Topic 6 - Examine the visible mucous membranes in the dog and the cat and describe the findings!

Question 1

How to examine mucous membranes?

Answer 1

By inspection and palpation

Question 2

Which structures/parts do we look at during examination of mucous membranes?

Answer 2

1. Conjunctiva
2. Mouth/lips
3. nasal
4. Anal
5. Genital

Question 3

Which parameters do we observe in the mucous membranes?

Answer 3

1. Colour
2. Moisture
3. Membrane vessels
4. Surface
5. Capillary refil time

Question 4

Normal colour of mucous membrane;

Answer 4

Light pink

Question 5

Normal moisture of mucous membrane:

Answer 5

Shiny and moist

Question 6

Normal membrane vessels of mucous membrane:

Answer 6

They are slightly vissible

Question 7

Normal surface of mucous membrane:

Answer 7

Smooth and intact

Question 8

Normal surface of the mucous membrane of the conjunctiva:

Answer 8

Moderately ruffled

Question 9

Normal capillary refil time of mucous membrane:

Answer 9

Less than 2 seconds, normal is 1 second

Question 10

What does increased capillary refil time indicate?

Answer 10

Hypovolemia

Question 11

Abnormal findings of mucous membrane:

Answer 11

1. Pale
2. Cyanotic
3. Yellow
4. dirty red
5. Anaemic
6. Haermorrhages
7. Dry
8. Lesions

Question 12

What will a dry mucous membrane indicate?

Answer 12

Shock

Question 13

If there are lesions present, how to describe them?

Answer 13

1. Amount
2. Size
3. Shape
4. Borders
5. Location
6. Colour
7. Consistency