Annual visits to the family physician or general practitioner are fundamental to our health. Regular “well” exams present opportunities for guidance on diet, exercise, and other interventions to prevent diseases or stop or slow disease progression. They are also a cornerstone of early detection. Conditions detected earlier in the disease process are easier to resolve successfully and promptly than diseases diagnosed at a later stage (and have spread). Many of these same notions apply to preventive veterinary care. Wellness visits should be scheduled at least annually at San Marco Animal Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.

These visits are comprehensive and involve a “nose-to-tail” assessment of your dog’s or cat’s health and well-being. This all-encompassing assessment presents a critical opportunity for our veterinarians to detect abnormalities promptly. Also, we have invested in cutting-edge technologies to support accurate and efficient diagnoses. The information that we glean from such diagnostic tools and know-how is then applied to develop a treatment plan that effectively resolves the symptoms your pet has been experiencing or the underlying condition responsible for concerning clinical signs.

Our veterinarians have developed a particular interest in preventive services. So, our clients can trust that any recommendations are based on what is in the best interest of their pets and that their pet is receiving quality care from competent, passionate, and dedicated doctors. No discussion about preventative veterinary services would be complete without also highlighting the following types of care:

Dentistry – A potentially deadly threat to your pet may lurk inside their mouths! During “well” visits, our veterinarian cleans and polishes your pet’s teeth, knowing that this service is about more than fighting doggy breath. Like the process that occurs with people who have gum disease, your pet’s overall health can also be jeopardized when plaque builds up on the teeth and gums. Harmful oral pathogens can travel through the bloodstream to other organs. Your pet’s heart valves, kidneys, liver, and other organs may be seriously damaged due to untreated blood infections. We are also happy to provide vet-approved guidance on techniques and dental products to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy in-between visits. Ocular and auditory – During visits, our veterinarians apply their keen eye and considerable knowledge to detect potential challenges to your dog’s or kitty’s excellent vision and hearing; for instance, we may see possible signs of ear mites or cataracts during an exam. Behaviors such as a hunch-back or drooping head can indicate threats to your pet’s eyes and ears. Additionally, the ears and eyes can also provide insights into internal conditions. Canine diabetes, for example, may present with ocular issues like clouded vision. Dermatological conditions and more – A visit is not complete until our doctors “palpate” (or examine by feeling) the muscles, lymph nodes, skin, fur, joints, spine, tail, and other areas. They gather information about your pet’s overall condition and look for potential trouble signs such as bumps or areas that seem painful when touched due to the patient’s response. Like us, our canine and feline friends are heavily influenced by their lifestyle and environment. So, we are consistently accounting for these factors and adjusting the likes of non-core vaccine recommendations, food products, exercise, and grooming to promote a healthy body condition, strong cognition, robust energy, and happiness (of course!). Call 904-399-5557 to schedule your pet’s exam with one of our amazing veterinarians at San Marco Animal Hospital today.