Your Pet Can’t Tell You When Something’s Wrong. We Can Help
Your pet cannot tell you when something feels off. That is exactly why routine wellness exams are one of the most important things you can do for their health. At Madison Veterinary Hospital, our comprehensive veterinary wellness exams give our doctors the opportunity to evaluate your pet from nose to tail, catch problems before they become serious, and build the kind of ongoing relationship that makes a real difference in the quality and length of your pet’s life.
We have been caring for pets in Madison Heights and the surrounding communities for more than 50 years. In that time, we have learned that the pets who thrive long-term are almost always the ones whose owners prioritize consistent, preventive care. A wellness exam is not just a checkup. It is an investment in more healthy years with your companion.
What We Evaluate During a Wellness Exam
Our veterinarians take a thorough, systematic approach to every wellness visit. No two pets are exactly alike, and our exams reflect that. During your appointment, your veterinarian will evaluate:
Eyes and Ears
We look for signs of infection, inflammation, early cataracts, glaucoma, discharge, or changes in vision. Ear infections and chronic ear disease are among the most common and underdiagnosed conditions in dogs and cats, and early detection makes treatment far more straightforward.
Mouth and Teeth
Dental disease affects the majority of pets by age three and is directly linked to heart, kidney, and liver disease when left untreated. Your veterinarian will assess the health of your pet’s teeth, gums, and oral tissues at every wellness visit and make recommendations for professional dental care as needed.
Skin and Coat
The condition of your pet’s skin and coat tells us a great deal about their overall health. We check for signs of allergies, parasites, infections, lumps, masses, and coat changes that may indicate nutritional deficiencies or underlying disease.
Heart and Lungs
Using a stethoscope, your veterinarian listens carefully to your pet’s heart rhythm and lung sounds. Heart murmurs, arrhythmias, and early respiratory disease can often be detected during a routine exam long before they cause noticeable symptoms.
Abdomen
Gentle palpation of the abdomen allows us to assess organ size and position, check for pain or discomfort, and identify any abnormal masses or fluid accumulation that may warrant further diagnostic workup.
Musculoskeletal System
We evaluate your pet’s gait, joint range of motion, muscle mass, and spinal alignment. Arthritis, orthopedic conditions, and mobility changes are common in pets of all ages and are much easier to manage when identified early.
Lymph Nodes
Enlarged lymph nodes can be an early indicator of infection or cancer. We check lymph node size and texture throughout the body as a routine part of every exam.
Neurological Assessment
We observe your pet’s reflexes, coordination, and behavior to identify any neurological concerns that may need further evaluation.
Weight and Body Condition
Obesity is one of the most preventable health conditions in pets and one of the most common. We assess your pet’s body condition score at every visit and provide honest, supportive guidance on nutrition and weight management.
Wellness Exams by Life Stage
Puppies and Kittens
The first year of life is one of the most important windows for establishing lifelong health. We recommend a series of wellness visits during your puppy or kitten’s first year to administer core vaccines on schedule, perform physical exams as your pet grows, discuss spay or neuter timing, address behavioral and training questions, screen for congenital conditions, and talk through nutrition and parasite prevention.
These early visits also give your pet the chance to become comfortable with our team and our environment, which pays dividends for the rest of their life. A puppy or kitten that learns the vet is a safe, positive place becomes a much easier adult patient.
Adult Pets
For healthy adult dogs and cats, we recommend a wellness exam once per year at minimum. Annual visits allow us to keep vaccines current, monitor weight and body condition, run baseline bloodwork when appropriate, and stay ahead of any changes in your pet’s health before they escalate. We see pets from across the area, including clients who make the trip from Warren, Troy, and Berkley specifically because of the consistency and continuity of care we provide.
Senior Pets
Pets age faster than people. A dog or cat who seems fine one year can develop significant health changes by the next. For pets aged seven and older, we recommend wellness exams every six months. Senior wellness visits typically include a more comprehensive physical exam, bloodwork panels to evaluate organ function, blood pressure monitoring, urinalysis, and a conversation about quality of life, pain management, and any changes you have noticed at home.
The goal of senior wellness care is not just to add years to your pet’s life but to add life to their years. Our veterinary team approaches senior care with the same compassion and attention to detail that has defined our practice since we first opened our doors in 1970.
Wellness Exams and Your Madison Vet Wellness Plan
Our wellness exam services pair directly with our Madison Veterinary Hospital Wellness Plans, which are designed to make consistent preventive care more accessible and more affordable. If you are interested in bundling your pet’s annual or biannual wellness exams with vaccines, parasite prevention, and other routine care, ask our team about wellness plan options at your next visit.
What to Bring and What to Expect
Before your appointment:
If this is your pet’s first visit, bring any previous veterinary records, vaccination history, and a list of any medications or supplements your pet is currently taking. For new clients coming from Ferndale, Hazel Park, Sterling Heights, or other surrounding areas, we will walk you through our intake process to make getting started as easy as possible.
If your veterinarian has requested a fecal sample for parasite screening, bring a fresh sample collected within 24 hours of the appointment.
During your appointment:
Your visit will begin with a check-in with one of our veterinary technicians, who will take your pet’s weight and vitals and ask about any concerns you have noticed at home. Your veterinarian will then perform the full physical exam, discuss findings with you, and address any questions. We believe strongly in transparency and open communication, so please never hesitate to ask questions or share observations. You know your pet better than anyone.
After your appointment:
Your veterinarian will provide a clear summary of findings and any recommended next steps. If diagnostics, dental care, or follow-up visits are warranted, we will explain why and work with you to put a plan in place.
Trusted Preventive Care for Over 50 Years
Families across Madison Heights, Royal Oak, Warren, Troy, Hazel Park, Ferndale, Berkley, and Sterling Heights have trusted Madison Veterinary Hospital with the health of their pets for generations. Our commitment to compassionate, client-centered veterinary care has not changed since Dr. Ronald Isaacson founded this practice in 1970, and it remains the foundation of everything we do today under the leadership of Dr. Kate Levey and Dr. Andrew Rollo.
Recognized by Newsweek as one of the Best Veterinary Hospitals in America in both 2025 and 2026, and AAHA-accredited for our commitment to clinical standards, Madison Veterinary Hospital brings an exceptional level of care to every wellness visit. Preventive care works. The science is clear, and so is our experience over five decades of practice. The pets who receive consistent, thorough wellness exams live longer, healthier lives. We would love to be your partner in that journey.
