What lympathic nodes are generally assessed in a physical examination?

The submandibular, popliteal, and pre-scapular lymph nodes are commonly assessed during a physical examination because they are more accessible for palpation in dogs. The submandibular lymph nodes are located beneath the jaw and can indicate oral or dental diseases, as well as systemic infections. The popliteal lymph nodes are found behind the knee and provide information about the hind limb, including possible infections or tumors in that area. Pre-scapular lymph nodes, located near the shoulder region, can indicate issues related to the forelimb or thoracic cavity.

In contrast, while the other options include important lymph nodes, they are either not routinely palpated during a standard physical examination or are less accessible in a typical clinical setting. The mesenteric, splenic, and hepatic nodes, for instance, are deep within the abdomen and not easily examined without imaging or surgical intervention. Similarly, retroperitoneal and thoracic nodes are not typically assessed during a routine check-up since they are also deep-seated and not palpable. This makes the choice of submandibular, popliteal, and pre-scapular lymph nodes particularly relevant for clinicians conducting a standard physical examination.