Physical exams are an integral part of veterinary medicine. Our pets cannot tell us what is going on in their lives, although they often give their best effort. We often find undiagnosed diseases or problems such as glaucoma, bladder stones, or heart murmurs during this time. These exams are essential when pets come in for their vaccinations. Many owners do not feel they are necessary; however, there are many reasons a thorough physical is important. Our pets can age a lot within a year’s time, and seeing them when they are healthy makes it easier for our doctors to notice abnormalities when they arise. It is also crucial that pets are deemed healthy before vaccines are given. If an animal has a weakened immune system, vaccinations will not protect that animal effectively against disease. Pets will also be checked for heartworms and intestinal parasites. The veterinarian will ask questions about your pet during this exam to better discover any underlying problems. This is also a great time for clients to ask questions or bring up concerns.

For new clients and patients, it is important for us to establish a relationship with both the owner and the pet. Physical exams allow us to understand our patients better and give us the opportunity to meet the expectations of our clients. Veterinary medicine is an evolving field, and even vaccination protocols are constantly changing. Our doctors are more than willing to develop a healthcare plan specifically for each of our patients to fit any lifestyle or budget.