When you bring your dog or cat in for their annual checkup, it might look like we are simply offering head scratches and a few casual pats. In reality, our hands and eyes are running through an intentional checklist developed to catch subtle health shifts long before your pet shows symptoms. Transparent care begins with knowing what is happening on our examination table.
The Unspoken Clues in Eyes and Ears
We start at the head, checking lens clarity for early cataracts and examining the conjunctiva for subtle signs of anemia or allergies. When looking inside ear canals, we are not just looking for wax; we are checking for inflammation, yeast blooms, and structural narrowing that can lead to chronic infections. These quick checks prevent minor irritations from becoming painful, expensive problems down the road.
Listening Beyond Heart Rate
When our stethoscope rests behind your pet's elbow, we are counting heartbeats while screening for subtle murmurs, skipped rhythms, and crackles in the lungs. Pets are masters at concealing early cardiovascular changes, especially indoor cats who simply nap a little more when feeling winded. Catching a low-grade murmur early gives us simple, non-invasive ways to protect your pet's stamina.
Joints, Abdomen, and Honest Answers
Palpating the abdomen allows us to gently feel the size and shape of kidneys, spleen, and intestinal loops, while flexing joints reveals early arthritis before a limp appears. We discuss every finding with you in plain language alongside our straightforward pricing for any suggested bloodwork. You will always know what we recommend, why we recommend it, and what it costs before we take the next step.