What areas of the body should be ausculted in a respiratory examination?

In a respiratory examination, it is essential to auscultate the trachea and all lung fields to obtain a comprehensive assessment of a dog's respiratory system. Auscultation of the trachea allows for the detection of potential abnormalities in airflow or sounds, indicating issues such as tracheal obstruction or inflammation.

Listening to all lung fields is equally important because it helps identify various respiratory conditions, including pneumonia, bronchitis, or pleural effusion. By assessing all areas of the lungs—both left and right, as well as the upper and lower portions—veterinarians can pinpoint specific locations of abnormal lung sounds, such as wheezes, crackles, or absence of sound, providing valuable information for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Auscultating only one lung or focusing on the heart and abdomen does not offer a full picture of the respiratory health, leading to potential missed diagnoses or incomplete evaluations. Thus, auscultating the trachea and all lung fields is the standard practice to ensure a thorough respiratory examination.