What is a key feature of a cardiac examination when assessing the femoral pulse?

The assessment of the femoral pulse during a cardiac examination is crucial for evaluating the characteristics of the pulse in relation to the heart's function. A key feature of this examination is the ability to assess for pulse deficits. A pulse deficit occurs when there is a discrepancy between the number of heartbeats (as detected by auscultation) and the number of pulses felt on the femoral artery. This condition can indicate issues such as arrhythmias, where not all heartbeats effectively contribute to detectable pulses due to ineffective contractions or missed beats.

While other aspects of pulse assessment, such as the presence or absence of a pulse, heart rate, and blood pressure changes, can provide valuable information, they do not directly focus on the relationship between heartbeats and the palpable pulse. Specifically, checking for pulse deficits allows a clinician to identify potential cardiovascular issues that could influence the animal's overall health. Therefore, the emphasis on assessing for pulse deficits serves as a fundamental aspect of cardiac evaluation in the context of the femoral pulse.