Which area of the body is not assessed in a typical thorough physical examination of a canine?

In a thorough physical examination of a canine, the elbows and knees are indeed important joints that may be assessed, but they are often considered part of a more focused joint or orthopedic examination rather than a standard complete physical assessment. Typically, a comprehensive check includes evaluating the cardiovascular system to assess heart health, observing the tail and anal region for any abnormalities or signs of disease, and inspecting the head and neck for various signs of issues such as dental disease or lymph node enlargement. Thus, while elbows and knees may be examined, they are not universally categorized as essential components in a standard physical examination compared to the other areas mentioned, which are routinely checked for their overall system health and well-being in a regular veterinary visit.