The 5 most common diagnoses in the clinical examination

Based on Barak Benaryh, DVM, DABVP, Spicewood Springs Animal Hospital, Austin, Texas


Introduction

In modern veterinary medicine, increasingly highly developed technologies and devices are used for diagnoses. Nevertheless, the clinical examination remains an indispensable method. Many diseases can only be diagnosed with further tests, but seeing, feeling, hearing and hearing are essential skills that veterinarians keep at the top of veterinary medicine. Here are five diseases that can be recognized by a careful physical examination:


What is a clinical examination?

A clinical examination is a basic veterinary method to evaluate the health of an animal. The animal is systematically examined by looking at it, scoring it, listening, listening and paying attention to changes. This includes control of the eyes, ears, skin, mucous membranes, heart and breathing noises as well as the general body condition. The clinical examination is often the first step towards diagnosis and helps to recognize diseases early before becoming more serious. It forms the basis for further examinations such as blood tests or imaging procedures, if necessary.

Clinical examination
Clinical examination 2

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1. Dental diseases

Studies show a connection between periodontal diseases and the general health of animals. Early detection and treatment of dental diseases contributes significantly to the quality of life and durability of the patients. Professional tooth cleaning not only helps against bad breath, but also prevents systemic diseases.

Other relevant diseases that can be determined during the clinical examination are malocologists, neoplasia, stomatitis, injuries and eosinophilic granulomas. A quick look under the tongue can often provide decisive information. Tartar should be documented and possible extractions are planned. A standardized division (e.g. a four-stage system or numerical scale) helps to efficiently plan treatments and optimally use surgery capacities in the clinic.


2. Otitis (ear infection)

An otoscopic examination should be carried out in every patient. Otitis is often a symptom for an underlying disease, often caused by allergies. Other causes can be parasites (Demodex, Otodectes, Sarcoptes Spp.), Foreign Bodies, Neoplasia or Autoimmune.

Acute cases mostly show redness and swelling of the tissue, while in chronic cases hyperkeratosis, hyperpigmentation and lichenification occur. In addition, there may be a narrowing of the ear canal due to fibrosis or ossification. It is important to document whether the examination of the eardrum is restricted by swelling or pain.


3. Eye diseases

The assessment of the eye structure is an essential part of the clinical examination. Both exterior (conjunctiva, eyelid) and inner structures (front eye chamber, lens, fundus) should be checked.

A distinction is made between primary eye diseases and secondary eye symptoms of systemic diseases. The most common primary diseases that can be diagnosed during the examination include conjunctivitis, anteriore uveitis, cataracts (not to be confused with lenticular sclerosis), entropium, distichiasis, corneal ulcera and lens changes.

Secondary eye diseases can be caused by systemic hypertension, infections or neoplasia. Fundus examinations require experience, so it is important to regularly check the fund of all patients and to identify the deviations in the norm.


4. Heart sounds & arrhythmias

Heart sounds or arrhythmias usually remain unnoticed for pet owners, which makes the clinical examination all the more important. Heart noises arise from vibrations of heart structures or turbulent blood flows, while arrhythmias are due to disorders of the electrical stimulus pipe.

Studies show a correlation between the volume of a heart noise and the severity of heart disease in dogs. A quiet sound often indicates a mild disease, while a loud sound can indicate severe heart disease. Young dogs with persistent heart noises should be examined for congenital heart defects.

Diagnostics are more complex in cats: many cats have heart noises without obvious heart disease, while others have a heart disease without noise. Studies show that up to 21 % of healthy cats have heart noises. Echocardiography remains the best follow -up examination to make a safe diagnosis.


5. Anemia

Anemic patients can often be seen from pale to white mucous membranes. During the clinical examination, all well -blooded areas should be checked, including the oral mucosa, scleras and thin skin areas (e.g. inner auricle).

Normal mucous membranes are pink colors with a rapid capillary backflow time. Color deviations can indicate various diseases:

  • Blass to white: anemia
  • Darkila to brown: heart defect, methemoglobinemia, lung diseases
  • Gray: cyanosis
  • Yellowish: liver disease or hemolysis

Anemia is divided into three main categories: blood loss, lack of production of red blood cells or their destruction. Blood losses can occur internally or externally (e.g. through gastrointestinal bleeding). A lack of production often occurs in connection with chronic diseases such as renal failure or neoplasia. Hemolysis (destruction of erythrocytes) often leads to jaundice and can be triggered by immune diseases, infections, poisoning or sepsis.

The forecast and treatment depend on the exact cause and often require further diagnosis.

The 5 most important diagnoses

The 5 most important diagnoses

1. Dental diseases

Detection by tartar, bad breath, sensitive gums. Early treatment improves the quality of life enormously.

2. Otitis

Red, painful ears and possibly crust formation. The cause can be allergies, parasites or foreign bodies.

3. Eye diseases

Symptoms include reddening, cloudy eyes or increased blinking. Timely diagnosis protects vision.

4. Heart sounds & arrhythmias

Often unnoticed, but a precise ability can reveal heart diseases in the early stages.

5. Anemia

Recognizing pale mucous membranes and rapid fatigue. Often a sign of deep health problems.


Summary

The clinical examination is an indispensable part of veterinary diagnostics. Through a thorough clinical examination, indications of dental diseases, ear infections, eye diseases, heart noises and anemia can be recognized at an early stage. A systematic clinical examination enables changes to the mucous membranes, heart and breathing noises as well as skin and eye changes.

The clinical examination serves as the basis for further diagnostic steps and ensures optimal treatment. Each veterinarian should routinely carry out the clinical examination in order to identify illnesses at an early stage. The clinical examination is essential for the health of animals. A detailed clinical examination leads to better treatment decisions. With a detailed clinical examination, many diseases can be recognized in early stages.

The clinical examination should never be neglected because it represents a valuable source of information. A precise clinical examination helps to plan the best possible therapy for the patient. Animal owners benefit from a regular clinical examination of their animals, as diseases are recognized at an early stage. The clinical examination is a central part of veterinary practice and should always be carried out with care. Thanks to the clinical examination, veterinarians can make well -founded decisions.

The clinical examination provides valuable knowledge for therapy planning. Every clinical examination contributes to improving veterinary care. A comprehensive clinical examination helps increase the quality of life of animals. Through the clinical examination, veterinarians can intervene in good time and prevent serious changes. The clinical examination enables early detection and targeted treatment of diseases.

With an extensive clinical examination, the health of an animal can be better assessed. A regular clinical examination is of great importance for every animal. A routine clinical examination helps to recognize serious illnesses at an early stage. The clinical examination is a simple but effective way to monitor the health of animals.

The physical examination remains an irreplaceable part of veterinary diagnostics. Many diseases can be recognized and treated early by targeted examination techniques. The combination of clinical experience and modern diagnostic procedures ensures optimal patient care.

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