When assessing a patient's health, what is a common initial step for veterinarians?

Performing a physical examination is indeed a fundamental initial step for veterinarians when assessing a patient's health. This examination allows the veterinarian to conduct a thorough assessment of the animal's overall condition, checking for any signs of illness, abnormal behavior, or physical abnormalities. During the physical exam, veterinarians evaluate vital signs, coat condition, body weight, and look for any external indicators of health issues, such as swelling, lesions, or mobility problems.

This step is crucial because it provides immediate insights into the animal's health status, guiding the veterinarian's subsequent decisions regarding diagnostics, treatment, or further investigations. While paperwork and laboratory tests are important components of the assessment process, they typically follow the physical examination. A full surgical assessment is more specialized and is not a standard initial step unless there is a specific indication for surgery. Thus, the physical examination serves as the essential foundation upon which a veterinarian builds their evaluation and treatment plan.