Anasazi Animal Clinic
Annual Wellness Examination


We recommend an annual comprehensive wellness physical exam for your pet and pre-surgical wellness exams prior to any procedures. The information we gather at each exam becomes part of your pet's medical history and can be critical if an emergency or sudden illness arises.

As part of an annual comprehensive wellness physical exam, we:
  • Check for significant weight loss, which can be an early warning sign of disease. Obesity is a common problem for older pets. We will assess your pet's diet and nutritional needs.
  • Perform a rectal exam to check for abnormalities, if indicated.
  • Assess the condition of legs, hips, joints, and spine.
  • Assess the hair and coat. It should appear healthy and well groomed. Dull, dry, brittle hair or hair loss may indicate an underlying illness. Check skin for infection or signs of fleas, ticks or mites.
  • Palpate the abdomen for abnormal masses or pain.
  • Listen to the chest for heart murmurs, irregular heartbeat and abnormal lung sounds.
  • Examine eyes for cataracts, glaucoma or inflammation.
  • Examine ears for ear mites, infection or inflammation.
  • Evaluate nose and nasal passages for signs of upper respiratory disease.
  • Check for periodontal disease. As many as 95% of all pets two years and older have periodontal disease. We evaluate your pet's teeth and check the color and condition of the gums.
  • Palpate lymph nodes to check for inflammation or tumors.
  • Check for heartworm and other parasites.
Prior to each visit, a veterinary nurse will review your pet's medical records and complete a Pre-Exam Checklist for canine or feline of doctor recommended examinations, vaccinations or lab procedures to help your pet maintain a healthy life. Upon arrival, you will be given the pre-exam checklist to review prior to speaking with the doctor, so that they may answer any questions that you may have!

At the end of the examination, the doctor will review the Patient Report Card with you and discuss any recommended course of action.

At the conclusion of your visit, you will be given copies of the Pre-Exam Checklist and Patient Report Card for your special friend.

Why does my pet need an annual wellness examination?
Senior Care
Watch for these signs from your Senior Friend!
Pet Health Checklist
What is an emergency?