Pet Exam

Pet Exam and Annual Wellness Exam

Much like we do, all pet should have an annual physical exam. Roswinn Pet Hospital offers full physical pet exam and we will check the health of your pet from head to tail and ensure your pet stays happy and healthy. We believe it’s very essential to make yearly pet exam with your vet to ensure optimal healthy for pet. Sometimes the condition is so serious it leaves no doubt. Frequently, the changes are subtle or happen over a long period of time and it is important that they are recognized and addressed. Early recognition of a serious problem can save your pet’s life. The following information helps you how to examine your pet and determine what is normal.

Hands-on Physical Exam

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Before starting a hands-on exam, stand back and look at your pet for a few minutes. The posture, breathing, activity level, and general appearance can tell you a lot.

Now start the physical exam, making sure to look at the following areas. Consult a veterinarian if an abnormal condition exists or you are concerned about any exam findings.

A hands-on physical exam in the comfort of your own home is the best way to learn what is normal for your pet.

Skin

The skin is an important indicator of overall health. Feel your pet's skin and haircoat, noting any masses or sores. Many older pets can develop accumulations of fatty tissue known as lipomas. In order to differentiate these benign masses from cancerous ones, it is important to have your pet evaluated by your veterinarian and have an aspirate performed.

Abnormal

  • Sparse or patchy haircoat
  • Open sores or sounds
  • Oily or greenish discharge
  • Foul or rancid odor

Eyes

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Abnormal
  • Dull, sunken eyes. Eyes that appear dry. Thick discharge from eyes.
  • One or both eyes not centered.
  • Pupils unequal in size.
  • Abnormal colors that indicate problems are yellow (jaundice), or red (bloodshot).
  • Pupils fail to respond or respond differently when bright light is shined into either eye.
  • Pupils fail to respond or respond differently to the dark.

Ears

Chronic ear problems are common in pets, and are often a result of allergies to inhaled pollen (like hay fever in people) that are then complicated by secondary infections with bacteria or fungus. Ear infections can be painful and head shaking can lead to an accumulation of blood (or hematoma) in the floppy part of the ear called the pinna.

Abnormal

  • Wounds or scabs on skin. Lumps or bumps on skin. Any sign of rash
  • Crust, moisture, or other discharge in ear canal
  • Any strong odor from the ear
  • Atypical carriage for breed; for example, a droopy ear in a breed with normally erect ears
  • Painful or swollen ears.

Neck, Chest, and Breathing

Abnormal

  • Any unusual noise heard while the pet is breathing could indicate a problem, especially if the noise is new for the pet.
  • There is noticeable effort by the pet to move the chest wall.
  • The abdomen is actively involved in the act of inhaling and exhaling.
  • The pet stands with elbows held out further than normal or, is unable to rest or lie down.

Exam3.gif Abdomen (Stomach)

Touch and feel (palpate) the stomach. Start just behind the ribs and gently press your hands into the abdomen, feeling for abnormalities. If your pet has just eaten, you may be able to feel an enlargement in the left part of the abdomen just under the ribs. Proceed toward the rear of the body, passing your hands gently over the abdomen.

Abnormal

  • Any lump, bump, or mass may be abnormal.
  • Palpation causes groaning or difficulty breathing. Any evidence or indication of pain is a serious finding. Use caution to avoid being bitten.
  • The abdomen feels hard or tense and it appears distended.

Any pain felt during an abdominal palpation could be a problem. Consult your veterinarian.

Skin Turgor Test

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The skin turgor test may be the most helpful one to determine whether an animal is well hydrated. (See dehydration.) This test can be affected by several factors other than hydration status, such as weight loss, age and general skin condition, but it can help you make a rough determination of your pet's hydration status. To perform this test, pull the skin over the chest or back into a tent and release it quickly; avoid the skin of the neck as it's often too thick for this test. Observe the skin as it returns to its resting position.

We also offer a Senior Wellness Exam to enhance your older pet’s well-being and promote early detection of abnormalities and disease. Our exam package includes a comprehensive exam, a senior comprehensive blood work, urine test, x-rays and ultras

For quality pet exam for cats and dogs, please call Roswinn Pet Hospital today!

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Location

Office Hours

Monday:

8:30 AM-6:00 PM

Tuesday:

8:30 AM-6:00 PM

Wednesday:

8:30 AM-6:00 PM

Thursday:

8:30 AM-6:00 PM

Friday:

8:30 AM-6:00 PM

Saturday:

8:30 AM-4:00 PM

Sunday:

Closed