Summary of Foundations of Veterinary Medicine

## Introduction Brief summary: This material focuses on fundamental diagnostic procedures in a veterinary clinic, examination terminology, and descriptions of selected infectious diseases in dogs, including their symptoms and common treatment protocols. It is intended for veterinary medicine students as a comprehensive study text. ## Basic Examination Terminology > **Clinical Examination**: A comprehensive set of methods to assess an animal's health status. - **History taking**: Gathering information about the patient's past medical history, including the time of symptom onset, vaccination, diet, and environment. - **Inspection**: Visual examination of the patient — behavior, respiration, coat condition, wounds. - **Auscultation**: Listening using a stethoscope — assessment of heart rhythm and lung sounds. - **Palpation**: Examination by touch — painful areas, organ enlargement, resistance. - **Percussion**: Tapping to elicit sound changes in cavities and organs. ### Practical Example: Systemic Examination of a Dog 1. History taking: Record onset of symptoms, diet, vaccinations. 2. Inspection: Check consciousness, breathing, respiratory rate. 3. Auscultation: Listen to heart and lungs at five locations. 4. Palpation: Abdomen and lymph nodes. 5. Percussion: If pleural effusion or abdominal distension is suspected. > **Diagnosis**: Identification of the disease based on examination, laboratory tests, and imaging methods. > **Treatment / Therapy**: A set of measures for patient treatment and care, including medication, supportive care, and isolation. ## Table: Comparison of Examination Methods | Method | What it assesses | When it's crucial | |---|---:|---| | Inspection | Visual appearance and behavior | Upon patient admission | | Auscultation | Heart and lung sounds | Suspected cardiopulmonary disease | | Palpation | Pain, organ enlargement | Abdominal pain, palpable masses | | Percussion | Sound changes within a cavity | Pulmonary or abdominal abnormalities | ## Selected Canine Infectious Diseases Each disease includes a brief description of symptoms and general treatment principles. ### Parvovirus (canine parvovirus) > **Parvovirus**: a highly contagious viral disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract, most severe in puppies. - Symptoms: - severe vomiting - bloody diarrheal stools - fever - lethargy - leukopenia (decreased white blood cell count) - Treatment / Management: 1. Isolation of the infected dog from other animals. 2. Intensive intravenous rehydration (fluid and electrolyte correction). 3. Antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections. 4. Antiemetics (anti-nausea medications) and analgesics as needed. Practical application: In a puppy with dehydration and bloody diarrhea, immediately initiate IV fluids and diagnostic hematology (white blood cell count examination). ### Leptospirosis > **Leptospirosis**: a bacterial disease caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira, often transmitted through contaminated water. - Symptoms: - sudden fever - muscle stiffness - vomiting - increased thirst - throat pain or generalized pain - oliguria to anuria (decreased to no urination) - Treatment / Management: 1. Antibacterial treatment (often penicillins or doxycycline depending on condition and sensitivity). 2. Rehydration, e.g., Ringer's solution for fluid and electrolyte correction. 3. In case of severe bleeding, consider blood transfusion. Real-world note: In animals with kidney damage, we monitor creatinine levels and urine output. ### Infectious laryngotracheitis (Kennel Cough) > **Infectious laryngotracheitis (Kennel Cough)**: a group of infections leading to an irritating dry cough. - Symptoms: - dry cough, often severe - sneezing - nasal discharge - expectoration of mucus - lethargy - Treatment / Management: 1. Isolation of the sick dog and removal of irritants (smoke, dust). 2. Symptomatic care: soothing the airways, humidifying the environment. 3.