Wellness Exams

Why wait for your pet to display signs of illness to visit your veterinarian? Like us, our pets need to see their doctor on a regular basis. It is important that your pet get routine exams especially since they age an average of 7 years for every 1 of ours. It is actually recommended that your pet receive a physical exam every 6 months. More frequent physical exams are particularly important when your pet reaches 6 years of age.

What is includes in a wellness visit?

• History: You will be asked to provide information about your pet's activity at home and any changes you may have noticed. You know your pet better than anyone else and are therefore more sensitive to subtle changes in their behavior. Things like appetite, water intake, playfulness, etc. can be clues to a major or minor health problem.
  
  
• Physical Examination: The veterinarian will check your pet from nose to tail. He / she will examine your pet's eyes, ears, nose, mouth, teeth, and skin. The veterinarian will also evaluate the heart and lungs, palpate the abdomen for any abnormalities, and examine the musculo-skeletal system. A physical exam is an invaluable diagnostic tool. Your veterinarian is able to evaluate the overall health of your pet while causing very little stress and discomfort. Treats are often a part of the physical exam.
  
  
• Laboratory Tests:
  • Fecal Examinations (evaluation of your pet's stool for parasites) are recommended every 6 months. This is especially important for pets that are around small children.
  • Heartworm Tests are recommended on a yearly basis. The test used by our clinic checks for heartworm disease, Lyme's disease and ehrlichiosis.
  • Wellness Bloodwork will also be offered to you during your visit. This blood work evaluates your pet's liver and kidneys, screens for diabetes and other metabolic diseases, checks for dehydration, infection, and anemia, and can detect some cancers. This blood work is important for two reasons. It is helpful in the early detection of disease and it also establishes a baseline that is useful for comparison should your pet become sick sometime in the future.
  
  
• Vaccinations: Your pet will also receive the appropriate vaccinations.
  
  
• Recommendations: If any abnormalities are noted during the exam, the veterinarian will explain them to you and let you know what follow-up care may be necessary. We make every effort to be available should you have any questions or concerns.