Safety Tips SHARE!

Sometimes it is easy to forget the little things that can be risks to our pets. This is an excellent reminder for the holiday season. As we enjoy our treats let keep our sweet fur babies safe. 

 

When You Asked, We Delivered.

Whoop, our pharmacy did it again!

When you needed a better way to reach our pharmacy- they created a direct access email address that connects you right to their team-------> vcahollywoodpharmacy@vca.com

When you needed a faster, more seamless way to refill your pet's medications- they created our QR code to simply Scan and Go!------> your pet's meds on in their queue!

We are very excited to continue to offer tools to help our humans better care for their pets.

There is more.....
Want one more way to stay
up-to-date on your pet's care?

Download our myVCA App and have your veterinary care right on your phone. Learn more and download the app now!

Or text us and we will send you a link that takes you right to your myVCA App page.

Blister packaging is SECURE CLEAR & CONVENIENT

When we were asked for a more convenient way for our clients to manage their pet's medications- our pharmacy created a system that ensures more accurate tracking of medications administered by 

1. reduces errors at home
2. eliminates the hassle of opening traditional medication vial
3. makes the time to re-order, easy to see

We now offer blister packaging. 

Our blister packaging involves securely packaging individual tablets and capsules in clearly labeled compartments within a specially designed card providing an even more convenient solution for your medication needs. This service is available upon request and is particularly beneficial for clients who face challenges in opening medication vials or maintaining a consistent medication schedule.

We are very excited to continue to offer tools to help our humans better care for their pets.

There is more.....
Want one more way to stay
up-to-date on your pet's care?

Download our myVCA App and have your veterinary care right on your phone. Learn more and download the app now!

Or text us and we will send you a link that takes you right to your myVCA App page.

Making Specialty Pet Care Accessible.

 

Our specialists are making even more time available to care for pets.

The veterinary industry has seen its share of strained this year as general practitioners and emergency care facilities see a high volumes of urgent care cases on top of their typical case loads.

Specialty medicine has seen this same influx as well which is why our innovative team at VCA Hollywood created a wait-list tool to ensure our specialty patients recieved access to available appointment as soon as possible. Now, our oncology service has added more consultation times to make oncology care even more accessible to pets in need.


The goal of our Pet Cancer Care team is to ensure pets enjoy the very best quality of life. With the support and collaboration of the entire VCA Hollywood doctors and staff, they also have the best team possible to care for pet.

Learn more about Dr. Vazquez, DAVIM (Oncology) and the PetCancer Care Team 

Stay up-to-day on all of the great success stories we have had the privilege to share!

 MEET THE TEAM!

This year, we welcome four amazing veterinarians that not only have a tremendous passion for pet care, they each bring a unique focus to our practice that compliments our team.

Learn more about Dr. Crystal Ware, Dr. Alexandra Lovirnic, Dr. Corey Young and Dr. Veronica Alamo on our website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see the softest side of patient care. (that is all of the puppies, kitties and snuggles we can get.)  

VCA Hollywood's Hotshots- Meet Michelle!

VCA Hollywood's Hotshots- Meet Michelle!

VCA Hollywood has a loads of hotshots!  We love to highlight our team whenever possible.

This month's special highlight is Michelle. 

Michelle has been with VCA since 2017 but with VCA Hollywood just 9 months and we are all so grateful she chose us!

Michelle joins us as a part of our Pharmacy Team who's location at the (literal) center of our practice though really mirrors their role in our ability to provide exceptional patient care.   Our pharmacy provides care for all of our client Whether GP or Specialty, whether on preventative or chronic medication they serve our in and outpatients even filling all of the medications for our hospitalized patients- not to mention our online pharmacy. 

It is a lot and Michelle has made the team whole. 

Get to know more about Michelle:

Background: Native Floridian who (Miami Gardens) but spent the last 15 years in CA.  

1. Cat or dog person?  

I love cats & small dogs especially, but have affection for most animals in general. I currently have 3 Shepherds and 5 cats.   

2. What is your favorite comfort media (book, show, movie, music, or anything else)? 

Video games! Especially ones that encourage crafting or are open-world. (Currently playing “Subnautica” and “Tears of the Kingdom”.

3. What is one thing you’re learning now or learned recently? 

“Taking care of yourself” is a lot harder than it sounds. It’s an active process (and you don’t suddenly “have it together” by 30 yrs. old) 

4.  What is one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit? 

Better posture (so my back will stop yelling at me) 

5.  If you could trade places with anyone for the day, who would you choose and why? 

Younger me (5 years younger than now) I think it’d be interesting to see younger me deal with today’s me with my responsibilities, vice versa (lol).

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VCA Hollywood's Hotshots- Meet Cristina!

VCA Hollywood has a loads of hotshots!  We love to highlight our team whenever possible.

This month's special highlight is Cristina.

Cristina is a bright light and happy presence in the our practice. She and Dr. Melanie Hnot, our veterinary dermatologist, go together like peanut butter and jelly and have a team that truly enjoys all that they do.

Cristina recently graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science (what an amazing accomplishment) and is working to continue her education on a path to becoming a veterinarian. 

Cristina also recently married the man of her dreams. Life is good. In the busy life she leads, she made the time to answer some fun questions for us.

Get to know Cristina:

1.    Your name/Position/Years working here

Cristina- Veterinary Technician-Dermatology

2.     What is an easy item on your bucket list that you haven’t done yet?

Go to Europe! Or Africa!

3.    Does your current car have a name? What is it?

Yes! Tiffany

4.    What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“Treat others the way you wish to be treated”

5.    What song or album could you listen to on repeat?

Taylor Swift- Album “Midnights”

6.    What simple/everyday food do you refuse to eat?

YOGURT!! 

7.    What current fact about your life would most impress your five your old self?

I am currently applying to the vet school of my dreams and married to an amazing man

8.    What piece of advice would you share with your younger self?

Keep working towards your dreams, never give up despite how hard it is.

Veterinary Medicine, it is not just playing with puppies and kittens.

Veterinary Medicine, it is not just

 playing with puppies and kittens.

When taking your pet to a veterinarian there is an expectation that they will care for the whole pet- just like a human general practitioner (gp). They understand all of the body systems and and how they inter-relate and can make decisions about care that allows your pet to live their best life.  At VCA Hollywood, we think we have some of the best gp veterinarians around who are well versed in this comprehensive care. 

Annually at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital, we invite veterinarians to join us for a year of intensive practice and mentorship to continue their growth as practitioners. We are very proud of our Surgical and Rotating Internship Program and its part in the veterinary journey. As internships after graduation are highly competitive and completely optional we are always inspired by the caliber of doctors that join us by their clear commitment to going the extra mile for their patients. 

This year's group was truly amazing and we want to share what is next for them.    

To become a board certified veterinary dermatologist, like our very own Dr. Hnot, you must complete a 3 year residency and pass the sate board exams. We are so proud to share that our Dr. Tatiana Matos, after a year working with on emergency all of our specialist will start her dermatology residency at Allergy, Skin and Ear Clinic for Pets 

Get to know, Dr. Alexandra Emelianchik. After spending a year caring for our pet community Dr. E, is working toward specialized exotic pet care with a one year exotic internship with Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston. We are so excited for and we will miss Dr. Emelianchik!

To become a board certified veterinary surgeon, you must complete a 3 year residency and pass the state board exams. The journey to a residency is rigorous and quite competitive which requires applicants to prepare with specialized internships to even be considered for acceptance. Dr. Sonya Shaw and Dr. Pallavi Sinha have spent this year mentored by our surgical team Dr. Jon Dee and Dr. Andrea Clark and we are excite to share their next steps. 

Meet Dr. Shaw who will be taking on a research/surgical internship at the University of Missouri next year and Dr. Sinha who will join the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island for a surgical internship.

Dr. Jennifer Neumann will be pursuing emergency work in the Miami area and Dr. Leanne Boyd is returning home to California to be with her east coast family. 

Now more then ever, general practice veterinarian have a broader directory of advanced veterinary care to draw on when their patient assessment dictates. Specialists in Dermatology, Surgery, E
emergency & Critical Care, Internal Medicine and Oncology are among the available care for pets at our practice and we are proud of our commitment to the future of veterinary medicine.

Free Eye Exams for Service Animals One Day Event!

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital and the Veterinary Ophthalmologist group, Animal Eye Guys hosted a day of FREE Eye Exams for Pre-Registered Service Animals in our community on Sunday, May 21st.

Sponsored by the ACVO - American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, this event was offered to support the goal of providing as many free eye exams as possible to qualified Service Animals across the U.S. and Canada throughout the month of May.

During this full-day event, we saw over 50 service animals that included individual handlers, canines from Memorial Hospital, therapy animals from the HSBC and Humane K9, BSO & Miramar canine officers, and search and rescue canines from Miami Dade and Hialeah. These are just a sample of the fantastic animals we had the pleasure to provide these sight-saving exams.

Service animals are essential workers and for us to play a part in providing these exams
aligns with the core values of VCA Hollywood Hospital and Animal Eye Guys of South Florida, who put pet health as our first priority.

This event is national in origin so while this one-day service has passed, every May these exams are available throughout the country by participating ophthalmologists every May. Registration for these exams is necessary and occurs every April.

Follow us on social to stay connected about future events.

 

Free Style Libre Recall

We recently received a recall notification for the FreeStyle Libre/FreeStyle Libre 2 Reader and notified owners that have purchased these products for their pet.

This recall does not affect any of the FreeStyle Libre family of sensors.

If you or someone you know has purchased these Readers, the FDA recommends you:

Stop using the FreeStyle Libre Reader and switch to a backup method ONLY if you experience any of the following:The Reader appears to be damaged or cracked

• The Reader appears to be damaged or crackedThere is visible swelling of the Reader
• The Reader gets too hot to hold
• The Reader is no longer able to hold a charge (for example, if it turns off unexpectedly or immediately after charging)
• You do not have the Abbott-provided USB cable and power adapter (charger)

If you have the Abbott-provided USB cable and power adapter AND you are not experiencing the problems listed below, you can continue to use the Abbott-provided Reader, USB cable, and power adapter.

If the Reader is damaged or a replacement USB cable or power adapter (charger) is needed, call Abbott's Customer Service at 1-855-632-8658 to request a replacement.

Complete recall information from the FDA is available here.

Employee Q&As. Meet the VCA Hollywood Team !

To better get to know our team, we started the Employee Q&As! This is Mallory, one of our Vet Techs. She is an all-around fun person to be around. Read below for more. 

Q:  Are you an early bird? 

A: I'd like to think so, buy I enjoy sleeping in too much, so I am a night owl. 

Q: What is your ideal way to spend your time off? 

A: Probably finding a way to get a nap into my day (Going to Target and Trader Joe's). 

Q: What is your favorite season? 

A: Winter 

Q: What is the top travel destination on your must visit list? 

A:  Africa 

Free Eye Exams for Service Animals

 VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital (VCA Hollywood) and Animal Eye Guys (AEG) of South Florida will once again partner to offer the ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam program.  

Now in its 14th year, this program offers free eye exams for pre-registered service animals during the month of May. VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital and Animal Eye Guys will host a one day event exclusively for these sight saving exams.

What:
Guardians and handlers of all qualified service animals are invited to VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital for a free eye exam provided by Dr. Robert Swinger, D.V.M., Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist and his team at Animal Eye Guys of South Florida.

When: Local Event date: May 21, 2023

Where: VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital

Pre-Registration is required

Register April 1- 30th  online at http://www.acvo.org/

Who:
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 or organization or are currently enrolled in a formal training program. The certifying organization could be national, regional or local in nature. 

How:
Pre-Registration for these exam begins-   April 1st -April 30th at www.ACVOeyeexam.org

Once registered, call  754-732-1792  with the registration number to schedule your appointment in May.

Since the program launched in 2008, nearly 16,000 service animals have been examined.  In addition to dogs, other service animals including horses and even a service donkey named Henry have received free sight saving exams.  

A sampling of groups served since the ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam Event launched in 2008 include: Transportation Security Agency (TSA) and military working dogs from Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Puppies Behind Bars, an organization providing psychiatric service dogs to soldiers coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan, local fire, rescue and police agencies, and also individual service animal owners and handlers who rely on these amazing animals daily.  

The event is primarily sponsored by ACVO.  Other non-profit supporters include the American Veterinary Medical Association, most state veterinary medical associations in the U.S. and Canada, American Society of Veterinary Medical Association Executives, and other national service animal organizations.  

About VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital
VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital has earned a solid reputation for offering the very best in veterinary medicine as well as the latest technological advances and therapies. Founded in 1947,VCA HAH features 21 veterinarians and more than 100 highly trained technical and support staff members. For more information, please visit http://www.VCAhollywood or call 954.920.3556. 

About Animal Eye Guys
Animal Eye Guys has proudly served the Hollywood FL area for everything pet related. There clinic is run by Dr. Robert Swinger, who is a licensed, experienced Hollywood veterinarian and Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist. Their team is committed to educating clients in how to keep their pets healthy year round, with good nutrition and exercise. Animal Eye Guys stays on top of the latest advances in veterinarian technology and above all, remembers that all animals and pets need to be treated with loving care in every check-up, procedure, or surgery. https://animaleyeguys.com/

About the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® is an approved veterinary specialty organization of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties, and is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Its mission is “to advance the quality of veterinary medicine through certification of veterinarians who demonstrate excellence as specialists in veterinary ophthalmology.” To become board certified, a candidate must complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, a one year internship, a three year approved residency and pass a series of credentials and examinations. http://www.acvo.org/

Purina Elemental Recall-NESTLÉ PURINA PETCARE COMPANY VOLUNTARILY RECALLS

PURINA PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS EL ELEMENTAL DRY DOG FOOD DUE TO POTENTIAL ELEVATED VITAMIN D

ST LOUIS – FEBRUARY 8, 2023

Nestlé Purina PetCare Company has voluntarily recalled select lots of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental (PPVD EL) prescription dry dog food due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs; however, ingestion of elevated levels can lead to potential health issues depending on the level of vitamin D and the length of exposure. These issues may include vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, and excessive drooling to renal (kidney) dysfunction.

Purina is taking this action after being contacted about two separate confirmed cases of a dog exhibiting signs of vitamin D toxicity after consuming the diet. Once taken off the diet, each of these dogs recovered.

The affected dry dog food was distributed by prescription only through veterinary clinics, Purina Vet Direct, Purina for Professionals, and other select retailers with the ability to validate a prescription. Bags of PPVD EL with the UPC Code and Production Code below should be immediately discarded. No other Purina products are affected.

Pet owners who purchased bags of the product listed above are asked to immediately stop feeding and dispose of the food. If signs such as weight loss, excessive drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite or increased thirst or urination have occurred in their dog while eating this diet, pet owners should contact their veterinarian.

Purina has asked their veterinarians and other retail partners to remove and destroy the affected product from their inventory.

We apologize to pet owners and veterinarians for any concerns or inconvenience this situation has caused. As pet experts and pet owners ourselves, the health and well-being of pets is our top priority.

Please contact the Purina team directly at 1-800-345-5678 or via email at https://www.purina.com/contactus for assistance in getting a refund or alternative diet recommendation.

Case Study:Esophageal Foreign Bodies

Esophageal Foreign Bodies

History
A 9-year-old female spayed Pomeranian presented to the VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital Emergency Service for an esophageal foreign body. Three to four days ago, the patient regurgitated several times after attempting to eat. Since then, the patient has been lethargic and anorexic.

The day prior to presentation, the patient originally presented to her primary veterinarian where diagnostics revealed the following:

Complete Blood Count: Hemoconcentration (58.52%), leukocytosis (24.94x109/L) characterized by mature neutrophilia (21.86x109/L), and thrombocytopenia (125x109/L)

 

Test	Result	Units	Reference Interval
Hematocrit	↑ 58.52	%	37 - 55
White Blood Cell Count	↑ 24.94	109/L	6 - 17
Absolute Neutrophil Count	↑ 21.86	109/L	3 – 12
Platelet Count	↓ 125	109/L	165 - 500

 Serum Chemistry Profile: Hyperglobulinemia (4.6 g/dL)

Test	Result	Units	Reference Interval
Blood Urea Nitrogen	9	mg/dL	7 – 27
Creatinine	0.8	mg/dL	0.5 – 1.8
Phosphorus	3.3	mg/dL	2.5 – 6.8
Calcium	9.1	mg/dL	7.9 – 12.0
Glucose	112	mg/dL	70 – 143
Alanine Transaminase	22	U/L	10 – 125
Alkaline Phosphatase	212	U/L	23 – 212
Gamma Glutanyl Transferase	0	U/L	0 – 11
Total Bilirubin	0.3	mg/dL	0 – 0.9
Cholesterol	178	mg/dL	110 – 320
Total Protein	7.6	g/dL	5.2 – 8.2
Albumin	3.0	g/dL	2.2 – 3.9
Globulin	↑ 4.6	g/dL	2.5 – 4.5

 Fecal: No ova or parasites seen

 Thoracic and Abdominal Radiographs

Findings

Within the thorax, there is a linear mineral opacity object superimposed over the caudal thoracic esophagus, along with moderate surrounding poorly defined soft tissue/fluid opacity. No other significant intrathoracic abnormalities are identified. In the abdomen, there is moderate bilateral renal mineralization. The liver is mildly enlarged. Peritoneal serosal detail is adequate. There is luxation of one of the patellas.
Impressions
Strongly suspected mineral and soft tissue opacity caudal esophageal foreign body. No obvious evidence of a gastric or small bowel or radiopaque foreign material is noted. Moderate bilateral renal mineralization, most likely chronic and incidental. Mild hepatomegaly.

 

Although the client was referred that day for an emergency esophagoscopy for foreign body removal, the client elected to hospitalize for the day for supportive care due to financial constraints (records not available). Upon discharge that evening, the patient appeared brighter and had a small appetite for wet food. However, the patient was once again lethargic and anorexic the next morning, which prompted the presentation to VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital.

Physical Examination
On presentation, the patient was quiet, alert, and responsive. Vitals were within normal limits. The patient had a body condition score of 6/9 with normal muscle condition. Mild hypersalivation was noted. Regurgitation/gagging/coughing was not elicited on cervical palpation, and the abdomen was soft and non-painful. The remainder of the physical exam was unremarkable.

Endoscopy
Due to financial constraints, the client elected not to perform repeat thoracic and abdominal radiographs to confirm the location of the foreign body. This was offered as endoscopy is only able to potentially address esophageal and gastric (and potential very proximal duodenal) foreign bodies due to the length of the scope. The patient’s bloodwork from the day prior was accepted as pre-anesthetic bloodwork.

The patient was pre-medicated with butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg and midazolam 0.2 mg/kg. Propofol 2.5 mg/kg total IV was used for induction, and the patient was intubated with a 4.5 Fr endotracheal tube. The patient was placed in left lateral recumbency, and an esophagoscopy was performed with a Karl Storz 60714 NKS scope (7.9 mm x 140 cm flexible gastroscope). The proximal esophagus appeared normal, and a bone foreign material was identified in the caudal esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter could not be initially identified due to the shape of the bone. The mucosa surrounding the bone was moderately erythematous and markedly friable.

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.