Title: Describe the methods of assessing animal health.
Course: Veterinary Science I (18105-I) > Section: Performing Clinical Exams

Description should include

- ways to communicate effectively with the owner to obtain a thorough medical history of a patient
- the steps used in a total assessment of an animal
- how to identify abnormalities in physical state or behavior (e.g., food/water intake, evidence of pain)
- the determination of the probable illness indicated by the abnormalities
- the determination of the likely cause(s) of the illness
- the reasons why only veterinarians, not veterinary assistants or technicians, should make final diagnoses.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What are vital signs?
- How are accurate vital signs obtained?
- How does one conduct a thorough physical exam?
- What could be the negative consequences of allowing a veterinary assistant or technician to diagnose illnesses? Why?
- What are the normal values of temperature, pulse, and respiration (TPR, or vital signs)?