Title: Observe the animal for abnormalities.
Course: Small Animal Care II (18102-II) > Section: Performing Technical Functions

Observation should include

- describing behavior and physical state of a normal, healthy animal
- looking for and describing any abnormal behavior, physical state, food/water intake, and feces/urine
- explaining factors that could affect food/water intake, as well as cause abnormal feces/urine.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What abnormalities could be present with an animal that is urinating more frequently and/or is straining to urinate?
- What is lethargy? What medical problems might it indicate?
- What are some possible causes for increased appetite and/or water intake?
- How can stress cause changes to an animal’s feces?