Answer your pet's questions on National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day!

7 Questions Your Cat Might Ask 

Cats are great at body language, and you’re probably clear on your cat’s desires…most of the time. But what about those times when you’re just not communicating? Here are a few questions we think a lot of cats have about life with humans.

Question 1: Why do you keep petting me after I’ve told you to stop?

I like being petted, but I have my limits. Or in case you didn’t understand my body language, a twitching tail and sideways ears means, “I’m done. Please stop.” I can’t be blamed if there’s a scratch or bite that follows my warning!

A Good Answer from You

Sorry, kitty. I know now! I’ll keep an eye out for those signs that you’d like your space.

Question 2: Why can’t I have fish at every meal?

I appreciate the occasional tuna juice you give me, but I want my own piece. Fish oil is good for me. It makes my coat soft and improves my brain functions. Plus, I like fish. Like, a lot!

A Good Answer from You

Oh kitty, too much can make you sick! Let’s talk with the veterinarian about treats and snacks that are good for you and can keep you happy.

Question 3: Why do you get upset about me jumping on the counter (or table?)

First off, let’s look at facts. I can jump up there, and I like having the advantage of height. It keeps me out of reach of the dog, plus, you have tasty food there (like fish.) If you really don’t want me on the counter, then give me another high place where I can retreat but still be close to you.

A Good Answer from You

OK. We don’t want your fur in our food. Why don’t we make another place where you can sit, like this shelf or a new cat tree?

Question 4: Why do you yell at me when I sharpen my claws on the big fluffy scratching post you call a couch?

I like to stretch my paws wide, and sometimes my claws catch. Then, I realize it feels so good to stretch. And I can do it while sitting next to you, so that’s a win. Confession: sometimes, when you’re not around, I scratch it to relieve stress. Sorry. Not sorry.

A Good Answer from You

The furniture is expensive. When you scratch it, you ruin it. Here’s proper a scratching post. I’ll even put some treats on it to encourage you to use the post instead of the furniture!

Question 5: Why do you insist on combing me?

I don’t like it, and I can groom myself. Do you see my tail twitching?

A Good Answer from You

Do you see how much fur comes off of you when I comb you? That’s fur that doesn’t coat the furniture, or my clothes, or the floor. I’ll try to keep brushing sessions a bit shorter, and I’ll reward you with chin scratches or treats!

Question 6: Why do you take so many pictures of me?

Sleeping, stretching, playing, cleaning my toes...all of these are all photo opportunities to you. But I’m just living my life. Why so many pictures?

A Good Answer from You

Kitty, you’re cute. And we need to have our own cat photos to post on #catsofinstagram. Do you know you’re up 150 followers? How about I turn off the camera flash and sounds?

Question 7: Why do I have to split your love and attention with the dog?

Actually, why do we have a dog?

A Good Answer from You

We like the dog. You’ll have to learn to get along. But as a family, we pledge to keep an eye out for signs of stress and make sure that you have plenty of space. If need be, we’ll talk with the vet about ways to help you two share the household happily.

You and your cat might have many, many more questions, and you’re always welcome to ask us! Please feel free to reach out on Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day -- or any day!

 

Based on an article that first appeared at GeniusVets

  

OUR SPECIALTY TEAM IS HERE WHEN YOU NEED US!

 

Specialty Care Appointments

We understand the challenges your clients can face in finding appointments for the advanced care you recommend. We are here to help. What we are doing. Our Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Department has expanded to provide greater availability for Ultrasound and CT services. Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Services available Mon-Sat.  Internal Medicine & Dermatology With the growth of our Internal Medicine Department, Dr. Randi Fishkin, DACVECC, DACVIM and Dr. Melody Chen (Practice Limited to Internal Medicine) are able to provide IM consultations typically within five days of your referral. Internal Medicine Service is available Tues-Sat. Our Dermatology Department is currently booking appointments 6 weeks out. However, to ensure every dermatology client can be seen as soon as possible, we have a well-established waitlist protocol in place. Dermatology Service is available Tues-Sat. Oncology & Emergency and Critical Care Our Oncology Department's renovations are complete. Your clients are now welcomed into a state-of-the-art USP 800-compliant oncology suite, thus ensuring the safest administration of cancer care available.  Oncology Service is available Mon- Thurs. Our Emergency & Critical Care Department, overseen by  Dr. Randi Fishkin, DACVECC, DAVCIM is staffed 7 days a week for referrals.  Emergency and Critical Care Service is available 24/7, Sun-Sat. Our Surgical Service is available 5 days a week, Tues-Sat.

Barkworthy Savings on Petcare!

Puppies, Kitties, Adults & Seniors,
everyone saves as part of the club!

 VCA Hollywood's wellness plans ensure you save on your pet's care. With unlimited visits to your general practitioner, you also have unlimited peace of mind knowing that you can come in whenever you think your pet is in need.  

Our CareClub Plans offer pet assurance that cover all stages of life. Whether you are embarking on the new journey of puppydom or have a senior cat that needs a little extra support. We have a plan that is the perfect fit for every pet. 

Click here to learn more about our plans and to contact us for a customized estimate.
 

Everyone is a winner with CareClub! Along with guaranteed savings, this month, new CareClub members will be entered into a raffle to take home goodies for their pet.

What plan is right for your pet? Contact our CareClub Concierge, Sarah, to learn more about each plan and decide which one meets your pet’s needs.  Connect with Sarah directly at 954-920-3556 ext.157 or by email at sarah.schwartz@vca.com.

Herd Immunity- Does my choice to vaccinate matter to others?

 

What is involved in a Canine Annual Wellness Visit?

What is involved in a Canine Annual Wellness Visit?

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital selects vaccine protocol (frequency) based on breed, age, and lifestyle.

How Vaccinations Work: When administered, they stimulate your dog's immune system to produce disease-fighting calls and proteins-or antibodies-to protect against disease.

Vaccine Information:

DA2P-Pv Vaccine

• Canine Distemper- Vaccination against this often fatal, hard-to-treat disease is essential
• Canine Parvovirus- This illness is very contagious, debilitating, and widespread—the disease caused by infected feces.
• Canine Adenovirus, Type 2-Canine Adenovirus is a relative of the hepatitis virus and is one of the causes of canine kennel cough.

(DA2PP Vaccine 1 or 3-year inoculation) 

Bordetella (Canine Cough) Vaccine - This respiratory-tract infection, similar to the common human cold, is easily transmitted from one dog to another. (Canine Tracheobronchitis Vaccine 1-year inoculation)

Rabies Vaccine- This incurable viral disease affects the central nervous system of almost all mammals, including humans. It is spread by contact with the saliva of infected animals through bites or skin breaks. Vaccination will provide your pet with excellent resistance to Rabies if they become exposed. For this reason, Florida municipalities require that all dogs receive Rabies Vaccinations regularly. (Rabies Vaccine 1 or 3-year inoculation)

Local municipalities mandate the purchase of an annual license tag on the anniversary of the Rabies vaccine. Broward County tags are available for purchase for county residents. 

 

Canine Influenza (H3N8/H3N2) Vaccine - This flu is highly contagious and easily transmitted via contact, cough, sneeze, and contaminated surfaces. Usually mild in 80% of the cases, some dogs exhibit more severe symptoms, and a small number of dogs have died from complications associated with this disease. *A booster vaccination three weeks following the initial vaccination is necessary. (Canine Influenza Vaccine 1-year inoculation)

Leptospirosis Vaccine - A bacterial disease that attacks the kidneys and liver. This disease is zoonotic, which means it could transmit to humans.*A booster vaccination three weeks following the initial vaccination is necessary. (Leptospirosis Vaccine 1-year inoculation)

Lyme Disease- Ticks transmit the disease to dogs, other animals, and humans. Lyme disease, if left untreated, could have severe consequences on a dog's health. This disease is most common in the northern parts of the United States. *A booster vaccination three weeks following the initial vaccination is necessary.

Annual Physical Examination- The annual exam is more than just a cursory check-up. Most often, during these veterinary exams, a veterinarian can pick up the early warning signs of a severe problem that will affect your pet in the future. Your veterinarian has special training and experience in detecting subtle illnesses in pets.  (Comprehensive Wellness Examination 6 to 12-months) 

Intestinal Parasite (Fecal) Examination - A fecal examination is the microscopic evaluation of feces performed annually to detect tiny gastrointestinal parasites that can cause your pet to become ill. Some parasites can transmit to people. (Fecal Examination Annual Test)

Heartworm Antigen Test- Dogs get Heartworm Disease from mosquitos. This test is a simple screening test to check if your pet has been exposed to Heartworm Disease. (Heartworm Antigen Test to Antech Annual)

Wellness & Prevention Profile Testing-
Dogs are very good at masking illness, and disease may be present even in pets that appear healthy. Wellness testing is a simple and effective way of monitoring your dog's health. If a concern is found, steps can often be taken to manage the problem. For more information on wellness testing, speak with your veterinarian.(Wellness Profile Blood Test to Antech Recommended Annually Varies By Profile)

To schedule an appointment:

By Phone: (954) 920-3556 

By Email: au1000@vca.com 

On line scheduling: https://vcahospitals.com/hollywood/primary/book-an-appointment

Whistle While You Work!

 

Join us! Job Fair_VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital!!

Are you an animal lover? Are you looking for a career in pet health? If you are, then you need to register and attend this event.

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital has been providing pet care to our community for over 75 years. It is our experience that sets us apart as we offer general care as well as specialized and 24 hour emergency services. We are the one-stop a pet needs for care and our team is one of a kind.

Our job fair is a great place to learn about the variety of roles available in vet care, to tour our facility, to meet our staff and to learn about the many benefits of working for VCA.

There is no cost to attend this event and all attendants that register will be entered into a raffle draw the night of the event.

Customer service, Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Assistant positions available for both day and night shifts.

 
Scan QR Code to Register Now!

 

Esophageal Foreign Bodies

 (continue) Esophageal Foreign Bodies 

The bone was successfully removed using a snare. On re-exploration, the region was markedly ulcerated. The lower esophageal sphincter still had not been visualized.

On closer inspection of the ulcerated region, a full thickness esophageal perforation was identified. The heart could be seen beating in the thoracic cavity.

Immediately following this, the patient became cyanotic, and esophagoscopy was discontinued. Within seconds, the patient arrested, and CPR performed for 15 minutes did not result in a spontaneous return to circulation.

Discussion
Bones are the most common type of foreign body involved in canine esophageal foreign bodies1–4. Other common types of foreign bodies include fish hooks, treats, balls, and wooden sticks^1,2,5. Young small breed dogs, such as West Highland White Terriers, Jack Russell Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Chihuahuas, are over-represented^1,3. Patients may present with gagging, retching, coughing, vomiting, regurgitation, hypersalivation, dysphagia, and/or odynophagia^1,3,5. Diagnosis is typically achieved through radiography^3,5.

Possible complications of esophageal foreign bodies include esophagitis, esophageal stricture, esophageal perforation, and aspiration pneumonia^1,2,5. The duration of clinical signs before presentation is correlated with the severity of esophagitis, risk for esophageal perforation, and need for surgical intervention^1,3,4,6. Bones, fish hooks, and esophageal foreign bodies present for greater than 72 hours have been associated with an increased risk of perforation¹.

Endoscopy is the treatment of choice for removal of the foreign body or dislodgement of the foreign body into the stomach for digestion or surgical extraction^1,4,5. Esophageal perforation or hemorrhage during the procedure are associated with increased mortality². Undergoing surgery after failed endoscopic attempts and repeating endoscopy if surgery is recommended but declined are also associated with increased mortality².

If an esophageal perforation is identified, surgery is often recommended⁵. In patients in which surgery is not an option, medical management with IV fluids, IV antimicrobials, analgesia, and gastroprotectants may be an option^1,5.

Conclusion
Dogs with esophageal foreign bodies should be referred for emergency esophagoscopy +/- surgery, as the duration of clinical signs is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Although emergency surgery for an esophageal perforation remains the gold standard, some dogs with an esophageal perforation may survive to discharge with medical management alone.

 

Authored by: 

Melody Chen, DVM, MS

Practice Limited to Internal Medicine

melody.chen@vca.com

References
1. Sterman AA, Mankin KMT, Ham KM, Cook AK. Likelihood and outcome of esophageal perforation secondary to esophageal foreign body in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2018 Oct 15;253(8):1053–6.

2. Burton AG, Talbot CT, Kent MS. Risk Factors for Death in Dogs Treated for Esophageal Foreign Body Obstruction: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 222 Cases (1998-2017). J Vet Intern Med. 2017 Nov;31(6):1686–90.

3. Thompson HC, Cortes Y, Gannon K, Bailey D, Freer S. Esophageal foreign bodies in dogs: 34 cases (2004-2009): Esophageal foreign body in dogs. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2012 Apr;22(2):253–61.

4. Juvet F, Pinilla M, Shiel RE, Mooney CT. Oesophageal foreign bodies in dogs: factors affecting success of endoscopic retrieval. Ir Vet J. 2010 Dec;63(3):163.

5. Teh H, Winters L, James F, Irwin P, Beck C, Mansfield C. Medical management of esophageal perforation secondary to esophageal foreign bodies in 5 dogs: Medical management of esophageal perforation. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2018 Sep;28(5):464–8.

6. Rousseau A, Prittie J, Broussard JD, Fox PR, Hoskinson J. Incidence and characterization of esophagitis following esophageal foreign body removal in dogs: 60 cases (1999?2003). J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2007 Jun;17(2):159–63.