When ausculting the lungs, what should a practitioner watch for?

When auscultating the lungs, the key aspect to watch for is signs of abnormal respiratory patterns or sounds, which can include panting. Panting can indicate respiratory distress or other underlying health issues in a canine, making it a critical observation during the auscultation process. It is essential for practitioners to closely monitor any irregularities in breathing, such as abnormal sounds (wheezing, crackles, etc.) and the overall effort of breathing.

In contrast, rapid heart rate, jaundice, and skin elasticity are important observations in their own right, but they are not directly related to auscultation of the lungs. Rapid heart rate may indicate cardiovascular issues, jaundice points to liver problems, and skin elasticity is related to hydration status. However, these factors do not provide specific insights into lung function or respiratory health. Thus, recognizing panting or other related respiratory behaviors is crucial in this context.