What should be able to be felt during an abdominal exam on dogs?

During an abdominal exam on dogs, it is important to palpate certain internal organs to assess their health and function. The correct response focuses on the organs typically felt during such examinations, which include the intestines, spleen, and stomach.

Palpating these organs allows the veterinarian to evaluate their size, shape, and consistency, which can indicate underlying health issues such as gastrointestinal blockages, splenic enlargement, or conditions affecting the stomach.

The other options mention organs that are either not directly accessible through an abdominal exam or not relevant to it. For instance, while the heart and lungs are vital organs, they are examined through different methods, such as auscultation and wandering palpation of the thoracic region. Muscles and bones are also not evaluated during an abdominal exam, as the focus is specifically on the organs within the abdominal cavity. Similarly, while the bladder can be palpated, it is just one of many structures the veterinarian observes during a thorough abdominal examination. Therefore, the inclusion of the intestines, spleen, and stomach represents a comprehensive approach to assessing a dog's abdominal health.