Wellness exams are physical examinations performed while your pet is healthy, as opposed to when they are brought in to address a
problem. These exams are the cornerstone of wellness care, and are important for several reasons:
• They give us a baseline for comparison when your pet is ill
• They allow us detect problems such as dental disease early
• They allow us to track the progression of chronic problems like arthritis
• They allow you an opportunity to ask questions that we never have time to address when your pet is ill.
• They allow us to give you new information about wellness care and health maintenance.
The State of California Veterinary Practice Act requires that a veterinarian only make decisions regarding a pet’s health care within
the context of a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship. For small animal general practice in the Bay Area, the accepted
standard for ongoing refills is having a wellness exam current within the past 12 months, and for exacerbations of previously existing
conditions or new prescriptions for old problems, an examination within the past six months.
Wellness screening is the performance of laboratory or diagnostic procedures other than a hands-on physical examination to assess
the health of a well pet or to track the health of pets with chronic medical treatments. Wellness tests are important because they:
• Allow early detection of problems such as diabetes or urinary tract infections
• Allow us to track trends and note changes in organ function values
• Allow us to monitor pets for adverse effects of prescription medications
The accepted standards for such screening vary by a pet’s age, medical condition, and prescription regimen, and are considered part
of meeting the standard of care in many instances.
problem. These exams are the cornerstone of wellness care, and are important for several reasons:
• They give us a baseline for comparison when your pet is ill
• They allow us detect problems such as dental disease early
• They allow us to track the progression of chronic problems like arthritis
• They allow you an opportunity to ask questions that we never have time to address when your pet is ill.
• They allow us to give you new information about wellness care and health maintenance.
The State of California Veterinary Practice Act requires that a veterinarian only make decisions regarding a pet’s health care within
the context of a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship. For small animal general practice in the Bay Area, the accepted
standard for ongoing refills is having a wellness exam current within the past 12 months, and for exacerbations of previously existing
conditions or new prescriptions for old problems, an examination within the past six months.
Wellness screening is the performance of laboratory or diagnostic procedures other than a hands-on physical examination to assess
the health of a well pet or to track the health of pets with chronic medical treatments. Wellness tests are important because they:
• Allow early detection of problems such as diabetes or urinary tract infections
• Allow us to track trends and note changes in organ function values
• Allow us to monitor pets for adverse effects of prescription medications
The accepted standards for such screening vary by a pet’s age, medical condition, and prescription regimen, and are considered part
of meeting the standard of care in many instances.
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Wellness Exams
Wellness Screening