Inspection
During inspection, the general behavior and body posture of the swift are noted, as well as plumage (overall impression), vision, respiration, and extremities (position, weight-bearing; functionality is only assessed during clinical examination, as swifts usually behave passively during inspection). If droppings were passed in the transport container in which the found bird was kept, these are also examined.
Palpation
Then the nutritional and hydration status of the foundling is checked by palpation (dry mucous membranes, leathery skin in case of dehydration). Any hypothermia can be detected by simple touch test with the back of the hand. Respiration, eyes, ears and nose, beak and throat, abdomen and cloaca, as well as extremities are carefully examined. In swift foundlings, habitus, vision, condition of the throat mucosa, condition of the cloacal region, and grip reflex have proven to be useful parameters for assessing general condition. Particular attention must be paid to injuries (open wounds, traces of blood, non-physiological posture of head and limbs).
"Turning test"
A specific examination method for the swift to detect shoulder girdle defects is the so-called "turning test": The swift is placed on its back and observed whether and how quickly it turns back to the physiological prone position.
Plumage and reflexes
Finally, the development and condition of the flight and body plumage, type and extent of feather damage are inspected as precisely as circumstances allow. In case of symptoms indicating a disturbance of the nervous system - common in accident patients - behavior and body posture as well as reflexes are tested. For this purpose, in swifts the pupillary reflex, grip reflex, pain sensitivity in the feet, ability to move in a coordinated manner and maintain balance, and posture of the head (opisthotonus, torticollis) can be used for assessment.
Fractional examination
Often the patients condition does not allow a complete recording of the status quo at the time of admission, as emergency care is indicated as a life-saving immediate measure and has priority. All data not immediately required are then only recorded after stabilization of the patient. This procedure, in which - in order to be able to begin targeted therapy - only the most important points of the examination procedure for diagnosis are initially performed, is called fractional examination.