Why does your pet require an annual physical examination?
Two main reasons:
- "Prevention is the best medicine" ... and
- Recognizing disease early will usually allow for more successful treatment results.
Granted, most of the time (hopefully) your pet is probably feeling just fine and there are no signs of disease. Checking for signs of disease at least annually, increases our chances of preventing future problems or catching things early.
What is looked at during this physical examination?
- Body condition (overweight, underweight, muscle condition, etc.)
- Alertness, behavior & attitude (is your pet reacting normally to the things around them? moving normally?)
- Eyes, Ears, Nose -- any redness, discharge, swelling, or snuffling/sneezing?
- Lymph nodes are examined for any enlargement.
- Mouth & teeth -- (in those pets who'll allow it) we look in the mouth for any sores or changes to the gums & tongue, but also check the teeth for tartar & signs of decay or infection.
- Haircoat & skin -- Watch for fleas!
- Heart & Lungs -- We listen to breathing sounds as well as heart rate & rhythm. We also try to determine if there is a heart "murmur".
- Abdomen - we observe & feel the belly to try and detect any abnormalities inside. We can often feel normal structures such as kidneys, spleen, bladder & intestines.
- Temperature -- body temperature is taken by aural (ear) thermometer or rectal thermometer. During this procedure, the tail is manipulated and checked + the perineum (area around the anus) is examined for any changes.