Our comprehensive physical examinations serve a number of purposes. Our doctors will formulate a Medical Plan specifically for your cat based on their findings.

  • Wellness examinations (every 6 months) to (every 12 months) – Our wellness examinations are a comprehensive assessment of your cat’s body systems. Additionally, our wellness examinations serve to detect potential problems early in their disease course. Wellness screens, preventative healthcare and dietary / nutritional discussions are a major focus of these examinations.
  • Senior examinations (every 6 months) – Even though age is not a disease, we know a few things can change as our patients grow older. Our senior examinations have the same purpose as a wellness examination; however, they occur more frequently with an emphasis on the specific diseases that occur more commonly in our aging feline friends.  Senior blood and urine evaluations, and blood pressure measurements are a major focus of these examinations. Preventative healthcare and dietary issues are also discussed. This day in age, our patients are healthier and living longer and we intend to continue this trend.
  • Emergency or Unwell Patient Examinations – Sometimes unexpected problems occur in our cats. Our hospital will strive to accommodate your needs during these stressful times. Obviously, patients with an urgent medical condition will take priority. Our focus will be to identify the cause of your cat’s illness quickly and select an appropriate course of action.

OUR COMPREHENSIVE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

What is included in our comprehensive physical examination? The following is a short list of our comprehensive examinations from head to tail.

  • Comprehensive history – This round of questions will focus on your cat’s quality of life, changes you may have noticed at home, problems you have noticed, lifestyle and dietary questions.
  • Weight checks – One of the most important aspect of any physical examination is your cat’s body condition score and weight. Weight loss may be the first and only indication that an internal issue may be present.
  • Eyes – Your cat’s eyes will be examined both on the surface and using an ophthalmoscope to examine the inside of the eyeball and the retina.  Often, disease processes occurring elsewhere in the body of the cat, will show up as changes in the eyes.
  • Lymph nodes – Your cat has many lymph nodes throughout their body. Enlargement of one or more lymph nodes may give a clue that there is an issue in a certain region of your cat’s body.
  • Heart – This important organ will be checked for murmurs (abnormal blood flow through the heart) or abnormal heart rhythms. In addition to the heart, the cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels) will be evaluated by palpating the pulses in your cat’s vessels and/or taking a blood pressure measurement.
  • Lungs – Listening to the air entering and leaving the lungs may reveal important clues about the health of this organ.
  • Abdomen – Palpation of your cat’s abdomen (or belly) helps evaluate your cat’s liver, spleen, kidneys, digestive tract, and bladder.
  • Anal glands – Sometimes, these glands towards the back end may pose a problem and require expression.
  • Ears —The ear canals of every patient are checked using an otoscope for inflammation, infection and ear mites.
  • Skin / Hair – Your cat’s fur is their first recognizable feature. A poor hair coat, hair loss or diseased skin may indicate a problem with the skin or an internal issue.
  • Legs and nails – Every examination includes a complementary nail trim. Additionally, the nails and legs will be evaluated. The joints of our older patients will be evaluated. The goal is to detect arthritis and begin treatment early so your cat will be as comfortable as possible.
  • Mouth – Dental disease is present in approximately 70% of cats over 2-3 years of age. A happy and healthy mouth means your cat will have a good quality of life. Evaluation of your cat’s mouth and teeth will look for evidence of tartar, gingivitis, diseased teeth and other issues.
  • Thyroid gland – Since thyroid disease is a fairly common hormone disorder in older cats, every cat’s thyroid will be palpated which may detect an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland in the neck.