Wellness Services

Your pet's health and well-being is our number one concern. A wellness examination gives us the chance to evaluate your pet's overall health and to detect problems before they turn into serious illnesses. Because most pets age more quickly than you do, it is essential that your pets be examined at least twice a year. Additional testing may be recommended to diagnose a health problem.

Because pets age so rapidly, major health changes can occur in a short amount of time. The risk of cancer, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, heart disease and other serious conditions all increase with age.

Twice-a-year wellness exams can help your veterinarian diagnose, treat or even prevent problems before they become life-threatening. The doctors and staff of Bradford Hills recommend wellness exams every six months to give your best friend every opportunity to live a long, healthy, and happy life.

As part of the wellness examination a complete physical examination will be performed plus any routine screening tests that may be indicated.

The early signs of heart disease can often be recognized during a routine health exam.

Weight loss or gain since your pet's last exam could indicate the early stages of a metabolic problem such as diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disease, or obesity.

Your pet's ears will be examined since they can harbor parasites, bacteria, fungus and foreign materials. Your pet's eyes are a "window" to the body and will be examined to determine abnormalities, such as anemia, glaucoma, cataracts, high blood pressure, jaundice and allergies.

Your pet's oral cavity (gums, teeth, tongue and palate) will be checked for tartar buildup, dental abnormalities, fractures, loose teeth, tumors, infections and other problems.

Your pet's reproductive system will be examined for swellings, discharges, and breast lumps. If your pet has not been spayed or neutered, our veterinarian will explain the health benefits of doing so.

Your pet's skin and hair will be examined as a means of detecting allergies, infections, warts and tumors, fleas, ticks and other parasites.

Your pet's abdomen will be palpated to detect abnormalities such as enlarged organs or masses. Other painful areas may indicate problems with the intestines, kidneys, liver or other organs.

Your pet's joints, muscles and lymph nodes will be examined to detect the possible presence of inflammation, arthritis and tumors.

Be sure to mention to your veterinarian any unusual behavior or symptoms your pet may be exhibiting:

Coughing
Sneezing
Weight Loss
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Excessive panting
Excessive scratching
Change in appetite
Excessive urination
Excessive thirst