Keeping the physical exam procedure as consistent as possible ensures that the entire animal has been examined in a systematic manner. It is important to investigate all body systems when presented with clinical signs as premature diagnosis is a slippery slope that can lead to wrong treatment plans.
Below are the categories of body system with Gigi the cat, featuring Buster the dog.
By Ketherine Li BVSc III
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The method I chose is via anatomical order.
By starting by the head and ending with the tail, I can be sure that I have covered all anatomical aspects.
Below are the physical exam procedures organised by body systems.
Clinical presentation and thorough history taking is essential in order to direct our physical exam.
Body condition score, weight and coat condition can give valuable information about the animal’s overall well-being. Palpate the fat covering over the ribs and look for abdominal tuck for body condition score. The coat should have sheen, be well groomed especially in cats.
Comparison to previous physical exams can pick up subtle changes that may not be noticed by the owner.
A thorough history should always be taken as small nuggets of information can profoundly change your list of differential diagnoses.
Palpate/visualise the muscles of the head for muscle atrophy or masses. There should be symmetry.
Barrs, VRD 2006, ‘Respiratory Patters - A Diagnostic Aid to Feline Respiratory Disease’, Australian College of Veterinary Scientists at Science Week, Combined Small Animal Medicine Chapter and Feline Medicine Chapter Meeting.
Beijerink, N 2015, ‘Anatomy and Physiology of the Normal Heart’, lecture notes distributed in the Unit of Study VETS 3244 Small Animal Therapeutics and Medicine, University of Sydney, Camperdown on 7 August.
Mader, Douglas 2013, Physical Examination: The Cornerstone of Veterinary Medicine, Marathon Veterinary Hospital, Marathon, viewed 24 August 2015, http://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/physical-examination-cornerstone-veterinary-medicine#b51kaaotv00ix2h
Naylor, JM, Carr, AP & Walker, RE 2009, Canine Cardiology: A multimedia Guide to Cardiac Auscultation, Vet Visions, viewed 1 September 2015, http://www.vetvisions.com/p411.htm
‘Standards of care: Regular health check standards for dogs and cats’ 2013, The Australian Veterinary Association,viewed 23 August 2015, http://www.ava.com.au/sites/default/files/AVA_website/ASAVA/ASAVA_StandardsofCare_Web.pdf
Dogs and cats have distinct physiology and anatomic make ups which must be reflected in how we perform their physical exams. Techniques that work for the dog may not be appropriate for the cat and vice versa.
Below are species specific aspects of the physical exam separated by body system.
Leaving the cat in the carrier while taking history allows the cat to settle in a strange environment. Stand behind or beside the cat, never in front. With cats, minimal restraints and contact is usually better tolerated.
Be sure that the ear piece is appropriately sized for the animal.
Intra-ocular pressure measurement should be done on senior pets and breeds predisposed to glaucoma (pugs, Persians) [2].
If the animal remains tense despite steady gentle pressure or vocalises, this indicates abdominal pain and further investigation is warranted (may just be stress however).
Normal temperature index = 37.5-39.3 degrees Celcius
Normal temperature index = 38.0-39.3 degrees Celcius