Examination

Our comprehensive physical examinations serve a number of purposes. Together with a detailed history, we will formulate a Medical Plan specifically for your cat based on their findings. The Medical Plan will outline our recommended services and their associated costs.

Annual Wellness Examinations

Our annual wellness examinations are a comprehensive assessment of your cat’s body systems to help detect potential problems early in their disease course. Wellness screens, preventative healthcare and dietary discussions are the main focus of these examinations. Annual exams are recommended for cats 1 to 7 years of age.

Semi-Annual Wellness Examinations

Even though age is not a disease, we know a few things can change as our patients grow older. Our semi-annual examinations have the same purpose as our annual exams; however, they occur every 6 months with an emphasis on the specific diseases that occur more commonly in our aging feline family members. Senior screens and aging changes are a main focus of these examinations. Preventative healthcare and dietary issues are also discussed. Semi-annual exams are recommended for cats 8 years of age and older.

Emergency / Unwell 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.

After the doctor evaluates your cat, a written estimate will be made outlining all of the doctor’s recommendations and their associated costs.The following is a short summary of what to expect during our head to tail comprehensive examinations:

History One of our technicians will ask a series of questions that focus on your cat’s lifestyle, diet, changes you may have noticed, and any concerns you may have.

Vitals One of our technicians will take your cat’s vitals which includes (1) heart rate, (2) respiratory rate, (3) temperature, (4) mucous membrane color, (5) capillary refill time and (6) body condition score.

Weight One of the most important aspect of any physical examination is your cat’s weight. Weight loss may be the first and only indication that an internal issue may be present.

Skin / Coat 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.

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 in the neck.

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.