Unit 3: General Physical Examination of the Dog and Cat
Introduction to the Physical Examination
The physical examination is an essential skill to the practicing veterinarian, and is a high value diagnostic test. To identify what is abnormal in a pet, you must first recognize the normal physical examination. Clinical Medicine I primarily focuses on the normal physical examination. In the notes below, some common abnormal findings are described or images provided. This is to help you compare normal versus abnormal, and to give some clinical context for the skills you are learning.
The general examination consists of several sections, each detailed in this chapter:
- General inspection
- Head and cervical region
- Thorax (heart & lungs)
- Abdomen
- Urogenital and rectal
- Skin and haircoat
- Musculoskeletal
The client interview, general physical examination, or other patient information might suggest or identify abnormalities in a particular body system. In these instances, more detailed examinations of the affected region(s) are indicated. This can include a full otoscopic, ophthalmologic, orthopaedic, neurologic, or other examination, in addition to the general physical examination.
Laboratory Objectives
- Perform a complete, technically sound, and organized physical examination in a dog.
- Understand the differences between examination of the dog and cat, as described in the notes.
- Practice safe, effective, and low-stress restraint techniques to allow your peers to perform physical examination.
Considerations Prior to the Physical Examination:
- The basic equipment required for a general physical examination includes stethoscope, thermometer, lubrication and rubber gloves (for rectal palpation), otoscope, and ophthalmoscope or indirect lens and penlight.
- We won’t be using the ophthalmoscope or otoscope for VETM 3430 labs.
- Refer to the restraint and handling notes to ensure that the patient is comfortable during examination, while using safe, effective, low-stress handling techniques.
- More is missed by not looking than not knowing.
- Develop a systematic approach to the exam, to ensure that aspects are not missed.
Example of a General Physical Examination:
Below is a video of a clinician performing a general physical examination from start to finish. The next parts of this chapter will describe the examination techniques in more detail, from nose to tail.