Routine veterinarian checkups aid in the longevity, health, and happiness of your pet. Annual or biannual checkups help to prevent emergent health concerns and lengthen your pet’s lifespan with you. Your veterinarian can also provide you with advice on how to keep your pet healthy and avoid any medical problems.
During An Exam, What Does Your Veterinarian Check For?
The physical exam performed by your veterinarian may appear to be nothing more than thorough stroking, yet it offers a plethora of information. When your veterinarian checks your pet, she will look for the following things:
• Ears – Both cats and dogs are prone to ear infections. Cats frequently appear with ear mites, whereas dogs frequently present with yeast or bacterial infections; nevertheless, any of these can induce illness in either species. Ear infections, if left untreated, can lead to painful, inflamed, swollen ears, making subsequent cleaning and treatment difficult. Your veterinarian will also check for any lumps or polyps that need to be removed.
• Eyes – Eye problems are common in flat-faced breeds such as bulldogs, pugs, and Persians, as well as numerous other breeds. If your pet gets glaucoma and it is not treated, she may experience significant eye discomfort as well as probable vision loss, and surgical removal will be required.
• Mouth – Dental health impacts the whole body of your pet, therefore the veterinarian will examine for indications of gingivitis, loose teeth, tartar buildup, and oral masses. Because oral bacteria travels, an unclean mouth might hurt her heart, kidneys, and other organs.
• Skin – Dry, itchy skin and hair loss can be symptoms of several health problems, including mange, allergies, skin infections, hormone imbalances, fleas, and inadequate nutrition. The condition of your pet’s skin and hair coat might indicate her general health.
• Heart And Lungs – Although older pets are more prone to heart illness, younger cats and dogs can also exhibit difficulties with heart rhythm and function. Cardiac illness is best addressed when symptoms first occur, and these symptoms are frequently first detected by auscultation with a stethoscope, prompting additional diagnostic testing. Many pets conceal heart disease, exhibiting mainly coughing and activity intolerance when the condition is advanced. A damaged heart can also impact the lungs, causing chest wheezes and crackles if fluid accumulates.
• Abdomen – While abdominal palpation may appear to be a belly rub for your pet, it is a check for abnormal tumors and organ size. Expanded kidneys can signal kidney failure, a thicker bladder might conceal a persistent urinary tract infection, and an enlarged spleen can feed a tumor.
• Muscles, Joints, And Bones – Changes in gait, limping, or muscle loss can all be treated. Almost all elderly dogs have osteoarthritis, which causes stiffness and muscle loss from inactivity caused by pain. Another common musculoskeletal condition in dogs is cranial cruciate ligament rupture, which occurs more frequently in overweight or energetic pets. This injury, like an ACL rupture in a human athlete, can cause major joint issues in your pet if not properly handled.
Your veterinarian will check your pet from head to tail and may prescribe extra diagnostic tests depending on her findings. If you’re looking for a vet near me, there are several animal hospitals and clinics in the area that can provide expert care for your furry companion.
What Are The Benefits Of Routine Tests For Your Pet’s Health?
Routine testing of young dogs establishes a baseline of normal readings and may reveal hidden diseases. Routine screening for common species- or breed-specific illnesses benefits older dogs in the same way as typical screening tests for genetic disorders help people. Your veterinarian may suggest the following extra testing for your pet:
• Heartworm Test – The American Heartworm Society suggests yearly heartworm testing to verify that your pet remains negative for these dangerous parasites. Heartworm tests may also detect Lyme disease and other common tick-borne infections, all of which can lead to serious problems if neglected.
• Urinalysis – Examining a urine sample from your pet can provide a plethora of information about the urinary tract. A tiny quantity of “liquid gold” can assist your veterinarian in detecting inflammation, infection, renal disease, crystal formation, and diabetes.
• Fecal Inspection – Intestinal parasites can hide in your pet’s gastrointestinal system and deplete nourishment. A normal fecal examination can detect common intestinal worms. Prompt deworming therapy can keep the parasite population from multiplying and causing diarrhea and other major health problems.
Because dogs, particularly cats, are good at disguising indications of sickness, a comprehensive physical exam along with frequent screening tests is essential for detecting early-stage illnesses. Early identification and treatment may prolong your pet’s life and provide you with many more years of wonderful time together, so schedule a wellness appointment to ensure your furry buddy is in peak physical shape.