MR. PACE PHYSICAL EXAMS AND VITAL SIGNS

A.Identify instruments used for a physical exams B.List observable signs of problems associated with each body system C.Take a preliminary animal history from a client D.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 end 3.Insert into rectum and hold until it beeps (2-3 min)

VITAL STATISTICS Know the terminology 1.Hypothermia = below normal body temp 2.Hyperthermia = above normal body temp 3.Fever = excessive heat in the body 4.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 seconds 3.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’s AnimalNormal Temperature F Pulse Beats/Min Respiration Breaths/Min Cat Cattle Chicken Dog Goat Horse Rabbit Sheep