Examination
A complete examination should always be performed even if the presenting complaint is easily recognizable. The physical examination provides the veterinarian with information that is used to assess the health status of the patient.
This information, combined with that obtained while taking the history, enables the practitioner to determine which specific signs of disease are present (i.e., what the problem[s] is/are) and aids in the localization of the disease process to specific organ systems. Performing a physical examination also helps determine which ancillary diagnostic tests should be performed. Additional information gathered during the examination may reveal disorders other than the presenting complaint that warrant further attention and may have a profound influence on the prognosis of the case. Realistically, economic and temporal constraints preclude full examinations in some cases. In these situations the veterinarian must be familiar enough with the complete physical examination to know which aspects can be excluded and which should be performed.A systematic approach to the animal must be developed and used in every physical examination. The first step is to form an initial overall impression by observing the animal from a distance. The animal is then restrained and examined topographically, beginning on one side, moving to the other, and then evaluating the rear and finally the head and neck. Thus individual organs and systems are examined completely, although disjointedly, and the information gained is correlated to form the complete diagnosis.
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