“Many pets can develop significant health problems without showing obvious signs.”
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One of the advantages of being a mobile vet and travelling to see my patients is that it gives me time to reflect between consultations.
I often drive along thinking about how skilled cats and dogs are at hiding health problems from their owners.
Cats, who generally laze around the house all day anyway, are masters of deception. They can develop quite serious health problems without showing signs.
This is because their lifestyle is so sedentary that even when they get sick, often nothing outwardly changes – they still just laze around!
Or there are dogs like Hayley, a gorgeous, bouncy Labradoodle. She’s been a fighting fit dog all her life, always happy, playful, and up for her walks. Yet she has a serious heart condition that her owners knew nothing about until very recently. More about Hayley later in this blog…
The benefit of annual health checks
And while I’m reflecting, time after time I realise that one of the most valuable services I offer my clients is the annual health check. A thorough examination of your pet by a conscientious vet is a simple way to quickly uncover hidden problems.
A health check firstly involves chatting to you about how your pet has been. Often, the questions will make you think of things you hadn’t realised were a problem. And of course, the advantage we have as mobile vets is that we get to see your pets in their own natural environment, which can give us vital clues to their health that we might not see in the surgery.
The next stage of our visit is a full examination from head to tail. As we go over your pet with trained and experienced hands, eyes and ears, we are assessing all the body systems and looking for anything out of the ordinary. We commonly find problems owners did not know about, like bad teeth at the back of the mouth, ear infections, heart conditions, lumps and bumps, abdominal problems and respiratory disease. And of course, the earlier we find problems, the greater our chance of treating them.
“A thorough health check is one of the simplest ways to detect problems early.”
For older pets, disease processes have a nasty habit of accelerating, and many diseases are more common, so I generally suggest 6-monthly health checks are a good idea for “senior” pets.
And so back to our Labradoodle, Hayley. On her last health check a few months ago, when she was only 4 years old, I found an irregular heart rhythm and pulse, even though she appeared otherwise completely normal. We arranged an ECG and echocardiogram, and found she had a very rare tumour on her heart, causing the irregular heartbeat.
Surgery to remove the tumour was offered as an option; however, this came with grave risks. Hayley’s owners bravely decided not to opt for surgery since this was going to be a very invasive procedure with potential risks and complications – after all, Hayley is happy and has no idea that her heart is in such a fragile state. She is now on some medication to try to slow the progression of the disease and is otherwise living a normal life. The family are grateful that they know the situation and are living life with her to the fullest every day!
Key Takeaways
- Pets often hide signs of illness
Conditions can develop without obvious changes in behaviour or activity. - Annual health checks help identify problems early
A thorough examination can reveal issues not visible to owners. - Early detection improves management options
Finding conditions early allows for more effective care. - Older pets benefit from more frequent checks
Health risks increase with age, making regular monitoring important.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do pets hide signs of illness so well?
Pets often continue their normal behaviour even when unwell, especially if their lifestyle is already quiet. Cats in particular may show very few outward changes. This can allow serious conditions to develop without obvious warning signs.
What is included in an annual health check for pets?
An annual health check involves a detailed discussion about your pet’s recent health and behaviour, followed by a full physical examination. This includes assessing multiple body systems from head to tail. Subtle changes can often be detected during this process.
What kinds of problems can be found during a routine check-up?
Routine checks can uncover issues such as dental disease, ear infections, heart conditions, lumps, abdominal concerns and respiratory problems. Many of these may not be obvious to homeowners. Early identification allows for timely management.
Why are regular health checks important for older pets?
As pets age, diseases tend to develop more quickly and become more common. Regular monitoring helps identify changes before they progress. For senior pets, checks every six months may be appropriate.
Can serious conditions be found even if my pet seems healthy?
Yes, some pets appear completely normal despite having underlying conditions. In Hayley, a young and active dog, a heart abnormality was identified during a routine check. This highlights the value of regular examinations.
How does a home visit help with assessing my pet’s health?
Seeing your pet in their home environment can provide additional insights into their behaviour and routine. This context may reveal signs that are not obvious in a clinical setting. It also allows for a more relaxed assessment in familiar surroundings.