Internal Medicine Diagnostics

Thoracic Cavity

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review some of the diagnostic methods used in physical examination of the thoracic cavity. The focus will be on auscultation since this is the most useful diagnostic procedure every veterinarian can perform. A number of diagnostic tools are available for use in evaluation of diseases of the thoracic cavity. The most important of these tools is the art of auscultation. Knowledge of the origin and mechanism of production of cardiac and lung sounds will allow the practitioner to accurately diagnose the majority of the diseases he sees in the field. A number of other diagnostic procedures such as radiography, aspiration, and percussion are then used to further define or confirm the tentative diagnosis made by auscultation.