External Anatomy
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Understanding Pet Anatomy: A Guide for Pet First Aiders
1. Head and Facial Features
Nose and Muzzle: Identify the nose and the surrounding muzzle area.
Mouth: Recognize the upper and lower jaw for injury assessment.
Ears: Different breeds may have distinct ear shapes, influencing potential problems.
2. Neck and Back
Neck: Neck size and length can vary among breeds, affecting injury susceptibility.
Back: Consider the length of the back concerning leg proportions and potential vulnerabilities.
3. Front Legs
Shoulder: Locate the shoulder's spine for reference.
Shoulder Joint: Identify the shoulder joint's position.
Elbow: Recognize the elbow's location.
Forearm: Understand the forearm as part of the leg.
Wrist (Carpus): Know the carpus or wrist area.
Paws: Observe the foot with its digits and possible dewclaw.
4. Chest and Ribcage
Chest: Understand the chest area containing the ribcage.
Ribs: Count the ribs and identify the last rib, including the sternum.
5. Back Legs
Hip: Locate the hip joint and its movement.
Thigh: Recognize the thigh muscle.
Knee (Stifle): Refer to the knee as the stifle in dogs and cats.
Ankle (Hock): Understand the ankle area known as the hock in animals.
Foot: Identify the foot with four digits (in some animals).
6. Tail
Tail: Note the tail's length and characteristics, which can vary among breeds.