Annual wellness checkups can help reassure you that your dog or cat is healthy or help us identify any underlying illnesses or conditions early. Early detection can improve the prognosis of many diseases, keep medical costs down, and can help your pet live longer. Many dogs and cats are good at hiding signs that something is wrong, so subtle changes in their health or behaviour might get overlooked. Some pets may not show any signs or symptoms at all depending on the disease.
It’s a fact that dogs and cats age quicker than humans, so it is even more important for them to receive regular check-ups. They are at a greater risk of developing arthritis, cancer diabetes, heart disease, hormone disorders, and liver and kidney problems as they age.
We will start your pet’s wellness exam by checking your pet’s eyes, ears, and skin and checking his or her cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, and skeletal systems for any abnormalities. We will perform blood and/or urine tests when necessary to check your pet’s kidneys, liver, pancreas, and endocrine system, including the thyroid and adrenal glands. Based on your pet’s condition and symptoms, further diagnostic tests may be necessary. We will also make sure your pet receives appropriate vaccinations and preventives.
When your pet is coming close to their senior years, we recommend doing a diagnostic workup to use as a reference point so we can know what is normal for your pet. This will help us keep track of any changes.
Please let us know if you have noticed any physical or behavioural changes in your pet, as well as any other concerns you might have.
