The Do-It-Yourself Pet Exam
by Dr. Gerald Brown, DVM
A
do-it-yourself exam performed every month can safeguard your pet's
health by detecting possible problems early on, when they're most
treatable and often less costly. More importantly, if your pet does have
a problem your exam may prevent it from having to suffer in silence
until the next vet appointment. In fact, the American Association of
Feline Practitioners and the American Veterinary Medical Association now
recommend twice yearly exams for senior and geriatric cats. Like human
senior citizens, they are more likely to have medical conditions develop
between appointments. Accordingly, these monthly self-exams should never
take the place of a yearly veterinary exam.
Most dog owners understand the necessity of the yearly vet visit because their pets are taken outdoors and exposed to diseases from other dogs and therefore need to be vaccinated. Unfortunately, some cat owners falsely assume that the annual vet exam is unnecessary for their cat because it never goes outdoors or because it seems to be healthy. Nothing could be further from the truth. The majority of really sick cats veterinarians see are those that haven't been examined in years. An indoor cat can become ill with diabetes, kidney failure, dental disease (usually painful), and other problems which can be diagnosed in the early stages by a veterinarian.
Some pet owners are against vaccinations; however, the law in most states requires rabies vaccinations for your dog or cat. Basic vaccinations protect your pet from common diseases which can cause suffering and death. Ignoring the need for a yearly veterinary exam may be tantamount to neglect.
Getting Started
Many pets, especially cats, won't exactly be thrilled about being examined and may wriggle and run. If your pet is small enough, examine it on a bar stool because it has a small surface and is high enough to intimidate your pet and to give you more control for the exam. No bar stool? Next best place is the kitchen counter. If your pet is a large dog, you'll probably have to sit on the floor next to it. Talking and petting during the exam will help to calm your pet. After the first few times, Fluffy or Fido will become used to the routine and usually will be more cooperative.
Head First
Check your pet's nose. There should be no discharge. It should appear smooth with no new discolorations. It doesn't matter if the nose is cold or not. A cold, wet nose being a sign of good health is the biggest animal health myth ever!
Next, look at the eyes. Pull down the lower lid to view the entire eye...it should be clear and bright. The lid tissue should be pinkish not white, red, or yellow. There should be no yellowish or unusual discharge.
Use a flashlight to check the ears. You shouldn't see any wax, oiliness, or debris in the ears. If there is, gently swab the ears with a cotton ball dipped in mineral oil. Do not use cotton swabs (commonly called Q-tips)! The ear should appear clean; look for mites or sores. If your pet frequently shakes its head, it probably has an ear problem.
Lymph Nodes
Check the lymph nodes by feeling around the neck under the jaw bone. For cats, normal nodes are two millimeters; about the size of a baby pea. If they feel larger report this to your vet. The first time around you may have difficulty finding the nodes. During your next appointment, ask your vet to help you locate the nodes so you'll recognize the size that's normal for your pet when you examine it.
In dogs, lymph nodes are located behind the salivary glands and vary in size according to the size of the dog. Finding your dog's nodes can be tricky -- ask your vet to show you so you'll know how to locate them and what's normal for your dog.
Mouth Matters
Checking the mouth is really important because dental problems are so common in dogs and cats. Don't stick your fingers in the animal's mouth! Pull up the lip; first the front and then the sides.
The tongue and gums should be a light pink, not white or reddish. If the gums appear yellowish, call your vet. There should be no signs of bleeding anywhere in the mouth. Some cats and dogs have dark spots in their mouths because of their coloring, but if you detect new, darkly pigmented areas, have your vet check it out.
Take a whiff of Fido's or Fluffy's breath. It won't be minty fresh, but really bad breath is not okay. A change in the way the breath smells means something is wrong. Make a vet appointment right away.
Next check the teeth by running your fingers over them; you shouldn't feel any loose ones. Look for one or more dark, discolored teeth, tartar; or loose or broken teeth. Teeth should be white and tartar free.
Other signs of dental problems: your pet frequently drops food from its mouth; stares at the food, but doesn't eat; chatters its teeth and/or chews food on one side; paws at its mouth or drools. When checking the mouth, look for any changes such as spots or growths. If you see one or more of these problems, get your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Dental problems are painful. If you've ever had a toothache, you know the pain can be unbearable. A cat may let you know it's in pain by inappropriate elimination, hiding, or aggressive behavior. Dogs with dental pain sometimes become more aggressive or just plain unfriendly, even to you.
Let Your Fingers do the Walking from Tip to Tail
For this part of the exam, with one hand, hold your pet's neck ever so gently to give you control of sudden movements if it tries to jump off the stool or counter or run from you if it's on the floor. With your free hand, use your index and middle finger to feel the spine from neck to tail base. If your pet yowls or tries to escape when you touch a certain spot, touch it again a few minutes later to see if you get the same reaction. If so, check this out with your pet's doctor.
Gently grasp the tail with your thumb and middle finger, feeling the vertebrae for any tender spots, lumps, or scabs. Slowly and gently lift the tail upright so you can get a good look at the rear. Look for signs of a discharge, sores, scabs, or something that looks like blackheads, called waxy plugs, which are common and not usually a big deal, but should be discussed at your next vet visit. Also check for matted hair around the anus. Matted hair in this area makes having a bowel movement difficult and sometimes painful. This frequently occurs with long-haired dogs and cats. Wet the area with warm water or soak your pet's bottom in warm water until the matted hair is thoroughly moistened and work it with your fingers to break down hard clumps of hair. Don't cut the hair yourself; have your vet or groomer shave the area.
The Full Monty
Stand your pet in an upright position to check out the stomach and chest. Look and feel for sores, lumps, and bumps. Check the nipples for swelling and discharge. This is especially important for female cats and dogs to detect breast cancer early on. While your pet is still in this position, run your fingers through the hair so you can really see the skin to check for any sores or eruptions.
Next, place Fido or Fluffy on all fours. Clasp your fingers around the waist as closely together as possible without hurting it. Using your fingers on the left hand and your thumb on the right hand, slowly and gently knead the abdomen to feel for enlargement of any organs and again for lumps and bumps. After a few times, you'll get the hang of it or ask your vet or the technician to show you.
Paws Up
Gently push on each pad. Many pets do not like having their paws touched, so be careful. Look for sores. The toenails should be short. If kitty isn't using a scratching post or the nails of cats and dogs aren't cut regularly, they can become twisted and grow into the pads and can cause an infection. This is very painful, especially for older pets.
Heart and Respiration
It's important to check your pet's heart rate and respiration. (The information given here is general and applies to cats and small dogs; however, the best way to determine what's normal for your medium to large dog is to ask your vet.)
Wait an hour or so for your pet to settle down after the exam before checking its heart. Cup your hand over the chest. Using a clock or watch, count the number of beats for thirty seconds. You should feel between 50 and 75 beats. Multiply this number by two because a normal heart rate is 100 to 150 beats per minute for cats and dogs, although large dogs have fewer beats per minute. The rate of respiration, the number of times your pet inhales per minute, is best checked while your pet is sleeping. Watch and count the chest rises. Normally this should be about 23 to 27 times a minute for both cats and dogs. If you find the respiration and/or the heart beats are faster or slower, repeat this procedure again the following day. If the rates still aren't normal, make an appointment with your vet.
Temperature
Taking the temperature is best done with another person holding Fluffy or Fido. Use a well lubricated digital rectal thermometer inserted parallel to the spine. The normal range is between 100 and 102 degrees F.
Finishing Up
It's also important to watch your pet for behavior changes such as drinking more water, urinating more frequently, lethargy, constipation, diarrhea, weight loss or gain, stool changes, or loss of appetite. Many cats hide when they are ill, but dogs rarely do.
It may be easier to perform the exam on the first day of each month, so as not to forget, however, it is most important to remember that a do-it-yourself exam does not take the place of a yearly vet exam. A yearly visit to the vet still is essential for the animal's health -- and the best way to truly love your pet.
Most dog owners understand the necessity of the yearly vet visit because their pets are taken outdoors and exposed to diseases from other dogs and therefore need to be vaccinated. Unfortunately, some cat owners falsely assume that the annual vet exam is unnecessary for their cat because it never goes outdoors or because it seems to be healthy. Nothing could be further from the truth. The majority of really sick cats veterinarians see are those that haven't been examined in years. An indoor cat can become ill with diabetes, kidney failure, dental disease (usually painful), and other problems which can be diagnosed in the early stages by a veterinarian.
Some pet owners are against vaccinations; however, the law in most states requires rabies vaccinations for your dog or cat. Basic vaccinations protect your pet from common diseases which can cause suffering and death. Ignoring the need for a yearly veterinary exam may be tantamount to neglect.
Getting Started
Many pets, especially cats, won't exactly be thrilled about being examined and may wriggle and run. If your pet is small enough, examine it on a bar stool because it has a small surface and is high enough to intimidate your pet and to give you more control for the exam. No bar stool? Next best place is the kitchen counter. If your pet is a large dog, you'll probably have to sit on the floor next to it. Talking and petting during the exam will help to calm your pet. After the first few times, Fluffy or Fido will become used to the routine and usually will be more cooperative.
Head First
Check your pet's nose. There should be no discharge. It should appear smooth with no new discolorations. It doesn't matter if the nose is cold or not. A cold, wet nose being a sign of good health is the biggest animal health myth ever!
Next, look at the eyes. Pull down the lower lid to view the entire eye...it should be clear and bright. The lid tissue should be pinkish not white, red, or yellow. There should be no yellowish or unusual discharge.
Use a flashlight to check the ears. You shouldn't see any wax, oiliness, or debris in the ears. If there is, gently swab the ears with a cotton ball dipped in mineral oil. Do not use cotton swabs (commonly called Q-tips)! The ear should appear clean; look for mites or sores. If your pet frequently shakes its head, it probably has an ear problem.
Lymph Nodes
Check the lymph nodes by feeling around the neck under the jaw bone. For cats, normal nodes are two millimeters; about the size of a baby pea. If they feel larger report this to your vet. The first time around you may have difficulty finding the nodes. During your next appointment, ask your vet to help you locate the nodes so you'll recognize the size that's normal for your pet when you examine it.
In dogs, lymph nodes are located behind the salivary glands and vary in size according to the size of the dog. Finding your dog's nodes can be tricky -- ask your vet to show you so you'll know how to locate them and what's normal for your dog.
Mouth Matters
Checking the mouth is really important because dental problems are so common in dogs and cats. Don't stick your fingers in the animal's mouth! Pull up the lip; first the front and then the sides.
The tongue and gums should be a light pink, not white or reddish. If the gums appear yellowish, call your vet. There should be no signs of bleeding anywhere in the mouth. Some cats and dogs have dark spots in their mouths because of their coloring, but if you detect new, darkly pigmented areas, have your vet check it out.
Take a whiff of Fido's or Fluffy's breath. It won't be minty fresh, but really bad breath is not okay. A change in the way the breath smells means something is wrong. Make a vet appointment right away.
Next check the teeth by running your fingers over them; you shouldn't feel any loose ones. Look for one or more dark, discolored teeth, tartar; or loose or broken teeth. Teeth should be white and tartar free.
Other signs of dental problems: your pet frequently drops food from its mouth; stares at the food, but doesn't eat; chatters its teeth and/or chews food on one side; paws at its mouth or drools. When checking the mouth, look for any changes such as spots or growths. If you see one or more of these problems, get your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Dental problems are painful. If you've ever had a toothache, you know the pain can be unbearable. A cat may let you know it's in pain by inappropriate elimination, hiding, or aggressive behavior. Dogs with dental pain sometimes become more aggressive or just plain unfriendly, even to you.
Let Your Fingers do the Walking from Tip to Tail
For this part of the exam, with one hand, hold your pet's neck ever so gently to give you control of sudden movements if it tries to jump off the stool or counter or run from you if it's on the floor. With your free hand, use your index and middle finger to feel the spine from neck to tail base. If your pet yowls or tries to escape when you touch a certain spot, touch it again a few minutes later to see if you get the same reaction. If so, check this out with your pet's doctor.
Gently grasp the tail with your thumb and middle finger, feeling the vertebrae for any tender spots, lumps, or scabs. Slowly and gently lift the tail upright so you can get a good look at the rear. Look for signs of a discharge, sores, scabs, or something that looks like blackheads, called waxy plugs, which are common and not usually a big deal, but should be discussed at your next vet visit. Also check for matted hair around the anus. Matted hair in this area makes having a bowel movement difficult and sometimes painful. This frequently occurs with long-haired dogs and cats. Wet the area with warm water or soak your pet's bottom in warm water until the matted hair is thoroughly moistened and work it with your fingers to break down hard clumps of hair. Don't cut the hair yourself; have your vet or groomer shave the area.
The Full Monty
Stand your pet in an upright position to check out the stomach and chest. Look and feel for sores, lumps, and bumps. Check the nipples for swelling and discharge. This is especially important for female cats and dogs to detect breast cancer early on. While your pet is still in this position, run your fingers through the hair so you can really see the skin to check for any sores or eruptions.
Next, place Fido or Fluffy on all fours. Clasp your fingers around the waist as closely together as possible without hurting it. Using your fingers on the left hand and your thumb on the right hand, slowly and gently knead the abdomen to feel for enlargement of any organs and again for lumps and bumps. After a few times, you'll get the hang of it or ask your vet or the technician to show you.
Paws Up
Gently push on each pad. Many pets do not like having their paws touched, so be careful. Look for sores. The toenails should be short. If kitty isn't using a scratching post or the nails of cats and dogs aren't cut regularly, they can become twisted and grow into the pads and can cause an infection. This is very painful, especially for older pets.
Heart and Respiration
It's important to check your pet's heart rate and respiration. (The information given here is general and applies to cats and small dogs; however, the best way to determine what's normal for your medium to large dog is to ask your vet.)
Wait an hour or so for your pet to settle down after the exam before checking its heart. Cup your hand over the chest. Using a clock or watch, count the number of beats for thirty seconds. You should feel between 50 and 75 beats. Multiply this number by two because a normal heart rate is 100 to 150 beats per minute for cats and dogs, although large dogs have fewer beats per minute. The rate of respiration, the number of times your pet inhales per minute, is best checked while your pet is sleeping. Watch and count the chest rises. Normally this should be about 23 to 27 times a minute for both cats and dogs. If you find the respiration and/or the heart beats are faster or slower, repeat this procedure again the following day. If the rates still aren't normal, make an appointment with your vet.
Temperature
Taking the temperature is best done with another person holding Fluffy or Fido. Use a well lubricated digital rectal thermometer inserted parallel to the spine. The normal range is between 100 and 102 degrees F.
Finishing Up
It's also important to watch your pet for behavior changes such as drinking more water, urinating more frequently, lethargy, constipation, diarrhea, weight loss or gain, stool changes, or loss of appetite. Many cats hide when they are ill, but dogs rarely do.
It may be easier to perform the exam on the first day of each month, so as not to forget, however, it is most important to remember that a do-it-yourself exam does not take the place of a yearly vet exam. A yearly visit to the vet still is essential for the animal's health -- and the best way to truly love your pet.
