Understanding the Different Types of Veterinary Visits

Many pet owners think that veterinary consultations should only be made when their animal is unwell. While you should take your pet to a professional if you feel they are injured or sick, our veterinarian is also vital in preventing your pet from being ill to begin with.

Most vets provide pet wellness care, often known as preventative care. Aside from routine appointments, there are a variety of other sorts of visits that pet owners should be aware of; continue reading to find out more about these visits.

Complete Physical or Annual

This is a wellness and preventative care consultation for a dog or cat who looks in good health or has stable conditions currently being managed. This visit focuses on keeping your pet’s health at its best. The following will take place:

  • Your veterinarian will inquire about your pet’s nutrition, activity, breathing, behavior, habits, elimination patterns, lifestyle, and overall health.
  • The veterinarian may recommend immunization, bordetella booster, parasite control, diet, skin and coat care, joint health, weight management, or dental care based on your pet’s medical history and physical examination.
  • Blood may be extracted for heartworm and transmittable disease screening, medication monitoring, and wellness screening.

Non-Routine

This is a consultation for a more in-depth discussion of disease, injuries, or behavioral issues. This appointment aims to learn more about the presenting condition or history and formulate a diagnosis and treatment plan. The vet will do the following:

  • Your pet will be examined entirely by the veterinarian, with particular care to any areas of concern.
  • The veterinarian will next provide recommendations for specific diagnostic examinations based on your pet’s medical history and physical examination, which will aid us in diagnosing the problem.
  • The laboratory may require blood, urine, skin tests, and other samples.

Drop-Off

Drop-off refers to leaving your pet at the clinic for a few hours. When pets are dropped off, they are instantly assessed, and if their situation is complicated or an emergency, they are given immediate attention.

Dental

An oral examination of your pet’s face, head, and neck is the initial step in a dental exam. The teeth and soft tissues within the mouth are next checked.

Dermatological

The dermatologist will examine your dog or cat’s skin and coat for signs of problems. Issues such as excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss or shedding, and get an overview of the issue your pet has been referred to during the preliminary assessment. Visit this “dermatology for dogs near me” page if you’re looking for a highly qualified dermatologist. 

Surgical

General anesthesia is commonly used in a pet surgery clinic during procedures. The majority of surgical procedures typically occur in the morning. They may be awake and ready to return home the same day, but they are more likely to stay overnight and return the following day.

Technician

These visits can be made for non-core immunization boosters, blood work, suture/stitch/staple removal, or recheck x-rays (when cleared by a vet) for current customers who have seen a veterinarian within the last six months.

Conclusion

It might be challenging to detect if your pet is sick or injured as a pet owner. Thankfully, veterinarians are trained to identify specific symptoms during standard exams. While your pet’s veterinarian may be able to address some of your issues during a wellness visit, most of these issues need extra time.

The veterinarian may recommend a follow-up consultation for concerns discovered during a check-up or recommendations to other specialists. These are some of the many reasons pet owners should regularly take their animals to the veterinarian.