Anasazi Animal Clinic

Feline Pre-Exam Checklist

Prior to each Wellness Examination, the below checklist for your special friend is presented.

After reviewing your pet's health record, we have found he/she is due for the following examinations / vaccinations / lab procedures to help maintain a healthy life. Please review the checked items prior to visiting with the doctor, so that they may answer any questions that you may have!

Wellness Physical Examination

A comprehensive wellness physical examination is suggested on an annual or semi-annual basis for senior pets. Just as with people, a physical examination may be the most important component of an office visit, allowing the veterinarian to completely examine your pet and discuss any medical problems found. All pets will have a comprehensive wellness physical examination prior to vaccination and a pre-surgical wellness examination prior to any procedures.

Feline Distemper

An annual vaccination for cats that helps protect them from three diseases: Feline respiratory diseases (Rhinotracheitis and Calici virus) and Panleukopenia which is known as distemper. All are highly contagious viruses which are easily transmitted between cats and can be fatal. Vaccination is your pet's only protection.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

vaccination for cats to aid in prevention of feline leukemia. Similar to AIDS virus, the FeLV virus severely depresses the immune system so the cat's body can't fight off diseases. The feline leukemia virus is a major cause of death in cats. There is no successful treatment, but there is a vaccine! Testing for feline leukemia should be done prior to vaccination as this disease can be transmitted from mother to newborn or can lay dormant in the cat for years before symptoms are present.

Deworming Annual worming is recommened as parasites threaten your pet's health. Some intestinal parasites can be transmitted to people; such as, roundworm and hookworm.

Rabies

A vaccination that is required by the state government for both dogs and recommended for cats. Vaccinations help prevent this deadly disease from being transmitted to humans.

Urinalysis

Recommended yearly (or every six months for senior pets) to detect bladder infections, diabetes, bladder stones, kidney disease, and other conditions before they can cause serious illness to your pet.

Electrocardiogram

Recommended to detect irregularities with the heart rate and rhythm.

Blood Pressure

Recommended yearly for senior pets. High blood pressure may lead to strokes, eye and kidney disease.

Heartworm Check

A simple blood test done within our hospital to detect these worms in your cat's heart. Heartworms are transmitted through mosquitoes and are fatal if untreated. Signs of heartworm are asthma and sudden death. Preventive medication is available in monthly form and is to be given year round.

Bloodwork
  • Young Feline Bloodwork, age 1 to 2
  • Health Check Bloodwork, age 3 to 5
  • Health Check Plus Bloodwork, as needed
  • T4 Thyroid Bloodwork, as needed
  • Geriatric Bloodwork, age 6 and above
A blood workup recommended yearly to help identify existing health problems that aren't detected through a physical exam alone; such as, (kidney, liver, heart, arthritis, dental, etc.). Early detection can lengthen your pet's life. Proper treatment and diet will improve your pet's quality of life. A blood sample can be drawn during the office visit.

Dental Health Care

Tartar accumulation and pyorrhea affect most pets. Periodontal disease can lead to infection in the liver, kidneys and heart. This can best be prevented with regular dental care. Dental care starts at home by brushing or cleansing your pet's teeth with animal toothpaste or cleansing products. Ultrasonic cleaning and polishing under anesthesia is recommended as needed.

Intraocular Pressure

Pressure within the eye will help us diagnose glaucoma before it becomes a serious problem or causes blindness. All pets 6 years or older should also be checked annually.

Flea and Tick Control

This is very important due to ticks. Fleas can also cause a number of severe problems, including allergic dermatitis due to flea bites, caused by the saliva of the flea.