Friday, December 28, 2012

December-Team Member of The Month!!!


December Team Member of the Month- Sue Dunkelberger


Sue Dunkelberger has been a HAH team member for a total of 27 years.  Her first roll was as our Receptionist Supervisor and after a hiatus into human medicine she returned in 1995 as a dedicated member of our elite group of phone operators.

Sue brings energy and enthusiasm to the phone room. By decorating for all the holidays, Sue keeps spirits high while our team assists clients as they call in.  No matter the curve balls thrown at her personally, she always manages to bring her glowing personality to work! We are grateful she has been part of the HAH for all these years and are pleased to honor her as Team Member or the Month!

Friday, December 21, 2012

December Patient of the Month- "MilkDud"

This month we would like to honor as our Patient of the Month, a pup that is very special to our Hollywood Animal Hospital family.  “MilkDud” ,  a 12 year old,  red dachshund; the proud pup of our very own Kathy Ziezio .
After monitoring a few days of diarrhea the “Dud” began vomiting and no longer wanted to eat. Kathy immediately came in and saw Dr. Grasso. X-rays were ordered and showed a mass in “Milkdud’s” abdomen causing fluid to build up.
Kathy hospitalized the “Dud” throughout the weekend and on Monday Dr. Sessa ordered an ultrasound to get a clearer picture of what the mass looked like.  During the ultrasound Dr. Murphy was able to see that the mass was affecting the spleen and also her gallbladder. Surgery was scheduled for the following day. The surgery was serious but “Milk Dud” came through beautifully and then started the process of recovery.
Often the post operative care is as important as the surgery and “Milk Dud” benefited from the many minds that our hospital has to offer. For the next 10 days “Milk Dud” was giving TLC and aggressive medical therapy.  She received several transfusions to increase and maintain her blood cell volume and was hand fed every night by her momma.
“Milk Dud’s” pathology came back with a less then desirable result but did show that Dr. Sessa had removed as much of the effected tissue as possible. For now, “Milk Dud” is home and getting back to the business of playing with her sisters “Samantha” and “Daisy”. Most recently, she stopped in with Kathy, donning a Santa costume to hand out presents to the staff.
We are so happy to honor “MilkDud” as our December Patient of the Month!



Thursday, December 20, 2012

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Holiday Decoration Safety- Lights


Tinsel can be a very dangerous holiday decoration with pets around! The little pieces of colored foil have sharp edges that can cut and twist internally if swallowed. Make sure you keep this tinsel out of their reach, or exchange it for safer options. Ask us if you have questions!


Monday, November 26, 2012

Team Member of the Month- Lee Ashton



Team Member of the Month- Lee Ashton



We would like to honor Lee Ashton by making her HAH’s team member of the month for November 2012.  Lee has worked in the hospital kennel since December 13, 1996.  Lee is a soft spoken woman…unless she feels you’re not doing what is best for a patient or the hospital in general!
Lee is definitely set in her ways and knows how she wants things done. That’s why we are going to miss her so much when she moves to Pennsylvania in December.   We want to wish her well and should she decide the “sunny south” is the place to be, we hope this is the first place she stops!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Isabel's Race to Fight Cancer!!!


Everyone has their own bucket list. Some items will have a greater impact on our lives than others, but all are listed to one day check off.  One item that has always been at the top of my list but always seemed out of my reach is to participate in a full or half marathon.  I came across the American Cancer Society half Marathon run during a very difficult time in my life when I saw first hand how quickly cancer can destroy everything you love, cherish and live for.
My mother Luisa Velez was only 45 years old when she started to feel fatigued and uncomfortable.  At the point when this became unbearable she went to the doctor not expecting to hear what he had discovered.  After a series of tests and lab work he told her that she had cervical cancer. She was diagnosed March 25, 2011; the day of my 24th birthday. From that point on in our lives time seemed to accelerate at an uncontrollable speed. Due to our financial situation, my family did not have health insurance, thus, it was necessary for her to return to her home country of Colombia to receive treatment.  She immediately started chemotherapy and radiation therapy, along with several other medications.   My family did everything in our power to keep her happy and comfortable.  Despite all the treatment she received, the cancer continued to spread.  As it continued to destroy her body she experienced weight loss and weakness, leading from one complication to another.  Her body, ultimately, couldn't handle the cancer any more.  My mother passed away on April 13, 2012.

She left behind two kids and a husband. There is nothing harder than losing someone you love; some one that raised you, gave you nothing but their best, someone that has touched your life forever. I know I am not the only one feeling like this. Cancer has touched many other lives, including, fathers, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts- or maybe you have been the one that has been touched. The American Cancer Society fights for more birthdays and more survivors. By your generous donation we can fight back and help others that are going through the worst experience of their life- such as, myself.

Help me reach my goal of $5000.  I thank anyone that can help me in accomplishing my goal and supporting American Cancer Society.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO MAKE A DONATION TODAY! 





November- Patient of the Month Highlight




 
Koas, an eight year old mixed canine was seen on emergency for multiple gunshot wounds. That morning his owner returned home from work and let Kaos out only to be awaken later by the sound of gun shots and Kaos running inside.  He had been shot three times.

 Kaos had two bullets lodged in the soft tissue around his chest and abdomen and a shattered left scapula. His temperature was elevated and he was in shock. Our emergency doctor, Dr. Lukens, triaged Kaos and stabilized him.
The following morning Dr. Shapiro took over the case and discussed the poor prognosis with the client. Due to massive injury from ballistic penetration into the thoracic and abdominal cavity requiring multiple surgeries, with high risks of anesthesia, infection and potenital suffering, Koas' owner's had a difficult decision to make.
Meanwhile Kaos seemed to be resting comfortable even wagging his tail. That is what changed things. Kaos was a strong boy with a great spirit and together his family decided to go forward.

Kaos was hospitalized for a week where he underwent two surgeries that addressed the soft tissue damage caused by the gun shots. His scapula was left to heal naturally and he was sent home with instructions for bandage care and scheduled bandage changes. Within a month, Kaos was healing beautifully and was even putting some weight on his left leg.


Kaos’ spirit was the initial key to his success. He was a strong patient that always had a tail wag or lick for everyone. His progress was a joy to be a part of.  We are happy to highlight him as our patient for November.




Isabel: American Cancer Society Half Marathon Run


Everyone has their own bucket list. Some items will have a greater impact on our lives than others, but all are listed to one day check off.  One item that has always been at the top of my list but always seemed out of my reach is to participate in a full or half marathon.  I came across the American Cancer Society half Marathon run during a very difficult time in my life when I saw first hand how quickly cancer can destroy everything you love, cherish and live for.
My mother Luisa Velez was only 45 years old when she started to feel fatigued and uncomfortable.  At the point when this became unbearable she went to the doctor not expecting to hear what he had discovered.  After a series of tests and lab work he told her that she had cervical cancer. She was diagnosed March 25, 2011; the day of my 24th birthday. From that point on in our lives time seemed to accelerate at an uncontrollable speed. Due to our financial situation, my family did not have health insurance, thus, it was necessary for her to return to her home country of Colombia to receive treatment.  She immediately started chemotherapy and radiation therapy, along with several other medications.   My family did everything in our power to keep her happy and comfortable.  Despite all the treatment she received, the cancer continued to spread.  As it continued to destroy her body she experienced weight loss and weakness, leading from one complication to another.  Her body, ultimately, couldn't handle the cancer any more.  My mother passed away on April 13, 2012.

She left behind two kids and a husband. There is nothing harder than losing someone you love; some one that raised you, gave you nothing but their best, someone that has touched your life forever. I know I am not the only one feeling like this. Cancer has touched many other lives, including, fathers, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts- or maybe you have been the one that has been touched. The American Cancer Society fights for more birthdays and more survivors. By your generous donation we can fight back and help others that are going through the worst experience of their life- such as, myself.

Help me reach my goal of $2000.  I thank anyone that can help me in accomplishing my goal and supporting American Cancer Society.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO MAKE A DONATION TODAY! 





Monday, November 12, 2012

Pet Food Drive at HAH


BROWARD MEALS ON WHEELS FOR PETS FOOD DRIVE AT HOLLYWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL NOW THROUGH THANKSGIVING
Hospital Will Match Food Donations Pound for Pound

WHO/WHAT:
Hollywood Animal Hospital (HAH) is kicking off its 65th anniversary by teaming up with Broward Meals on Wheels (BMOW) to gather food for pets of homebound seniors throughout Broward County. 

Donations of canned and dry foods for cats and dogs made through December 15th
will be matched pound for pound by HAH.

BMOW delivers pet food once a month to homebound seniors who need assistance taking care of their in-home pets.  Pet food is provided through the generosity of community donations. For additional information on BMOW, please visit http://www.bmow.org/our-services/.

WHEN:
Now through December 15th
7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday - Saturday

WHERE:
Hollywood Animal Hospital
2864 Hollywood Boulevard, one block east of I-95
Hollywood, Florida 33020
954.920.3556

HOW:
Just stop by with a donation of canned, dry or dehydrated food for cats or dogs.



Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Our cat expert, Dr. Anne Romano!!

In honor of National Cat Week we would like to highlight our cat expert, Dr. Anne Romano.

Dr. Anne Romano joined the team at Hollywood Animal Hospital as part of the hospital’s internship program in 2007 after graduating from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007.  (Go BIG RED!)  After the internship was over, Dr. Romano stayed on as an associate and has been part of the Hollywood Animal Hospital ever since. 

Dr. Romano has known she wanted to be a veterinarian since she was a little girl.  According to her parents, her first words were “I see kitty.”  This led her on a life-long course to become a veterinarian, and during that time she was guided by her love of felines and other animals she knew she wanted to care for.  She is currently pursuing certification with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioner’s Feline Specialty.

Dr. Romano met her husband, Chad, in high school.  After dating throughout undergrad and grad school, they were married in 2007.  They currently have two cats – Guenhwyvar & Spicey McHaggis. 



Friday, November 2, 2012

2012 Best of Hollywood Award


Hollywood Animal Hospital Receives 
2012 Best of Hollywood Award

Hollywood Award Program Honors the Achievement

HOLLYWOOD October 18, 2012 -- Hollywood Animal Hospital has been selected for the 2012 Best of Hollywood Award in the Veterinarians category by the Hollywood Award Program.

Each year, the Hollywood Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Hollywood area a great place to live, work and play.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2012 Hollywood Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Hollywood Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Hollywood Award Program
The Hollywood Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Hollywood area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
The Hollywood Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.


Hollywood Award Program

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

October Team Member of the Month!

October Team Member of the Month!!
Congratulations Denise Sam!

Denise has worked with us since August of 1993.  Her job duties have change many times over the years.  Denise started as a receptionist, phone operator and then she became a major player in our accounts receivable department. Most recently she has become involved with our IT team and helps in keeping all of the odds and ends in order around the hospital. 

We can always count on Denise to offer a hand  where ever needed and always with a smile!

Friday, October 26, 2012

South Florida Pack Walk at TY Oct.27

Pack Walk in the Park (October 2012 / Costume Walk)

  • to


  • 3300 N Park Rd, Hollywood, FL (map)
    26.040334 -80.176119

    After you enter the park through the toll booth, take your 1st right turn & park.
  • Since this Pack Walk is a few days before Halloween, anyone (canine or human) that wants to wear a costume is encouraged to do so!

    Pack Walk in the Park (group dog walk) is an opportunity to get some exercise (for you and your dog) and socialize with other dog owners (non-dog owners are welcome, too!).

    We will walk the two-mile loop of newly paved pathways for walking, jogging, skating, and biking. Plants to attract butterflies have also been placed along the park’s northern corridor.
    TY Park requires all dogs to be on a 6' leash (no retractable / flexi leads). TY Park's admission fee is $1.50 per person (ages 6 and up)

    After you enter the park through the toll booth, take your 1st right turn & park. You will see a red & white sign with a picture of a butterfly that says "Listen to Nature! Please turn down your radio." We will meet in this area and start walking at 9 AM (please arrive by 8:45 AM).

    We will have some treats, samples, and some give aways for your dogs after the walk! *

    Info on TY Park:
    The Seminole Indian name of this 150-acre urban park, Topeekeegee Yugnee, means “meeting or gathering place.” T.Y. is well known for its shady picnic areas, numerous shelters, and a gazebo.

    *This event is sponsored by Harlo's Healthy Pets and Kat Walking Dogs
  • More construction on I-95 and Hollywood Blvd this weekend.


     

    More construction on I-95 and Hollywood Blvd this weekend.

     

    Friendly reminder for everyone coming out to the HAH this weekend they've started construction on I95. From 9pm Friday night thru 5am Monday morning the southbound exit will be closed. The north bound exit will remain open but southbound traffic will need to exit at Pembroke Rd and re-enter northbound 95 and exit Hollywood Blvd heading east. This is one of four full weekends of closures. Stay alert! Stay safe!


    Thursday, October 18, 2012

    Black Cat Safety


    Did you know that some black cats could be in danger during the Halloween season? There are people who target these innocent creatures because of their symbolic relationship to the holiday, and seek to do them harm. In order to protect your pet, we ask that you keep them inside where they will be safe until the holiday is over.

    Tuesday, October 16, 2012

    Patient of the Month- Candi



    Candi, a petite, 6lb, seven year old Shih Tzu was seen by her local vet not eating, straining to urinate and general discomfort. Her vet took x-rays and found her bladder to be full of stones. Immediately, Candi was referred to the HAH for surgery.

    Dr. Shapiro examined Candi, reviewed her bloodwork and x-rays and scheduled her for a cystotomy that very day. The surgery went smoothly and the following day Candi was eating well and feeling fine.

    The stones Dr. Shapiro found were struvite stones, the most common bladder stones in dogs and cats. They typically form because of urinary changes that happen when bladder infections occur. However, struvite crystals require an alkaline pH in order to form; they are less likely to form in acidic urine. So to prevent these stones from reoccurring Candi was prescribed a special diet of Hills C/D to keep her urine within the right pH.




    Candi is now home. She has returned to her playful snuggly self and both her doctor and parents are very happy. We are happy to highlight Candi as our Patient of the Month!

    Thursday, October 11, 2012

    FACEBOOK Halloween Pet Costume Contest!




    FACEBOOK Halloween Pet Costume Contest!



    Upload your pet's picture to our Facebook WALL and enter to win a $25 gift certificate to use toward services at our hospital. The picture with the most LIKES by Oct 31...wins! Upload your pet's picture and encourage your friends and family to LIKE our page so they can participate!

    Wednesday, October 10, 2012

    Today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day

    Is your pet over their healthy, ideal weight? Today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, a day set aside for pet owners with overweight pets, or pets that are headed toward obesity. Just as a reminder, it’s important to get your pet out doing active things, and make sure they’re eating a good diet! Being at their ideal weight can help them live a longer, healthier, and happier life!

    Tuesday, October 9, 2012

    October is Adopt-A-Shelter Month

    Have you ever considered adding a new dog to your family? We encourage you to check out local adoptable pets when you’re looking for your new furry, family member. There are so many great dogs sitting in shelters, just waiting for a family to call their own for the rest of their life! There’s no greater feeling than giving a dog a second chance at life.

    Friday, October 5, 2012

    Blessing of the Animals: THIS SUNDAY

    St Francis of Assisi

      
    Bring your pets!



    Blessing of the Animals
    Sunday Oct.7, 2012
    St John’s Lutheran Church
    2919 Van Buren St.
    Hollywood
    11:00am


    Tuesday, October 2, 2012

    Client testimonial-"It takes a village"


     
    Name: Alyse Vilarello

    Message: The term "It takes a village" is an understatement, when it comes to the assistance I received from some HAH employees. To make a painfully frustrating story short, Debbie Brooks, Leah Turpin, and Tammy are an amazing team.  It began with Tammy speaking with me over the phone on 6/15 about a rescue dog that I was fostering until he was well...but of course I decided to adopt. Her patience and assistance guided me through an already frustrating process and allowed me to successfully get all my paperwork and tags the following day. Once that happened, I came to HAH on Saturday, 6/16 to purchase the Heart Guard and bring the necessary paperwork on Logan to be put in the computer. Of course, that too became complicated and frustrating... which is where Debbie Brooks came to my rescue.  She genuinely went out of her way, without my asking her to do so, and tracked down the information that was needed for Logan. Her commitment, professionalism, and compassion for an extremely frustrated customer simply astounded me then, as it does now while I am writing this. Debbie was also quick to acknowledge her co-worker, Leah Turpin, who was kind enough to fax the microchip information to AVID for me. As I said, it took a village, but thanks to all of your dedicated employees, Logan Jackson is now ready to enjoy his new life and says thank you to all involved who helped!

    Thursday, September 27, 2012

    We are proud to highlight Dr. Guoan!

    Dr. Guoan grew up in Naples, Florida. After high school graduation, she found herself  in Nashville, Tennessee knee deep within the music industry interacting with Pam Lewis, manager of “Garth Brooks”, as well as having her own interest in artist management, tour management and sound/lighting. While in Nashville, she attended Middle Tennessee State University where she played collegiate soccer. Upon graduation, she continued on the music path as a tour/artist manager as well as broadened her athletic career by playing Professional women’s football for the Nashville Dream Team, which is part of the National Women’s Football Association.

    In 2004, she chose to turn corners and explore her other passions in life. Since then, she has been within the Veterinary community and has been consumed with unconditional love from animals. A 2012 graduate of University of Florida, Morgan was a Student Ambassador,  president of “Team Vet Med”, which is a cycling team geared to providing scholarships/support for veterinary students. She was also Hill’s Science Diet’s school representative. While not consumed with school, Morgan was a free lance writer and wrote for the “Critter” which is a nonprofit animal newsletter.
    Morgan finds her true love in veterinary medicine as an emergency doctor. She also is actively involved in palliative/hospice care.  Her life experiences being an athlete, working in the music industry and having a life on the road, have enabled her to learn people and their lifestyles and to enjoy many different personalities and walks of life. Her past has taught her how easy being unconditional to someone can be, when you are able to put your own judgments aside. Being an ear to someone and a voice for others helped shape her into who she is today.

    Thursday, September 20, 2012

    Team Member of the Month: Nadine


    We are pleased to honor Nadine as our Team Member of the Month!


    After volunteering throughout high school, Nadine Rust started working at the HAH in July, 2007 as a Vet Tech. Working full-time and completing her Bachelors at FAU, Nadine is also perusing her certification as a licensed veterinary technician. These pursuits, as well as her love of travel take her away from us more then we’d like but her terrific work ethic has enabled her to handle whatever opportunity comes her way.

    Taking on leadership roles within our in-house blood bank and our orthopedic surgical team, Nadine consistently steps in when a hand is needed and brings energy to our staff that is unique and valued.
      

    Monday, September 17, 2012

    Employee Highlight: Roxanne


    We are proud to highlight a HAH team member that has used her love of animals to reach outside the hospital and make a difference within the canine community. Roxanne Shobe serves behind the scenes in accounts receivable but was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for the Miami Coalition against Breed Specific Legislation, MCABSL, for her tireless efforts to promote awareness, education and responsible ownership in South Florida.


    Her community activism, social conscience and genuine love of animals have made her a strong source of change and we are proud to have her on our team.  Read more about Roxanne at unitedagainstbsl.org

    Friday, September 14, 2012

    Patient of the Month: Comet Williams

    Comet Williams, a 5 year old, Maltese was brought in after an automobile hit and run. Comet’s owner, a single mom who recently suffered a stroke, was witness to the accident and clearly distraught. Upon physical evaluation, Dr. Holland found multiple fractures to his pelvis and os penis (a fracture few of our senior doctors have ever seen) as well as significant skin abrasions. Fortunately, Comet was still able to urinate but could not walk and would not eat.


    For several days Comet was treated for his initial shock. He was hand fed and kept very comfortable to make any movement as painless as possible. Some might say he was pampered by our own Dr. Holland who developed a very strong attachment to Comet and was caught carrying him around often.

    On his fourth day of hospitalization, Comet underwent his first surgery where Dr. Jon and Dr. Vaughn repaired his right hip. 
                                                                               Pre-Surgery
    Because of his size, Comet could only undergo one lengthy procedure that day and his second hip repair was schedule for two days later. 
                                                                       After First Surgery
                                                                                               After Second Surgery 
    After both surgeries, Comet continued intensive TLC and began standing (with a little assistance) and urinating –with one leg up. His spirited attitude was returning and he was eating on his own.

    Comet returned home after 8 days at the HAH. Per doctor’s orders, his owners will maintain strict cage rest for the next 8 weeks and only take him outside for elimination purposes. Currently Comet occasionally stands in the cage and tries to use his left hind limb. Both his owners and our doctors are happy with his progress and honored to be a part of his recovery.


    Wednesday, September 12, 2012

    Pet 911: Prepare Now Before Needing Costly Emergency Veterinary Care

    When Joan Michel's Saint Bernard Jazzi laid down and refused to come inside after a routine potty break in the yard, her husband, Jerry, knew something was seriously wrong. "He could not coax her up," says the Overland Park, Kansas member. "He started to lift her and when he put his hands on her belly, he noticed it was rigid."

    Jazzi was suffering from gastic dilatation-volvulus, or bloat, a potentially fatal condition in which the stomach becomes twisted. Jerry rushed the 135 pound dog 6 miles to BluePearl Veterinary Partners, where she received lifesaving surgery and several days of follow up care at the facility, formerly known as Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center. "When we wanted to visit her, we could just come right in and they'd let us sit there with our dog as long as we wanted," says Michel, who praised the A-rated company for calling with daily updates on Jazzi's condition. "We joke that she's still alive one year past her expiration date!"
          The Hollywood Animal Hospital in Hollywood, FL offers emergency care 24 hours a day, as well as general practice and specialty care during daytime hours. 

    A Whopping 83 percent of Angie's List members who took an online poll have a pet, and 65 percent have experienced a pet emergency. For Jazzi's emergency and follow-up care, the Michels paid $5,000, which demonstrates how costly emergency care can be due to factors like the expense of specialized equipment and staffing, especially in cases where vets have specialty training beyond veterinary school.

    Pet owners can find 911 care in a variety of settings, including general practices and emergency clinics, some of which maintain hours only on nights, weekends and holidays. Cases that come through their doors, emergency vets say, include injuries from car accidents, bites and lacerations, vomiting and urinary blockages. Some emergencies occur as a result of a chronic medical condition, sudden medical even or trauma. Veterinarians say pet owners should use their best judgment when deciding whether to take a pet to the emergency room, but obvious signs care is needed include an inability to go to the bathroom, immobility, frequent vomiting or diarrhea, seizures or bleeding. It was 10p.m. on a weeknight when Bob Kennedy's African Grey parrot Opus flew into a door, injuring his beak. "He scared the bejeezus out of us and was bleeding like a stuck pick," says the Berwyn, IL member. Kennedy's avian vet's office was closed, and the nearby emergency clinic didn't handle exotic pets. They recommend he rush Opus to the highly rated Animal 911 in the Chicago suburb of Skokie.

    Animal 911 staff were able to stanch the bleeding and repair the bird's beak. "They did a beautiful job," says Kennedy, adding the parrot made a full recovery and soon returned to favored activities like singing "Old MacDonald" and eating peanut butter. Kennedy says Opus wouldn't have survived if he'd waited overnight for care.

    Experts and members who've had emergencies recommend pet owners identify a high quality clinic that provides emergency care 24 hours a day before an incident occurs. "It's really hard to be ready for an emergency because by definition, it's something that's unexpected," says Dr. Chris Shacoski, owner of the Solano Napa Pet Emergency Clinic in Fairfield, CA, a clinic that operates outside regular business hours. "Knowing what your resources are ahead of time can make a difference in terms of outcome."

    When searching on Angie's List, check whether a veterinary office's profile lists emergency services. Know the route to the clinic and keep the phone number on hand, along with the numbers for your regular vet and the Animal Poison Control Center for poison related emergencies. Once you choose an emergency vet, have your regular vet fax your pet's medical records to the clinic and keep a copy for yourself.

    Dr. Thomas Sessa, who oversees emergency care at the Hollywood Animal Hospital in Hollywood, FL, recommends visiting a clinic you're considering using beforehand, with your pet, if possible. "When you're panicking, you'll go to the first place that will give you care," Sessa says. "Talk to your regular veterinarian and develop a plan for emergencies."

    That's easy for clients of his A-rated hospital, which offers general veterinary practice, emergency services and specialty care in areas such as oncology and orthopedics. Their full-service facility houses a blood bank as well as equipment like defibrillators and a machine for digital radiography, and can deal with most health issues.

    With different models of care, navigating the choices for where to seek emergency services for your furred, feathered or other animal friend can be difficult. Most general practices provide some emergency care, some dedicated clinics specialize in emergencies only, and other pet health care facilities provide a spectrum of services, including emergency care.

    About 15% of small animal practices in the U.S. are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association, a voluntary program that has stringent requirements for care, service and medical protocol.

    Training among veterinarians also varies. Although specialty training is not required to administer emergency and critical care, some vets pursue to obtain additional experience. Some also become Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, which requires an additional three years of intense training in treating life threatening conditions after receiving a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. "This can be confusing to the pet owner, because if they go to an emergency clinic, it's not guaranteed they're seeing an emergency and critical care specialist," says Dr. Armelle de Laforcade, the executive secretary of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care and a teacher of veterinary medicine at Tufts University in Boston. She says there are about 340 Diplomates nationwide, which is a small percentage of the 85,000 veterinarians estimated by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

    De Laforcade acknowledges pet owners can find excellent emergency care at various settings by vets with differing backgrounds, but the most critical cases may require a specialist. "The critical care specialist is really there to ensure the best emergency care is being administered," she says.

    If follow-up care is needed, your provider should be able to recommend other certified specialists, such as those trained in ophthalmology, neurology or other fields of veterinary medicine. After you receive a diagnosis and a referral, shop your options for continuing vet treatment if time allows. Whatever type of provider you choose for your pet, be warned that emergency services might take a chunk out of your wallet. Veterinarians and members interviewed for this story acknowledged that emergency care for pets can be quite costly due to factors like round-the-clock staffing; technology that may include ultrasound machines, oxygen cages or fluid pumps: and medicine or supplies. The costs for care vary depending on the case, but most require a fee for the initial exam.

    At the Solano-Napa Pet Emergency Clinic, the base fee is $79, but Shacoski says $110 is not uncommon in California. The American Veterinary Medical Association says there is no standard model for the industry but some emergency vets require payment before treatment. 34% of Angie's List poll respondents reported paying between $251 and $500 for an emergency visit. Sixteen percent spent as much as $1000 or more.

    While some members say they're willing to pay higher costs for emergency or after-hours care, others are turned off by prices. Member Jann Howell says she was treated with indifference at Animal Emergency Clinic in Greenville, SC, where she took her dog Ashleigh after she began throwing up on a Saturday night.

    "They just want your credit card or check," says Howell, who complained about wait times and a lack of compassion from employees of the D-Rated company. "They don't care about your dog or you." After exploratory surgery revealed the pieces of bone marrow lodged in her intestines, Ashleigh continued to deteriorate and had to be euthanized the following day. Howell paid $4000 for emergency care.

    Rana Sargent, hospital manager at Animal Emergency Clinic, says she couldn't comment on Howell's case, but the fact that clients usually come to the clinic in a state of panic can lead to misunderstandings.

    "Like a human emergency, we have to triage, based on the how serious the case is," Sargent says to explain wait times. She also says because her hospital typically deals with clients on a one-time basis, it can be difficult to balance the medical needs of the pet with the expectations of its owner.

    Members who rate their experiences with emergency pet care providers cite good communication about treatment options and kindness towards themselves and their pets as qualities that helped them get through tough ordeals. Megan Lamon, the veterinarian who manages emergency care at the highly rated Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital in Snohomish, WA, says keeping a calm, reassuring demeanor, and sharing as much information as soon as possible with the pet parent is key. "We're treating the owner and the patient similarly because they're both in a state of agitation," says Lamon, adding that she learned most of her communication skills on the job. "I have to work very quickly with people who don't know me to gain their trust."

    Member Danita Applebaum of Sterling, VA, was mortified when her families pet guinea pic, Mo, lost his ability to walk after a fall. She brought him to the highly rated Towne Animal Clinic in Leesburg, VA where they diagnosed and treated a spinal cord injury for $150. "I was blown away with how caring and gentle everyone was," Applebaum says. "They had to flip this little guy on his back and x-ray him, and showed the finesse you need to deal with a small animal."

    Applebaum found the clinic on Angie's List, and has since adopted it as her full-time vet for Mo, who was returning to hopping around begging for his favorite fruits and veggies. "Mo and the Towne Animal Clinic have reminded me how intelligent and responsive to care and kindness all creatures can be."


    Angie's List - August 2011
    By Emily Udell
    www.angieslist.com