The Annual Physical Exam

All pets should have at least one yearly physical exam. This exam will let the Veterinarian detect any abnormalities in your pet's health and discuss important health issues such as vaccinations, diet, heartworm, deworming dental care, and wellness testing.

The physical exam consists of the following:

Bringing In Your Pet For Physical Weighing the pet.

We start off by weighing the pet. Changes in weight over time can be early indicators of disease processes. The weight will also allow us to see if your pet is overweight and in need of a diet.

We then take the pet's history over the last year. We ask about any changes in the pets, dietary habits, bowel movements and urinations, activity level, evidence of scratching, or other abnormal behavior noticed by the owner. In cats it is very important to know whether he/she goes outdoors.

Examining the pet's head

The exam starts with the pet's head. Here we examine the eyes and ears for any abnormalities such as irritation, foul odor or discharge.

Examining the Gums

We then proceed to examine the color of the gums for paleness, which may indicate anemia, and the teeth for any evidence of dental disease.

Examining the thyroid glands

We then proceed to the throat area where the lymph nodes and thyroid glands are felt for enlargements. We continue down the neck to the chest area.

Detecting any lung or heart abnormalities

The chest area is auscultated with a stethoscope to detect any lung or heart abnormalities. The pulse and respiratory rate are taken and compared to normal values.

Examining thorax and abdominal areas

The thorax and abdominal areas are palpated for any lumps or masses.

Limbs are being flexed and extended

The limbs are then flexed and extended to detect any skeletal or muscle abnormalities.

Taking a rectal temperature

Finally we examine the dog's rear end. We look at the pet's genital area and take a rectal temperature.









If problems are encountered at any point in the exam further examination of the organs involved are performed.
The annual physical exam gives us an overall picture of the dog's health. However in many cases it is also advisable to do wellness testing. This consists of blood tests, which measure the workings of internal organs such as the kidney, liver and pancreas. These tests allow us to complete a detailed picture of our pet's health, inside and out.