After years of research, the veterinary community has been able to show that diagnosing disease in our pets in its earliest form is the best way to slow progression or even cure the disease. Our pets are living longer and the quality of care from owners and veterinarians has dramatically improved over the years. One of the best ways to have your pet screened for underlying disease is to have your veterinarian examine it twice a year.

During a physical exam, your pet is weighed, its temperature is taken, and a technician will ask you pertinent questions about your pets thirst, urination, appetite, diet, and bowel movements. This information is compared to previous visits to look for trends and often pet owners are unaware, for example, that changes in thirst and urination are important “red flags” that something more serious may be going on. Owners are often surprised to find that their pets’ weight has increased despite no changes in diet or exercise and these subtle weight gains dramatically affect their pets’ energy level and ability to get around.
The veterinarian will carefully feel your pet for any changes in lymph node size, skin redness, lumps or bumps, signs of fleas, unusual skin texture or odor. An eye and ear exam is performed. Your pets’ heart and lungs are ausculted, the abdomen gently palpated, and the legs, muscles, and joints evaluated for signs of atrophy, stiffness, or pain. Your pets’ mouth is also examined to assess gum and tooth health as significant dental disease is known to lead to heart and kidney infections as well as chronic pain.

A lot can change with your pet in a 6 month period of time- possibly subtle things that can go unnoticed by an owner. The Drake Center for Veterinary Care recommends bi-annual exams for pets with chronic illness, chronic medication use, and for any dog 8 years and older and any cat 10 years and older. Preventative medicine is the best way to give your pet a lengthy and high quality life.