Why Do You Want Your Pet
to Have a Physical Exam?
Your pet can’t always tell you where it hurts,
or pets may mask their pain (a survival behavior in the wild). A
comprehensive physical exam allows our doctor to compile a list of
clues that can help uncover disease. Early detection and treatment
are essential to avoid undue suffering and to prolong the quality
and longevity of your pet’s life. Watch for subtle changes in your
pet’s body weight, appetite, water intake, urination and bowel
habits, as well as general attitude and activity level. These
changes may signal liver, kidney or heart problems. Lumps and bumps
under the skin may seem harmless, but can be cancerous. Ear
infections, abscessed teeth and gum disease are common, painful
conditions that may not become obvious until seriously advanced. A
comprehensive physical exam is the basic tool our doctor uses to
evaluate your pet’s health status and to help you make informed
decisions about the care of your special
companion.
What You Can Expect
during a Comprehensive Physical Exam
A physical exam is a complete hands-on
assessment of your pet’s health status. Our doctor is trained
to detect disease by listening (auscultation), feeling (palpating)
and looking (visual evaluation). First, we weigh your pet and
measure his/her temperature, heart rate, and respiration. After
taking these basic measurements, your pet is examined from head to
tail, while all vital organs along the way are gently palpated.
Every body system is checked for disease. During the physical exam,
your doctor assesses the risks your pet has for contracting
preventable diseases caused by internal parasites (heartworms and
intestinal worms) and external parasites (fleas, mites and ticks)
and viruses. You will receive advice on how to prevent these
disease-causing agents with medications and/or
vaccinations.
Good Health For Your Pet
Includes a Periodic Blood Test
Early detection and treatment is essential for
your pet’s long and healthy life. A Blood Chemistry Screen can pick
up a problem before it’s caught on physical examination. Early
detection of diabetes, kidney and liver disease, as well as a
metabolic or hormonal imbalance is possible with blood
screening.
What is checked During a
Comprehensive Physical Exam
EYES…The eyes
are examined with an ophthalmoscope for cataracts and retinal
disease. Some retinal diseases indicate systemic (whole body)
problems such as high blood pressure and infections. Glaucoma
screening may be recommended for some
animals.
EARS…The ears
are examined with an otoscope, an instrument used to see into the
long and angled ear canal to the eardrum of dogs and cats. Ear
infections and parasites are quite
common.
MOUTH…The mouth
is visually checked for lesions and tumors. Teeth are examined for
tartar build-up, abscesses, fractures, missing teeth and gum
disease.
HEART &
LUNGS…The heart
and lungs are checked by auscultation with a stethoscope, and
feeling the pulse. The gums are examined for their color, felt for
how moist or dry they are, and gently pressed and observed for
capillary refill time.
ABDOMEN…The abdomen
is palpated for anomalies of organ size and character, such as
enlargement of the liver or spleen, change in kidney size, bladder
stones, tumors, and intestine
abnormalities.
SKIN…The skin is
examined for parasites, lesions, and abnormal
growths.
LYMPH
NODES…The lymph
nodes are palpated for symmetry, size, and
tenderness.
NERVOUS
SYSTEM…The nervous
system is evaluated by observing your pet’s behavior and testing
reflexes.
THE EXTERNAL
GENITALIA…The
external genitalia are examined for abnormal discharge, color,
swelling, or growths. The prostate gland may be palpated
for abnormal size and character.
THE
GAIT…(Manner of
walking) is observed for lameness and joints are palpated to detect
tenderness and inflexibility that may indicate problems like
arthritis.
How Often is a Comprehensive
Physical Exam and Blood Screen Necessary?
Every species of animal ages at a
different rate, and so does every breed of dog. Generally, large
dogs age faster than small dogs. Ask your veterinarian how to plan
for your individual pet’s optimal life-span. Described here are the
“average” life stages for a dog or cat and our advice for basic
well care management.
THE FIRST
YEAR…Begin with
a thorough physical examination to evaluate your pet’s basic health
and to detect congenital problems that need to be managed. Most
animals are born healthy, but some pets are born with heart
disease, bone abnormalities, hernias, etc. Some congenital
conditions are not immediately evident, so youngsters benefit by
frequent visits to their veterinarian. Young pets are especially
susceptible to infectious diseases until they build up immunity.
Immunization is accomplished through a series of vaccines beginning
at six to seven weeks of age, completed at four to five months of
age, and followed with boosters as recommended by your
doctor.
ONE-YEAR-OLD…Physiologically
similar to a thirteen-year-old human teenager! A lot can change in
this year, so we advise a comprehensive physical exam to reassess
your pet’s health, to reevaluate life style and to be sure all
preventive measures are in process.
TWO-YEAR-OLD…Similar to
a young adult human in the early twenties. This is a good time to
get a baseline blood profile. This is usually the peak time of a
pet’s health and we want to know the normal laboratory values for
your particular pet. As your pet ages, we can compare blood values
over time to help assess wellness and detect problems
early.
THREE TO
SEVEN…We
recommend an annual comprehensive physical exam and blood screen as
indicated. This wellness program helps our doctors determine your
pet’s physiological “individual normal,” rather than compare
him/her to an “average normal.”
EIGHT TO
TEN…Midlife
similar to a human between forty and fifty years old. At this time,
organ systems begin to deteriorate, depending on life style and
genes. The challenge for us is to detect and manage health problems
so pets can enjoy life to the fullest. It is wise to step up the
number of exams to twice a year, since pets age about five years
for every human year.
ELEVEN
PLUS…Their
“golden years.” We recommend semi-annual exams at a minimum. At
this age, the rate of deterioration increases, but most pets will
enjoy their senior years with proper management and
care.
At What Other Times is a
Comprehensive Physical Exam and Blood Screen
Necessary?
Pets with disease conditions
require more intense monitoring than healthy pets. Medical
technology changes rapidly and visiting your veterinarian regularly
ensures that your pet is receiving the very best, up-to-date care.
Of course, a physical exam is appropriate anytime you suspect a
problem.
If you observe these signs,
please call us to schedule an
appointment:
Weight gain
or loss
Stool or
urine accidents
Increase in
sleep or restlessness
Fatigue
Breathlessness
Coughing
Difficulty
walking or moving
Frequent
vomiting
Poor
appetite
Increase in
thirst or urination
Bad
breath
Dull, flaky
hair coat
Lumps &
bumps
Foul body
odor
Behavior
change
Crying or
whimpering
