In veterinary terms, what does "auscultation" refer to?

Auscultation refers to the practice of listening to the internal sounds of the body, specifically using a stethoscope. This technique is commonly used by veterinarians to assess the heart, lungs, and digestive tract of an animal. By listening to these internal sounds, a veterinarian can gather important diagnostic information regarding the health of the animal.

For instance, abnormal lung sounds might indicate respiratory issues, while irregular heartbeats could signal cardiac problems. This method is vital in veterinary medicine as it provides insights into the function and condition of vital organs.

The other options relate to different aspects of veterinary examination. For example, examining an animal's external features is part of a physical examination but does not involve listening. Taking blood samples is a laboratory procedure used for testing but does not pertain to auscultation, and measuring heart rate manually could involve using a stethoscope but is a distinct process focused solely on the heart's rhythm rather than the broader scope of internal sounds.