Routine Wellness Exams for Dogs and Cats
Your pet can’t tell you when something feels off, which is why a yearly exam matters so much. At each wellness exam at Madison Veterinary Hospital, our doctors check your pet from nose to tail and look for anything that has changed since the last visit. Seeing the same pet year after year is how we notice the small things.
We’ve been doing this in Madison Heights since 1970, and plenty of our clients drive in from Royal Oak and Troy for it. Regular visits let us compare findings over time, talk about what you’ve noticed at home, and plan care around your pet.
What We Evaluate During a Wellness Exam
Every pet is different, so every exam is a little different too. Your veterinarian checks your pet’s overall health, comfort, movement, weight, skin, coat, eyes, ears, mouth, heart, lungs, and more.
Eyes and Ears
We look for infection, inflammation, early cataracts, glaucoma, discharge, and changes in vision. Ear infections are among the most common problems we see in dogs and cats, and they’re much easier to treat when we catch them early.
Mouth and Teeth
Most pets have some dental disease by age three, and it can affect the rest of the body if it isn’t treated. We check teeth, gums, and the rest of the mouth at every visit and tell you if a professional cleaning is due.
Skin and Coat
Skin and coat say a lot about how a pet is doing. We check for allergies, parasites, infections, lumps, irritation, dryness, hair loss, and coat changes that can point to a diet problem or something going on inside.
Heart and Lungs
Your veterinarian listens to your pet’s heart and lungs with a stethoscope. Murmurs, irregular rhythms, and early breathing problems can show up on an exam well before you’d notice anything at home.
Abdomen
We gently feel your pet’s belly to check the size and position of the organs, look for pain, and find any lumps, swelling, or fluid that might need a closer look.
Musculoskeletal System
We watch how your pet walks and check their joints, muscles, and spine. Arthritis and other joint problems can show up at any age, and spotting a change early gives us time to look into it and talk about treatment.
Lymph Nodes
Swollen lymph nodes can be an early sign of infection, inflammation, or something more serious. We check them all over the body at every exam.
Neurological Assessment
We watch your pet’s reflexes, coordination, posture, behavior, and movement for anything that points to a nerve or brain problem.
Weight and Body Condition
Extra weight is one of the most common health problems we see in pets, and one of the most preventable. We score your pet’s body condition at every visit and give you honest, practical advice on food, exercise, and weight.
Wellness Exams by Life Stage
Every pet needs preventive care, but what that looks like changes with age. Puppies, kittens, adults, and seniors all need different things, so what we check depends on your pet’s age.
Puppies and Kittens
The first year sets the tone for the rest of your pet’s life. We’ll see your puppy or kitten several times that year to give core vaccines on schedule, check their growth, talk about spay or neuter timing, answer behavior and training questions, screen for problems they were born with, and go over food and parasite prevention. These early visits also help your pet get comfortable with us.
Adult Pets
Healthy adult dogs and cats should have a wellness exam at least once a year. That visit keeps vaccines current, tracks weight, adds baseline bloodwork when it makes sense, and catches changes before they turn into bigger problems. Even if your pet seems perfectly healthy, come in anyway. Pets are very good at hiding pain and illness.
Senior Pets
Pets age faster than we do. For pets around seven and older, we often recommend an exam every six months. Senior visits may include a more detailed exam, bloodwork to check the organs, blood pressure, a urine test, and a talk about appetite, mobility, behavior, pain, and quality of life. We want your pet to live longer and feel good doing it.
Wellness Exams and Your Madison Vet Wellness Plan
Our Wellness Plans cover these exams and spread the cost of routine care across the year with no interest. If you’d like to bundle yearly or twice-yearly exams with vaccines, parasite prevention, and other routine care, ask us about a plan at your next visit.
What to Bring and What to Expect
Before Your Appointment
If this is your pet’s first visit, bring any past veterinary records, vaccine history, and a list of medications or supplements. If we’ve asked for a stool sample, bring one collected within 24 hours of the appointment. Before the visit, jot down anything that has changed at home: appetite, thirst, weight, energy, bathroom habits, coughing, scratching, limping, behavior, or new lumps.
During Your Appointment
A veterinary technician checks you in, takes your pet’s weight and vitals, and asks what you’ve noticed at home. Then your veterinarian does the full exam, goes over what they find, and answers your questions.
After Your Appointment
Before you leave, your veterinarian sums up what they found and what comes next. If we recommend tests, dental care, vaccines, medication, a diet change, or a recheck, we’ll explain why so you can decide what’s right for your pet.
Trusted Preventive Care for Over 50 Years
Dr. Ronald Isaacson founded the practice in 1970. Dr. Kate Levey and Dr. Andrew Rollo now lead the independently owned hospital.
You can read about our doctors, their training and the hospital’s history on our About page.
Related Veterinary Services
Vaccinations
Lab Testing and Diagnostics
Nutritional Counselling
Pain Management
Spay and Neuter
