General Health Care Vet Consultation
At Matraville Veterinary Practice, we cherish every opportunity to care for your beloved pets. Part of being a responsible pet owner is attending regular pet healthcare consultations to ensure your furry companions live happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Through regular checkups, we can detect and diagnose any signs of injury or illness early, allowing us to provide timely treatment and preventive measures tailored to your pet’s needs.
We have several consultation options to suit your companion’s needs. Our experienced veterinarians conduct a comprehensive physical examination of your pet during each general health care vet consultation. This includes meticulously assessing their eyes, ears, mouth, teeth, skin, coat, chest auscultation, abdominal palpation, and temperature check. Since our pets cannot communicate discomfort, these examinations are crucial for detecting abnormalities and initiating early treatment.
In addition to thorough examinations, our veterinarians and nursing staff offer invaluable advice on various aspects of pet care, including nutrition, behaviour, parasite control, and any concerns you may have regarding your pet’s well-being.
For adult dogs and cats aged 1-7, we recommend annual health checks, conveniently scheduled alongside their yearly vaccinations. Pets older than seven are geriatric, requiring biannual health checks due to their increased susceptibility to age-related ailments such as arthritis, organ dysfunction, and tumour growth. Young puppies and kittens receive more frequent health checks per their vaccination schedule. However, we are always available to address any concerns about your pet’s health, no matter how small.
Ear infections, allergic skin diseases, lameness, vomiting, diarrhea, and general lethargy are common reasons for consultations. For personalised advice on whether your pet requires a consultation, contact us at (02) 9189 4488.
Purpose of Regular Consultations In Your Pet Health Care
Regular visits with us aren’t just routine catchups but essential proactive measures for maintaining your pet’s health and ensuring a happy, fulfilling life. These consultations promote your pet’s well-being by focusing on early detection, timely treatment, and tailored preventive measures.
Early Detection of Health Issues
Early Detection of Health Issues
Timely Treatment and Intervention
Timely Treatment and Intervention
Tailored Preventive Measures
Tailored Preventive Measures
Monitoring Changes in Health Status
Monitoring Changes in Health Status
Strengthening the Human-Animal Bond
Strengthening the Human-Animal Bond
What Happens During Matari Physical Examination
Our experienced veterinarians conduct a meticulous physical examination during each consultation to assess your pet’s overall health. They cover various aspects of your pet’s anatomy and physiology, allowing us to detect potential issues early and provide prompt intervention when necessary.
- Eyes, Ears, and Mouth
- Teeth and Gums
- Skin and Coat
- Chest Auscultation
- Abdominal Palpation
- Temperature Check
Eyes, Ears, and Mouth:
Our veterinarians begin the examination by assessing your pet's eyes, ears, and mouth. This includes:
- Eyes: Check for signs of infection, inflammation, discharge, or other abnormalities that may indicate underlying eye conditions.
- Ears: We inspect ear canals for signs of infection, inflammation, excessive wax buildup, or parasites such as ear mites.
- Mouth: Evaluation of the teeth, gums, and oral cavity for dental issues such as tartar buildup, gingivitis, fractured teeth, or oral tumours.
Identifying and addressing issues in these areas is crucial for maintaining your pet's sensory functions and overall comfort.
Teeth and Gums
Dental health is a vital aspect of your pet's overall well-being. Our vets thoroughly examine your pet's teeth and gums to assess dental health and identify any dental issues, including:
- Tartar Buildup: Plaque and tartar accumulating on teeth can lead to periodontal disease and other dental problems.
- Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums, often caused by plaque and tartar buildup, which can progress to more severe dental disease if left untreated.
- Fractured Teeth: Inspection for any broken or damaged teeth that may require treatment or extraction to prevent pain and infection.
Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for preventing dental disease and promoting your pet's overall health and quality of life.
Skin and Coat
Your pet's skin and coat health are indicators of their overall well-being. Our veterinarians carefully inspect your pet's skin and coat for signs of:
- Parasites: Identification of external parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites, as well as internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms.
- Infections: Detection of skin infections, hot spots, dermatitis, or allergic reactions that may require treatment to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.
- Lumps and Lesions: Examination for abnormal growths, lumps, or lesions that may warrant further investigation or biopsy.
Maintaining healthy skin and coat is essential for your pet's comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life.
Chest Auscultation
Listening to your pet's heart and lungs is integral to the physical examination. Our veterinarians use a stethoscope to auscultate your pet's chest, listening for:
- Heart Sounds Detection of abnormal heart rhythms, murmurs, or other cardiac abnormalities that may indicate underlying heart disease or cardiovascular issues.
- Lung Sounds: Evaluation of lung sounds for signs of respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or asthma.
Early detection of cardiac and respiratory abnormalities is crucial for initiating appropriate treatment and managing these conditions effectively.
Abdominal Palpation
Palpating your pet's abdomen allows our veterinarians to assess abdominal organs and detect abnormalities or discomfort. During abdominal palpation, we look for:
- Organ Enlargement: Identification of abnormalities in abdominal organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or intestines.
- Pain or Tenderness: Assessment for signs of abdominal pain, discomfort, or distension that may indicate underlying gastrointestinal issues or other abdominal conditions.
Detecting abnormalities in the abdomen early help guide further diagnostic testing and treatment planning to address underlying health concerns.
Temperature Check
Monitoring your pet's body temperature is essential to the physical examination. Our veterinarians use a digital thermometer to measure your pet's temperature, which provides valuable information about their overall health status. Changes in body temperature may indicate fever, infection, or other systemic abnormalities requiring further investigation and treatment.
Our veterinarians can provide comprehensive care and tailored treatment plans to address your pet's needs by conducting a thorough physical examination encompassing these critical areas. Early detection of health issues and proactive intervention are essential for promoting your pet's overall health, comfort, and longevity.
General Pet Health Care Tips: Promoting Wellness and Longevity
In addition to regular veterinary consultations, maintaining your pet’s health and well-being requires consistent at-home care and attention. Here are some general pet healthcare tips to help promote wellness and longevity:
Balanced Nutrition
- Provide a balanced and nutritious diet appropriate for your pet’s age, size, breed, and health status.
- Avoid overfeeding and monitor portion sizes to prevent obesity, which can lead to various health problems.
Regular Exercise
- Engage your pet in regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight, promote cardiovascular health, and prevent boredom.
- Provide mental and physical stimulation opportunities through interactive play, walks, and enrichment activities.
Dental Care
- Establish a regular dental care routine, including brushing your pet’s teeth regularly to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
- Offer dental chews or toys to promote dental health and reduce tartar accumulation.
Parasite Prevention
- Follow a comprehensive parasite prevention program recommended by your veterinarian, including flea, tick, heartworm, and intestinal parasite control.
- Keep your pet’s environment clean and free from potential sources of parasites, such as untreated outdoor areas.
Regular Grooming
- Maintain a regular grooming schedule to keep your pet’s coat clean, healthy, and free from mats or tangles.
- Trim your pet’s nails regularly to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.
Environmental Safety
- Ensure your home and yard are pet-friendly and free from toxic plants, chemicals, sharp objects, and minor choking hazards.
- Provide a safe and comfortable environment for your pet to rest, play, and relax.
Vaccinations and Preventive Care
- Stay up-to-date with your pet’s vaccination schedule as your veterinarian recommends to protect against common infectious diseases.
- Schedule regular preventive care appointments for routine health checks, vaccinations, and screenings for underlying health conditions.
Mental Health and Well-being
- Pay attention to your pet’s emotional well-being and provide opportunities for socialisation, mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement training.
- Create a predictable and comforting routine to reduce stress and anxiety in your pet’s life.
Dental Care
- Be observant of changes in your pet’s behaviour, appetite, energy level, or bathroom habits, as these may indicate underlying health concerns.
- Seek veterinary attention promptly if you notice any signs of illness or discomfort in your pet.
Why Choose Matraville Veterinary
Practice For Your Pet
Health Care?
We love our partnership with the highly experienced and qualified trainer Alicia Bray, from Power Paws Pet Care. Alicia will help new puppy owners learn how to communicate, socialise and create a strong bond between the family and their puppy. Alicia’s expertise will guide new puppy owners in mastering the essentials of communication, socialisation, and fostering a strong bond within the family and their furry companions in a fun environment!
Experienced Veterinarians
Our skilled veterinarians deliver high-quality care and compassionate service to every pet we see.
Comprehensive Services
Client Education
We believe in empowering pet owners with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their pet’s health and well-being.
State-of-the-Art Facility
Take the First Step Towards Better Health for Your Pet:
Don’t wait until health issues arise—take proactive steps to safeguard your pet’s health and well-being today. Contact Matraville Veterinary Practice to schedule a consultation and give your pet the best care they deserve. Your pet’s health is our priority. Schedule a consultation with Matraville Veterinary Practice today and give your furry friend the gift of optimal health and happiness!