Ideally, your cat should have a wellness exam once a year, similar to how you would go to your doctor for a physical exam. Annual checkups are optimal for maintaining your cat's health.

Baseline diagnostic tests include blood work and urine testing. Blood work checks red and white blood cells, glucose levels, kidney function, electrolytes, protein levels, liver values, pancreatic function, and thyroid function. Urine tests help detect urinary tract infections, crystals, and other issues. Heartworm and tick-borne disease tests may also be performed during routine wellness exams to ensure the dog's overall health.

The wellness exam's findings will determine the course of action for treating any issues that may arise. For example, if a urinary tract infection is discovered, antibiotics may be prescribed, or if coughing is detected, x-rays might be taken to explore further. The specific treatments will depend on the individual dog and the conditions found during the exam.

Dog wellness exams typically take about 30 minutes, which allows adequate time for the technician to gather a full history, the doctor to perform the exam, administer any necessary vaccines, and answer any questions you may have.

No, wellness exams for dogs should not be considered optional. Like humans, it is essential for dogs to visit the veterinarian at least once a year, or every six months when they reach their senior years.

Bring any relevant information about your pet to the wellness exam, such as the type of food they eat, current preventatives, and any medications they are taking. Your veterinarian may also request a fecal sample to test for intestinal parasites and a urine sample to check for urinary tract infections.

During a dog wellness exam, a veterinarian examines the entire pet, focusing on the eyes, ears, teeth, and lymph nodes. They listen to the dog's heart and lungs, examine the abdomen for any discomfort or organ changes, and inspect the skin for lesions, wounds, and parasites. Additionally, they check the dog's joints and range of motion for any soreness or limping. Blood work and urine tests may also be conducted as part of the exam.

It is natural for pet owners to be concerned about anesthesia risks. Veterinarians do everything they can to minimize these risks by conducting a thorough evaluation of the cat before the procedure. This includes full lab work and a pre-surgical EKG to check for any cardiac concerns. If any issues are found, further investigations are carried out before proceeding with anesthesia. If you have more questions or concerns, it is best to consult with your veterinarian.

Pain medications are necessary to provide relief after any painful or extraction procedures in the cat's mouth. Antibiotics, on the other hand, are prescribed less frequently and are only necessary if there is a severe infection, an abscess, or extensive surgical procedures performed in the mouth.

No, anesthesia is crucial for protecting the cat's airway during the dental procedure. The cleaning process involves a scaler with a lot of water, just like at a human dental appointment. Since cats cannot be taught not to swallow or inhale the water, an endotracheal tube is placed in their throat to protect their airway while under anesthesia.