Remember, pets age at a considerably faster rate than humans, approximately 7 pet years to one of ours (click on pet age calculator). Hence if you decide to bring your pet in just once every 2-3years it is equivalent to approximately 14-21years between visits. Much can happen during this time, so we encourage annual health checks for all our patients. The checks are good value; they allow early detection of problems your pet cannot communicate to you and , in many other cases, they allow us to reassure you that all is well.
Teeth & Gums | Ears | Eyes |
---|---|---|
Loose/rotten/broken teeth Gums | Fly bite dermatitis | Cataracts |
Tartar | Infection | Eyelid problems |
Tumours | Parasites e.g. ear mites | Glaucoma |
Deafness | Ulcers |
Skin | Glands | Body Condition |
---|---|---|
Allergies | Lymph nodes not swollen | Weight loss or gain |
Cancer | Mammary gland cancer | since previous visit |
Infection/inflammation | Prostate not enlarged | |
Parasites: fleas, mites | Testicles same size |
Heart | Lungs | Temperature |
---|---|---|
Murmurs | Crackles or wheezes | Elevated may mean an infection |
Rhythm | Chest not dull on percussion | or inflammation or excitement |
Rate | ||
Sound volume |
Circulation | Urine Analysis | Nails |
---|---|---|
Gums good colour | Encouraged in older patients | Healthy nails and nail-beds |
– not anaemic or bleeding | – No blood | Nails not too long |
Refill time good | – No sugar (i.e. diabetes) | |
Sound volume | – concentration normal |
Abdomen | Joints | Anal Glands |
---|---|---|
Kidneys, liver, stomach, spleen | Arthritis | Not blocked |
Urinary bladder, bowel | Cruciate ligaments | |
– normal size/shape/positions. | Patella (kneecaps) |
By the time we have completed the vaccination check or annual health check, a lot of ground has been covered and you can be happy that your pet is in good shape.