Routine exams at Broad Street Veterinary Hospital provide our vets an opportunity to check on your pet's health and diet and to catch any emerging health issues early while they are the most treatable.
The Importance of Preventive Care
Routine vet checkups are key to helping your pet maintain their long-term physical health and happiness.
Routine exams should be combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention, and proper nutrition as the core components of your animal's overall health.
When you bring in your cat or dog for a routine vet checkup, you are giving our vets an opportunity to prevent serious health issues from developing by providing proactive treatment for any emerging conditions.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
Our Richmond vets will give your cat or dogs a comprehensive physical checkup in order to get a good sense of their overall health. Routine wellness exams at our hospital involve the following elements:
General Condition
Your pet's general demeanor and physical condition can provide clues to their overall health. How they stand and walk, their level of alertness, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of overall health.
Coat & Skin
During your pet's checkup, we will examine your dog or cat's skin and coat for signs of problems, including excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss or shedding.
Face & Head
Your pet's eyes, ears, and nose will be examined for abnormalities or discharge. We will also check the mouth for symptoms of oral health problems such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease.
Internal Health
Heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure are vitally important to your pet's heart health. We'll test these to ensure they're normal. The lungs will then be examined for evidence of abnormal breathing.
Lymph nodes will be checked for pain or swelling, and we will also examine the abdomen to ensure the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach all feel normal, and that your pet is not exhibiting any signs of discomfort.
Review of Findings
At the end of your pet's routine wellness examinations, our vets will sit down with you to discuss any concerns or potential health issues they have identified. They will also take time to speak with you about any nutritional requirements your dog or cat may have.
Puppies & Kittens
Puppies and kittens require proper medical attention throughout their first few weeks of life to get them started on the right foot.
We will give your new best friend a comprehensive physical examination, the appropriate immunizations, and deworming medication. We will also test them for internal parasites. You will receive a kitten or puppy "kit" full of information and samples to help you take the best care possible of your newest family member.
We encourage you to contact us with any questions you might have about caring for your young pet, whether that be at your appointments or afterward.
Once your pet's initial appointment is complete, you'll return periodically for his or her required booster shots.
Seniors
With recent advances in veterinary medical knowledge and care, as well as newer therapies and better nutrition, senior pets are living longer than ever.
While this is terrific news for pets and their owners, it means that special attention needs to be given to your pet's routine healthcare as they age. As your pet surpasses middle age, regular examinations become increasingly crucial to ensure their continuing health and longevity.
In addition to the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult pets, we will give special attention to your senior pet's potential geriatric conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision.
Additional laboratory tests may be recommended for aging pets to provide more detailed information about your senior pet's overall health and wellbeing.
Vaccinations & Prevention
During your pet's veterinary checkup at Broad Street Veterinary Hospital, your vet will also let you know if they are due for any preventive care or routine vaccinations.