Veterinary Checkups: How Often are they Really Required?
I was rather amazed and somewhat alarmed at the results of one of the most recent polls on Petside.com. The question was "How often do you take your pet to the vet?"
The results were:
(28.57%): once a year
(12.99%): every 3 months
(18.18%): twice a year
(40.26%): only when they're sick or need shots
After I participated in the poll and learned that I was in the 18.18% of responders who picked "twice a year" as an answer. What concerned me greatly was the rather overwhelming majority of folks who take their pets to the vet only when their pets are sick or need "annual" vaccinations.
Based on my 40 plus years of experience being owned by some amazing kitties, I feel strongly that that it is crucial that all pets minimally have annual wellness exams performed by a vet. Once a health baseline is established, it is much easier for our veterinarians to catch any subtle changes in our pet's physical condition. Since animals age approximately seven times more "rapidly" than humans, it is far more essential that annual exams are performed to rule out any serious illnesses, any physical discomfort and hidden injuries. Since my cats are now senior "catizens", they receive bi-annual exams.
Additionally, as our pets get older, routine blood tests and other diagnostic tests given will be able to facilitate the diagnosis of any serious underlying medical conditions. Early detection and treatment can add many years of excellent quality to our pet's lifespan. Aging pets are at risk for diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid conditions and other medical problems. If these conditions are discovered early they are far easier to be successfully treated or controlled. Additionally the cost of veterinary care through early detection is frequently far less expensive than a condition which has remained dormant or undiscovered for long periods of time.
Annual visits allow our vets to monitor our pet's weight more accurately. Since obesity is a common problem for our pets, due to overfeeding, giving those extra yummy treats too often and lack of exercise, the annual examination is an ideal time to discuss any needed dietary changes. Overweight pets are at high risk for heart disease and other serious medical conditions.
Annual dental checkups, especially in older pets are essential to their overall health as well. Checking for and treating cavities, bad breath and oral infections can prevent a host of systemic problems, and help preserve our pet's wellbeing. There is nothing more rewarding to pet owners than a bright, white pet smile!
The annual exam also provides us an opportunity to discuss any behavioral problems which may have presented themselves. Litter box avoidance and personality changes are often a sign that something is amiss. So that famous saying, "an ounce of prevention prevents a pound of cure" certainly applies to remind us to arrange those annual veterinary exams.
How often do you bring your pet for a complete head to paw examination? Tell us about your veterinary schedules by leaving a comment.
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Comments (11)
jmuhj May 12, 2009 5:46 PM
Annual exams would seem about right to me, along with prophylaxis (teeth cleaning/scaling).
Vicki May 12, 2009 5:55 PM
Goodness, with seven dogs a cat and three horses, my vet bill looks like the gross national debt. I do not take my animals to the vet on a regular basis. But there is always a reason to go and I end up in the clinic about every three weeks to get medicine, or somebody is sick, or something. Believe me, I have no guilt about getting any of my animals the veterinary attention they need.
Donna May 12, 2009 7:04 PM
I take my cats to the vet when they seem 'off' or need attention. Vaccinations, according to my vet, for the older (over 9 years) can even be once every two or three years.) My boss has a 24 year old cat their vet refuses to even vaccinate because of potential side effects.
I think a lot of the answer to this question relies on whether your cats are 100% indoors ( like mine ) or if they go outside and are exposed to additional 'nasties.'
Donna
Ruth May 13, 2009 2:44 AM
Here in England our vets recommend yearly check ups at vaccination booster time.But of course if one of our cats is off colour meanwhile we make an immediate appointment.A good cat owner knows when something is wrong without the trauma of twice yearly 'trips to hell'for them.
Some USA people can't understand our culture of letting cats have their freedom if we possibly can,there's nothing as good as fresh air and an interesting stimulating life for good health.Within reason of course, not left out all night or out when no one is home to look out for them. Our cats here aren't treated as possessions,never declawed, or dressed up, or taken out in strollers like babies, or put on leashes like dogs.
Our culture is so very different in that we never put dogs in crates either.To confine any animal seems unneccesary to us.Animals are not ours to rule over, we are merely their caretakers on behalf of God who sends them to us to give them what they need, to the best of our ability.
http://kattaddorra.blogspot.com/
Iniki May 13, 2009 8:37 AM
I have to admit that we only see the vet once a year unless something comes up. The goats and sheep are seen Once a year for their rabies boosters and they need to be checked for TB and Brucellisis The cats get annual checkup and may see the vet for worming etc. They get their rabies every three years as per the state law.
I have personally been able to afford our vet a new vehicle, new siding on her house, and several of her Morgan Horses I am sure. LOL
Cheryl G May 13, 2009 8:53 PM
My Koko has to go once a month for a shot, but Koko will be 14 later this month, so he is definitely a senior citizen. :>)
Cheryl G May 13, 2009 8:56 PM
I'm having computer problems, can you tell! LOL! eeeer!
Amy May 14, 2009 5:25 AM
Once a year is normal here too. Now if there is any sign of something wrong it's call the vet right away. But you have to watch closely because it is a critters normal reaction is to hide any kind of sign that it is ill for self preservation.
Skylark May 16, 2009 10:09 AM
I have worked as a veterinary assistant for 6 years, and I can attest to the fact that once yearly vet visits should be the rule rather than the exception for all cats under 7 years and twice yearly after that. Dental cleanings should be done at least once yearly, with preanesthesia blood work done a few days before the dental.
Cats are so efficient at hiding symptoms of illness that by the time you take your cat to the vet because he seems a little "off" or is manifesting symptoms of being sick, it may well be too late to do anything about it.
Just this week, I saw a very sick 16-year old Siamese cat who had not been to the vet in almost 6 years because the owner thought at that age he didn't need vaccinations anymore (rabies is mandatory yearly in NC). But he was acting a little off, not eating, drinking and peeing more than usual, hiding in the closet, and was generally lethargic-acting. We did the blood work and found that almost all of his markers were way off the charts. His kidneys were barely functioning, urine was full of red and white blood cells, he was hyperthyroid and severely diabetic! It was simply too late to treat all of these very serious illnesses, and the owner opted for euthanasia.
What a sad outcome! Need I say more?
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arrizervawn November 25, 2009 11:24 AM
Wow, I didn't heard about that till now. Thanx.
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