Tampa vet, veterinarian in Tampa, FL

Why Do You Want Your Pet to Have a Physical Exam?

Your pet can't always tell you where it hurts, or pets may mask their pain or illness (a survival behavior in the wild). Even seemingly healthy pets can have hidden disease or disorders. A comprehensive physical exam allows our doctors to compile a list of clues that can help uncover disease and overall health status. Early detection and treatment are essential to avoid undue suffering and to prolong the quality and longevity of your pet's life. Watch for subtle changes in your pet's body weight, appetite, water intake, urination and bowel habits, as well as general attitude and activity level. These changes may signal liver, kidney, pancreas, adrenal gland, thyroid or heart problems. Lumps and bumps under the skin may seem harmless, but can be cancerous. Ear infections, abscessed teeth and gum disease are common, painful conditions that may not become obvious until seriously advanced. A comprehensive physical exam is the basic tool our doctors use to evaluate your pet's health status and to help you make informed decisions about the care of your special companion.

What is checked During a Comprehensive Physical Exam

Eyes: The eyes are examined with an ophthalmoscope for cataracts, corneal disorders, age related disorders, infections/inflammation and retinal disease. Some retinal diseases indicate systemic (whole body) problems such as high blood pressure and infections. Glaucoma screening may be recommended for some animals.

Ears: The ears are examined with an otoscope, an instrument used to see into the long and angled ear canal to the eardrum of dogs and cats. Ear infections and parasites are quite common.

Nose: The outer surface of the nose and the nostrils are examined for abnormalities such as dryness, cracking, ulcerations, discharge, pigment changes, etc. that may indicated nasal disease or signs of disease elsewhere in the body.

Mouth: The mouth is visually checked for lesions, ulcerations, foreign bodies and tumors. Teeth are examined for tartar build-up, dental disease, periodontal disease, halitosis, abscesses, fractures, missing teeth and gum disease. The tongue and throat are evaluated for any abnormalities.

Heart & Lungs: The heart and lungs are checked by auscultation with a stethoscope, and feeling the pulse. The heart rate and rhythm are checked. Murmurs, arrhythmias, and other defects are noted. The lungs are checked to note any crackles, wheezes, decreased sounds that may indicate primary lung or heart disease. The gums are examined for their color, felt for how moist or dry they are, and gently pressed and observed for capillary refill time.

Abdomen: The abdomen is palpated for anomalies of organ size and character, such as enlargement of the liver or spleen, change in kidney size, bladder stones, tumors, and intestine abnormalities. Palpation of the abdomen is also done to see if there is discomfort that may indicate other issues.

Skin: The skin is examined for parasites (fleas, ticks and lice), lesions, and abnormal growths or masses. We evaluate coat quality and sheen. If abnormalities are noted, then additional testing such as skin scraping, skin cytology, fungal culture, skin biopsy, allergy testing may be needed.

Lymph Nodes: The lymph nodes are palpated for symmetry, size, and tenderness. Enlargement or abnormalities of the lymph nodes may indicate infection, inflammation, reaction to some other body abnormality or cancer.

Nervous System: The nervous system is evaluated by observing your pet's behavior and testing reflexes. Abnormalities in eye position, eyelid shape, head nerves, gait and walking, paw positioning, etc are evaluated.

External Genitalia: The external genitalia are examined for abnormal discharge, color, swelling, or growths. The prostate gland is palpated for abnormal size and character.

Musculoskeletal/Gait (Manner of walking) is observed for lameness and joints are palpated to detect tenderness and inflexibility, swelling, inflammation, etc that may indicate problems like arthritis, degenerative joint disease, hip dysplasia.