Wycliffe Village Veterinary Clinic, Richmond Hill

Why your puppy/kitten needs an annual health examination:

- Evaluate for congenital heart, liver, or kidney problems
- Check for retained deciduous teeth
- Check for internal parasites/ deworm
- Evaluate appropriate nutrition/weight
- Discuss training concerns/behaviour questions
- Discuss risk of infectious diseases and recommend appropriate vaccination
- Check for ear mites/infection/external parasites
- Test for Feline Leukemia and FIV (cats only)

Why your ADULT dog/cat needs an annual health examination:
- Evaluate whether vaccination plan should be changed (some pets may only need vaccines every few years during their
  mid age years if exposure is low)
- Check teeth for tartar build-up and gum inflammation
- Evaluate weight/nutrition
- Discuss training or behaviour concerns
- Check for ear infections and external parasites
- Check for internal parasites (if warranted)
- Heartworm testing and prevention (dogs)
- Discuss preventative measures (glucosamine, wt mgmt, etc.) to plan for old age
- Check for any skin problems, itching, masses, etc.
 

Why your GERIATRIC dog/cat needs a health examination every 6 months:
- Check weight/evaluate nutritional requirements
- Check blood work for kidney, liver, thyroid, endocrine abnormalities, and check for white blood cell, red blood cell, and
  platelet abnormalities
- Check urinalysis on dogs and cats with urinary, kidney, or diabetes problems
- Check teeth for tartar build-up, gum inflammation, and loose teeth
- Check ears for infection
- Check for tumors on the skin and elsewhere
- Check for heart murmurs, arrhythmias, and circulatory problems (blood pressure, etc.)
- Check vision and hearing
- Check for musculoskeletal problems (arthritis, muscle atrophy)
- Evaluate for pain level/ pain control needs
- Discuss behaviour changes that may be associated with physiological changes or disease processes going on in the pet
  (loss of sight, senility, etc.)
- Discuss changes which may be needed in the pet's everyday environment
- Evaluate contagious disease exposure and need for vaccination based on immune status