Annual Examinations

As our pets age at a much greater rate than we do, it is essential to recognize the importance of an annual or even a bi-annual exam.

• We recommend a yearly exam for young, healthy pets.
• Senior pets or pets who have on-going medication and/or health issues should be examined a minimum of two times per year.
• Our comprehensive physical exam includes checking the ears, eyes, nose, teeth, heart, lungs, bones, joints, skin, lymph nodes and abdomen.
• We can discuss any behavioral issues/changes.
• We can guide you in choosing the correct diet and nutrition for your pet.
• We individualize your pet's vaccination and deworming schedules.
• We recommend annual bloodwork for senior pets.

Commonly Asked Questions about Annual Exams

• Why should your pet have an examination at least once yearly when he/she is otherwise normal?

• What is included in an annual exam?

• What is recommended with an annual exam?

• Things that should be discussed during an annual exam.

• Things that you can monitor at home.

Why should your pet have an examination at least once yearly when he/she is otherwise normal?

One year in your pet’s life is nearly equivalent to seven years of ours.  A lot can change in your pet’s health during that time.  During your visit, we can focus on changes that may be unnoticeable to you.  We can detect little problems that should be addressed and alert you to deterioration in their health that can be corrected or treated.  Ultimately, we want to help your pet live a happy and pain-free life for as long as possible.

What is included in an Annual Examination?

• We will determine which vaccinations are recommended specifically for your pet.  Vaccinations and recommendations in regard to the use of vaccines have changed in recent years.  We will customize your pet’s vaccinations based on its lifestyle and exposure.   

• We will check your pet’s weight, compare it to prior recorded weight, and determine a body condition score.  If the weight is not in the ideal range, we will discuss the ideal weight and how you can achieve that.

• We will examine the teeth, gums and other oral structures.  Your pet’s teeth should not have tartar buildup.  The breath should be fresh.  The gingiva should have a healthy appearance and not bleed when touched.  Each tooth should be firmly seated and have no periodontal bone loss.  We will check for oral tumors.  We recognize the importance of good oral health in your pet’s overall health. 

• We will evaluate your pet for its mucous membrane colour (colour of gums), which gives us information on your pet’s circulatory system.  

• We will examine the eyes, paying attention to the eyelids, conjunctival color, corneal or anterior chamber changes as well as lens changes.  Eyelid tumors are common, and can easily be removed with surgery.  Changes in the cornea may indicate chronic irritation or lack of proper tears.  We can make recommendations and prescribe to allow the cornea to return to normal, or keep it as healthy as possible.  If there are changes in the anterior chamber, the iris or the lens, we can detect that and possibly prevent glaucoma from developing.

• We will examine the ears.  If there is any pain, odor or discharge from the ears, something is wrong.

• We will palpate for lymph nodes of the head, neck, and other areas of the body.  

• We will palpate over the body for any other lumps or bumps your pet may have developed.  We can take a few cells from them to determine if lumps or bumps should be surgically removed as soon as possible, or if we can wait for a more opportune time.  

• We will auscultate (listen to) the heart, and evaluate rate, rhythm and sound.  Heart disease is common in older pets.  Detecting the problem is the first step in controlling it.  

• We will listen for airway sounds.

• We will palpate the abdomen, paying attention to organ size, texture and placement.

• We will assess the coat and skin.  We want our pet’s to smell and feel nice.  We can make recommendations to regain a beautiful, healthy coat, if needed, and how to maintain it.

• We will evaluate for mobility and/or lameness.  Joint problems are common in our pets particularly as they age.  We can help many of them either with nutritional supplement, medicines or surgery.  ‘Slowing down’ is often due to pain in the joints.  We will make suggestions on how to help make your pet more comfortable.

• We will answer your questions.

What is recommended with an Annual Examination?

Our physical exam gives us subjective information about your pet’s health.  However, objective information helps complete the assessment.

Bloodwork is recommended for all senior pets even if they seem outwardly healthy.  These blood results give us a baseline which can facilitate the diagnosis of a variety of conditions in the future as well as providing a good method of monitoring overall health from year to year.  It allows us to check factors such as organ function, blood glucose and hydration levels.  If you would like more information regarding annual wellness blood tests, please pick up one of our Wellness Testing brochures. 

At Vancouver Veterinary Hospital, we have the facilities to do annual bloodwork on site.  The results are available within one hour.

Things that should be discussed during an annual examination:

1. Weight changes as well as current diet.

2. Changes in exercise (e.g. your pet’s ability to athletically perform/move around).

3. Changes in appetite.

4. Changes in water intake.

5. Lameness or tenderness.

6. Digestive upsets.

   1. Vomiting

   2. Diarrhea

7. Behavioral changes/issues.

   1. Excessive vocalizing/barking

   2. Destruction of property

   3. Aggression, fights

   4. House soiling

8. Hair coat changes.

9. Eye discharges or changes.

10. Sneezing, coughing or drooling.

11. Scratching, licking or scooting.

12. Ear discharges or odor.

13. Halitosis or other odors.

14. Changes in sleep patterns.

15. Should your pet have a wellness screen?

16. Should your pet have professional dental cleaning/care?

17. What supplements are available to help my pet?

18. Is there anything else I can do to keep my pet healthy and comfortable as long as possible?

There are many signs your pet may give you to let you know he/she is not feeling well.  Some things you can monitor at home are:

1. Sudden changes in weight (either increases or decreases).

2. Changes in eating and/or drinking habits.

3. Changes in bathroom habits.

4. Straining to urinate or defecate.

5. Changes in behaviour.

6. Changes in energy level.

7. Changes in exercise abilities.

8. Increased or decreased vocalization.

9. Changes in condition of coat/skin.

10. Changes in mouth odour.

11. Discharge from eyes, ears, mouth.

12. Scooting.

13. Lumps and bumps.

14. Sleeping in unusual places or hiding.

15. Stiffness when moving or difficulty getting up and laying down.  Difficulty when traversing stairs.

16. Limping or non-weight-bearing on limbs.

17. Vomiting.

18. Diarrhea.

19. Excessive scratching or licking.

20. Smelly ears.

21. Eye discharges.