Comprehensive Examinations and Vaccinations
We strongly believe in the power of preventative medicine through comprehensive physical examinations, annual vaccinations and early detection blood testing. Our comprehensive physical exam provides an opportunity to review your pet’s health and address any concerns you have regarding your pet’s health care needs. We currently recommend a tailored annual vaccination protocol that is based on your pet’s age and disease exposure. Our vaccines are aimed at preventing the most deadly and common diseases in the Mid-South area. Our early detection blood screens provide a confirmation of your pet’s health, detection of disease before the condition progresses, and a point of reference in the event your pet becomes ill in the months to come.
Comprehensive Exam:
- Eyes– We assess for any changes including ocular discharge or abnormal tearing; abnormal movement or reaction to light, eyelid abnormalities, corneal and retinal disease
- Ears– We assess for signs of ear infection including pain, redness, odor, ear discharge, ear canal tumors, and ear drum disease and rupture
- Mouth– We assess for bad breath, level of calculus on teeth, gingivitis, oral tumors, gum color, hydration
- Heart– We auscult the heart and assess the rate and rhythm as well as listen for murmurs that detect valvular disease
- Lungs– We auscult the lungs for wheezing, crackling, muffled heart sounds, increased airway sounds
- Abdomen– We palpate the abdomen assessing for increased abdominal organ enlargement-liver, spleen, and kidneys; bladder size, pain, or stones; intestinal thickness or gas; discomfort on palpation; excessive fluid; abnormal masses in abdomen
- Coat, Skin, and Nails– Overall condition and quality of coat; lumps and bumps; excessive dander; saliva-stained fur; fleas/ticks; skin rashes and infections; overgrown nails; tapeworms, fecal matting, or anal gland disease
- Lymph nodes/Thyroid– Any irregularities or changes in size
- Musculoskeletal System– We assess for any changes in the pet’s normal gait; pain on palpation of the joints or bones; limitations in range of joint motion; changes in pet’s mobility at home or in office
Comprehensive Exam:
- Eyes– We assess for any changes including ocular discharge or abnormal tearing; abnormal movement or reaction to light, eyelid abnormalities, corneal and retinal disease
- Ears– We assess for signs of ear infection including pain, redness, odor, ear discharge, ear canal tumors, and ear drum disease and rupture
- Mouth– We assess for bad breath, level of calculus on teeth, gingivitis, oral tumors, gum color, hydration
- Heart– We auscult the heart and assess the rate and rhythm as well as listen for murmurs that detect valvular disease
- Lungs– We auscult the lungs for wheezing, crackling, muffled heart sounds, increased airway sounds
- Abdomen– We palpate the abdomen assessing for increased abdominal organ enlargement-liver, spleen, and kidneys; bladder size, pain, or stones; intestinal thickness or gas; discomfort on palpation; excessive fluid; abnormal masses in abdomen
- Coat, Skin, and Nails– Overall condition and quality of coat; lumps and bumps; excessive dander; saliva-stained fur; fleas/ticks; skin rashes and infections; overgrown nails; tapeworms, fecal matting, or anal gland disease
- Lymph nodes/Thyroid– Any irregularities or changes in size
- Musculoskeletal System– We assess for any changes in the pet’s normal gait; pain on palpation of the joints or bones; limitations in range of joint motion; changes in pet’s mobility at home or in office
Canine Vaccines:
- DA2LPP vaccine to prevent Distemper, Adenovirus (Hepatitis), Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvo
- Bordatella vaccine to prevent Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)
- Canine Influenza vaccine (if warranted)
- Rabies vaccine
Feline Vaccines:
- FVRCP vaccine to prevent Feline Rhinotracheitis (Herpes virus causing upper respiratory disease), Calicivirus, Panleukopenia
- Rabies vaccine
- Feline Leukemia Virus vaccine (if warranted and after testing)
Early Detection Blood Panel
Pets are very good at hiding disease. Their ancestors in the wild had predators. Instinctively they are programmed to hide their diseases so they will not be preyed upon. Unfortunately, that behavior causes them to hide signs of disease. Blood panels will help us detect problems such as:
- Organ disease (kidney, liver, pancreas)
- Hormonal/endocrine disease (diabetes, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal gland)
- Infections
- Inflammation
- Anemia
- Low platelets
- Heartworm disease and tick related diseases
- Urinary tract infections
- Electrolyte problems
If your pet’s early detection blood panel is normal, this is fantastic news! Having this data gives us a biochemical baseline for your pet. In the event your pet becomes ill, we will have this baseline for comparison so we can choose an appropriate treatment plan.
How often should my dog/cat be seen for preventative care?
Your pet should be seen at 6-8 weeks of age. After they complete their puppy/kitten vaccinations series at 16 weeks, we recommend every 6 months for physical exams.
Once a year, your pet will receive the necessary vaccines to prevent disease determined by their lifestyle and exposure. Because our pets age around 7 human years each dog/cat year, diseases can occur in our pets at a much younger age. Semi-annual exams and early disease detection lab work allow us to detect problems at earlier stages giving us more options for treatment.
Early Detection Blood Panel
Pets are very good at hiding disease. Their ancestors in the wild had predators. Instinctively they are programmed to hide their diseases so they will not be preyed upon. Unfortunately, that behavior causes them to hide signs of disease. Blood panels will help us detect problems such as:
- Organ disease (kidney, liver, pancreas)
- Hormonal/endocrine disease (diabetes, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal gland)
- Infections
- Inflammation
- Anemia
- Low platelets
- Heartworm disease and tick related diseases
- Urinary tract infections
- Electrolyte problems
If your pet’s early detection blood panel is normal, this is fantastic news! Having this data gives us a biochemical baseline for your pet. In the event your pet becomes ill, we will have this baseline for comparison so we can choose an appropriate treatment plan.
How often should my dog/cat be seen for preventative care?
Your pet should be seen at 6-8 weeks of age. After they complete their puppy/kitten vaccinations series at 16 weeks, we recommend every 6 months for physical exams.
Once a year, your pet will receive the necessary vaccines to prevent disease determined by their lifestyle and exposure. Because our pets age around 7 human years each dog/cat year, diseases can occur in our pets at a much younger age. Semi-annual exams and early disease detection lab work allow us to detect problems at earlier stages giving us more options for treatment.