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 chances of preventing future problems or catching things early.
What is examined during
an annual checkup?
- 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 -- for any sores or changes to the gums & tongue,
teeth for tartar & signs of decay or infection.
- Hair
coat & skin -- Watch for ticks and fleas!
- Heart
& Lungs -- Breathing sounds as well as heart rate & rhythm.
- Abdomen
- Observe & feel the belly to try and detect any abnormalities inside. A
Vet 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 and
the perineum (area around the anus) is examined for any changes.