Why are clinical notes essential during a canine physical exam?

Clinical notes are crucial during a canine physical exam because they serve as a comprehensive record of the findings observed during the examination. Documenting these findings allows for continuity of care, which is essential in tracking the dog's health over time. This includes identifying trends in a pet's condition, monitoring changes, and developing a treatment plan that may require reference to previous assessments.

Having well-documented notes ensures that any veterinarian or technician reviewing the records can understand the dog's history, prior medical issues, and responses to treatments, thereby making informed decisions during future visits. This documentation becomes a valuable resource for ongoing care, making it easier to evaluate the effectiveness of previous treatments and to strategize future interventions based on the documented progress or regression of the dog's health.