Medical Assessment

Service

Animals are very special patients with difficulties in communicating early illnesses. Even for pet owners that live together with the animal, and pay close attention to their behavior, it can be difficult to detect irregularities. To ensure the well-being and a long, healthy life for the animal, health check-ups are therefore recommended. A health check-up is often initiated by a health exam, where the veterinarian performs a physical examination, auscultation (listening to chest), and palpation (feeling through the body). Depending on the outcome of the health exam, health screening tests might be recommended.

To ensure a proper diagnosis, we often need to examine your pet. We begin a medical assessment by looking at your pet’s eyes, ears, and skin and checking his or her cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, and skeletal systems for any abnormalities. We will perform blood and/or urine tests as necessary to check your pet’s kidneys, liver, pancreas, and endocrine system, including the thyroid and adrenal glands. Based on your pet’s condition, we may recommend further diagnostic tests, such as radiography (x-rays), endoscopy (internal scoping), ultrasound, or biopsy.