establishing general health

• What is the purpose of evaluating health on animals?

  Align with husbandry, handling, and patient care
• Why is practice and exposure important in veterinary health evaluation?

  It scaffolds clinical learning and skills
• What are the main components of a general health examination?

  • Patient History
  • Patient Examination
  • Distant Inspection
  • Physical Examination
• What are the two types of patient history mentioned?

  Immediate and general
• What should you do when eliciting a comprehensive history?

  Discern observations and quantify findings
• When do you start distant inspection?

  In the waiting room or upon arrival
• What should you assess during distant inspection?

  The animal's environment and surroundings
• What assumptions should you be careful of during distant inspection?

  Avoid premature judgments and conclusions
• What husbandry considerations should be noted during distant inspection?

  Paddocks, feed, time of year, and infrastructure
• What are some factors to consider regarding the animal's age?

  Aging dogs and breed differences
• What dental changes occur in puppies?

  Puppy teeth emerge at 4-6 weeks
• When do puppies start losing their teeth?

  From 12 weeks of age
• What indicates dental wear and disease in animals?

  Changes in behavior and dental condition
• What are some signs of aging in animals?

  Stiffness, incontinence, and hearing loss
• What does a desexing tattoo look like?

  A circle with a cross going across
• What is assessed in body condition during an examination?

  Symmetry, stance, and gait
• What are the categories of body condition?

  Obese, normal, lean, emaciation/cachexia
• What does hair loss indicate in animals?

  Alopecia, which can be unilateral or bilateral
• What does erythema indicate in skin examination?

  Possible dermatitis or skin irritation
• What does a prolonged capillary refill time indicate?

  Blood not circulating adequately
• What is the normal temperature range for canines and felines?

  37.6 - 39 degrees Celsius
• What is the normal heart rate range for canines?

  70 - 120 bpm
• What does a high heart rate indicate?

  Illness, pain, or fear in the animal
• What is the normal respiratory rate for canines?

  16 - 34 breaths per minute
• What does cyanotic mucous membrane color indicate?

  Low oxygen content in the blood
• What is the normal capillary refill time?

  1 - 2 seconds
• What are the steps in a general physical examination?

  1. Examine from nose to tail (cranial to caudal)
  2. Assess symmetry and use all senses
  3. Check vital signs and general appearance
  4. Look for abnormalities and deformities
• How should you approach a general physical examination?

  Be methodical and thorough in assessment
• What is the significance of establishing general health in veterinary work?

  Foundation for medical and surgical therapies
• What is the role of serial monitoring in veterinary health?

  To track response to therapy over time