Annual Physical exams

A reader just asked me a question that reminded me of something.

I don't mean to suggest in my vaccine discussion that if vaccines aren't due every year, you shouldn't see your veterinarian every year. Absolutely not.

The physical exam is by FAR the most important thing and that SHOULD be done at least once a year. Pets age quickly. Annual physical exams (or even bi-annual) are very valuable and your doctor will check:

• Teeth - time for cleaning? Problem spots?
• Heart and lungs - murmurs, abnormal sounds
• Skin - infections, hair loss, changes in quality that may suggest a systemic problem or a problem with the body hormones
• Palpate the abdomen - feeling for masses, etc
• Weight - are we gaining? Loosing? Do we need to talk about diet changes?
• Annual blood work - see if everything is working as well on the inside as it is on the outside. Many chronic conditions can be found FIRST on blood work. Things like early kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid problems. Not to mention the importance of heartworm testing.
• Bones and joints - arthritis?
• Dozens of other little items like neurologic problems, urinary problems.

The vaccines should take an "oh by the way" place in the annual physical exam.

AMH