PET HEALTH CHECKS

Helping Your Pet Live A Longer, Healthier Life

Regular health checks are one of the most important investments you can make in your pet's wellbeing.

Many illnesses develop gradually and may not show obvious symptoms until they are already advanced. Dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs are often very good at hiding signs of disease, making routine veterinary examinations an important part of preventive healthcare.

At Bankstown Veterinary Hospital, health checks allow us to monitor your pet's health over time, identify problems earlier and help keep your loved one healthy throughout every stage of life.

WHY ARE REGULAR HEALTH CHECKS IMPORTANT?

Pets age much faster than people.

A single year in the life of a dog, cat, rabbit or guinea pig can represent many years of ageing in human terms. Significant health changes can therefore occur between visits.

Regular health checks help us identify and monitor conditions such as:

Dental disease
Arthritis and mobility issues
Heart disease
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Diabetes
Obesity
Skin disease
Ear disease
Hormonal disorders
Lumps and tumours
Chronic pain

Many of these conditions can be easier to manage when detected early.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A HEALTH CHECK?

Every pet is different, but a typical health examination may include assessment of:

Weight & Body Condition

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important factors influencing long-term health.

We assess:

Weight changes
Body condition score
Muscle condition
Nutritional status

Even small changes over time can provide valuable information about your pet's health.

Heart & Respiratory System

We listen carefully to your pet's heart and lungs to check for abnormalities such as:

Heart murmurs
Irregular heart rhythms
Respiratory changes
Signs of heart disease

Early detection may allow further investigation before significant symptoms develop.

Eyes, Ears & Nose

We examine your pet's eyes, ears and nose for signs of:

Infection
Inflammation
Cataracts
Corneal disease
Ear disease
Hearing concerns
Age-related changes

Teeth & Oral Health

Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen in pets.

We assess:

Tartar accumulation
Gingivitis
Tooth damage
Oral infections
Pain associated with dental disease

Many pets continue eating despite significant dental pain.

Skin & Coat

The skin is often one of the first places where health problems become visible.

We look for:

Allergies
Skin infections
Parasites
Hair loss
Lumps and bumps
Coat quality changes

Joints & Mobility

As pets age, arthritis and mobility issues become increasingly common.

We assess:

Joint function
Mobility
Muscle condition
Signs of pain
Age-related changes

Early intervention can significantly improve quality of life.

Abdomen & Internal Organs

Your veterinarian will carefully examine your pet's abdomen to assess for abnormalities involving organs such as:

Liver
Kidneys
Bladder
Intestinal tract
Spleen

This may help identify concerns requiring further investigation.

HEALTH CHECKS FOR SENIOR PETS

As pets age, regular health monitoring becomes increasingly important.

Many age-related conditions can develop slowly and may not be obvious at home until disease is advanced.

For senior pets we may recommend:

More frequent examinations
Blood testing
Urine testing
Blood pressure monitoring
Weight monitoring
Arthritis assessments

Early detection can often lead to more treatment options and better long-term outcomes.

HEALTH CHECKS FOR PUPPIES & KITTENS

Young pets benefit from regular examinations as they grow and develop.

Health checks during puppyhood and kittenhood allow us to monitor:

Growth and development
Vaccination schedules
Parasite prevention
Nutrition
Behaviour and training
Socialisation
Desexing planning

These early visits help build a strong foundation for lifelong health.

RABBIT & GUINEA PIG HEALTH CHECKS

Rabbits and guinea pigs are particularly skilled at hiding signs of illness.

By the time symptoms become obvious, they may already be seriously unwell.

Regular health checks can help identify:

Dental disease
Weight loss
Digestive problems
Arthritis
Skin disorders
Respiratory disease

Preventive healthcare is particularly important for these species.

DO HEALTHY PETS STILL NEED HEALTH CHECKS?

Absolutely.

One of the most common comments we hear is:

"My pet seems completely fine."

Many pets with significant medical conditions continue to eat, drink and behave relatively normally in the early stages of disease.

Routine health examinations are designed to identify subtle changes before they become major health problems.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY PET HAVE A HEALTH CHECK?

Most healthy adult pets should receive at least one comprehensive health examination each year.

Senior pets, pets with ongoing medical conditions and some breeds may benefit from more frequent monitoring.

Our veterinarians can recommend an examination schedule appropriate for your pet's age, breed and health status.

YOUR PET. YOUR DECISION.

Our role is to provide you with information, identify health concerns and discuss the options available to you.

We believe informed owners make the best decisions for their pets and we will always work with you to develop a healthcare plan that suits both your pet's needs and your circumstances.

BOOK A HEALTH CHECK

Whether your pet is due for an annual examination, entering their senior years or you simply want reassurance that everything is on track, our experienced veterinary team is here to help.