Animal Overall Health

What are they? Measurements of the body’s most basic

functions. Four main vital signs are:

Heart beat (pulse) Respiration (breaths) Temperature Blood pressure

This vital sign is not common in animals Many vets will call it a TPR

Vital Signs

For the pulse and respiration we use a stethoscope. Make sure you hold the dogs mouth shut

For the temperature, we use a thermometer. rectal temperature

For blood pressure, we use a cuff link.

Equipment

Respiratory rate A normal horse should be breathing about 10-24

breaths per minute. You can physically assess or use a stethoscope.

Heart Rate Normal heart beat is 28-44 beats per minute

Temperature 99-101 Fahrenheit or 37.2-38.3 Celsius

Equine Vital Signshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-ERVDRq8h8

Respiratory Rate 12-20 per minute

Heart Rate 70-80 beats per minute

Temperature 101.5 – 104 Fahrenheit

Sheep/Goat Vital Signs

Respiratory rate 26 to 50 breaths per minute

Heart rate 48 to 84 beats per minute

Temperature 100.4 to 102.0 Fahrenheit

Cow Vital Signs

Respiratory rate 20-30 breaths per minute

Heart Rate 160-240 beats per minute

Temperature 101-102.5 Fahrenheit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXLgrpd07jU&li

st=PL3BD6046D6F41A065

Cat Vital Signs

Respiratory rate 10-30 breaths per minute

Heart rate 70-160 beats per minute

Temperature 101-102.5 Fahrenheit

Dog Vital Signs

There are many additional things that a vet or the assistant will look at to diagnose the problem or conclude a healthy animal.

In dogs an cats, vets will check Teeth and gums Nostrils Ears Stomach Fur Tailhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=me5x_ttbqTI&list=PL3BD6046D6F41A065

Physical Checks

In horses, vets will check: Hoofs Gums Teeth Eyes Ears Coat Feces

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiCdcfMRyVY

Physical Checks

In cows, the vet will often observe Rumen sounds Feces Gums Mammary glands Bones and muscles Sometimes a rectal exam

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdx3DhmtadA

Physical Checks

It will be your choice if you want to do this assignment

Go home, grab a video camera, and record yourself performing a simple physical exam on your pet (horse, dog, cat, rabbit, etc.)

The physical exam needs to include Temperature ( 5 points) Pulse (5 points) Respiration (5 points) And a quick look over the animal (5 points)

You need to send me this video by the first day back or no points!!

Extra Credit over the break