Wellness Exams
Whether your pet is young, older, or anywhere in between, wellness examinations provide an excellent opportunity for us to thoroughly examine your furry friend and to and to develop a health profile. Most importantly, we will identify any medical problems or issues that can affect your pet's health and quality of life. When detected in their early stages, illnesses are more likely to be treated with less expense and better outcomes.
Wellness exams are an essential component of preventive medicine, which aims to treat diseases before they become serious.
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. With all the advances in veterinary medicine, many diseases which may have shortened your pet's lifespan in the past can now be detected and treated early, allowing your pet to live a longer, happier life.
What To Expect During a Wellness Exam
The visit will include a head-to-tail exam and an evaluation of your pet's major organ systems. We will ask you questions about your pet's behavior, appetite, exercise habits, and regular activities at home. We may recommend routine diagnostic testing and will let you know about any vaccinations that may be due. A wellness exam is an excellent opportunity to note subtle signs that may not be evident to pet parents. Oftentimes, information obtained during a wellness exam helps detect early signs of illnesses, allowing us to address them before they progress.
How often should wellness exams be performed?
The frequency of visits will depend on your pet's age, breed, lifestyle, and illness history. Generally, younger animals need annual wellness exams, while older pets will likely need to be seen twice a year. Pets with chronic conditions or illnesses may need more frequent exams and laboratory testing.
Managing Chronic Conditions
It is important to realize that, with chronic conditions, there is no magic cure. By getting the appropriate care, you can help your pet to live a comfortable and happy life for as long as is possible, even with the disease.