Content continues after advertisement

Quiz: Mucous Membrane Evaluation in Dogs

Elizabeth Rozanski, DVM, DACVIM (Small Animal), DACVECC, Tufts University

Internal Medicine

|August 2017|Peer Reviewed

Sign in to Print/View PDF

Evaluation of mucous membranes—including assessment of color, capillary refill time, and degree of moisture—can help provide vital insights when assessing and diagnosing patients. The author most frequently evaluates the oral mucous membranes, although the conjunctiva and the vulva or prepuce may also be evaluated. 

In the author’s experience, mucous membrane color may vary among patients, as some canine breeds such as Weimaraners and red Doberman pinschers have naturally pinker membranes. In addition, some drugs (eg, dexmedetomidine) may alter membrane color.1 Cats have much smaller mouths than do dogs, and interpretation of mucous membrane color may be more challenging than with canine patients.

Prompt and markedly delayed capillary refill time are associated with vasodilation (and/or hyperdynamic shock) and vasoconstriction, respectively.2,3 Patients, particularly dogs, may develop vasodilation associated with early shock (eg, sepsis) or heatstroke, which results in mucous membranes appearing brick red in color.3 Conversely, patients in more advanced states of shock will have pale mucous membranes associated with cool extremities that reflect vasoconstriction.3 Critically ill patients may progress from hyperdynamic to hypodynamic shock if illness advances.3 Oral diseases (eg, dental disease) or oral foreign bodies (eg, quills, foxtails) may also result in abnormal oral mucous membrane appearance.3

9  Questions
Multiple Choice Questions
Score 0/9

Mucous Membrane Evaluation in Dogs Quiz

Match the Images

The following images of mucous membranes in dogs illustrate various diseases and conditions. Match each image with the correct corresponding item.  

Take this quiz by answering the following multiple choice questions.
1/9  Questions
Score
Score 0/9

    

    

 

Which answer best matches the image?

Select one of the above choices and click submit.
Mucous Membrane Evaluation in Dogs Quiz
2/9  Questions
Score
Score 0/9

    

    

 

Which answer best matches the image?

Select one of the above choices and click submit.
Mucous Membrane Evaluation in Dogs Quiz
3/9  Questions
Score
Score 0/9

    

    

 

Which answer best matches the image?

Select one of the above choices and click submit.
Mucous Membrane Evaluation in Dogs Quiz
4/9  Questions
Score
Score 0/9

    

    

 

Which answer best matches the image?

Select one of the above choices and click submit.
Mucous Membrane Evaluation in Dogs Quiz
5/9  Questions
Score
Score 0/9

    

    

 

Which answer best matches the image?

Select one of the above choices and click submit.
Mucous Membrane Evaluation in Dogs Quiz
6/9  Questions
Score
Score 0/9

    

    

 

Which answer best matches the image?

Select one of the above choices and click submit.
Mucous Membrane Evaluation in Dogs Quiz
7/9  Questions
Score
Score 0/9

    

    

 

Which answer best matches the image?

Select one of the above choices and click submit.
Mucous Membrane Evaluation in Dogs Quiz
8/9  Questions
Score
Score 0/9

    

    

 

Which answer best matches the image?

Select one of the above choices and click submit.
Mucous Membrane Evaluation in Dogs Quiz
9/9  Questions
Score
Score 0/9

    

    

 

Which answer best matches the image?

Select one of the above choices and click submit.
Mucous Membrane Evaluation in Dogs Quiz
9/9  Questions
Multiple Choice Questions
Score 0/9

Mucous Membrane Evaluation in Dogs Quiz

Final score
0 of 9

References and Author Information

For global readers, a calculator to convert laboratory values, dosages, and other measurements to SI units can be found here.

All Clinician's Brief content is reviewed for accuracy at the time of publication. Previously published content may not reflect recent developments in research and practice.

Material from Clinician's Brief may not be reproduced, distributed, or used in whole or in part without prior permission of Educational Concepts, LLC. For questions or inquiries please contact us.

Podcasts

Clinician's Brief:
The Podcast
Listen as host Alyssa Watson, DVM, talks with the authors of your favorite Clinician’s Brief articles. Dig deeper and explore the conversations behind the content here.
Clinician's Brief provides relevant diagnostic and treatment information for small animal practitioners. It has been ranked the #1 most essential publication by small animal veterinarians for 9 years.*

*2007-2017 PERQ and Essential Media Studies

© 2023 Educational Concepts, L.L.C. dba Brief Media ™ All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions | DMCA Copyright | Privacy Policy | Acceptable Use Policy