at least 5 good questions for each category• Basics• Illness/Injury Report• Background Information

VITAL STATISTICS

T P R•Temperature•Pulse•Respiration

VITAL STATISTICS

• Temperature

• Why body temperature changes:

• Infection/disease• Excitement/stress• Environment

VITAL STATISTICS

• How to take a temperature

1. Turn thermometer on (digital)2. Lubricate end3. Insert into rectum and hold until it beeps (2-3

min)

VITAL STATISTICS

• Know the terminology1. Hypothermia = below normal body temp2. Hyperthermia = above normal body temp3. Fever = excessive heat in the body4. Heat stroke = body temp above 105

VITAL STATISTICS

• Pulse

• Heart Rate

• Why heart rate changes:• Anxiety• Exercise• Pain• Disease• Shock

VITAL STATISTICS

• How to measure pulse rate:

1. Using index and middle finger, gently feel over the artery until you feel the pulse

2. Count number of pulses in 15 seconds3. Multiply by 4 to get beats/minute

VITAL STATISTICS

• Pulse Sites:

VITAL STATISTICS

• Respiration• Number of breaths per minute (inhale and exhale = 1

breath)

• Why respiratory rate changes:• Anxiety• Exercise• Pain• Disease• Shock

VITAL STATISTICS

• How to measure respiration

• Observe the rise and fall of chest

• Count number of breaths for 15 seconds

• Multiply by 4 to get breaths/minute

VITAL STATISTICS

Average TPR’sAnimal Normal

Temperature F

PulseBeats/Min

RespirationBreaths/Min

Cat 101.5 110-130 20-30Cattle 101.0 60-70 10-30Chicken 107.0 200-400 15-30Dog 102.0 70-120 10-30Goat 102.5 40-60 12-20Horse 100.0 30-60 8-16Rabbit 103.0 123-304 30-45Sheep 102.0 60-90 12-20