| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| abdominal system | includes the stomach, intestines, and internal organs, such as the liver, pancreas, and spleen |
| alopecia | area of hair loss |
| atrophy | the shrinking of the muscle when it is not being used |
| auscultation | process of listening to the heart, chest, and lungs for any abnormal sounds using a stethoscope |
| cheif complaint | the reason the animal is being seen by the vet |
| constrict | to close |
| crackles | abnormal sounds within the chest that sounds like cellophane paper |
| dilate | to open |
| dyspnea | difficulty breathing |
| head exam | includes examining the eyes, ears,and nose |
| hydration status | area evaluated over the neck and shoulders, eye sockets, and gums to determine how much water loss has occurred |
| integumentary system | includes the kin, hair, pads, horns, beak, nails hooves, and feathers |
| knee jerk reaction | the reaction to a slight tap over the knee joint that causes the knee to jerk in response to assess the nervous system |
| murmur | abnormal heart sound that presents as a swishing sound |
| musculoskeletal system | includes the bones, joints, and muscles |
| nervous system | assessment of the brain and spinal cord through the response of pupil reflexes, the gait, as well as other body reflexes such as limbs, paws, and digits |
| observation | an inspection of an animal at a distance to see what is looks like, acts like, or how it moves naturally |
| oral cavity | includes the gums, mouth, teeth, tongue, and throat |
| patient history | background information of past medical, surgical, nutritional, and behavioral factors that have occurred over the life of the animal |
| physical examination (PE) | an observation of each body system to determine abnormal problems that can cause a health problem |
| rales | abnormal sounds within the chest that sounds like musical notes |
| signalment | the patient's name, age or date of birth, gender, color, and breed or species |
| toe pinch response | digits can be pinched to elicit a response that should be to pull away from the pressure to assess the nervous system |
| triage | a quick general assessment of an animal to determine how quickly the animal needs a vet's attention |
| urogenital system | includes the kidneys, urinary bladder, external genitals, mammary glands, and rectal area |
| wheel barrow technique | slightly lifting the animal's hind end off the ground and pushing the body forward into a wheelbarrow motion to assess the nervous system |
