Which of the following is a component of a respiratory exam?

Auscultation of the lungs is a fundamental component of a respiratory exam. This process involves using a stethoscope to listen to the sounds produced by the lungs as the animal breathes. It helps in assessing the quality of airflow, identifying any abnormal lung sounds, and detecting possible respiratory issues such as wheezing, crackles, or diminished breath sounds. This information is crucial for diagnosing respiratory diseases or conditions.

In contrast, the other options, while potentially relevant to a comprehensive physical examination, do not specifically pertain to the assessment of respiratory function. For instance, abdominal auscultation focuses on the sounds of the gastrointestinal tract rather than the respiratory system. Palpating pulses relates to assessing cardiovascular health rather than respiratory status, and checking for dehydration is part of general health assessment but does not directly evaluate respiratory function. Therefore, the correct choice aligns closely with the specific goal of a respiratory exam.