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Annual Exam
Our Goal
Every staff member here has experienced the joy of owning
a pet and the sorrow of losing a cherished companion. Our goal
is to help you enjoy your pet for as many healthy years as
possible. We are here to help educate you about preventative
well care and to manage your pet’s medical needs. We are
solemnly dedicated to the proper care for your pet—a team
effort involving you, our veterinarians, and our veterinary
support staff. Early disease detection can prolong the quality
and longevity of your pet’s life.
Why Do You Want Your Pet to Have a
Physical Exam?
Your pet can’t always tell you where it hurts, or pets may mask
their pain (a survival behavior in the wild). A comprehensive
physical exam allows our doctors to compile a list of clues that can
help uncover disease. Early detection and treatment are essential
to avoid undue suffering and to prolong the quality and longevity of
your pet’s life. Watch for subtle changes in your pet’s body weight,
appetite, water intake, urination and bowel habits, as well as
general attitude and activity level. These changes may signal liver,
kidney or heart problems. Lumps and bumps under the skin may seem
harmless, but can be cancerous. Ear infections, abscessed teeth and
gum disease are common, painful conditions that may not become
obvious until seriously advanced. A comprehensive physical exam is
the basic tool our doctors use to evaluate your pet’s health status
and to help you make informed decisions about the care of your
special companion.
What You Can Expect during a Comprehensive
Physical Exam
A physical exam is a complete hands-on assessment of your pet’s
health status. Our doctors are trained to detect disease by
listening (auscultation), feeling (palpating) and looking (visual
evaluation). First, we weigh your pet and measure his/her
temperature, heart rate, and respiration. After taking these basic
measurements, your pet is examined from head to tail, while all
vital organs along the way are gently palpated. Every body system is
checked for disease. During the physical exam, your doctor assesses
the risks your pet has for contracting preventable diseases caused
by internal parasites (heartworms and intestinal worms) and external
parasites (fleas, mites and ticks) and viruses. You will receive
advice on how to prevent these disease-causing agents with
medications and/or vaccinations.
Good Health For Your Pet Includes a Periodic
Blood Test
Early detection and treatment is essential for your pet’s long
and healthy life. A Blood Chemistry Screen can pick up a problem
before it’s caught on physical examination. Early detection of
diabetes, kidney and liver disease, as well as a metabolic or
hormonal imbalance is possible with blood screening.
What is checked During a Comprehensive Physical
Exam
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EYES…The eyes are examined with an
ophthalmoscope for cataracts and retinal disease. Some retinal
diseases indicate systemic (whole body) problems such as high
blood pressure and infections. Glaucoma screening may be
recommended for some animals.
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EARS…The ears are examined with an otoscope,
an instrument used to see into the long and angled ear canal to
the eardrum of dogs and cats. Ear infections and parasites are
quite common.
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MOUTH…The mouth is visually checked for
lesions and tumors. Teeth are examined for tartar build-up,
abscesses, fractures, missing teeth and gum disease.
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HEART & LUNGS…The heart and lungs are
checked by auscultation with a stethoscope, and feeling the pulse.
The gums are examined for their color, felt for how moist or dry
they are, and gently pressed and observed for capillary refill
time.
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ABDOMEN…The abdomen is palpated for
anomalies of organ size and character, such as enlargement of the
liver or spleen, change in kidney size, bladder stones, tumors,
and intestine abnormalities.
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SKIN…The skin is examined for parasites,
lesions, and abnormal growths.
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LYMPH NODES…The lymph nodes are palpated
for symmetry, size, and tenderness.
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NERVOUS SYSTEM…The nervous system is
evaluated by observing your pet’s behavior and testing reflexes.
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THE EXTERNAL GENITALIA…The external
genitalia are examined for abnormal discharge, color, swelling, or
growths. The prostate gland is palpated for abnormal size and
character.
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THE GAIT…(Manner of walking) is observed
for lameness and joints are palpated to detect tenderness and
inflexibility that may indicate problems like arthritis.
How Often is a Comprehensive Physical Exam and
Blood Screen Necessary?
Every species of animal ages at a different rate, and so does
every breed of dog. Generally, large dogs age faster than small
dogs. Ask your veterinarian how to plan for your individual pet’s
optimal life-span. Described here are the “average” life stages for
a dog or cat and our advice for basic well care management.
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THE FIRST YEAR…Begin with a thorough
physical examination to evaluate your pet’s basic health and to
detect congenital problems that need to be managed. Most animals
are born healthy, but some pets are born with heart disease, bone
abnormalities, hernias, etc. Some congenital conditions are not
immediately evident, so youngsters benefit by frequent visits to
their veterinarian. Young pets are especially susceptible to
infectious diseases until they build up immunity. Immunization is
accomplished through a series of vaccines beginning at six weeks
of age, completed at four to five months of age, and followed with
boosters as recommended by your doctor.
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ONE-YEAR-OLD…Physiologically similar to a
thirteen-year-old human teenager! A lot can change in this year,
so we advise a comprehensive physical exam to reassess your pet’s
health, to reevaluate life style and to be sure all preventive
measures are in process.
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TWO-YEAR-OLD…Similar to a young adult human
in the early twenties. This is a good time to get a baseline blood
profile. This is usually the peak time of a pet’s health and we
want to know the normal laboratory values for your particular pet.
As your pet ages, we can compare blood values over time to help
assess wellness and detect problems early.
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THREE TO SEVEN…We recommend an annual
comprehensive physical exam and blood screen as indicated. This
wellness program helps our doctors determine your pet’s
physiological “individual normal,” rather than compare him/her to
an “average normal.”
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EIGHT TO TEN…Midlife similar to a human
between forty and fifty years old. At this time, organ systems
begin to deteriorate, depending on life style and genes. The
challenge for us is to detect and manage health problems so pets
can enjoy life to the fullest. It is wise to step up the number of
exams to twice a year, since pets age about five years for every
human year.
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ELEVEN PLUS…Their “golden years.” We
recommend semi-annual exams at a minimum. At this age, the rate of
deterioration increases, but most pets will enjoy their senior
years with proper management and care.
At What Other Times is a Comprehensive Physical
Exam and Blood Screen Necessary?
Pets with disease conditions require more intense monitoring
than healthy pets. Medical technology changes rapidly and visiting
your veterinarian regularly ensures that your pet is receiving the
very best, up-to-date care. Of course, a physical exam is
appropriate anytime you suspect a problem.
If you observe these signs, please call us to
schedule an appointment:
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Weight gain or loss
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Stool or urine accidents
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Increase in sleep or restlessness
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Fatigue
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Breathlessness
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Coughing
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Difficulty walking or moving
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Frequent vomiting
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Poor appetite
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Increase in thirst or urination
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Bad breath
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Dull, flaky hair coat
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Lumps & bumps
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Foul body odor
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Behavior change
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Crying or whimpering
Contact
Bradshaw Veterinary Clinic today at (916) 685-2494
to make an appointment for an annual exam for your pet!
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