Client Testimonial

Dear Nancy,

I am sure you hear about it when things go wrong, but I would like to tell you about our experience which was wonderful. My dog, Kiku, was diagnosed with an ulcerated cornea the day before we were suppose to travel to NYC, so severe that she would have gone blind in one more day. We postponed our trip by half a day so we could keep her overnight at HAH, and take her back to Dr. Pelicane, her ophthalmologist, in the morning, and back to your hospital. That night and the five or six that followed, required Kiku to receive serum every 1/2 hour, and every 1/2 hour, and subsequently every hour from midnight to six am, not to mention 7-8 other drugs that needed to be administered. Between Dr. Low and Dr. Swinger ( who added a few more he thought would be beneficial) and all the wonderful techs, her healing began immediately, which assured us that we could go on our trip knowing Kiku was in good hands. 

During our trip Dr. Low spoke to me everyday, and if I didn't call her, she would call me--religiously. Dr. Swinger kept a focus on Kiku, too. I ended up leaving Mochi, our other dog, there, as well. Fast forward to the end of our trip, we picked up two happy and one much healthier bichon! In addition, I spoke to Mimi the night before pick-up to ensure that the dogs would be bathed and ready by noon, so I could pick them up and get to Dr. Pelicane's by 1:00 pm. As I anticipated, all went according to Hoyle!

From the front desk crew, to all techs (to whom I am particularly grateful), Mimi, Dr. Swinger, and most particularly Dr. Low, without whose help I would not have been able to travel, I want to extend my most heartfelt gratitude. Should either dog ever have any health crisis in the future, there is no question where we would go!!!! We live in Boca Raton, but your hospital is the only place we would consider!

I just want to commend you on your staff, and again extend my sincere gratitude to all who helped Kiku back to health!

Thank you so much,

Marilyn (and Reed) Endo

August Team Member of the Month- Candice

“If HAH could display a billboard for 'Most Efficient Task Completer' Candice’s smiling face would be on it!”

Candice epitomizes our goal for Team Member of the Month. She goes above & beyond to complete any task she’s assigned, often putting in her own time to accomplish it with 110% perfection!

Candice originally worked as a HAH Vet Assistant and Technician but took on the role of our Surgical/Boarding Coordinator in 2005. Since starting that job, she has expanded her roll to include… well just about everything under the sun! She is the right hand “man” of our management team- getting things done that go on behind the scenes.

“She's a people pleas-er and can often be found helping out in every department from reception to vet tech and everywhere in between ending each task with "no problem" "happy to help".  Her positive aura and "pay it forward" attitude are quite contagious.  She is extremely efficient, organized and meticulous in her work. If you want every "T" crossed and every "I" dotted (before you can even ask) Candice is the employee to look for!”

Our Team Member of the Month for August goes to a real star. We so appreciate her service to our staff and clients. Thank you, Candice.

August Patient of the Month- Baba boui

Baba boui is a 3 year old, indoor cat that showed a history of vomiting and weight loss over a period of months. His owner brought him to the HAH  for evaluation and blood work was run. His liver values were dangerously elevated. Immediate hospitalization and supportive care was necessary to address these values. Further diagnostics showed that his bile duct was blocked causing an increase in bile in the liver and gallbladder.

Bile, produced by the liver, is stored in the gallbladder and aids in digestion in the gut.  For Baba Boui the bile was unable to pass out of the gallbladder and was backing up in the liver causing her presenting symptoms; yellowing of the skin and elevated liver values. Left untreated this condition can lead to liver disease, to sepsis and to a life-threatening infection caused by the buildup of bilirubin.

After intensive medical management of this disease, Baba boui was scheduled for surgery with Dr. Sessa as a critical patient. The goal of surgery was to create a new pathway for the bile.  Dr. Sessa performed a bypass of the bile duct by attaching the gallbladder directly to the  duodem (the first section of the small intestine) so the bile could resume it job in digestion. Pathology was submitted to assist in determining the cause and later treatment for Baba boui. The prognosis was guarded.

Post surgery Baba boui was on medications to support his liver and to help “clean out” the build up of the billirubin. The inflammation of the liver was life threatening and getting the levels back to normal was now the struggle. Baba boui was very sick

Thankfully, Baba Boui was a fighter. After weeks of intensive medical care he was released from the hospital. Today, he is a happy cat. While, he will be on supportive liver medication he whole life, his prognosis is good.

We are pleased to recognize Baba boui as our Patient of the Month as well as his caring family who’s loving presence was felt daily and helped make this success story possible.

International Assistance Dog Week

It's International Assistance Dog Week! This week was created to honor those wonderful animals that help individuals alleviate their disabilities.. We would love to see pictures of service animal you know. Upload pictures of your assistance dog to our Facebook Timeline this week!