We recommend an annual physical exam for your pet. The information we gather at each exam becomes a part of your pet's medical history and can be critical if an emergency or sudden illness arises.



As part of an annual physical exam, we:

  • Check for significant weight loss, which can be an early warning sign of disease. Obesity is a common problem for older pets. We will assess your pet's diet and nutritional needs.
  • Perform a rectal exam to check for abnormalities and analyze a stool sample.
  • Assess the condition of legs, hips, joints, and spine.
  • Assess the hair and coat. It should appear healthy and well groomed. Dull, dry, brittle hair or hair loss may indicate an underlying illness. Check skin for infection or signs of fleas, ticks, or mites.
  • Palpate the abdomen for abnormal masses or pain.
  • Listen to the chest for heart murmurs, irregular heartbeat, and abnormal lung sounds.
  • Examine eyes for cataracts, glaucoma, or inflammation.
  • Examine ears for ear mites, infection, or inflammation.
  • Evaluate nose and nasal passages for signs of upper respiratory disease.
  • Check for periodontal disease. As many as 95% of all pets two years and older have periodental disease. We evaluate your pet's teeth anc check the color and condition of the gums.
  • Palpate lymph nodes to check for inflammation or tumors.
  • Check for heartworm and other parasites.