Did you know that our dogs and cats age 4-8 times faster than we do??
Regular wellness exams allow your veterinarian to evaluate your pet?s general health and become aware of any health problems before they become serious illnesses. Your pets are unable to tell you what is wrong with them, so your veterinarian may also wish to perform diagnostic tests, including blood tests and/or x-rays, to evaluate your pet?s health. Routine blood testing, urinalysis (urine testing) and other tests are recommended for all pets in their ?senior years.?
Your veterinarian will request a complete history of your pet?s health. Don?t forget to mention any unusual behavior that you have noticed in your pet
Depending on where you live, your pet?s lifestyle and age, and other factors, your veterinarian may also ask about your pet?s exposure to fleas, ticks, heartworms and intestinal parasites. He or she will develop an individualized treatment and/or preventative plan to address these issues.
Vital Statistics Usually at the beginning of the exam a veterinary technician or an assistant will take your pet?s temperatureand body weight. If your pet has lost weight since his last physical exam, he may be experiencing the early stages of metabolic disease, such as kidney disease or diabetes. If your pet has gained weight since his last exam, your veterinarian will work with you to develop an appropriate diet and exercise plan to return your pet to a healthier weight. Weight is an important consideration in your pet?s health ? an extra two or three pounds could mean the difference between your pet being fit and healthy or obese.
Ears Your veterinarian may ask if your pet has been shaking his head or scratching at his ears, and if you have noticed an odor coming from your pet?s ears. Your pet?s ear canals protect his inner ear, but can also become a home for parasites and other foreign objects. Your veterinarian will closely examine your pet?s ears to make sure they are healthy.
Eyes Eye examinations often reveal many health issues, including anemia, infections, glaucoma, cataracts, high blood pressure, jaundice, kidney problems and allergies, in addition to eye injuries and ulcers. Your veterinarian may examine your cat?s eyes to evaluate her past and present nutritional condition.
Mouth Your veterinarian will inspect your pet?s gums, teeth, tongue and palate (roof of the mouth) for tartar buildup, dental abnormalities, fractures, loose teeth, tumors, infection and other problems. For example, similar to people, a lack of red or pink color in your pet?s gums or lining of his lips could signal anemia. Your veterinarian will discuss the importance of regular at-home and professional teeth cleaning to prevent periodontal disease, which can cause bad breath and tooth loss.
Heart and Lungs Your veterinarian will use a stethoscope to listen to your pet?s heart and lungs for early signs of heart and respiratory disease.
Reproductive Organs If your pet has not been spayed or neutered, your veterinarian may discuss with you the many health benefits of spaying/neutering beyond just birth control. Your veterinarian will check your pet?s reproductive system for swellings, discharges and breast lumps.
Skin Your pet?s skin is his largest organ and a good gauge of his health. Your veterinarian will check your pet?s skin and hair for fleas, ticks, other external parasites, tumors and wounds, as well as signs of allergies, infection, warts and tumors.
From Head to Toe Your veterinarian will feel your pet?s abdomen for abnormalities, including enlarged organs, masses or painful areas, to detect problems with the stomach, intestines, kidneys, liver and other organs. Your veterinarian will also examine your pet?s legs and feet and the condition of your pet?s joints, muscles, lymph nodes and nose.
Your veterinarian may recommend additional testing to diagnose or verify a health problem if he finds any abnormalities during your pet?s examination.
Due to the rapid aging process, our doctor here at Garden Creek Pet Clinic recommends general health exams every 6 months for all pets over the age of 3 years.
(Did you know that 3 years in your pet?s life is equal to a human in their late twenties to early thirties?!!)
This biannual exam as well as bloodwork panels allows us to catch potential problems before they become life threatening; such as dental disease, ear infections, and heart issues to name a few, allowing us to take action to increase a quick and complete recovery.
This may seem excessive but it is equal to us going to the doctor only every 2-3 years (which we all know is more than the annual visits recommended by our physicians!!)
Please ask our staff if you have any questions or concerns!!!
