Older pets need more extensive exams. Your pet’s senior visits should include a wellness overview, hands on physical examination, diagnostic tests and in some cases faecal examinations. Find out more here:
Wellness overview – a chance for you to tell your veterinarian any changes of behaviour or physical appearance you have noticed. Use our checklist as a reminder of the changes you should be looking out for.
Hands on physical examination – your veterinarian will palpate or feel your pet’s musculoskeletal system, abdomen, and head and neck areas for abnormalities. A stethoscope will be used to listen to your pet’s heart and lungs. Your pet’s eyes, ears, and mouth will also be checked for age-related problems, such as cataracts, dental problems, and ear canal disorders.
Diagnostic tests – such as blood work, urinalysis and possibly x-rays (based on your veterinarian’s recommendations).
Faecal examination – to check for intestinal parasites.
Recommendations on wellness care – diet, dental cleaning and care, parasite control, vaccinations and grooming