Physical
Examination of Your Pet
A thorough physical examination of your pet is one of the most important events in keeping your furry friend in his or her best possible health. If your pet is due for vaccines, they will be
discussed with your pet's overall health in mind. There is no "cookie cutter" recommendation for when pets need vaccines. We want to make sure your pet has no underlying problems that may
result in severe illness before we administer any vaccines and before little problems become big problems. The doctor will make a "risk assessment" based on recent outbreaks of disease in the
area and your pet's lifestyle. We use the latest and safest vaccine technology. There ARE differences in vaccines available in the market place!
So what is the doctor looking for during a complete physical exam?
- Evaluation and discussion of weight, body conformation and condition
- Eye examination including the eye lids, corneas and retinas
- Ear examination including the deep ear canals and external ear flaps
- Oral cavity examination including screening for cancer, dental problems, and periodontal disease
- Evaluation of the skin and fur for infections, tumors, allergies, fleas or other skin parasites, dandruff, and other skin changes.
- Listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope to evaluate heart and lungs sounds for abnormalities (heart murmurs or abnormal rhythm)
- Evaluation of bones and joints for pain and evidence of arthritis
- Palpation of lymph nodes which, if enlarged, may indicate infection or cancer
- Abdominal palpation for areas of pain or palpable masses.
- Rectal exam, if indicated, and evaluation of the anal area and the prostate of older males
Topics to be discussed:
- Vaccines appropriate for age, environment and activity
- Flea control
- Intestinal parasite (worms) control
- Heartworm control
- Diet and weight control
- Laboratory recommendations including blood, urine, and/or fecal testing, radiographs, ultrasound, EKG monitoring, and blood pressure measurements
- Zoonotic disease discussion for awareness of diseases transmitted from animals to humans
- Oral care recommendations