Physical Exams for Dogs and Cats

A thorough physical exam is the starting point for understanding your pet’s health. During each exam, our veterinarian assesses your pet from nose to tail, examining the eyes, ears, mouth, lymph nodes, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, coat, joints, and neurological responses. Annual exams are recommended for healthy adult pets and more frequent visits for seniors or pets managing ongoing conditions. We use exam findings to guide recommendations for bloodwork, imaging, and other assessments. Early detection through regular physical exams is one of the most effective tools available for keeping your pet well for as long as possible.

Dermatology and Skin Care

Skin conditions are among the most common reasons pets visit a veterinarian. Allergies, infections, parasites, immune disorders, and hormonal imbalances can all affect your pet’s skin and coat. We assess skin concerns through physical examination, skin scraping, cytology, and allergy testing to identify the root cause rather than only addressing surface symptoms. Personalized care plans may include veterinary products, changes to diet, and environmental management. Resolving chronic skin discomfort significantly improves your pet’s quality of life. If your pet is scratching, losing fur, or developing skin lesions, book a dermatology appointment promptly.

Gastroenterology and Digestive Health

Digestive disorders are uncomfortable for your pet and can escalate quickly without proper care. We assess and manage conditions including inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, gastritis, colitis, and food sensitivities. Our approach includes physical examination, bloodwork, fecal testing, and imaging as indicated. Dietary management plays a central role in many gastrointestinal conditions, and we work closely with you to implement practical feeding plans. If your pet has recurring vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, or changes in stool, a gastroenterology appointment allows us to get to the root of the problem and provide targeted relief.

Nephrology and Urology

Kidney and urinary tract health is vital to your pet’s long-term wellbeing. We assess and manage kidney disease, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and urinary obstructions. Our approach includes urinalysis, blood chemistry evaluation, blood pressure monitoring, and imaging. Early detection of kidney disease allows us to intervene with dietary support and medical management that significantly slows progression. Urinary obstructions in male cats require urgent same-day care and can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. We encourage annual urinalysis as part of senior wellness care for pets seven years and older.

Pain Management for Pets

Recognizing and managing pain in pets requires skill and attention, as animals often hide discomfort until it becomes severe. We assess pain through a combination of physical examination, behavioral history, and clinical signs. Management plans may include veterinary pain products, physical rehabilitation guidance, weight management support, and supportive care approaches tailored to your pet’s condition. We manage both acute pain from injuries and procedures, and chronic pain associated with arthritis, dental disease, and other long-term conditions. Your pet’s comfort is a priority at every visit, and we are always open to discussing updated pain management options.

Cardiology

Heart disease in dogs and cats requires ongoing management to maintain quality of life and slow progression. We assess cardiac health through physical examination, radiography, blood pressure monitoring, and electrocardiography. Conditions including heart murmurs, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, and congenital defects are managed with individualized care plans. We work closely with you to monitor changes over time and adjust management as your pet’s condition evolves. For pets requiring advanced cardiac imaging, we coordinate referrals to veterinary cardiologists in the greater Vancouver area.

Medical Assessment

Accurate assessment of your pet’s health requires systematic evaluation combining physical examination, laboratory testing, imaging, and clinical history. Our team uses a thorough approach to identify both obvious symptoms and subtle signs of disease. Advanced diagnostic capabilities allow us to assess organ function, identify infections, and evaluate blood chemistry. Comprehensive medical assessment guides effective and targeted care planning. If your pet has symptoms without a clear explanation, a medical assessment appointment gives us the full picture needed to provide the best care possible.

Respiratory Medicine

Breathing difficulties and respiratory conditions require prompt attention and expert evaluation. We assess and manage asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, upper respiratory infections, and other conditions affecting the airways and lungs of both dogs and cats. Our respiratory assessments include physical examination, radiography, and oxygen saturation monitoring. Ensuring your pet breathes comfortably is essential to their daily quality of life. If your pet is coughing persistently, breathing with effort, or showing reduced exercise tolerance, contact us promptly.

Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases

Liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic conditions require specialized veterinary expertise and close monitoring. We provide care for conditions including hepatitis, cholangitis, pancreatitis, liver shunts, and biliary obstruction. Blood chemistry panels, imaging, and specialized testing allow us to assess organ function accurately. Dietary management and supportive care are central to long-term outcomes for pets with these conditions. Early identification and management helps prevent disease progression and significantly improves prognosis.

Endocrinology

Hormonal conditions affect multiple body systems and require ongoing management. We assess and care for diabetes, thyroid disorders, Cushing’s disease, and Addison’s disease. Our services include specialized blood testing, glucose monitoring, and hormone level assessments. We work closely with you to adjust insulin dosing, supportive products, and dietary plans over time. Proper hormonal management helps pets with chronic endocrine conditions live comfortably and maintain a good quality of life. Regular recheck appointments are an important part of long-term endocrine care.

Ophthalmology

Eye health requires careful examination and prompt attention to preserve vision and comfort. We provide care for conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, corneal ulcers, dry eye, and conjunctivitis. Detailed eye examinations using specialized equipment allow us to assess all structures of the eye. We manage chronic eye conditions and coordinate surgical referrals when advanced intervention is needed. Protecting your pet’s vision supports their independence and quality of life as they age.

Neurology

Neurological conditions require specialized assessment and careful management. We evaluate and care for seizures, intervertebral disc disease, vestibular disorders, weakness, and behavioral changes related to nervous system dysfunction. Detailed neurological examinations help us localize the source of the problem. Management plans incorporate veterinary products, physical rehabilitation guidance, and specialist referrals when advanced imaging or surgery is needed.

Infectious Disease

nfectious diseases including bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections are assessed and managed with targeted care. Our protocols include laboratory testing, isolation procedures when indicated, and focused antimicrobial management. We emphasize prevention through vaccination and parasite control. Rapid assessment and appropriate management minimizes complications and prevents disease spread to other animals and people in the household.

Hematology and Immunology