Dog Physical Exam Items and Considerations183

1. General Physical Examination

The general physical examination involves a thorough assessment of your dog's overall health and appearance. The veterinarian will observe your dog's body condition, skin, coat, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, teeth, lymph nodes, and abdomen. They will also listen to your dog's heart and lungs and palpate their abdomen to assess the internal organs.

2. Orthopedic Examination

The orthopedic examination focuses on your dog's musculoskeletal system. The veterinarian will check your dog's gait, posture, range of motion, and joint flexibility. They will also palpate your dog's bones and muscles for any abnormalities.

3. Neurological Examination

The neurological examination assesses your dog's nervous system. The veterinarian will test your dog's reflexes, coordination, balance, and sensation. They will also check your dog's pupils and assess their ability to respond to stimuli.

4. Ophthalmic Examination

The ophthalmic examination focuses on your dog's eyes. The veterinarian will check your dog's vision, tear production, and the overall health of the eyes. They will also use an ophthalmoscope to examine the inside of the eyes.

5. Otoscopic Examination

The otoscopic examination involves examining your dog's ears. The veterinarian will use an otoscope to visualize the ear canal and eardrum. They will also check for any signs of infection or inflammation.

6. Dental Examination

The dental examination assesses your dog's oral health. The veterinarian will check your dog's teeth, gums, and tongue for any signs of disease or infection. They will also perform a dental cleaning if necessary.

7. Fecal Examination

The fecal examination involves examining a sample of your dog's feces under a microscope. The veterinarian will check for the presence of parasites, bacteria, or other abnormalities.

8. Bloodwork

Bloodwork can provide valuable information about your dog's overall health. The veterinarian will draw a blood sample and send it to a laboratory for analysis. Bloodwork can help identify any underlying medical conditions or diseases.

9. Urinalysis

Urinalysis involves examining a sample of your dog's urine under a microscope. It can help identify any abnormalities in your dog's urinary tract or kidney function.

Considerations for Dog Physical Exams
Before the exam, make sure your dog has fasted for 12 hours. This will prevent vomiting or regurgitation during the procedure.
Bring your dog's medical history and vaccination records to the appointment.
Inform the veterinarian about any medications your dog is taking or any recent illnesses or injuries.
Be prepared to provide a urine and fecal sample from your dog.
Schedule regular physical exams for your dog to maintain their health and well-being.

2025-01-08

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