Annual Check-Ups

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.

The following chart shows what we check for during a vaccination visit or yearly check up. 

 

Teeth & Gums
Loose/rotten/broken teeth Gums
Tartar
Tumours

Ears
Fly bite dermatitis
Infection
Parasites e.g. ear mites
Deafness

Eyes
Cataracts
Eyelid problems
Glaucoma
Ulcers
  
 

Skin
Allergies
Cancer
Infection/inflammation
Parasites: fleas, mites

Glands
Lymph nodes not swollen
Mammary gland cancer
Prostate not enlarged
Testicles same size

Body Condition
Weight loss or gain
since previous visit
 
     

Heart
Murmurs
Rhythm
Rate
Sound volume

Lungs
Crackles or wheezes
Chest not dull on percussion

Temperature
Elevated may mean an infection
or inflammation or excitement
 
     

Circulation
Gums good colour 
- not anaemic or bleeding
Refill time good

Urine Analysis
Encouraged in older patients
- No blood
- No sugar (i.e. diabetes)
- concentration normal

Nails
Healthy nails and nail-beds
Nails not too long
 
     

Abdomen
Kidneys, liver, stomach, spleen
Urinary bladder, bowel
- normal size/shape/positions.

Joints
Arthritis
Cruciate ligaments
Patella (kneecaps)

Anal Glands
Not blocked
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.