b'by Dr. Austin PlummerThe Importance ofWellness ExamsIn todays society, our pets are beloved family members. We that may not be thought of as significant at home, but couldshower them with affection, give them their favorite toys and point to areas of concern and bring them to the veterinarianstreats, and make sure they are happy in our homes. Just like a attention. It can sometimes be difficult for a veterinarian tohuman family member, their medical care is a very important identify underlying conditions that are more subtle, since ourpart of keeping them healthy and happy for as long as possi- patients cannot tell us their complaints or help guide us toble. While prompt veterinary visits when illnesses arrive are their problem areas. A thorough physical exam of your petseyes, ears, teeth, skin, heart, lungs, orthopedic, and abdominalpalpation is the central component of our wellness visit. Thephysical exam can identify many abnormalities, but subtle dif-ferencesinapetsbehaviornotedathomeanddiscoveredthrough questioning help guide further discussions with yourveterinarian. In addition to a thorough examination and history, routinediagnostics are also a critical part of ensuring a pet is healthyinsideandout.Recommendeddiagnosticschangewithapatients age, but at a minimum include bloodwork and a fecal.Younger animals have their basic values assessed- red and whiteblood cells, kidney and liver function, heartworm status, andinternal parasites. Older patients often will have a more exten-sivebloodworkpanelthatchecksforadditionalelectrolytes,liver values, thyroid disease, and a urinalysis. Early detectionandmanagementofillnessesleadtodramaticallyimprovedlong-term outcomes and is essential to keeping your pet healthy! Goingtotheveterinariandoesnthavetobeastressfulexperience. Your family veterinarian is your partner in keepingyour pet healthy and happy. Make sure to bring questions andengage your veterinary team to help make the most of yourwellness visit. UDr. Plummer with a photobombing kitten. Dr. Plummer obtained his bachelors degree from the Universityof Central Florida and received his doctorate in veterinarycritical, routine visits to establish a baseline and screen for medicine from the University of Florida College of Veterinaryproblems that may be underlying or developing is of equal Medicine. In addition to the DVM curriculum, Dr. Plummerimportance.received a certificate in business management and shelterModern veterinary medicine has made significant strides medicine. He is proficient in abdominal ultrasonography andin practicing preventative medicine. These visits, often termed is a skilled soft tissue surgeon. Dr. Plummer finds clientwellness visits, allow us to assess a patient when all seems to education extremely important and takes the extra time tobe going well and look for problems that may not be apparent explain disease processes and test results to his clients.yet.Awellnessvisitstartswithtakingathoroughhistory.Common questions may include, Is your pet on any current Plummer Pet Hospitalmedication? What food and quantity are currently being fed? 5800 38th Ave. N.,Has there been any coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or diarrhea? St. Petersburg, FloridaAny significant changes to lifestyle or activity level? Has there 727.317.2706been any incidences of lameness or injury? www.PlummerPetHospital.comThe goal of these questions is to help identify any changes66THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com'