WILD- Topic 23: How to Obtain Vital Signs

It’s important for every pet owner and animal professional to know the basics when it comes to an animal’s vital signs. Vital signs are measurements of the body’s most basic functions. Obtaining vital signs can help assess the pet’s physical condition in an emergency situation and better prepare for sharing important information with a veterinarian. The three main vitals to assess are: heart rate/pulse, respiratory rate, and temperature.

BODY TEMPERATURE: Normal = Dog- 100.2-103.8 degrees Fahrenheit

The internal body temperature for dogs and cats is taken rectally. It is best to use a digital thermometer that is safe for pets. Thermometers that are safe for pets have a flexible tip so that the thermometer does not injure the pet when it is placed in the rectum and take no more than 20 seconds to get a reading.

To take a pet’s temperature, first coat the thermometer with a lubricant such as petroleum gel or baby oil. Next, gently insert the thermometer about one inch into the dog or cat’s anus and wait for results.

HEART RATE:

Dog: Normal = 70-120 beats/minute dependent on size – normal values for canine heart rates depend on their size. A heart rate of 140 may be normal in a Yorkshire terrier, but would be abnormal for a Mastiff.

CIRCULATION: Check for a heartbeat and note the heart rate and rhythm. Palpate the femoral or another distal arterial pulse. Feel the gums, ears, and extremities to see if they are cool. See if there is any evidence of bleeding.

PULSES: Normal pulses are strong and regular. The pulse is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressures. A strong pulse may not mean the animal has adequate blood pressure. Pulses are located on the inside of the thigh (femoral), the top of the foot (pedal), or the underside of the tail. The pulse strength helps you to evaluate perfusion. The pulse will deteriorate with worsening shock, dehydration, or heart function. Normal pulses are steady and even, beating in a constant pattern with the same strength to each beat, and will disappear under moderate pressure. An irregular pulse may be due to sinus arrhythmia or heart disease. Weak pulses are slightly stronger than thready pulses and will disappear with light pressure. A weak pulse signifies a decreased difference between systolic and diastolic pressure that may be due to low cardiac output. Thready pulses are not easily felt, and may feel like a small fine thread under the finger and will disappear with slight pressure. A bounding pulse feels full and spring-like on palpation and will not disappear under moderate pressure. A bounding pulse may be due to low peripheral resistance, increased cardiac output, and increased stroke volume.

RESPIRATION: Dog: Normal = 18-34 breaths/minute with no visible effort. The respiratory rate and effort are signs of how well the animal is breathing and can be indicators of problems. Monitor the animal for changes in its respiratory rate or effort. These changes can be life-threatening.

MUCOUS MEMBRANE COLOR: Normal = pink Abnormal color includes bright red, white, blue, or yellow. All four of these gum colors indicate that there is a serious problem.

CAPILLARY REFILL TIME (CRT): Normal = 1-2 seconds. Mucous m membrane color and capillary refill time (CRT) serve to evaluate perfusion, oxygenation, and some underlying diseases. Mucous membrane color is assessed by lifting the upper lip and quickly pressing on the gums with finger to push the blood out of the tissue, then removing your finger and counting the number of seconds it takes for the color to return. This should normally take 1 to 2 seconds.

In a life-threatening emergency, you may also look deeper at the following:

AIRWAY: Check for a patent airway. Ensure the mouth and throat are clear of obstructions.

BREATHING: Observe if the animal is breathing and if they are breathing effectively. Note if there is any extra effort taken. Determine if there is a need for supplemental oxygen. Listen to the lungs’ sounds. Listen to different areas to see if the sounds are different. Check the color of the mucous membranes and the capillary refill time. Note any abnormal signs/sounds. Respiratory distress may present with no chest wall movement, nasal flaring, open mouth breathing, head and neck extension, exaggerated effort, and paradoxical breathing.