Spring is a busy time in small animal medicine, puppies and kittens join more families this time of year.
Preventive medicine includes treatment to prevent heartworms, fleas, ticks and intestinal parasites. The first part of a wellness visit is a health evaluation. This includes a thorough history including information about a pet’s breed, age, lifestyle, behavior, and diet; a comprehensive physical exam; and measuring some basic parameter like weight, temperature, and pulse and respiration rates. All of the information gathered during this part of the visit is initially used to assess whether a pet might actually be sick rather than well, which changes the entire nature of the appointment.
