Cat Spay and Neuter Surgery in Lubbock, TX

What Is a Physical Examination?

A physical exam is a hands-on evaluation of your pet’s anatomy, behavior, and vital signs to determine their overall health. It’s the most important tool your veterinarian has for assessing your pet’s condition — whether they are healthy, showing early signs of disease, or already ill.

During the exam, your veterinarian will use:

• Palpation – feeling organs, joints, and muscles for abnormalities.

• Auscultation – listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope.

• Visual assessment – observing posture, gait, and general appearance.

Healthy pets are evaluated to identify potential issues early. For sick pets, the exam helps determine where the problem is occurring — since, as every pet parent knows, animals can’t always tell us when something is wrong!

What Does the Veterinarian Examine?

Our veterinarians perform a nose-to-tail assessment during every physical exam. Below is an overview of what’s typically evaluated:

• Weight: Monitors for obesity or unexplained weight loss, which can signal underlying illness.

• Vitals (TPR): Temperature, pulse, and respiration help identify infection, heart disease, or pain.

• Behavior: Observing alertness, responsiveness, and signs of discomfort or anxiety.

• Mucous Membranes: Checking gum color and moisture for hydration and circulation.

• Oral Health: Looking for tartar, bleeding gums, mouth pain, or throat issues.

• Eyes: Examining for cataracts, discharge, trauma, or abnormal pupil responses.

• Ears: Using an otoscope to detect infection, mites, wax, or odor.

• Neurologic Health: Evaluating reflexes, coordination, and movement for signs of nerve or brain disorders.

• Heart: Listening for murmurs, irregular rhythms, or pulse abnormalities.

• Lungs: Checking for normal breathing, wheezing, or crackling sounds.

• Abdomen: Feeling for pain, tumors, or organ abnormalities such as enlarged liver or spleen.

• Orthopedic Health: Assessing bones and joints for pain, stiffness, or arthritis.

• Skin and Coat: Identifying parasites (fleas, ticks, mites), allergies, scabs, or hair loss.

• Anal and Urogenital Area: Checking for discharge, swelling, pain, or signs of heat in females.

All of these findings, combined with information you provide about your pet’s daily habits, allow our veterinarians to create a comprehensive care plan tailored to your pet’s needs.

How Often Should My Pet Have a Physical Exam?

• Adult pets (under 6 years old): At least once per year, typically during annual vaccinations.

• Senior pets (6 years and older): Every six months to detect age-related issues early.

Because dogs and cats age much faster than humans, routine exams are critical for identifying and managing conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and kidney issues before they progress.

In addition, any change in your pet’s behavior — such as decreased appetite, vomiting, limping, or scratching excessively — should prompt a veterinary exam. Pets often hide discomfort until their condition is advanced, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution.

Schedule Your Pet’s Exam in Lubbock, TX

Routine wellness exams are one of the best ways to ensure your pet enjoys a long, healthy, and happy life. At Animal Medical Center, our experienced veterinarians take pride in providing compassionate, thorough care for every patient.

???? Call us today at (806) 794-4118 or scroll down to schedule your pet’s exam online.

Let our team at Animal Medical Center in Lubbock partner with you to keep your pet healthy at every life stage.