Vocab
What is the difference between Hypothermia and Hyperthermia?
Hypothermia is when body temperature is below normal
Hyperthermia is when body temperature is above normal
Give 2 examples of unhealthy colors for gums
Examples-
Grey, Blue, Brick Red, and White
Describe the steps taken to check an animal's respiratory rate
- Place hand on the back/ribs on the animal
- Count breaths fro 15 seconds
- After 15 seconds, multiply the number of breaths by 4 to get respiratory rate
Why should we know the healthy characteristics of animals?
So we can tell when something is abnormal or when the animal is not well
What does TPR stand for?
Temperature, pulse, and respiration
What is the definition of Palpate?
To examine a part of the body by touch (normally with two fingers)
Give 3 characteristics of a healthy animal
Examples-
Clear bright eyes, pink mucous membrane, appearance of contentment, alert/interested attitude, a sleek shiny coat, good appetite, feces and urine are normal in appearance and easily passed, and temperature/pulse/respiration are in normal range
Describe the steps taken to check a horse's pulse
- Palpate at the lower jaw of the horse
- Count number of beats in 15 seconds
- Multiply the number of beats by 4 to get the heart rate
What is a way that you can do a weight assessment
Examples-
- Weight tape
- Large scale used for large animals
- Small scale used for small animals
What does CRT stand for?
Capillary Refill Time
What is the definition of Body Condition Score?
The evaluation of an animal as to the amount of body reserves, particularly fat and muscle an animal possesses
Give two examples of vital signs
Examples-
Signs of life, assessment of basic body functions, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, blood pressure, mucous membrane colors, and CPR
Describe how to check an animal's CRT
- Place pressure on the animal's gums to turn the area white
- Time how long it takes the pink color to return
- If it's 1-2 seconds, the animal is healthy
Why do we do a temperature assessment?
It can help indicate signs of infection, disease, and environmental conditions
At what temperature does your dog become at risk of heat stroke?
When their body temperature reaches 105 degrees or higher
What is the definition of vital signs?
Measurements of the body's most basic functions
Give 2 examples of things that can vary a temperature assessment
Examples-
Illness, physical activity, pregnancy, environmental surroundings, and time of day
Describe how to take a dog's pulse
- Find the Femoral vein underneath the thigh of the back leg
- Count the number of beats in 15 seconds
- Multiply by 4 to get the average of beats per minute
Where do we look for checking mucous membranes?
Check the gums of the animal
Why do we check CRT?
To figure out how good the patient's blood flow is
What is the definition of Auscultation?
The action of listening to sounds from heart, lungs, and other organs.
Usually done with a stethoscope
Give 3 examples of things that can vary a pulse
Examples-
Illness, age, size, gender, breed, exercise, atmospheric conditions, time of day, eating, and excitement
Describe the steps of taking a dog's temperature
- Clean the thermometer with alcohol or at the very least water
- Add some lubricant to the thermometer
- Life up the tail and insert
- Turn on the thermometer and wait for it to beep
- Take out the thermometer to find out temperature
What position/holds are best used hen taking a dog's temperature?
Examples-
- Sternal Position
- Standing Position
What is the different between Fever and Heat Stroke?
Fever- Excessive amount of heat in the body
Heat Stroke- Body temperature in excess of 105 Degrees