Tuesday, March 28, 2017

5th Annual Free Eye Exam for Service Animals Event!!!!


  Love in action is service!


This May, VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital and Animal Eye Guys, will host their 5th Annual Free Eye Exam for Service Animals Event.  Sunday May 7th from 10-4pm will be dedicated exclusively to eye exams for qualified service animals.

Prompted by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist National Eye Exams for Service animals, Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist, Dr. Robert Swinger will be checking for problems including redness, squinting, cloudy corneas, retinal disease, early cataracts and other serious abnormalities. 
“A lot of little things can be missed without all of the proper equipment. Early detection of problems and treatment is vital to the success of these working animals,"
Dr. Robert Swinger l Animal Eye Guys 
To qualify, animals must be active working animals such as guide dogs, handicapped assistance animals, detection dogs, therapy animals and search and rescue animals that have been certified by a formal training program or organization or are currently enrolled in a formal training program. The certifying organization could be national, regional or local in nature. Once registered online, the owner/agent will receive a registration number. Simply call (954) 826-8871 to schedule an appointment.
 
HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE 2017 EVENT:
To qualify for a free exam, animals must be

Owners/agents for the animal(s) must first register the animal via an online registration form beginning April 1st at www.ACVOeyeexam.orgRegistration ends April 30th. Once registered online, the owner/agent will receive a registration number. They can then simply call (954) 826-8871 to schedule an appointment for the month of May. 
Appointments can be made throughout the month of May through Animal Eye Guys.
 “Our practice has been serving the South Florida for nearly 70 years. We have a commitment to our pets and are honored to provide exams for animals that so selflessly provide support to their people and community. We could not be happier to partner with Dr. Swinger and Animal Eye Guys once again to provide this service.” 
Dr. James Herrington l VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital l Medical Director

Friday, March 17, 2017

K9 Officer First Aid Training!!!!!!!!

After nearly 70 years of caring for the pets in South Florida, VCA Hollywood has developed strong relationships with our community. These relationships have transcended the doctor:patient bond and established us a solid resource for best pet care. This bond is no more epitomized than with our law enforcement community. For decades we have cared for our state and local police K9 officers for wellness and emergency care. This week, we offered these same officers an opportunity to take care into their own hands with our annual K9 Officer First Aid Training.


Thirty officers from area K9 Units joined us to bone up on their canine care with Leah S, LVT. Leah has offered this training at least once a year to our officers and teaches them to adapt their knowledge of human emergency care to pet care. These Officers learn and practice taking vitals, doing CPR and emergency wound management.

The men where all ears to understand the best practices for caring for their K9 partners.

This year, through a grant for the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) special, customized emergency kits were purchased for each officer ensuring they will have everything they need if their partner is injured in the line of duty.

We are grateful for the service these officers perform and proud to be a part of their continued safety.






Friday, March 10, 2017

Why you need pet health insurance!!!

Logan after treatment
Did you know that when you adopt from the Humane Society of Broward County, your new pet is already protected by Trupanion Pet Health Insurance?

All new adoptions are automatically approved for a 30 day trial membership with Trupanion which will protect your new edition immediately! For many this coverage goes unused as the new pet remains healthy. However, at VCA Hollywood, we know that is not always the case. Whether it is simply a cough that needs treatment or an intestinal bug, new pets are often in need of a little tune up as they move into their new home. 

Trupanions trial, once activated, offer an umbrella of protection. Success stories of this coverage is seen often within our walls and is no more represented than with 6 month old Logan that was rescued at 8 weeks through the HSBC and one week later developed signs of Parvo Virus. 

Parvo, or canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious viral disease that can produce a life-threatening illness. The virus attacks rapidly dividing cells in a dog’s body, most severely affecting the intestinal tract. Parvovirus also attacks the white blood cells, and when young animals are infected, the virus can damage the heart muscle and cause lifelong cardiac problems. The clinical signs and symptoms of CPV disease can vary, but generally they include severe vomiting and diarrhea. 

At 9 weeks old, Logan, was brought to us and under the care of Dr. Cappe, he was hospitalized. For 13 days he was treated for  Parvovirus, Coccidiosis, Kennel Cough and Pancreatitis. He was in our ICU, isolated from other patients, and on IV fluids, medications, recieving  regular blood tests and 24/7 intensive care. 

Logan today!!
Our staff bonded deeply with young Logan over those weeks and watched as he slowly-very slowly- made the turn from a sick puppy to one with hope. On the day of his discharge, Logan was nearly 3months old, he was 5 lbs, he had a regimen of prescription medication and food and had just fought the battle of his life.
 
This week Logan returned for an exam. Fighting the sniffles a little, he is now 58 lbs of pure lovable lab. Logan's story is not unique. Rescued animals often have underlying issues that do not manifest for days or weeks after exposure. This is why the HSBC and Trupanion partnered in the first place.

Insurance is a funny thing. We never want to use it. Logan's family certainly appreciated it's presence as these 13 days of care where covered and that burden was lifted.