Șindilar, Eusebiu-ViorelCiubotariu, Alexandra2026-06-082026-06-0820251454-7406https://repository.iuls.ro/handle/20.500.12811/6555A thorough orthopedic examination is essential for accurately identifying and characterizing musculoskeletal disorders in small animals. This short review summarizes the structured approach to orthopedic assessment, beginning with patient history and general physical evaluation, followed by systematic observation at rest, gait analysis, and detailed physical examination. Static and dynamic assessments provide initial localization of pathology, while gait evaluation, including visual analysis and objective force plate measurements, offers critical insight into limb loading and functional impairment. The review also outlines key components of the standing and recumbent orthopedic examination, highlighting palpation techniques, joint mobility testing, and specialized maneuvers such as the Ortolani, Barden, cranial drawer, and tibial compression tests. Diagnostic tools integral to orthopedic evaluation, including radiography, ultrasonography, CT, MRI, arthrocentesis, laboratory testing, and diagnostic analgesia, are discussed in terms of their utility and limitations. This structured, multimodal approach enhances diagnostic accuracy and supports effective clinical decision-making in veterinary orthopedic practice.EnglishAttribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/veterinaryorthopedic examinationgait analysislamenessreviewArticle2393-4603https://doi.org/10.61900/SPJVS.2025.04.02