Comprehensive Health Examination
Good Health For Your Pet Includes a Periodic Blood Test
THE FIRST YEAR
Begin with a thorough physical examination to evaluate your pet’s basic health and to detect congenital problems that need to be managed. Most animals are born healthy, but some pets are born with heart disease, bone abnormalities, hernias, etc. Some congenital conditions are not immediately evident, so youngsters benefit by frequent visits to their veterinarian. Young pets are especially susceptible to infectious diseases until they build up immunity. Immunization is accomplished through a series of vaccines beginning at six weeks of age, completed at four to five months of age, and followed with boosters as recommended by your doctor.
ONE-YEAR-OLD
Physiologically similar to a thirteen-year-old human teenager! A lot can change in this year, so we advise a comprehensive physical exam to reassess your pet’s health, to reevaluate life style and to be sure all preventive measures are in process.
TWO-YEAR-OLD
Similar to a young adult human in the early twenties. This is a good time to get a baseline blood profile. This is usually the peak time of a pet’s health and we want to know the normal laboratory values for your particular pet. As your pet ages, we can compare blood values over time to help assess wellness and detect problems early.
THREE TO SEVEN
We recommend an annual comprehensive physical exam and blood screen as indicated. This wellness program helps our doctors determine your pet’s physiological “individual normal,” rather than compare him/her to an “average normal.”
EIGHT TO TEN
Midlife similar to a human between forty and fifty years old. At this time, organ systems begin to deteriorate, depending on life style and genes. The challenge for us is to detect and manage health problems so pets can enjoy life to the fullest. It is wise to step up the number of exams to twice a year, since pets age about five years for every human year.
ELEVEN PLUS
Their “golden years.” We recommend semi-annual exams at a minimum. At this age, the rate of deterioration increases, but most pets will enjoy their senior years with proper management and care.