The wellness exam is the most important preventive health procedure and diagnostic aid available for your furry family members.  It is particularly important for those who are elderly, or have compromised health.

Early diagnosis of any illness is a critical component to treating that illness successfully.  As your pet enters the senior years, he or she is more susceptible to health problems. Through bi-annual physical exams and regular preventive healthcare, we can identify a variety of health problems, often before an owner notices any symptoms.

1) Weight

2) Body condition

3) Coat and skin quality

4) Cardiovascular condition

5) Teeth and gum condition

6) Eyes, ears, nose and throat

7) Musculoskeletal system

8) Lymphatic system (lymph nodes) 

9) Basic neurological system

10) Behavior & socialization progress

11) Abdominal palpation to detect abnormal intestine, kidney, liver or spleen size, as well as to detect large tumors from these organs. 

The physical exam, however, does not allow us to determine the overall health of the internal organs. Only a blood screen will do that. This procedure will detect any liver and kidney problems, and check for anemia, diabetes and infections. 

We recommend this screening for all pets under seven years of age. If your pet is seven or older, we recommend bi-yearly exams with a blood screen at least yearly. As in all health evaluations, early detection is the key to providing more effective treatment.