Nearly all pet owners have a good vet they rely on for their cat or dog’s medical concerns. However, many pet owners avoid taking their cat or dog to a Pet Hospital Alpharetta unless there is an obvious medical problem. Even if a dog or cat does not have an ongoing medical condition and seems perfectly healthy, it is essential for the veterinarian to examine them regularly. During a routine visit, the vet will perform a physical exam on the pet’s body from nose to tail. They will take the pet’s temperature, examine the mouth, ears and eyes carefully and gently feel the body for signs of internal issues. Here are some of the body parts a vet will examine during an annual wellness check.
Mouth Teeth and Gums
Infected teeth or gums can lead to serious illnesses in a pet. During a routine visit, the veterinarian will look for signs of periodontal disease, gingivitis, and oral cancer. Some early sign of dental issues includes tooth abscesses, oral pain, infection, and tooth loss. Most dogs need to have their teeth and gums cleaned at some point in their lives. Thus, the vet may recommend a dental work up. In most cases, the dog will be placed under anesthesia to allow the vet to clean deep under their gums.
Eyes, Vision and Ears
An annual check at an established pet hospital can help to reveal early signs of cataracts, corneal ulcers, dry eyes or glaucoma. If left untreated, these issues could lead to severe pain or even blindness. Aside from examining the pet’s eye and vision, the vet will also check for evidence of ear mites and other ear infections. Left unchecked, these can result in unbearable pain or even loss of hearing
Skin and Joints
Experienced vets will examine the pet’s skin for infections, lumps, ticks, mites, fleas and allergies. Parasites can cause illnesses and any skin lumps, lesions or hair loss may indicate disease. Additionally, the vet will manipulate the pet’s joints gently in order to identify early signs of hip dysplasia, arthritis and even cancer. Early detection of these diseases can help to prevent pain, reduced mobility and paralysis.
These are just some of the benefits of taking a pet to a licensed Pet Hospital Alpharetta for annual checks. For more info on the services offered in an animal hospital, visit Ahnfc.com.
Join us here!
