Comprehensive Physical Exams in Manlius

Begin Your Pet's Health Journey with Our Expert Care

The comprehensive physical examination is the investigation of the body to determine the state of your pet's health. It includes the physical exam, the history, and any laboratory tests. These components create the information from which a diagnosis can be made. Then the healthcare plan can be developed. The physical exam remains the most important foundation for overall wellness care and health maintenance.

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What to Expect During Your Pet's Comprehensive Exam

Veterinary expertise is the most valuable and important component in identifying and understanding the importance of the physical findings. A thorough physical exam includes:

• General observations including your pet's weight, temperament, alertness, and responsiveness.
• Assessment of your pet's body condition (relative body fat).
• Appropriate identification of pain, since most pets hide pain well.
• Evaluating the eyes for symmetry, discharges, and for any outer and inner eye structure abnormalities.
• The mouth, tongue, gums, tonsils and pharynx are evaluated for abnormalities, odor and masses.
• The ears are evaluated for any abnormalities, discharges, odors or discomfort.
• Heart auscultation for the characterization of sounds, heart rate and rhythm of heart beats; and pulse palpation.
• Inspection for any nasal, sinus or throat abnormalities, and auscultation of the airways and lungs.
• Abdominal and rectal palpation to identify normal and abnormal anatomy, as well as for any sensitivity.
• Visual inspection and palpation of urinary and reproductive structures.
• Evaluation of the skin and hair coat for quality, parasites and any abnormalities.
• Bone structure and muscle mass assessment in relation to anatomic form and function.
• Evaluating the nervous system for any deficits and abnormalities.
• Lymph node palpation.

Understanding Your Pet's Health History and Lifestyle

The history includes your pet's medical history, in conjunction with its lifestyle assessment to review physical activity, stress, nutrition, and specific needs. These important facts about your pet, as well as any knowledge about its known relatives or ancestors, will greatly aid in the prevention, early detection, and treatment of disease.

The Role of Laboratory Testing in Your Pet's Health

Laboratory testing is another key component of assessing your pet's health, as well as for disease risk assessment and diagnosis. Specific recommendations are based on your pet's individual needs and may include blood tests, urinalysis, and parasite screening. Along with the history and physical exam, it completes the data base from which your pet's healthcare plan is developed.

Maximizing Your Pet's Quality of Life Through Preventative Care

A comprehensive physical examination provides an opportunity for us to obtain important information about your pet for current and future use. It is an important part of preventative care for your pet through all its stages of life. It provides an opportunity to answer your questions and assist in teaching you good health practices for your pet. Once complete, we will work together to establish health goals and priorities that fit you and your pet's lifestyle. Your pet's healthcare plan will incorporate short and long-term health goals with the overall objective of prolonging and maximizing your pet's enjoyment of life.

Compassionate Care Veterinary Hospital of Manlius, P.C. is here to provide exceptional medical services for your pet. Complete our online form or call us at (315) 508-7884 today!