CHECKLIST FOR WEEKLY HOME EXAMINATIONS

THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF PARTS TO EXAMINE :

HEAD Feel the skull ; locate the muscles in the cheeks and temple area, which allow the jaws to move , and the bump behind the ears (the occipital protuberance). NECK Moving along the back of the neck, palpate the spine and muscles; feel the side of the neck for the esophagus and trachea. SPINE Feel the vertebrae and connective muscles. RIBS Feel along the ribs from the spine to the front of the chest.

FEET Feel each bone; check the pads and between the pads for foreign matter; extend the claws. SKIN AND FUR Examine the skin for parasites and rashes; look for bald patches in the fur. LYMPH NODES Turn the cat on its back and check the lymph nodes along the cat's underside: there are two nodes on each side under the jaws ; one on each side of the upper chest where the foreleg joins the chest ; one on each side of the rib cage, spaced widely apart; two spaced together in the lower abdominal area; and one on each side where the hindlegs join the body.

SHOULDER AND FORELEGS Palpate and flex the joints; they should move without grinding sensations. PULSE AND TEMPERATURE A cat's normal pulse rate is 110-130 beats per minute; the normal temperature 101-102.5* F. PELVIC GIRDLE AND HIND LEGS Repeat the procedure with shoulder and forelegs. EYES, TEETH, EARS AND MOUTH Look for discharges from the eyes, discoloration of teeth or gums, and excessive paleness of gums; these are all abnormal conditions. SUPRACAUDAL OIL GLAND AND ANAL SACS Check for excessive secretion from the oil gland at the top of the tail; lift the tail to check the sacs on either side of the anus.