What To Expect At Your First Visit:
Before your first visit, please gather any previous veterinary or adoption records you have. Our veterinary staff needs this information to create an accurate medical history and the best treatment plan for your pet.
When you first arrive, you will be greeted warmly by our receptionist. She will receive your paperwork and required forms. She will weigh your pet on a scale and then usher you back to one of our examination rooms where you will meet one of our licensed technicians.
Once you are back in an exam room, your pet is free to sniff around and get comfortable in its new surroundings. One of our licensed technicians will ask you questions about your pet’s behavior, appetite and nutrition, exercise habits, and regular activities at home. We will also discuss any routine diagnostic testing that may benefit your pet or recommend any vaccinations that may be due. We will note any changes, such as weight gain or loss or other subtle changes that may not be evident at home. Sometimes, information obtained during a wellness examination can help detect early signs of illness and address health issues before they progress. Once the technician has gathered your pet’s medical history, they will then perform a preliminary exam on your pet which will include obtaining a stool sample, taking their temperature, respiratory and heart rate, expressing their anal glands, cleaning their ears, and checking for any abnormal debris, checking their teeth and gums for any signs of infection or other problems. They will also trim and file your pet’s nails and answer any questions you may have.
After the technician is done with their preliminary exam our veterinarian, Dr. Joseph Conrad will come in and perform a complete physical exam on your pet. Dr. Conrad will begin his exam at the tip of your pet’s nose and end at the tip of their tail. He will check their mouth and throat for any infection or abnormalities, look inside both ears with a scope, and look deep into both eyes with special ophthalmic tools to check their retinas. As he moves down the pet’s body, he will palpate all lymph nodes to check for any enlargements, feel for any skin masses or lesions, flex all joints and limbs to check for any signs of discomfort or reduced range of motion, and feel down their spine. He will listen to your pet’s heart and lungs with a computerized stethoscope that detects any abnormalities. Finally, he will palpate their internal organs to check for any changes or pain and end with checking their rectal and genital area and tail for any abnormalities. At the end of the exam, he will address any concerns you may have and make recommendations for your pet’s ongoing health and wellbeing.
This is a great time to ask any questions you have pertaining to your pet or your pet’s health; there is no question too small or silly and it is our pleasure to address your concerns. We strive to help you understand your pet’s health considerations, and we encourage you to be involved in decisions regarding your pet’s health care. Together we function as a team to take care of your pet at home and in the office.
These examinations help us establish a relationship with you and your pet. Through your pet’s physical examinations, other wellness procedures, and our consultations with you, we get to know your pet and learn about his or her lifestyle, personality, health risks, home environment, and other important information. Your first visit with us will take approximately one to one and a half hours.