All patient exams involve a nose to toes exam. This includes:
- Body weight, temperature, heart rate and respiration rate
- Inspection of teeth, gums, tongue and throat as able
- Ear canal evaluation with an otoscope
- Ocular exam with an ophthalmoscope
- Evaluation of heart for an arrhythmia or murmur with a stethoscope
- Abdominal palpation
- Musculoskeletal exam for lameness or other abnormalities
- Skin and fur exam for dryness, infection, fleas or other critters and signs of allergies
- Paw and toe check for nail length, damage or allergy
- Rectal exam as able, with possible anal gland expression and evaluation
Sometimes parts of an exam cannot be done on awake veterinary patients. In the best interest of the patient and medical staff, some items may be skipped or sedation may be required to properly evaluate important parts of your pet.
Lab work is generally recommended as part of the routine annual evaluation, with more specific testing based on abnormalities noted at home or during our exam.