What indicators are checked in mucous membranes (MM)?

The key indicators checked in mucous membranes (MM) are primarily related to the moisture, color, and presence of hemorrhages. These factors provide critical information about the animal's overall health and can help assess its hydration status, blood circulation, and potential underlying medical conditions.

Moisture is important because dry mucous membranes can indicate dehydration. A clinician will assess the color of the mucous membranes to identify potential issues such as anemia (pale MM), hypoxia (cyanotic or blue MM), or shock (brick red MM indicating hyperemia). Additionally, checking for hemorrhages, which can present as petechiae or ecchymosis, is essential in evaluating the animal's clotting ability and the possibility of underlying disease processes such as thrombocytopenia or vasculitis.

In contrast, while color and texture are important, they don't encompass the same comprehensive assessment as moisture and hemorrhage. Size and shape are not typically measured in this context. Temperature and consistency are more related to tissue characteristics rather than the health indicators that mucous membrane assessment provides. Hence, the selection that evaluates moisture, color, and hemorrhages captures the critical diagnostic criteria for assessing mucous membrane health in canines.