What does a veterinarian check for when palpating the belly of a small animal?

When palpating the belly of a small animal, a veterinarian is primarily checking for enlarged organs and masses. This procedure involves feeling the abdomen with the hands to assess the size, shape, and texture of the internal organs, which provides essential information about the animal's health. Enlarged organs may signal conditions such as liver disease, splenic issues, or other abnormalities. Detecting masses can also be crucial, as they may be indicative of tumors or cysts that require further investigation.

The other options focus on different areas of examination; for instance, heart size involves auscultation and is related to cardiovascular health, while dental health pertains to oral examinations, and ear infections require visual and sometimes auditory assessments. Each of these evaluations serves distinct purposes, but palpation of the abdomen specifically targets internal organ assessment.