Physical Exams
The physical exam is the basis of all veterinary medicine and the cornerstone upon which the treatment of your pet is built, whether for annual wellness exams, vaccinations, or because of illness. The physical exam is not a secret; therefore during the exam, we will discuss with you what we are finding, give you our recommendations, or ameliorate your concerns. We will also, based on your pet’s age, activity level and other risk factors, make specific recommendations to help your pet lead a healthier life.
Puppies and kittens require special examinations, not only because this is their first examinations and it is important to notice any early problems, but also because this is the best time to break bad habits and learn new ones. We’ll discuss diet, parasite control (including fleas and heartworm), vaccination protocols, the best time to spay or neuter, proper dental care, grooming, and whatever else is concerning you. Our hope is that you will have learned several new things about your pet every time you visit us. For more information, please refer to our Website page on Puppy & Kitten Care.
Geriatric animals (over 8 years for cats and small dogs, over 6 for large dogs) require special consideration also. Remember, every 1 of our years is approximately 7 years for your pet. We’ll pay close attention to oral health, diet and weight, and activity level. We’ll also discuss annual lab work---this provides an early warning in case potential problems are there, and may allow us to treat them sooner, reducing the impact on your pet. The lab work also provides us with a baseline should your pet become seriously ill during the year.