Paralysis
Paralysis is the inability to voluntarily move a part or parts of the body. The paralyzed part
(legs, neck, etc.) may be rigid or stiff or, more commonly, relaxed and flaccid. What to Do
** Calm the pet. If necessary, cover with a blanket.
** Muzzle the pet if there is any danger of being bitten.
** Transport the pet using one of the techniques described. What NOT to do:
** Do not assume the pet won't bite.
** Do not encourage the pet to move about.
** Do not medicate the pet unless instructed to do so by a veterinarian.
The inability to walk can develop suddenly (with or without history of injury) in dogs due to the rupture of an intervertebral disc, especially in certain breeds like the Dachshund. Paralysis of this type should be considered a life-threatening emergency and your veterinarian or an emergency facility should be consulted immediately.
Paralysis can also be associated with traumatic episodes such as falls, being struck by a motor vehicle, or fights with other animals. When paralysis is associated with trauma, fractures or instability of the spine should be suspected. It is extremely important to immobilize the spine before and during transportation. This is covered in the Transport section.
Physical Exam Checklist for Pets
To identify an illness or abnormal situation, you must be able to recognize what is normal for your pet. You know your pet better than anyone else and will have to decide when an abnormal situation warrants professional help. Sometimes the condition is so serious it leaves no doubt. Frequently, the changes are subtle and it is important that they are recognized. Early recognition of a serious problem can save your pet's life.
The following pages teach you how to examine your pet and determine what is normal. The primary suggestion is to give your animal a "mini" physical exam occasionally when there is nothing wrong so you get used to what is normal for your net. Record the normal values using the guide at the end of this section.
Hands-on Physical Exam
Before starting a hands-on exam, stand back and look at your pet for a few minutes. The posture, activity level, and general appearance can tell you a lot.
Now start the physical exam, making sure to look at the following areas. Consult a veterinarian if an abnormal condition exists.
A hands-on physical exam in the comfort of your own home is the best way to learn what is normal for your pet.
The Nose
Normal: Moist and clean
Abnormal:
** Dry or cracked
** Nasal Discharge
** BleedingA moist, clean nose is a sign of a healthy dog or cat. The Eyes
Normal
** Bright, moist, and clear.
** Centered between the eyelid.
** Pupils equal in size.
** Whites of the eye should not appear colored and should have only a few visible blood vessels.
** Pupils shrink equally when bright light is shined into either eye.
** Pupils enlarge equally when the eyes are held closed or the room darkened. Abnormal
** Dull, sunken eyes. Eyes that appear dry. Thick discharge from eyes.
** One or both eyes not centered.
** Pupils unequal in size.
** Abnormal colors that indicate problems are yellow (jaundice), brownish ('muddy'), or red (bloodshot).
** Pupils fail to respond or respond differently when bright light is shined into either eye.
** Pupils fail to respond or respond differently to the dark
Pay close attention to the color of the whites of your pet's eyes, as well as his pupils' response to changes in light
The Ears
Normal
** Skin smooth and without wounds.
** Clean and dry.
** Almost odor-free.
** Typical carriage for breed.
** Pain-free. Abnormal
** Wounds or scabs on skin. Lumps or bumps on skin. Any sign of rash.
** Crust, moisture, or other discharge in ear canal.
** Any strong odor from the ear.
** Atypical carriage for breed; for example, a droopy ear in a breed with normally erect ears.
** Painful.
Your pet's ears should be clean and odor-free. The Mouth
Normal
** Teeth are clean and white.
** Gums are uniformly pink. Abnormal
** Tartar accumulation around the base of the teeth.
** The gums are red, pale, inflamed, or sore in appearance.
Press on the gum tissue with your finger or thumb and release quickly. Watch the color return to the gums. This checks the capillary refill time (CRT) and is a crude assessment of how well the heart and circulatory system are working.
Normal
** The color returns to the gums in 1 or 2 seconds (normal CRT). AbnormalL
** The CRT is extremely rapid (less than 1 second) or slow (more than 2 seconds).
Gums should be pink -- teeth should be clean and white. Neck, Chest, and Breathing
Normal
** It is difficult to hear the pet breathe at all except when he is panting.
** The chest wall moves easily to and fro during respiration.
** Most of the act of breathing is performed by the chest wall. The abdominal wall barely moves.
Abnormal
** Any unusual noise heard while the pet is breathing could indicate a problem, especially if the noise is new for the pet.
** There is noticeable effort by the pet to move the chest wall.
** The abdomen is actively involved in the act of inhaling and exhaling.
Gently feel the chest and neck for any lumps, bumps, masses, or mats of hair which may be indicative of a problem.
Normal
** The pet does not change respiratory pattern while being palpated. Abnormal ** Palpation of the chest or neck seems to cause pain or discomfort. Any lump or mass you feel in your pet's neck or chest may be indicative of a problem.
The Abdomen
Palpate the abdomen. Start just behind the ribs and gently press your hands into the abdomen, feeling for abnormalities. If your pet has just eaten, there may be a palpable enlargement in the left part of the abdomen just under the ribs. Proceed toward the rear of the pet, passing your hands gently over the abdomen.
Normal
** No lumps, bumps, or masses.
** No discomfort on palpation.
** No distension of the abdominal wall. Abnormal
** Any lump, bump, or mass may be abnormal.
** Palpation causes groaning or difficulty breathing. Any evidence or indication of pain is a serious finding.
** The abdomen feels hard or tense and it appears distended.
Any pain felt during an abdominal palpation could be a problem. Consult your veterinarian.
Skin Turgor Test
The test most often used to determine whether an animal is well hydrated (has enough fluid in its system) is the skin turgor test. To perform this, pull the skin over the chest or back into a tent and release it quickly (avoid the skin of the neck as it's often too thick for this Test). Observe the skin as it returns to its resting position.
Normal
** The skin snaps back into position so fast that the eye almost can't detect it. Abnormal
** The skin returns slowly or remains slightly tented. This is a sign of possible
dehydration (see the dehydration section). The simple skin turgor test can tell you a lot about your cat's or dog's hydration.
Pulse and Heart
Learn to locate the pulse on your pet before acrisis. The best place on a cat or dog is the femoral artery in the groin area. Place your fingers around the front of the hind leg and move upward until the back of your hand meets the abdominal wall Move your fingertips back and forth on the inside of the thigh until you feel the pulsing sensation as the blood rushes through the artery. Count the number of pulses in 15 seconds and multiply by 4. This will give you the pulse rate in beats per minute (BPM).
Normal
** Cats: 150 to 200 bpm (A relaxed cat may have a slower pulse.)
** Small dogs: 70 to 110 bpm.
** Medium dogs: 70 to 110 bpm.
** Large/giant dogs: 60 to 90 bpm.(A relaxed dog may have a slower pulse. Know what is normal for your dog before a crisis.)
** Pulse is easily palpated , strong, and regular. Abnormal
** Too rapid or too slow.
** Pulse is weak, irregular, or hard to locate.
Feel the heart beat with one hand while feeling the pulse with the other. Normal
** The heart and pulse are synchronized -- for each heart beat there is a pulse.
Abnormal
** There is not always a match between the heartbeat and the pulse. This is a serious finding.
Learn how to properly take your pet's pulse. Temperature
Taking your pet's temperature is an easy and important procedure and can be done with a glass mercury or a digital thermometer. Digital thermometers are easier to read and can be purchased at a pharmacy for under $10.
Rectal temperatures are more accurate than axillary (between the front leg and the body) temperatures. Lubricate the thermometer with petroleum jelly. Gently and slowly insert the thermometer into the rectum about 1 or 2 inches. If it does not slide in easily, do not force it. Leave it in for 2 minutes, then read and record the temperature.
Normal
** Temperature is between 101° and 102.5°.
** The thermometer is almost clean when removed. Abnormal
** Temperature is below 100° or above 103°.
** There is evidence of blood, diarrhea, or black, tarry stool on the thermometer. It may be easier to take your cat's temperature if you have someone to help you.
Normals: A Final Note
Know the normals for your pet. Record the results of your pets home examination using the outline on the following page. Watch your pet closely so you know when something is wrong. Become familiar with these normals before a crisis so you can recognize an abnormal finding.