Avaliação Semiológica e Diagnóstico em Pequenos Animais - Aula 4.2

Summary

This comprehensive transcript delves into the details of performing a physical examination of the digestive system in animals. It covers the examination of the oral cavity, salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Key observations include identifying oral lesions, glandular swelling, signs of esophageal and gastric issues, and abdominal abnormalities such as distension. The transcript highlights diagnostic techniques, including palpation, auscultation, and imaging, along with clinical signs to watch for in conditions like pancreatitis, liver disease, and gastrointestinal disorders. This in-depth guide is essential for understanding and diagnosing digestive system health in animals.

Takeaways

• 😀 Observing the oral cavity is crucial for detecting issues like bad breath, which can indicate conditions such as kidney disease, poor digestion, or dental problems.
• 😀 Mucosal examination should focus on color, moisture, lesions, and the presence of foreign bodies or masses, which can be signs of systemic diseases or tumors.
• 😀 The presence of saliva issues like sialocele (blocked salivary gland) or ránula indicates potential glandular problems that require specific treatment.
• 😀 The esophagus has three parts: cervical, thoracic, and abdominal, with motility disorders like megaesophagus being common and requiring unique feeding methods.
• 😀 Signs of esophageal issues include regurgitation, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and pain, often requiring imaging or endoscopy for diagnosis.
• 😀 Abdominal examination includes palpation, percussion, and auscultation to detect issues like ascites, organ enlargement, or obstructions.
• 😀 Techniques like the 'capote' sound help detect obstructions in the intestines, while the 'fluctuation test' can diagnose ascites by assessing fluid movement in the abdomen.
• 😀 The stomach's primary role is storing food, beginning digestion, and controlling gastric emptying. Distension or pain in the stomach should be thoroughly evaluated.
• 😀 Intestinal problems, such as diarrhea or vomiting, can be distinguished by their origin in either the small or large intestine, with distinct characteristics and signs.
• 😀 The liver and gallbladder are vital for metabolism, digestion, and the excretion of waste, with clinical signs like jaundice and hepatomegaly indicating dysfunction.

Q & A

What are the key observations to make when examining the oral cavity during a physical exam?

Key observations include checking for abnormal breath odors (e.g., acidic, uremic, or fetid), inspecting the mucosa for color, moisture, lesions, and foreign bodies, as well as assessing the gums for inflammation, tartar, and tooth damage. The tongue should also be examined for consistency and mobility, and the palate should be checked for abnormalities such as fissures or masses.

What is the significance of detecting a 'uremic breath' during an oral examination?

A uremic breath odor may indicate a renal disease, which is a sign of kidney dysfunction. This is important as it helps to guide further diagnostic steps for potential kidney problems in the patient.

What are the common signs of salivary gland issues in animals?

Signs of salivary gland issues include excessive salivation (ptyalism), painful swallowing (dysphagia), difficulty eating (due to pain), and a condition called 'sialocele' or rânula, which involves the obstruction of a salivary gland, leading to swelling in the region.

What is a megaesophagus, and how can it be diagnosed?

A megaesophagus is a condition where the esophagus becomes dilated, preventing food from moving into the stomach. It can be diagnosed through imaging techniques like contrast radiography, where a dilated esophagus with stagnant food can be observed.

What are the recommended treatment methods for megaesophagus?

Treatment involves feeding the animal in a bipedal position (standing on its hind legs) to help food pass into the stomach. The diet should be soft, and smaller, more frequent meals are recommended to avoid regurgitation.

What is a common clinical sign of esophageal disorders, and how is it evaluated?

Common signs include regurgitation, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and painful swallowing (odinophagia). Evaluation can include physical inspection, palpation of the cervical area, and radiographs or endoscopy for further diagnosis.

What are the key physical examination techniques for the abdominal region?

The key techniques include palpation, percussion, and auscultation. Palpation helps detect abnormalities such as masses, organ enlargement, or fluid buildup. Percussion can reveal abnormal gas or liquid patterns, and auscultation can help detect bowel sounds or signs of obstruction.

How is ascites diagnosed during a physical exam?

Ascites is diagnosed through physical examination techniques like palpation for abdominal distension and percussion to detect the presence of fluid. A technique called the 'wave test' can be used to detect fluid movement, which is indicative of ascites.

What are the signs of liver disease in an animal, and how can they be detected?

Signs of liver disease include jaundice (icterus), anorexia, weight loss, abdominal distension (ascites), and gastrointestinal disturbances like vomiting or diarrhea. Liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) can be detected through palpation, and jaundice can be observed through the skin and mucous membranes.

What are the clinical signs of pancreatic disease, and how can it be diagnosed?

Clinical signs of pancreatic disease, such as pancreatitis, include vomiting, abdominal pain, anorexia, and diarrhea. Diagnosis may be confirmed through imaging like ultrasound or exploratory surgery, as the pancreas is difficult to examine physically due to its location.