WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING MY CAT'S VISIT?

So your cat is due for his or her annual (or semi-annual!) checkup? This page details what you can expect to happen at your cat's wellness visit at Apple Grove Veterinary Care.

First of all, Congratulations on committing yourself to providing pro-active healthcare for your feline companion(s)! Bringing your pets for regular wellness visits is one of the easiest ways to help ensure that he/she will stay healthy and happy for years to come.

Not only will the doctor evaluate your pet for any necessary vaccines, but he/she may be able to detect health concerns before they become major problems! This is also your opportunity to discuss any behavior concerns, flea control problems, or other questions you may have regarding your pet.

First, one of the veterinary assistants or licensed veterinary technician will check your cat’s weight and ask if you have any questions or concerns for the doctor to address. They may also ask you basic questions about your pet, such as what type of food he/she eats, does he/she go outdoors, are there other pets in the house, do you need flea/heartworm prevention today, etc. Often times, we will take a digital photo of your pet for our records. Please feel free to ask questions, we are here to help!

The next part of your visit is the doctor examination. The doctor will review with you the basic information that you discussed with the assistant or technician, including any questions that you may have. The doctor will review your pet's weight, and check to see if your pet has gained or lost any weight since her last visit. If needed, he/she will discuss proper diet and feeding. Next, the doctor will review your pet's history and lifestyle to evaluate what vaccines, if any, are appropriate for your pet to receive.

The physical examination may look simple, but the veterinarian is evaluating many different body systems during the exam:

• First, the overall body condition (weight) is assessed.
• The skin and hair coat are evaluated for dryness, flaking, sores, wounds, and parasites.
• The ears are checked for debris or discharge. The doctor may use an otoscope to look inside the ear if any abnormalities are noted.
• The eyes are evaluated for reaction to light, cataracts, discharge and other abnormalities.
• The nose is checked for crusting or discharge.
• The teeth and mouth are checked for tartar and gingivitis, growths, missing teeth, and infection.
• The thyroid glands are palpated for enlargement.
• The heart and lungs are ausculted with a stethoscope for abnormal sounds (murmurs, arrhythmias, wheezes, or crackles)
• The abdomen and internal organs are palpated for irregular size or shape, or abnormal growths (kidneys, intestines, urinary bladder, spleen, liver)
• The pet's normal gait (walking) is observed, if possible. If any lameness is noted, or reported by the owner, a more thorough comprehensive exam is performed.

After the examination, the doctor will discuss the normal and abnormal findings with you. Please ask if you have any questions! We want you to be an active partner in your pet's health care!

If appropriate, the doctor may recommend vaccinations for your pet. For older pets (7 years or older), the doctor may recommend senior bloodwork to screen for common diseases, such as kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. Remember, these diseases are much easier to treat, or even cure, if they are detected early!

Our goal is to help your companions live a long happy life. By bringing your pets for regular checkups, you are taking the most important step towards helping us meet that goal. Together, we can be strong advocates for your pet's continued good health!

Pet Ages

Because of the shorter lifespan of our pets, we stress the importance of an annual or semi-annual physical examination. Thorough check-ups and preventive care can help alleviate serious health problems. We offer a wide range of veterinary services to keep your feline and canine companions feeling their best. And since one year for dogs and cats is equivalent to approximately 6-8 human years, many changes can take place in what for us, is a fairly short period of time.

Getting an exam on your pet once per year is the same as you getting a physical only once every six to eight years. Because so much can change with your pet's physical health in such a short amount of time, you cannot afford to have your pet miss even one exam!

That is why the American Veterinary Medical Association as well as the American Animal Hospital Association now recommend twice yearly physical exams plus appropriate blood work on all dogs and cats who are 7 years old or above.

Apple Grove Veterinary Care recommends a physical exam every 6 months for cats 7 years and older, as well as annual screening blood work to check for early signs of kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, and other common senior pet ailments. With this program, many health problems which are not readily detected in other ways can be caught early on and appropriate steps taken to ensure continued well-being and a longer life for your dogs and cats. Ask the doctor if your pet would benefit from a Senior Wellness Pet Work-Up at your next appointment!