Wellness exams are very important for any pet. Young animals (puppies & kittens) get a series of vaccines (usually 4 sets of shots each 3-4 weeks apart), adults need annual visits for exams, testing, and vaccines and older animals (over 7 years) should be seen at least twice yearly to monitor them for diseases and issues related to aging.
All Animals:
Comprehensive Physical Exam: We consider the exam the most important part of the yearly wellness. We can often detect problems on yearly exams that you may not notice at home. We will also make recommendations for good preventative care for your pet including parasite protection (heartworms & intestinal parasites), nutrition, and vaccinations. Our Doctors will exam your whole pet including the following:
| Examined | Why? |
| Eyes | Cataracts, infections, inflammation |
| Teeth | Dental Disease |
| Ears | Infections, tumors, polyps |
| Skin, Coat | Infections, tumors |
| Heart | Murmurs, irregular beats |
| Abdomen | Enlarged organs, abdominal pain |
| Lymph nodes | Signs of infection or tumors |
| Limbs | Lameness, arthritis, joint problems |
Bloodwork (yearly or as indicated for monitoring):
Bloodwork and urinalysis are important tools for disease screening in pets and a critical element of preventative care. Even the happiest dog or the spryest cat can have hidden medical issues that could get worse if left untreated. We recommend yearly bloodwork for our patients. This can be done at the time of their regular vaccines, or at a 6 month wellness check.
Reasons for annual testing:
- Detect problems early when treatment may be easier and more effective!
- Screen for problems before they occur!
- Follow trends such as declining kidney function or progressive thyroid disease
- Record baseline values for your pet
Fecal Test (yearly)
A fecal test is a test done on a sample of feces to look for intestinal worms. Some of these worms can be transmitted to people and can be very dangerous to children. After testing, we will recommend a method of parasite control for your pet.
Heartworm Test (yearly for dogs)
Heartworms are passed my mosquitoes and can kill your pet. If the dog is negative, we recommend starting them on a monthly preventative.
VACCINES
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies is a transmissible viral disease which can be passed to people and other mammals. It is a fatal disease, and it is required by law that your pet be vaccinated yearly for rabies.
Dogs Only:
DHPP Vaccine (every 1-3 years depending on age and vaccine history)
- Distemper - viral, extremely contagious respiratory disease that can go to the brain and kill dogs
- Hepatitis - infectious liver disease
- Parvovirus - viral, extremely contagious gastrointestinal disease that can kill dogs
- Parainfluenza - contagious respiratory disease
Leptospirosis Vaccine (yearly)
- Leptospirosis - bacterial, infectious disease of the kidneys and liver that is zoonotic (can be passed to people) and can be contracted from wildlife
Kennel Cough Vaccine (yearly)
- Bordatella - bacterial, extremely contagious respiratory disease
Cats Only:
RCCP Vaccine (every 1-3 years depending on age and vaccine history)
- Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Chlamydia - Baterial & viral extremely contagious upper respiratory disease
- Panleukopenia - viral, extremely contagious gastrointestinal disease that can kill cats
Feline Leukemia Vaccine ((every 1-3 years depending on age and vaccine history)
- Contagious viral disease similar to HIV in people. Cannot be cured.
Resources:
IDEXX Preventative Care and Your Pet:
https://www.idexx.com/files/09-81168-00PreventiveCarePetOwner4-Panel_4x9-L1.pdf
Feline Senior Wellness Testing:
https://www.abaxis.com/sites/default/files/resource-brochures/Feline%20Senior%20Wellness%20Test%20Broch.pdf
Vaccinations:
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/vaccinations
AVMA Importance of Wellness Exams:
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/importance-wellness-exams
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