ABSTRACT
Physical examination A complete physical examination is an essential part of the diagnostic work-up for all diseases. For problems that are likely to have an endocrine cause, particular attention should be paid to body weight (e.g. underweight or overweight, distribution of fat stores), haircoat (length, condition, areas of alopecia), and mental alertness and activity level (e.g. depression, lethargy, apprehension, exercise intolerance).
