CHIEF COMPLAINT
This is the reasoning for bringing your pet to us for an examination.
The history-taking is one of the most important parts of the visit.

HISTORY OF THE PRESENT ILLNESS
This is detailed information about your pets current problem(s).
(Duration, severity, progression, frequency, trigger situations, time of day, etc..)

MEDICAL & SURGICAL HISTORY
This is when we ask or look through our records to see if your pet has had any medical problems previous to your visit today. Also, if your pet has had to undergo any surgical procedures that may help us with your pets current problem(s).

ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY
Whether your pet is indoor, outdoor or a little of both, all come with possible hazards. This may help us eliminate possible issues with your pet, or may just add to the list of potentials.

DIETARY HISTORY
Knowing what type of food and how much you give your pet is very important for us to know. This may be critical in helping us determine why your pet has had diarrhea, weight loss, weight gain or vomiting.

SYSTEMS REVIEW
Questions should be asked about each body system. Problems with any of these along with the chief complaint, can be put together to help with cause of the illness.

SYSTEMS ASSESSMENT
This is similar to the systems review, but is more hands on.
Each system is examined for abnormalities, from head to toe.

INTEGUMENT
The skin can be examined all at once or during the examination of the other systems.
It is important to let us know if your pet has been scratching, licking, or biting more than
usual.

RESPIRATORY
Examination of the nose, throat, and listening to the lungs will help us in figuring out if your
pet has a respiratory problem. If your pet has been coughing, sneezing, or having any
nasal discharge it is important that you let us know during this examination.

CARDIOVASCULAR
Looking at the gum color on your pet is an important part of the examination. We will
also listen to the heart to make sure it sounds clear and normal . This is all key in determining whether or not your pet has a cardiovascular system. A sign to look for are if there has been a change in your pets activity. If your pet coughs could also be a sign of a problem. If you exercise your pet regularly, has the tolerance he/she will take decreased?
The normal respiratory rate for a cat is 16-30 breaths/min and for a dog it is 16-24 breaths/min. A normal heart rate for a cat is 160-240 beats/min and for a dog it is 70-180 beats/min (note that smaller breeds have high rates and puppies can have rates up to 220.)

GASTROINTESTINAL
Examination of this systems begins in the mouth, which includes, teeth, tongue, oral
mucosa and pharyngeal area. The neck will be palpated for any esophageal masses
or foreign objects. Abdominal palpation is also included and for a normal dog only the
intestines will be felt. The perineal area will be looked at for masses, strictures or englargements. During this examination, the anal glands can be palpated. It is very important to note if your pet has had any vomiting, appetite changes, or if the stool has been abnormal.

UROGENITAL
The kidneys, bladder, testicles/scrotum and uterus are looked at for abnormalities. Frequent urination or increase in water consumption are possible signs that something could be wrong in this system.

MUSCULOSKELETAL
Palpating the muscles of the head and limbs to see if any palpate easier than normal, if your pet flinches at anytime or drops down to move away from the pressure is critical. If your pet has had any lameness it is important to let us know during examination.

NERVOUS
Examination of this system is difficult and time consuming. A thorough exam of the neurologic system is usually done when there is a suspected problem. Signs of a possible issue in this area are weaknesses and the inability to support weight, also the loss of alertness and unawareness of surroundings.

PERIPHERAL LYMPH NODES
Palpating to make sure they are not enlarged is important. If they are, it can indicate certain illnesses or a possibility of cancer. Palpation them symmetrically is important because feeling them at the same time can help determine a problem.

EARS
There are a few common abnormalities the ear may have: hair loss, crusting margins, hematomas (blood filled pockets within the pinna), and skin tumors. The external ear canal should have no debris, discharge (note:dark brown and flaky happens with ear mites, dark brown and malodorous happens with yeast, or purulent happens with bacterial otitis) or hair. Examination includes a look into the ear with an otoscope. If your pet has had any hearing issues it is important to know and to let your pet's doctor know as well.

EYES
A thorough eye examination includes a look at the external and internal ocular features. The sclera should be white, if yellow it could indicate jaundice. The cornea should be clear and not cloudy. The pupil sizes should be equal. The eyes will be looked at with a light for the response of the pupils. If you have any concerns about your pet's vision, let us know during your visit.