General Observational Examination
Sarah Abood and Shauna Blois
Physical examination usually begins with a general observational examination. As much of this initial assessment happens without putting hands on the patient, it is also referred to as a distant examination. The general exam usually occurs when you first greet the patient. Watch the pet as it walks around the exam room (or is in the carrier) while assessing:
- Alertness, responsiveness
- Body condition (initial assessment)
- Posture
- Gait
- Behavior
- Hair coat
- Respiratory rate
Normal animals are bright and alert, often interactive but could also be shy. Dogs will often walk around the exam room to allow assessment of gait; cats may be reluctant to do so.
In some patients it is possible to obtain a respiratory rate during the observational examination. This is helpful as you will obtain a resting rate, before the animal is stressed/excited by the remainder of the exam. If the patient is moving too much to obtain a respiratory rate, it can be obtained later in the examination during thoracic auscultation.
The video below shows the general observational exam:.