Cat & Dog Wellness Exams

What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical

Our Maury County veterinarians will provide your cat or dog with a physical examination at their vet checkup in order to acquire a complete picture of their overall health. Routine wellness exams at our veterinary clinic generally include the following elements:

General Condition

Your pet's general physical condition and demeanor can actually provide your vet with clues about your pet's condition. The way the walk and stand, their weight when compared to their size and their general level of alertness can all convey a lot of information about your pet.

Coat & Skin

During your pet's checkup, we will examine your dog or cat's skin and coat for signs of problems, including excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss or shedding.

Face & Head

Your pet's eyes, ears, and nose will be examined for abnormalities or discharge. We will also check the mouth for symptoms of oral health problems such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease. 

Internal Health

Heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure are vitally important to your pet's heart health. We'll test these to ensure they're normal. The lungs will then be examined for evidence of abnormal breathing. 

Lymph nodes will be checked for pain or swelling, and we will also examine the abdomen to ensure the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach all feel normal, and that your pet is not exhibiting any signs of discomfort. 

Review of Findings

At the end of your pet's routine checkup, our vets will take time to discuss any concerns they may have identified in your pet's general health or demeanor and will also walk you through any special nutritional requirements your pet may have.

Checkups for Puppies & Kittens

Puppies and kittens require dedicated medical attention throughout the first few weeks of their life in order to get their lives off to a healthy start.

We will provide them with a comprehensive physical examination, deworming treatments and any appropriate immunizations. We will also test your new family member for intestinal parasites. You will be provided with a kitten or puppy "kit" which we will fill with educational materials and samples to help you to care for your new pet.

Please never hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about caring for your new pet, both at your appointments or following your visits.

Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for his or her required booster shots. 

Seniors

With recent advances in veterinary medical knowledge and care, as well as newer therapies and better nutrition, senior pets are living longer than ever.

While this is terrific news for pets and their owners, it means that special attention needs to be given to your pet's routine healthcare as they age. As your pet surpasses middle age, regular examinations become increasingly crucial to ensure their continuing health and longevity. 

In addition to the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult pets, we will give special attention to your senior pet's potential geriatric conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision.

Additional laboratory tests may be recommended for aging pets to provide more detailed information about your senior pet's overall health and wellbeing.