Pearls of the Cardiac Physical Exam: How to Interpret What You Hear
1.0 CE Credit Hour / William Rausch, DVM, DACVIM
William Rausch, DVM, DACVIM
Dr. Rausch received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and graduated from veterinary school at the University of Wisconsin. He then completed a one-year rotating internship at The Animal Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Rausch then went on to pursue three years of specialized residency training in Small Animal Cardiology at North Carolina State University under the mentorship of three cardiologists. He became board-certified in cardiology in 2003 and made Portland his home that same year.
Dr. Rausch has authored and co-authored papers in the Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
He remains active in teaching and clinical research. His clinical focus is on maintaining the best possible quality of life in dogs and cats with heart disease.
In his free time he enjoys cycling, cooking and eating, and he can also be found playing in a local bluegrass band.
Program Description:
The cardiac physical exam is the cornerstone of cardiac evaluation and provides valuable information while also suggesting differential diagnosis and a logical diagnostic course. The physical exam can also help distinguish between primary cardiac and respiratory disease as a cause for clinical signs. The physical exam and heart sounds will be reviewed.
Learning Objectives
- Define the characteristics of transient heart sounds and murmurs in dogs and cats, and describe their clinical significance.
- Identify the key factors that influence the intensity and audibility of the first heart sound (S1) and second heart sound (S2).
- Differentiate between split heart sounds and gallop rhythms, including their causes and clinical implications.
- Describe the characteristics and etiologies of heart murmurs, including timing, location, and intensity, and their relevance to diagnosis.
- Outline the diagnostic approach for common auscultation abnormalities, emphasizing acquired and congenital heart diseases.
This course is RACE-approved for 1.0 continuing education credits hours in jurisdictions that accept RACE-approval.
