How To Perform A Clinical Exam On Your Dog | Vet Demo

Summary

In this educational video, Dr. Peter de Village demonstrates a comprehensive clinical exam for dogs, beneficial for both pet owners and veterinary students. The exam is divided into hands-off and hands-on approaches, starting with observing the dog's behavior and movement to assess mental status and physical condition. The hands-on exam involves checking vitals like heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, followed by evaluating hydration, gums, teeth, ears, and lymph nodes. The video concludes with a full-body palpation to detect any abnormalities, providing viewers with a clear understanding of canine health assessment.

Takeaways

• 🐾 The video demonstrates a clinical exam for dogs, aimed at pet owners and vet students.
• 🔍 The exam is divided into two parts: hands-off and hands-on, to assess the dog's overall health.
• 👀 The hands-off exam involves observing the dog's behavior and movement in a stress-free environment.
• 🏃‍♂️ A healthy dog should show curiosity, wag its tail, and move without limping or panting excessively.
• 🍪 Offering a treat can help assess the dog's appetite and make the exam less stressful.
• 📊 The hands-on exam starts with checking vitals: heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature.
• 🌡️ Normal body temperature for dogs is around 38.3 degrees Celsius.
• 💧 Dehydration can be checked by lifting the skin on the neck; it should immediately return to place.
• 👁️‍🗨️ The gums should be pink, and capillary refill time should be less than two seconds for healthy dogs.
• 🦷 Dental health is assessed by checking for plaque, tartar, and signs of periodontal disease.
• 👂 Ear health is evaluated by looking for signs of infection or abnormal discharge.

Q & A

What is the purpose of a clinical exam on a dog?

A clinical exam on a dog is performed to assess the overall health and mental status of the dog. It helps in determining if the dog is healthy or if there might be something wrong with it.

What are the two types of exams demonstrated in the video?

The two types of exams demonstrated are the hands-off exam and the hands-on exam.

How can you assess a dog's mental status during the hands-off exam?

During the hands-off exam, you can assess a dog's mental status by observing its behavior, such as whether it is active, wagging its tail, sniffing the environment, or showing signs of lethargy.

What is the significance of observing a dog's movement during the hands-off exam?

Observing a dog's movement helps to identify any signs of limping, panting, or other abnormalities that could indicate a health issue.

Why is it important to offer a dog a cookie during the exam?

Offering a dog a cookie helps to assess its appetite and creates a more relaxing environment, reducing stress and providing a clearer picture of the dog's mental state.

What are the three vital signs checked during the hands-on exam?

The three vital signs checked during the hands-on exam are the heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature.

How do you measure a dog's respiratory rate?

You measure a dog's respiratory rate by observing the chest expansion and contraction as the dog breathes. Count the breaths for 15 seconds and multiply by four to get the breaths per minute.

What is the normal body temperature range for a dog?

A normal body temperature for a dog is around 38.3 degrees Celsius, as mentioned in the video.

How can you check for dehydration in a dog?

You can check for dehydration by lifting the skin on the top of the dog's neck. If the skin goes down immediately, the dog is hydrated. If it stays up or goes down slowly, it may indicate dehydration.

What does the color of a dog's gums indicate?

The color of a dog's gums can indicate its health. Pink gums are normal, yellow gums may suggest liver disease or thick bite fever, and pale or white gums could indicate anemia.

Why is it important to evaluate a dog's range of motion?

Evaluating a dog's range of motion helps to identify any pain or discomfort, which could be indicative of conditions like arthritis.