Which part of the thorax examination includes assessing the apex beat?

The part of the thorax examination that includes assessing the apex beat is the cardiovascular assessment. The apex beat, which is the point of maximal impulse where the heart's contractions can be felt, is a key indicator of heart function and position. It is typically located at the left side of the chest, at the level of the fifth intercostal space, and provides valuable information about the size and position of the heart, as well as the strength of the heartbeat.

During a cardiovascular assessment, veterinarians examine the heart’s rhythm, rate, and overall function, which includes palpating the apex beat. Assessing the apex beat helps to identify conditions such as cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or other cardiac abnormalities. In contrast, the respiratory assessment would focus on lung sounds, breath sounds, and respiratory rate; the neurological assessment would evaluate neural function and reflexes; while the gastrointestinal assessment would examine the abdomen for organ health and digestive function.