What tests are in my dog's annual checkup & how to check for obstruction?

I recommend doing a GI contrast series of X-rays first. That will show if there is a blockage from her eating something that is stuck in the intestines. The ultrasound for this is not as helpful in my opinion and shouldn’t be necessary unless there is no blockage and they want to check her abdomen and other organs. This is a serious problem so please get the contrast study done soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your dog.

Hello, and thanks for your question. Each exam will be slightly tailored to the purpose of that day's visit, and sometimes I will slightly modify an exam based on what has or has not been recently checked. Furthermore, your vet is probably doing much of the exam while you're talking. I'm sure when I do my appointments, it may often look like I'm simply petting the dog - when I am feeling lymph nodes, palpating abdomen, looking at eyes/ears/teeth, etc. So, of course I wasn't there and cannot speak for your vets, but I would suspect that there was more of an exam happening than was perhaps made clear! In a perfect world, every visit would involve checking every body system in every way possible. But, with time limitations and specific concerns that may need to be discussed, some visits will likely involve going more into depth with one body system or another. Hope this helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Max. I do recommend blood work and urine testing on a regular basis. I typically start testing to obtain baseline values around 2 to 3 years of age. It is good to test every year or every other year while the pet is young. Then I start annual testing or every 6 months when the pet is a senior. This age can vary a bit between pets, but typically start around 7-8 years of age. I recommend fecal testing every year as intestinal parasites can be spread to people. I hope this information helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. A fecal exam usually checks for parasite eggs, single celled parasites, the presence or absence of yeast, and the mixture and types of bacterial. If your dog has any vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea or soft stool at all, then yes, I would definitely do this screening. If he has no signs whatsoever, I would still consider doing it every other year or so to catch things early. Best wishes to you and Oscar!

I'm sorry but Riko's symptoms are very non-specific so it is very difficult for me to know may be going on with him just based on your description. Blood tests and x-rays do not always give a diagnosis. That is why there are so many different testing modalities available. So, I would say you should start with chemistry and CBC blood testing and x-rays of his abdomen to check for any obstruction.

An exam or office visit usually consist of looking at the dog. This includes checking the teeth and mouth and assessing the lymph nodes. It will include checking the ears for any mites or signs of an infection. They do listen to the heart and lungs and feel the abdomen and skin for any bumps or growths. Most vets are good at incorporating this process into vaccinations

Unfortunately there is not such test. Your best option is to have Momo examined every 6 months and have routine blood work run 1-2x yearly. Also have her examined if you detect any physical changes. I hope this helps.