During a complete physical exam, which organ is typically not assessed through palpation in dogs?

In a complete physical exam of a dog, the heart is typically assessed through auscultation rather than palpation. Auscultation involves using a stethoscope to listen to the heart sounds, which provides critical information about the heart's function and rhythm. While palpation can be used to assess other organs, such as the kidneys, prostate, and spleen, the heart's location and structure make it more suitable for being evaluated through auditory means.

Palpation is commonly employed for the kidneys, which are located toward the back of the dog and can often be felt in smaller or less obese dogs. The prostate, while generally examined through rectal palpation, can be assessed for size and abnormalities during a physical exam. The spleen can also be palpated, especially if it is enlarged or diseased, allowing the veterinarian to gather important information about the dog's health. Thus, the heart's unique assessment method differentiates it from the other organs listed.