1. 1History & exam. Signalment, onset and progression, associated signs, and the clinical exam findings you can get in the first minute.
2. 2Define the problem. Refine the presenting problem: what exactly is it? (For example, vomiting or regurgitation?)
3. 3Define the system. Which body system is involved - and is it primary (structural) or secondary (functional)?
4. 4Define the location. Where within that system does the problem sit?
5. 5Define the lesion. Sieve by mechanism with DAMNIT-V: Degenerative, Anomalous/Developmental, Metabolic, Neoplastic/Nutritional, Infectious/Inflammatory/Immune-mediated/Idiopathic, Traumatic/Toxic, Vascular - to reach a ranked list of differentials. Hoot presents them; you put them in your own order and confirm it.
6. 6Plan - clinical tests and imaging. Choose and commit the clinical tests and imaging that best separate your differentials.

Reason from the presenting problem, not the disease. Each question narrows the options, and every decision is yours: you commit every answer.

Not sure of an answer? Tap Unsure - Hoot will suggest clinical tests or imaging that could help progress the diagnostic work-up, and you choose whether to add them to your plan.