Regular Wellness Visits are Important for Pets

written by JENNIFER DOLAN

DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, CUMBERLAND VALLEY VETERINARY CLINIC

How often do you take your pets to a veterinarian? Hopefully the answer is not veterinarian? Hopefully the answer is not “when they are feeling under the weather.” “when they are feeling under the weather.” Annually – and more frequently for aging pets – is a much more appropriate response.

Regular wellness visits are important to prevent illnesses and protect the well-being of pets. During a wellness visit, the veterinarian will discuss your pet’s history, do a physical exam, administer needed immunizations and tests, and discuss findings and results.

A thorough history includes any changes your pet is exhibiting, such as in activity level, appetite or water intake, any vomiting or differences in defecation, or any shifts in the household, such as new pets or family members.

A thorough physical exam is very important. Even if you have not noticed any differences in your pet, your veterinarian might pick up some changes such as weight, new lumps or bumps, odd sounds of the heart or lungs, oral health, or an abnormality felt in the abdomen. A key to good preventive health is catching disease processes early. That might result in an easier treatment plan for the patient and a much better prognosis than if an issue is addressed when the animal is ailing and showing clinical signs.

Immunizations should be tailored to the patient’s lifestyle. All pets should receive the “core” vaccinations for their specific species. Additional vaccinations, such as those to prevent Lyme disease, leptospirosis, Bordetella and feline leukemia, are given based on activities such as boarding; spending time outside (hiking, hunting); whether a pet lives indoors or outdoors (specifically cats); and visits to dog parks and/or doggie day care. Most states require an up-to-date rabies vaccine due to the risk the disease poses to human health, and many states require that it be administered by a licensed veterinarian.

During the annual wellness visit, your veterinarian will discuss some routine tests to be performed that screen for parasites and viruses. A stool sample should be sent to the lab annually to screen for gastrointestinal parasites. Dogs should have a simple in-house blood test that screens for heartworm disease, Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis.

Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes and the end result is adult footlong worms living in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels. The disease, if not treated, can easily be fatal and even with treatment can cause permanent damage to the affected organs. If the test is negative for heartworm disease, there are many highly effective preventatives on the market.

Lyme, anaplasma and ehrlichia are tick-borne diseases that are common in the mid-Atlantic region.

If a screening test comes up positive for any of these diseases, your veterinarian potentially will discuss more diagnostics and/or a course of treatment. If left untreated, these diseases can cause potentially life-threatening diseases, such as kidney disease from Lyme or certain blood cell issues with anaplasma or ehrlichia.

Prevention of tick-borne diseases relies on immunization, if available for the disease, and consistent tick prevention, preferably year-round.

Cats, depending on their lifestyle, should get an in-house blood screening test for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. If your cat is strictly an indoor cat, the test is most important as a kitten and into young adulthood. Indoor/ outdoor or outdoor cats should be tested at least annually, or after any known interaction with an outdoor stray cat. These viruses are spread through body fluids; typical transmission is from mom to kittens or through bites, such as during fights. Both viruses are progressive and usually fatal.

Any other issues can and should be discussed with your veterinarian at your annual visit. Catching any disease early is always preferable to diagnosing and treating at an advanced stage.

Don’t automatically think all is well with Fido or Puss in Boots. Get those guys checked out on a regular basis.