Each year for your pet is equivalent to at least 4 or more human years. A lot can happen in that time. During the annual exam the veterinarian carefully goes over your pet from head to tail. Subtle changes such as weight loss/gain, skin tumors, eye/ear changes, dental disease, heart disease, arthritis, abdominal masses, endocrine disease, and much, much more can be evaluated and discussed. Hopefully, conditions can be diagnosed early and treated, helping your pet live a long, happy life. As your pet ages the doctor will recommend blood and/or urine tests to further evaluate organ function (or dysfunction) and start appropriate treatment or dietary changes.