The special animals in our lives are vulnerable to a wide range of health problems, from external damage to internal organ failure and chronic pain conditions. But you can minimize your pet’s risk for these crises thanks to our four-practitioner vet team here at Antelope Creek Veterinary Healthcare Center P.C. Your veterinarian in Lincoln NE can administer a detailed pet wellness exam to catch any small concerns before they can turn into big medical issues, sparing your pet a lot of discomfort and possibly even saving his life.
The Importance of the Annual Pet Exam
Just as humans can develop physical ailments without even knowing it, your pet’s body may harbor the beginnings of a serious or even potentially deadly disease or disorder, from parasites that impair internal organ function to slow-growing tumors might prove malignant. Lifestyle habits can contribute to this vulnerability; for instance, a sedentary pet who eats too much may develop obesity, a major risk factor for diabetes, hypertension, cancer and other ailments. In other cases, diseases “just happen” — and your pet may not show any obvious signs of illness. An annual pet exam allows your veterinarian to uncover these issues in time to provide early treatment.
The annual pet exam also serves as an ideal opportunity to take preventative measures so many diseases can never even gain an initial foothold. We can administer vaccinations and booster shots as needed, microchip animals, start pets on pest and parasites preventatives, perform dental exams and cleanings, spay or neuter and take other actions to make sure your pet stays safe, healthy and happy.
What to Expect From a Pet Wellness Exam at Our Lincoln Animal Hospital
While annual pet exam is adequate for most healthy adult animals, we may recommend more frequent exams for puppies, kittens, senior pets (who are even more vulnerable to disease) and pets with pre-existing medical conditions. When you bring your pet to our Lincoln Animal Hospital, your pet will benefit from:
External inspection – Checking for skin lesions; examining the sensory organs and observing gait/stance/behavior
Internal imaging – X-rays or other diagnostics to check your pet’s internal structures
Vital signs and lab testing – Critical data that can reveal the presence of infestations or systemic disorders
Dental care – Examinations to check for periodontal disease, oral cancer and other common problems, as well as deep cleaning under anesthesia to remove tartar from teeth
Weighing – Determining whether your pet is overweight so we can offer dietary and exercise recommendations
Preventative medications – Vaccinations, de-worming, heartworm/flea/tick prevention