A thorough annual examination is essential for keeping pets healthy. While dogs and cats can often communicate when they are unwell, they may also experience many low-grade issues that they cannot convey until these problems become more serious.
At Lindenhurst Veterinary Hospital, the annual examination begins with an evaluation of the skin. Many older dogs and cats may have dry, greasy, itchy, or scabby coats. A prescribed regimen of baths, supplements, medications, or special diets can significantly improve their condition. The discovery of fleas can be a surprise for many pet owners, but modern flea treatments are easy to administer and very effective. Ticks can transmit several diseases, so it's important to discuss a solid strategy for avoiding them. Any lumps found on the skin, while often benign, should be assessed for possible skin cancer.
The eyes and ears will also undergo a careful examination to identify potential problems. Ears that experience chronic infections tend to worsen if left untreated. Cleaning and medication may prevent more serious complications later on.
An oral examination is crucial; each tooth should be evaluated for health, and proper dental hygiene techniques should be demonstrated. Periodontal disease is common and can have far-reaching negative effects on the rest of the body. Cats are particularly prone to a type of painful cavity that forms beneath dental plaque. During the office exam, cats typically have their teeth cleaned of plaque, but other dental issues may require procedures under anesthesia. Modern anesthesia is very safe, and if pre-operative tests show satisfactory results, it can be recommended with confidence.
Next, the throat, chest, and abdomen are examined through palpation and auscultation. Issues in these areas may need further investigation. For example, cats over the age of 10 may experience problems related to an enlarged thyroid gland.
A rectal examination is routine for all dogs. The scent glands should be emptied, as they can become impacted and cause discomfort.
For male dogs, the prostate gland and testes are assessed, while female dogs will have their mammary glands inspected for tumors. If the female dog is not spayed, we will discuss signs to look for to prevent potential problems in the future.
Arthritis often presents as stiffness, so Dr. Cummins will manipulate each joint and check for hip dysplasia. In the past, this type of pain was just endured, but now there are several excellent treatments available that have minimal side effects and are relatively inexpensive.
A nail trimming and grooming of the paw pads complete the exam.
Dr. Cummins recommends yearly testing, which should include routine parasitology (fecal and heartworm testing for dogs), as well as blood work and urinalysis to assess internal organ function, thyroid hormone levels, and blood cell counts. By detecting diseases before symptoms appear, therapy can be started, often significantly prolonging a pet's life. An electrocardiogram and x-rays may also be recommended as part of a comprehensive geriatric evaluation.
Finally, as pets age, their immune systems may become less effective at remembering the vaccines administered when they were younger. Therefore, it is vital to boost their vaccinations yearly. The entire examination should take at least 30 minutes, or longer if chronic issues have developed. By investing time in your pet's health, you will be rewarded with a happier and healthier companion.
