During a dog's physical examination, we use positive reinforcement to help create a calm, stress-free experience. For many dog's, a lick mat with a small amount of peanut butter provides a safe distraction that allows the veterinarian to perform a thorough exam while keeping the visit as comfortable as possible.
A complete physical exam includes evaluating the ears, eyes, mouth, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, paws, and musculoskeletal system. The veterinarian checks the ears for signs of infection or inflammation and examines the eyes to ensure they are healthy and developing normally. The mouth and teeth are also assessed to monitor dental development and overall oral health.
The abdomen is gently palpated to evaluate the internal organs and identify any abnormalities. Each paw is inspected, including the nails and paw pads, and the external anatomy is reviewed to ensure normal development.
Using a stethoscope, the veterinarian listens to the heart and lungs to assess normal heart rhythm and respiratory function. Joint flexibility and range of motion may also be evaluated, especially in growing puppies, to help identify any orthopedic concerns early.
This comprehensive examination allows us to monitor your dog's overall health, establish a baseline for future visits, and address any concerns before they become more significant.
If you have any questions after your visit, we're always happy to help. You can reach us by phone at (407) 682-3233 or by email at [email protected]. We encourage you to contact us anytime, and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for pet care tips, hospital updates, and more.
Dr. Marianne Janosco
Markham Woods Animal Hospital
Transcript of Video:
Today, we're going to demonstrate how to conduct a physical exam on a dog. Puppies can be somewhat challenging, so we might perform the exam quickly.
We use a small licky mat coated with peanut butter to distract our patient during the exam. Let's begin. First, I'll use an otoscope to examine his ears. With his head tilted down, I can clearly see his tympanic membrane, or eardrum, and everything appears normal. Next, I'll use an ophthalmoscope to check his eyes, which might be tricky as he enjoys the peanut butter. Following that, I usually inspect the mouth, but I'll leave that till the end since he's cooperating well. We'll now switch positions for the next part of the exam.
I'll palpate around his abdomen to check for any abnormalities. Then, I'll examine each paw to ensure his nails and paw pads are in good condition. Everything looks good so far. I'll also check underneath to ensure everything is normal there.
Now, I'll use my stethoscope to listen to his heart and lungs on each side. In some dogs, we assess their hind legs' range of motion to detect any early issues. Blitzen has a good range of motion. Finally, we'll try to take a quick look inside his mouth to inspect his teeth. Let's give him his peanut butter back. That concludes our physical exam on a puppy.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 682-3233, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram