Veterinary Dog Health Problems: Part Two of the basic veterinary examination explained.
For more on veterinary dog health problems, covering part 1 of the basic examination, scroll to the bottom of the page.
The second part of the veterinary physical is a more in-depth examination which includes taking the temperature, checking the glands and listening to the heart.
If necessary the vet may recommend further tests like x-rays, ultrasound and blood analysis, but this is rare. Generally, this is a routine exam to ensure that your dog is in good health.
Your vet should cover the following in order to identify potential veterinary dog health problems
Temperature: A thermometer is placed in the dog’s rectum to determine body temperature. High temperature may be indicative of infection or could be down to just excitement. A low body temperature is often more serious.
Pulse Rate: Heart rate and blood pressure are checked by feeling the pulse in the femoral artery of the hind leg.
Glands: The lymph nodes are an important indicator of the body’s natural defenses. If the lymph nodes are swollen it usually means an infection in the part of the body served by that lymph node.
Breathing and heart-beat: The vet will listen to the heart beat and breathing with a stethoscope to pick up heart murmurs or difficulties with breathing.
Abdominal Exam: A physical examination of the abdomen can pick up problems of the liver, kidneys, bladder, spleen and intestines.
Joints: The vet will manipulate the fore and hind legs to check for pain or discomfort in the joints.
Click here for more on veterinary dog health problems, covering part one of the vet examination.
