Why is checking for air passage important during a nose/throat exam?

Checking for air passage during a nose/throat exam is essential because it directly assesses the animal's ability to breathe. When evaluating air passage, a veterinarian can identify any obstructions, inflammation, or anatomical abnormalities that may be leading to breathing difficulties. This is crucial for ensuring that the animal is receiving adequate oxygen and is not in distress due to respiratory issues.

Understanding the air passage status allows the clinician to make informed decisions regarding further diagnostic testing or potential treatments. Breathing difficulty can have immediate and serious implications for the health of the animal, making this assessment a priority during a physical exam.

Other aspects such as hydration levels, allergies, or growths may provide valuable information, but they do not directly address the immediate concern of ensuring that the animal can breathe effectively. Hence, assessing breathing difficulty is the central focus when checking air passage.