Routine Examinations
Routine wellness exams with our Huntersville vets are essential for your pet's ongoing good health.
Routine Exams for Cats & Dogs
Regular checkups are as important for cats and dogs as for people when it comes to good health and longevity.
Together with vaccinations, parasite prevention, and good nutrition, regular exams allow us to prevent health problems from developing in your pet, or to catch them in their earliest and most treatable stages.
What to Expect During an Exam
During the wellness exam, the vet will conduct a thorough check of your pet's physical health. This will include:
General Condition
We will start by taking a look at your pet's general demeanor and the overall condition of their body. We'll make note of how they walk and stand, whether they have the appropriate body weight, and whether they are bright and alert,
Coat & Skin
We will examine your pet's coat and skin for any problems, such as lumps, bumps or growths, dryness or oiliness, dandruff, and excessive shedding or abnormal hair loss.
Face & Head
We will look in your pet's mouth for signs of oral health problems like plaque buildup or periodontal disease. We will also examine the eyes, ears, and nose for any discharge, abnormalities, or growths.
Internal Health
Finally, we will consider your pet's internal systems. We will check the pulse and listen to the heart to identify signs of abnormality in heart rate and rhythm, or blood pressure. We will also listen to your pet's breathing to ascertain whether there are any possible lung problems.
We will asses the lymph nodes for signs of pain or swelling, and the abdominal region to make sure that the stomach, liver, intestines, bladder, kidneys, liver, and spleen are normal.
Puppies & Kittens
Like children, puppies and kittens need specialized care in their early weeks and months to make sure they grow up into strong and robust dogs and cats.
We’ll get your new buddy off to a healthy start with a thorough physical examination, puppy or kitten vaccinations, parasite testing, and deworming medication.
We'll also provide you with lots of helpful information about how to care for your new pet. This will include a kit with samples and plenty of educational material.
Seniors
Cats and dogs are living longer than ever before, thanks primarily to modern advances in veterinary knowledge, including new therapies and better nutrition.
In addition to the standard wellness checks we perform on every adult animal we see, our senior patients receive special attention for age-related conditions, such as decreased visions and arthritis. We will perform additional laboratory tests to assess your pet’s overall health.
We welcome questions from our clients about their pets' health. Feel free to ask during the exam, or call us any time.
Vaccinations & Prevention
During your pet's exam, the vet will also provide any vaccinations or parasite preventives that your pet may need or be due for.