Our veterinarians recommend an annual physical health exam for healthy, young pet(s) and twice yearly wellness exams for senior pets (over seven years) and those with chronic health issues such as: diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, etc. One year to a pet is equal to \about seven human years, in which time significant changes can occur. Some of these changes can be very subtle and not detectable to owners until the problem is seriously advanced and potentially more costly to treat. And, since pets cannot tell us if they are feeling bad, we as responsible pet owners must provide regular exams to monitor bodily systems.

The information gathered during each exam becomes part of your pet’s medical history and can be critical in the event of an emergency or sudden illness. Following is a detailed description of services performed, as well as a schedule of recommended procedures for a lifetime of good health.

As part of the annual physical exam, our veterinarians:

• Check for significant weight loss, an early warning sign of disease; obesity is also common in older pets. We will assess your pet’s diet and nutritional needs.
• Perform a rectal exam to check for abnormalities when indicated.
• Check condition of legs, hips, joints, and the spine
• Assess the hair and coat. It should appear healthy and well-groomed. Dull, dry, or brittle hair or hair loss may indicate an underlying illness. We will also check skin for infections 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 the eyes for signs of cataracts, glaucoma, corneal disease, inflammation, or cancer.
• Evaluate the nose and nasal passages for signs of upper respiratory disease.
• Check the ears for mites, infection, or inflammation.
• Check for periodontal disease. As many as 95% of all pets two years and older have periodontal disease. We will evaluate your pet’s teeth and check the color and condition of your pet’s gums.
• Palpate lymph nodes to check for inflammation or tumors.

Vaccines may be administered annually, or as deemed appropriate by your veterinarian. The specific vaccinations necessary are determined by your pet’s lifestyle and travel patterns. Available immunizations are detailed in the "Comprehensive Health and Vaccine Recommendation" articles.

• Heartworm test when indicated: more positive cases of heartworm appear each year in our area. If your pet travels out of the Colorado Springs area, the risk factor increases. After confirming (via the test) that your pet is free of heartworm, a preventive medication can be administered at home once a month.
  
  
• Deworm at least annually; analyze a stool sample when indicated. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 3 to 6 million people in the United States are infected with Toxocara larva (roundworm).
  
  
• Nutrition: a consistent diet of a premium brand dry food (like Eukanuba or Science Diet) is best. Keep fresh water available at all times. Rawhides made in the USA, and better yet, C.E.T. Chews, are great for tartar prevention on teeth and stimulating gums. Avoid table scraps and cow hooves (the #1 cause of broken teeth). Pig ears are not nutritious - they are mainly fat and gristle.
  
  
• Annual (or as recommended) dental cleaning & polishing. Your pet’s teeth should be brushed, ideally everyday, or at least several times per week. Use only toothpaste specifically formulated for animals - human toothpaste can cause stomach upset.
  
  
• For Dogs: as recommended by veterinary orthopedic surgeons, dogs should be screened (x-ray of hips) at six months old when spayed or neutered to identify potential hip problems early. With early detection, treatment to lessen the severity or surgery to alleviate the disease is often possible.
  
  

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