CHAPTER 3 History and Physical Examination of the Neonate
BOX 3-1 Important parameters in physical examination of neonatal dogs and cats
• Bradycardia (heart rate less than 150 bpm) in the first 4 to 5 days of life is most commonly associated with hypoxemia.
• Normal body temperature in neonates is significantly lower than that in normal adults of the same species.
• Hydration status is best assessed by examining urine color, with visible yellow color indicative of dehydration.
Collecting a Comprehensive History
Physical Examination
The timing of significant events in pediatric development can be found in Table 3-1.
TABLE 3-1 Timing of significant events in pediatric development
Event | Age at occurrence |
---|---|
Umbilical cord dries and falls off | 2-3 days |
Eyelids open | 5-14 days |
External ear canals open | 6-14 days |
Extensor dominance | 5 days |
Capable of crawling | 7-14 days |
Capable of walking, urinating, and defecating spontaneously | 14-21 days |
Hematocrit/RBC number stabilize near that of adult | 8 weeks |
Renal function nears that of adult | 8 weeks |
Hepatic function nears that of adult | 4-5 months |
RBC, Red blood cell.