Vital signs L7

• two types of treatments ?

  Routine and non-routine treatments
• procedure for taking an animal's temperature?

  Restrain the animal, use a thermometer, and record the reading
• capillary refill time (CRT)?

  is the Time taken for color to return to the gums after pressure is applied
• Why is it important to check mucous membrane color in animals?

  It helps assess the animal's health status
• What is a SQP in animal health?

  Suitably Qualified Person
• Why should a mercury thermometer be shaken down before use?

  To ensure an accurate reading by resetting the mercury level
• How should a digital thermometer be used?

  Turn it on and insert it gently into the rectum
• What is the normal temperature range for dogs?

  37.2 - 39.2 °C
• What is the normal pulse rate for cats?

  110 - 180 beats per minute
• Why should respiration be measured when the animal is resting?

  To obtain an accurate measurement of the animal's normal rate
• What does a fast breathing rate indicate?

  Possible exercise, stress, or heart disease
• What does a slow capillary refill time indicate?

  It may indicate shock
• What are the normal vital signs for cats?

  • Temperature: 38.0 – 38.5 °C (100.4 – 101.6 °F)
  • Pulse: 110 – 180 beats per minute
  • Respiration: 20 – 30 breaths per minute
• What is the normal temperature for a rabbit?

  38.5 °C
• What is the normal temperature for a guinea pig?

  38 - 39 °C
• What does a blue color in the gums indicate?

  Lack of oxygen, known as cyanosis
• What is the purpose of the Animal Welfare Act 2006?

  To ensure the welfare of animals
• What is the aim of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966?

  To regulate veterinary practice and ensure animal welfare
• What is the purpose of the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 2006?

  To ensure the welfare of animals during transport
• What does the Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations 2007 aim to achieve?

  To ensure the welfare of farmed animals
• What are the key components of taking vital signs in animals?

  • Temperature: Use digital or mercury thermometers
  • Pulse: Check femoral pulse and note strength and regularity
  • Respiration: Observe while the animal is resting
  • Capillary Refill Time (CRT): Assess gum color after blanching
• What is the purpose of the Welfare of Animals Regulations 1999?

  To regulate the slaughter or killing of animals
• normal vital signs for dogs?


  Dog:

  • Temperature: 38.3 – 38.7 °C (100.9 – 101.7 °F)
  • Pulse: 60 – 180 beats per minute
  • Respiration: 10 – 30 breaths per minute
• reasons for high pulse rate ?


  exercise

  stress

  dehydration

  pain

  shock
• reasons for low pulse rate?

  hypothermia

  heart problems
• The femoral artery is found on the inside of the hind leg in the groin area
• The digital artery- found at the back of the paw between the stopper pads and the paw pads
• coccygeal artery - on the underside of the tail at the base
• lingual artery - on the underside of the tongue ( sedated animals only)
• respiration

  • should be taken when animals is resting and awake
  • observe animal or gently rest hands on the chest cavity
  • count either inspirations or expirations for one minute - also observe the depth
• reasons for fast breathing

  • exercise
  • stress
  • heart disease
  • infection
• reasons for slow breathing

  rest

  age

  sedation