The Columbus Academy of Veterinary Medicine is an established local association of Central Ohio Veterinarians. Its members reflect all aspects of veterinary medicine from small and large animal veterinary practices to academics and research. All the members share the common goal of creating an organization to promote veterinary medicine and safeguard its interests on a local level. The Academy is a vital source of continuing education hours offered at no charge to its membership. It is an important link between the veterinary community and the public it serves.
How often have you heard someone say "It's time for my dog to get his shots"? Granted, vaccinations are a very important part of your animal's medical care. Today's vaccine protocols have been instrumental in making some previously common diseases comparatively uncommon. However, having a complete physical examination is even more important. Many problems, when detected early by a complete examination, can be treated more successfully.
Younger animals should have an exam annually. As your pet reaches middle age (about 7-8 years for most dogs and cats), it becomes important to have exams every 6 months. Under some circumstances, frequent examinations may be needed before the 7-8 year mark - for example, in large-breed dogs that age faster and in pets with known medical conditions. Some breeds of cats and dogs which are predisposed to certain conditions should be monitored even more closely.
Your veterinarian will ask a lot of questions concerning your pet's health and routine habits. Are there any changes in your pet's drinking, eating, or urine/stool elimination? Any weight gain or loss? Any scratching or licking? Any abnormal behaviors? Whatever information you can supply will be helpful.
Your veterinarian will then examine your pet from the tip of his nose to the tip of her tail, looking for abnormalities or changes in all areas. He will look in the ears, eyes, and mouth; listen to the heart and lungs; look for lumps and parasites on the skin and around the rectum; palpate the abdomen; and record the body weight and temperature. A fecal analysis will detect internal parasites, and a blood sample will detect heartworm infestation or feline leukemia/feline immunodeficiency virus infection.
Your veterinarian and her staff are happy to answer questions about flea control, heartworm disease, nutrition, behavior problems, or any other subject on which you might need information. There are also many client information handouts available to help answer your questions. Remember, the only "dumb" question is the one that is never asked. Please ask!
Although your pet may be acting fine at home, animals are adept at hiding their illnesses. In the wild, animals that appear sick are often preyed upon by other animals. Hiding illness is a survival instinct. Your veterinarian is trained to find hidden sources of discomfort or signs of possible illness. There are even some conditions under which your pet should not be vaccinated. For instance, a condition that may be suppressing their immune system or an illness may make it inadvisable to vaccinate your pet at any given time.
To protect your pets' health, schedule a complete physical examination when they are due for their vaccinations. Consider more frequent exams as your pet ages or develops chronic problems. Your veterinarian and her staff are dedicated to safeguarding your pets' wellbeing, so they can live long and happy lives!!