Lincoln vet, veterinarian in Lincoln, NE

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 (a survival behavior in the wild). A comprehensive physical exam allows our doctors to compile a list of clues that can help uncover disease. 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 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. We recommend an annual physical examination which can be conveniently done at the time of your annual vaccinations. Twice yearly examinations are recommended for senior pets, pets with chronic illness and pets on long term medications.

What is checked During a Comprehensive Physical Exam

Eyes: The eyes are examined with an ophthalmoscope for cataracts 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 pets. A tonopen may be used to check for Glaucoma (increased intra eye pressure).

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.

Mouth: The mouth is visually checked for lesions and tumors. Teeth are examined for tartar build-up, abscesses, fractures, missing teeth and gum disease. A dental cleaning and extractions may be recommended if some of these issues exist.

Heart & Lungs: The heart and lungs are checked by auscultation with a stethoscope, and feeling the pulse. 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 intestinal abnormalities.

Skin: The skin is examined for parasites, lesions, abnormal growths and allergic skin reactions. Excessive itching and hairloss are common with many forms of skin disease.

Lymph Nodes: The lymph nodes are palpated for symmetry, size, and tenderness.

Nervous System: The nervous system is evaluated by observing your pet's behavior and testing reflexes as indicated.

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

Gait: (Manner of walking) is observed for lameness and joints are palpated to detect tenderness and inflexibility that may indicate problems like arthritis, torn ligaments or fractures. In some cases of lameness further testing including radiographs may be indicated.