Anasazi Animal Clinic

Canine 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 that 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 or 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.

DA2PPV

A vaccination to protect your dog from four diseases -- distemper, hepatitis, leptosporosis, parainfluenza and coronavirus. These diseases are debilitating and can cause death. Nearly every dog will be exposed during its lifetime, making vaccination a must. Parvo is an intestinal viral infection that results in bloody diarrhea, fever, vomiting and extreme depression. It is highly contagious and life threatening.

Rabies

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

Deworming

A semi-annual test to detect intestinal parasites that threaten your pet's health. Regular microscopic examination of your pet's stool should be done for early detection and treatment. People can get roundworm and hookworm infections from their pets.

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 for puppies, before surgery, and yearly after five years of age. (Important for Dobermans, Boxers, Cockers, and large breed dogs.)

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 worms in your dog's heart. Heartworms are transmitted through mosquitoes and are fatal if untreated. Preventive medication is available in pill or injectible form.

Bloodwork
  • Young Canine 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 on pets eight years or older is to help detect many of the problems caused by aging (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.

Baseline EKG & X-rays

Recommended yearly for seniors to detect heart and lung disease, abnormal heartbeats, and cancer.

Intraocular Pressure

Pressure within the eye will help us diagnose glaucoma before it becomes a serious problem or causes blindness. Certain breeds are more prone to glaucoma, such as Boston Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, Shih Tzu, Great Dane, and more. All pets 6 years or older should also be checked annually.

Flea and Tick Control

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