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Approach to Clinical Examination (3 of 3)

A full examination is necessary if you have not seen the animal previously, unless the diagnosis seems obvious and no complications are likely.

Commonly we adopt a nose to tail, top to bottom approach but you may choose to first evaluate cardiac and respiratory function, and rectal temperature, if the animal is likely to become agitated when you examine it.

vet examining cat

  • Practise your approach so that you can do it quickly and efficiently

  • Be sure that you can recognise and describe the normal anatomy e.g. can you readily palpate the superficial lymph nodes?

  • Focus consciously on the different organ systems and build a mental list of potential differentials as you make the examination

 

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