Veterinary Clinical Medicine-I (General and Systemic)

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION 

• The patient should be assessed for mental attitude (alertness), posture, and ability to walk. Dogs with abdominal pain may stand with an arched posture or "praying position" that alleviates abdominal pressure. Cats may stand with their heads extended and elbows abducted, signs that may be confused with respiratory distress.
• Points to be noted during the evaluation include the patient's body temperature, hydration status, heart rate and rhythm, pulse quality, mucous membrane color, and capillary refill time. The thorax should be carefully auscultated and a thorough oral examination performed, including looking under the tongue. Oral examination may require sedation or anesthesia. Patients unwilling to allow an oral examination are often the ones that need it most.
• A rectal examination is also important. The prostate should be carefully evaluated in male dogs and the urethra palpated in both males and females. A rectal examination may also be indicated in cats but should be withheld until the animal is sedated or anesthetized. It is important to evaluate the character of the feces during the rectal examination.