April- Team Member of the Month

Knowledgeable, compassionate, versatile; these are just a few words that can be used to describe this month's Team Member of the Month. Dalila Reyes has been at the HAH since 2006 and has served in a variety of capacities and excelled in all!! She has been the personal technician to Dr. Shapiro for the last four years but that has not kept her from branching out and taking charge of our in-house canine blood bank and managing our digital radiography records. She is known by our clients as someone that can be trusted and her own doctor would say that she "goes above and beyond the call of duty. She has great patient care and takes the initiative to do more than is asked. Dalila has a thirst for knowledge and strives to improve and learn new skills. She is one of the most loyal employees” Dalila is a model employee and for that reason we honor her as our April Team Member of the Month!!

April-Patient of the Month- Qi Mei [Chee May]

 

Qi Mei [Chee My], meaning life/beautiful, is a 10+ year old female Shar Pei, that has been a patient of the HAH since she was 2months old. She is the oldest of three puppies that along with her mom, share in the credit for this success story.

Over the years, Qi Mei has seen many doctors for well health visit and routine procedures as well as a series of close encounters with foreign objects like a tasty corn cob or rock but her heart belongs to Dr. Herrington who her mother would call -her savior.

Last month, Qi Mei came to see Dr. H. Her mom, who is very in tuned to the nuances of all her girls, noticed Qi Mei not eating and experiencing episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. Her feces were tested and parasites were present. A treatment of antibiotics was prescribed but when the following day her behavior was still not quite right, blood work and x-rays were done as well. Another foreign body was suspected.

The x-rays showed not only a possible foreign object in Qi Mei but also revealed a mass on her liver. Ultra-sound confirmed this mass and surgery was scheduled. Dr.Bibevski and Dr. Sessa performed the surgery and did in fact find foreign material (a tasty plastic toy and rocks) along with a mass on Qi Mei’s liver.  Both the foreign material and mass were removed and Qi Mei recovered from anesthesia normally.

However, all procedures come with a risk of complications and even a well executed surgery without abnormalities can go wrong. Five days after Qi Mei’s surgery her behavior was noticeable changed and her mom returned her to the hospital. The tissues in Qi Mei’s intestines were not healing as they should and Dr. Herrington and Dr. Bibevski returned her to surgery. This time what they found was a very sick tummy and in order to help they needed to flush it out and leave it “open” to drain. This procedure sounds radical but is necessary to allow the bad bacteria to leave the body and not fester. After just a few days the doc’s went back in and cleaned her up again. This time they closed her abdomen.

For the next 7 days, she continued to receive intensive care to monitor her healing. She had drains and tubes in her as you might see in a human ICU and our 24 hour attention was essential to her progress.

 “The staff went above and beyond for her while in the hospital and Dr. H kept me positive throughout the whole ordeal.” said Qi Mei’s mom

What was unique though, and perhaps as important to her recovery as her surgical and hospital care, was Qi Mei herself. Qi Mei was patient. She was willing. She was loving. Never once did she shy away from going outside or hesitate when yet another treatment needed to be completed. She plugged along and soon was starting to act like herself again.

Twenty days after her initial visit, she was heading home with strict instructions for careful monitoring and care. Her mom and three sisters, Jasmine and Cha Siu Bau [Cha Su Bow] would need to temper there tremendous enthusiasm to have her home and help her rest and relax. Quite a task for the close knit group!!!

                                                                                                  

At her recheck, Qi Mei was definitely on the mend. Her blood work was improving and Dr. Herrington continues to closely monitor every change.  Qi Mei is a wonderful example of the teamwork it takes to care for patients and we are happy to recognize her as our patient of the month!!

Relay For Life of Hollywood

We encourage you to come out and participate in the Relay for Life of Hollywood next Friday April 19th at 6pm at the Arts Park At Young Circle.  The American Cancer Society invites you to take that step with us by joining the global Relay For Life movement. When you walk to end cancer at a Relay event, it's your opportunity to not only honor cancer survivors and remember loved ones lost, but also to raise awareness about what we can do to stay well from cancer and raise money to help fuel the world's largest walk to end cancer.

35 teams and 132 participants have already raised $15,551.68

Click here to Donate or Join our Team!

Hollywood Animal Hospital is one of the sponsors of Relay for Life of Hollywood in honor of Terry Adams, one of our former employees. Participate in this event or donate 

Tomorrow is National Pet Day

Tomorrow is National Pet Day, a day set aside to remind pet owners and caretakers about the importance of proper care for pets. When was the last time your pet had a regular check-up? Is your pet up-to-date on vaccines and preventative medicines? Contact us today if you have questions about your pet’s health.

April is National Pet Month

April is National Pet Month, a time set aside to honor your pets! 

Free Public Lecture Series- April 11, 2013

Free public lecture in Miami, April 11, 2013 for all pet owners, rescue workers and animal lovers.
The South Florida Veterinary Foundation invites you to attend: 

What big eyes you have!  Keeping your pet’s eyes healthy – common ocular diseases.
Presented by Robert Swinger, DVM, DACVO
Animal Eye Guys, HAH, SVRC


The Golden Years - Common diseases and problems in senior pets.
Presented by Vera Maeckelbergh, DVM, DACVIM
Miami Veterinary Specialists
 
Thursday, April 11th, 2013 from 7-830pm
Whitten Learning Center, University of Miami, Room LC120
RSVP by email: info@sfvet.org or by calling 786-258-VETS

May Free Eye Exam for Service Animals!!!!

 Hollywood Animal Hospital and Animal Eye Guys, in conjunction with the American College of Veterinarian Ophthalmology and Merial will offer free eye exams to all service animals throughout the month of May. Guardians and handlers of all qualified service animals are invited to visit the clinic for a free eye exam provided by Dr. Robert Swinger, D.V.M., Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology.

"I will be checking for problems including redness, squinting, cloudy corneas, retinal disease, early cataracts and other serious abnormalities. Early detection and treatment are vital to these working animals," said Dr. Swinger. "It is truly an honor to provide exams for animals who so selflessly provide support to their people and communities."


To qualify, animals must be active working animals such as guide dogs, handicapped assistance animals, detection dogs, therapy animals, and search and rescue dogs that have been certified by a formal training program/organization or are currently enrolled in a formal training program. The certifying organization can be national, regional or local in nature.

Owners/agents for the animal(s) must first register the animal via an online registration form
beginning April 1, 2013 at www.acvoeyeexam.org. Registration ends April 30th.
Once registered online, the owner/agent will receive a registration number. They can then simply
call Hollywood Animal Hospital with that number to make an appointment.

"For 65 years, the veterinarians and staff of Hollywood Animal Hospital have been deeply devoted
to companion animals and the people of South Florida," said Dr. Jim Herrington. "When Dr.
Swinger presented the ACVO/Merial National Service Dog Eye Exam program to us, we jumped
at the opportunity to participate."

Cooking for Pets Event- May 8, 2013!!!

 

 On Wednesday, May 8, 2013 from 6 - 8 p.m., Great Florida Bank will host a cooking for pets event at the Wilton Station location in Wilton Manors. Jodi Ziskin, a Holistic Nutrition & Wellness Specialist For Pets, will demonstrate how to prepare nutritionally complete homemade food for cats and dogs.

Devoted pet guardians are invited to learn about species appropriate nutrition, pet food myths, and other nutritional nuggets from Jodi. There will also be food samples and goody bags to take home.



"There are many misconceptions about homemade food for pets. It is less expensive and takes less time to prepare than most people think," said Ziskin. "Of course, providing the right balance of nutrients is extremely important."

The event is free and open to the public, however space is limited. To RSVP, please email jjones@greatfloridabank.com. Well-behaved dogs are invited to attend with their guardians.

Great Florida Bank Wilton Station is located at 1201 NE 26 Street, Wilton Manors, Florida 33305.

 Jodi Ziskin is a Certified Pet Nutrition Consultant who holds a M.S. in Holistic Nutrition with a concentration in companion animal care. Her mission is to help cats and dogs live healthier and happier. Through her company, Holistic Healthy Pets by Jodi Z, Jodi empowers pet parents with information so they can make the best holistic diet and lifestyle choices for their animal companions. Consultations are provided in the home, via Skype / FaceTime or by telephone. She has been featured in articles appearing in Animal Wellness Magazine, Cat Fancy Magazine, Natural Awakenings and Urban Animal (Australia). She is also the Nutrition Consultant for Lap Of Love Veterinary Hospice and Cat Health Writer for Examiner.com. For more information, visit HolisticHealthyPets.net or email info@holistichealthypets.net

Broward County Free Sterilization for Free- Roaming Cats!!

Broward County Animal Care & Adoption Center has provided grant money to several local animal clinics for the spay/neuter of free roaming cats within the zip codes 33309, 33311, and 33312. The service includes ear notch and rabies vaccine. Photo ID is required to prove residency. Maximum 4 cats per person. Please line bottoms of appropriately sized carriers or humane traps with newspaper. 

 

 

Animal Aid- 754.223.5378

Animal Medical Center & Bird Clinic of Hollywood- 954.920.2400

Broward Animal Hospital-954.925.2467

Discount Pet Clinic- 954.989.9879

Emerald Hills Animal Hospital-954.983.2300

Stray Aid & Rescue- 954.816.0799

Please understand that you are responsible for trapping and transporting the cats.

www.broward.org/animal

 

April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month

First Aid Kit Checklist
What's in your Pet First Aid Kit? 

• Save your veterinarian’s phone number and emergency veterinary clinic’s phone number (if applicable) in your cell phone address book and keep a hard copy in the kit.
• Gauze to wrap wounds or muzzle animal.
• Adhesive tape for bandages.
• Nonstick bandages (i.e., Telfa pads) to protect wounds or control bleeding.
• Towels and cloth to clean wounds or to wrap up the pet.
• Milk of Magnesia or activated charcoal to absorb poison (be sure toget the advice of your veterinarian or local poison control center beforeinducing vomiting or treating an animal for poisoning).
• Large syringe without needle or eyedropper (to give oral treatments).
• Muzzle, a basket muzzle is the best option but a cloth muzzle will also work, (soft cloth, rope, necktie or nylon stocking) or use a towel to cover a small animal’s head. Do not use in case of vomiting.
• Stretcher (a door, board, blanket or floor mat).

View this video of Hollywood Animal Hospital's Dr. Patterson giving some great tips of what to pack in your  pet's emergency kit


                          http://www.healthypet.com/PetCare/PetCareArticle.aspx?title=First_Aid_Kit_Checklist

May Free Eye Exam for Service Animals

Hollywood Animal Hospital and Animal Eye Guys,  in conjunction with the American College of Veterinarian Ophthalmologist and Merial will offer free eye exams to all service animals throughout the month of May.

To kick off to this month long event we are dedicating one full day,

May 8, 2013, to these loyal service animals. Guardians and handlers of all qualified service animals are invited to visit the clinic on May 8^th for a free eye exam provided by Dr. Robert Swinger, D.V.M., Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist. Read more about Dr. Swinger.

"I will be checking for problems including redness, squinting, cloudy corneas, retinal disease, early cataracts and other serious abnormalities. Early detection and treatment are vital to these working animals," said Dr. Swinger. "It is truly an honor to provide exams for animals who so selflessly provide support to their people and communities."

To qualify, animals must be active working animals such as guide dogs, handicapped assistance animals, detection dogs, therapy animals, and search and rescue dogs that have been certified by a formal training program/organization or are currently enrolled in a formal training program. The certifying organization can be national, regional or local in nature.

Owners/agents for the animal(s) must first register the animal via an online registration form beginning April 1, 2013 at http://www.acvoeyeexam.org/2013/animals/qualifications.shtml.

Registration ends April 30th. 

Once registered online, the owner/agent will receive a registration number. They can then simply call Hollywood Animal Hospital with that number to make an appointment.

"For 65 years, the veterinarians and staff of Hollywood Animal Hospital have been deeply devoted to companion animals and the people of South Florida," said Dr. Jim Herrington. "When Dr. Swinger presented the ACVO/Merial National Service Dog Eye Exam program to us, we jumped at the opportunity to participate."

Dr. Robert Swinger, D.V.M., AVCO

Dr. Robert Swinger completed his undergraduate work and received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois in 2003.  After completing an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Veterinary Specialists of South Florida in Cooper City, he went on to complete both an ophthalmology internship in 2005 and residency in 2009 at the Animal Eye Specialty Clinics in Miami, Deerfield Beach, and West Palm Beach.  Soon thereafter, he joined the VCA Aurora Animal Hospital outside of Chicago and developed a successful ophthalmology service where he continues to actively consult.  In 2011, Dr. Swinger launched Animal Eye Guys and joined the Hollywood Animal Hospital veterinary team.  Dr. Swinger is board certified and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
In his work environment, Dr. Swinger enjoys teaching and taking active roles in the hospital’s internship program.  His special interests include surgical and medical management of glaucoma, cataract surgery, and corneal physiology.  Outside of the veterinary arena, Dr. Swinger enjoys spending time with his family; his pets (a poodle, Sophie and a pug, Chuck; an African Grey parrot, Paco; and several saltwater fish); and enjoys fishing, cooking, and traveling.

       

Sassy's story!!!

 Wednesday, March 27th, Sassy was rescued from the Miami shelter by S.H.A.R.E- Shepherd Help and Rescue Effort. She was left in an abandoned fourcolsure with no food or means to escape. Sassy, as she is called, was emaciated and minimally responsive. S.H.A.R.E brought her to Hollywood Animal Hospital where she received emergency critical care from Dr. Bello.

Friday, Dr. Jennifer Bibevski took here to surgery to explore her abdomen and hopefully correct some of the underlying causes of her condition. During the surgery, Dr. Bibevski, took samples of her organs for pathology to further evaluate her status.
With blood levels dangerously low, Sassy continued to receive critical supportive care that included plasma and nourishment.

Monday, she began to improve and today is walking and eating a bit on her own.

Check out  NBC 6 Coverage of Sassy- April 1,2013

Shepherd Help And Rescue Effort, Inc. is made up of a group of animal lovers who have fallen in love with the German Shepherd breed. Each is a volunteer, donating their time, money and skills to the rescue of these amazing dogs. S.H.A.R.E. volunteers come in all ages, shapes and sizes, just like German Shepherds do. They raise money to pay veterinary bills, they do dog food drives and collect towels and blankets, collars and leashes. Volunteers work at Farmers Markets and other places S.H.A.R.E. pitches its tent to educate the public about the kill shelters and try to find loving homes for these beautiful animals. Learn more about S.H.A.R.E.-