This is NOT what's for dinner!

We have all heard the stories of missing socks or chewed up toys from a michievous pup. This is all humorous fodder for this meme's and social social media posts but when it is your pup, things can get serious. Today we have a happy tail to share about how, even the most careful owners can fall victim to the foe of a fast moving pup and their favorite toy. 

If caught early there can be options for care that are alternatives to surgery. Meet Gnocchi.

Case Study: Canine Foreign Body Ingestion ( A Success Story)

Gnocchi is a 3-year-old intact female Bulldog that presented to VCA Hollywood's Emergency Service for vomiting after ingesting a chew toy the day before. The family attempted to induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide at home, but this was unsuccessful. On physical exam, Gnocchi had normal vitals with a mildly tense abdomen. X-rays revealed a large single foreign body in the stomach.

Gnocchi was placed under general anesthesia as soon as possible, and endoscopy (camera evaluation) of the stomach was performed. In the stomach, a large foreign body was found. Due to the rubber material of the toy, the toy was unable to be firmly grasped for retrieval. In addition, many of the edges were too large to be snared. Eventually, a small edge (later discovered to be the toe of the toy) was able to be snared, and the foreign body was successfully removed. On re-exploration, there was a large bleeding area, though it is unclear whether this irritation was the result of the foreign body itself or previous hydrogen peroxide administration.

Gnocchi recovered from anesthesia uneventfully and was given intravenous supportive gastrointestinal medications for the remainder of the day. She was discharged on a short course of oral gastroprotectants.

 
Take-Home Points
When offering a new toy or treat, dogs and cats should be supervised for signs that they may inappropriately ingest large portions that may become stuck in the esophagus (tube connecting the mouth to the stomach), stomach, or intestines. In some cases like this, minimally invasive endoscopy can be performed to retrieve the foreign body or lodged treat. However, surgery is the only option if the foreign body becomes obstructed in the intestines as the scope is only long enough to reach the front portion of the small intestine.

If you are concerned that your pet may have swallowed a toy or large treat, you should seek emergency veterinary assistance immediately. Possible symptoms include drooling, gagging, retching, coughing, regurgitating, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. If the foreign body has not passed into the intestines, then minimally invasive endoscopy may be an option.

Authored by: 

Melody Chen, DVM, MS

Practice Limited to Internal Medicine

melody.chen@vca.com

When being the worst makes you first.

For over 75 years, we have been our community's pet healthcare provider. Founded as a small general practice, we have grown to become a wellness, specialty, and emergency pet care center. Our emergency service is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. A doctor is always in.

While many veterinary practices had to close for times during the pandemic, during quarantine, we actually added more general service care hours to accommodate the growing pet community. Now as we begin to enjoy more moments of "business as usual" in many areas of our lives, we are well prepared to continue to serve our community. 

With that in mind, we want to remind you that our emergency room is here for your pet's care. Whether you are a client of our GP practice or a patient of a community veterinarian, our 24-hour emergency service is here to help you in your times of need- just like a human ER!

Therefore when choosing us for emergency care, these are some things we think you should know.

Upon arrival in our emergency room—whether during overnight or regular hours---the first stop is triage. In triage, a veterinary nurse typically prioritizes each patient's condition into one of three general categories:

Priority Level 1- Immediately life-threatening

Priority Level 2- Urgent, but not necessarily immediately life-threatening

Priority Level 3- Less urgent

Categorization is necessary to ensure that a pet with a life-threatening condition is not left waiting just because he or she arrived a few minutes later than a pet with a less severe problem. A veterinary triage nurse will record the pet's vital signs (pulse, respiratory rate, and capillary refill time) and get a brief history of a pet's medical history and medications. In some instances, the pet will be brought to the ICU to be triaged further. Their temperature, weight, and blood pressure can be accessed. This information will help us determine the pet's appropriate triage level and establish expected wait times. 

After triage, the pet will be checked in. This is not very exciting however, during check-in important information like the owner's best form of contact and pet's primary care veterinarian information is collected to ensure that the entire care team is well informed about the services provided in this emergency. 

If a pet's condition is life-threatening, then this check-in process may be completed while the pet is being treated. 

Once triaged and checked in, pet and owner can wait in the lobby or their car for the first available veterinarians. It is reasonable to expect this wait time could be extensive.

Pet owners should always communicate with the practice if their pet's triage level changes. During emergencies, being worst makes you first. So, the longer you wait the better may be a good message about your pet's health but it may not be as good for your patience. In these instances, a pet owner may consider scheduling an appointment for conditions that are triaged at a Priority Level 3.

Hitting it out of the park!

What happens when you take America's favorite past time and make it available to the blind and visually impaired? 

Beep Baseball!!!

This national past-time has been bringing together the blind, low-vision and legally blind since 1976. Beep Baseball has teams throughout the county, has been showcased by MLB and hosts it's own World Series. This American sport has something for everyone. 

Look Through My Eyes’,  a local South Florida organization dedicated to providing services to our blind and visually impaired community is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization who's mission is to enhance the quality of life for the blind and visually impaired through advocacy, education, and programs in the communities of Broward and Palm Beach Counties.  One way they accomplish this is through America’s favorite past time, baseball. 

Every week, Lauderhill Beep Baseball is available to blind and visually impaired athletes. By combining a beeping ball, buzzing bases, six blindfolded players, and a fully sighted pitcher, catcher, and spotters, the crowd goes wild as players hit, field, and run bases. All the while relying completely on hearing, communicating, and trusting the team. Beep Baseball requires grit, hustle, and hard work.

For more information about Lauderhill Beep Baseball vist: https://www.ltmeyes.org/

FREE Pet Photo with Santa at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital!!!

 FREE PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA AT VCA HOLLYWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Now in its seventh year, St. Nick's pre-holiday route has VCA HAH as a permanent stop. Maybe it is all of the cuddly faces!!

Please join us from 9-12 with your darling dog and your cherished cat for a FREE photo with Santa!

A photographer will be on hand to take the photos and print them out while you wait.

WHO/WHAT: Pose your furry baby with the big bearded one!


WHEN: Saturday, December 15, 2018
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.


WHERE: VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital
Annex Building
2864 Hollywood Boulevard, one block east of I-95
Hollywood, Florida 33020
954.920.3556

HOW: This is a FREE event. People and pets can just stop by!!

Visit our Facebook page to see the fun we have had with this event over the years and the hilarity that ensues when you get Santa suited up with a LOT of animals.

This is also the final day of  our Pet Food Drive for Meals on Wheels of So. Florida for Companion Pets Program! Check out our blog for more details about this month long drive and how you can help!!

A photographer will be on hand to take the photos and print them out while you wait.

Team Member Highlight- Esteban!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For over 70 years, VCA Hollywood has provided the finest veterinary care to our community of pets. This care is provided by a team of over 21 doctors supported by a staff of nearly 100. Each team member chosen as a representative of the VCA HAH for their unique skills and passion for animal care. So often though, the support staff that enables the HAH to shine do not stand in the limelight. They support our goals from behind closed doors with smiles that some never see. Today we would like to move the spotlight and showcase one of our team members we would like to clone.

Some may say that as a rule adjusting to a new job is a challenge. Our unique crew may not be an exception to this however, Joining our Technician Team less than a year ago, Esteban seemed to assimilate with ease.

Whether his name preceded him or his personality made it seem that way, he fit in right away and simply did the work. His previous work experience was highlighted through his care and attention to our patients and his knowledge base made him valuable in multiple departments. Today, he is a valuable contributor in our in house pharmacy, a leader among our day technician team and a critical member of our weekend emergency team.

All in all, he is a strong contributor to our success. He is reliable. He is capable. He is kind. He is a pleasure to be around and can be counted on to leave a situation better for having been there. For these reasons our staff has a message from him.

Message to Esteban from our staff:

In case you have not been adequately informed,

please consider this official notification that you are 

AWESOME!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

It’s important to be aware of the potential dangers of candy, but it isn’t the only danger that exists for your pets this time of year. Check out these tips to keep your furry Valentine safe.   Keep candy and gum out of reach: Animals have a very acute sense of smell, and have an easy time hunting out and indulging in your treats.   Xylitol is dangerous for pets:  Sugar-free candies and gum contain the sugar substitute xylitol. When ingested by animals, xylitol can cause a range of problems depending on how much was ingested. These include vomiting, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), liver failure, seizures, or death. If your pet ingests this type of product, it is important to know how much was eaten, and have the product information available because some types have higher concentrations of xylitol than others.   Chocolate is toxic to pets: Chocolate is well-known for being problematic in animals. Chocolate contains toxic compounds called methylxanthines that can cause everything from mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) to cardiotoxicity (rapid heart rate, arrhythmias), seizures, and death. Baking chocolate and dark chocolate are especially toxic. Treatment can vary from decontamination by inducing vomiting to hospitalization with intravenous fluids.   Smell the roses, but don't let your pet eat them:  Floral arrangements may be enticing for your dog or cat too, and it may only take a nibble to cause a severe reaction. Even small amounts can lead to cases of upset stomachs or vomiting, particularly if the plant or flower is toxic. All lilies are dangerous—and potentially fatal—to cats. Certain varieties of lilies are toxic to dogs, too. Roses can cause punctures to the mouth and paws, and possible bowel obstruction if swallowed.

Meet Dr. Hawkins!!!!

Dr. Christina Hawkins is a native of Miami, Florida and her passion for animals developed as a young child growing up with numerous household pets. She attended the University of Florida for her undergraduate degree in Biology as well as a minor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. During her undergraduate years, she volunteered at various animal shelters and rescue organizations. She also founded the Minority Pre- Veterinary Student Club, to provide a support group and resource for other students interested in pursuing veterinary medicine. She received her veterinary degree from the University of Florida where she graduated in the top 25% of her class and was inducted into Phi Zeta Honor Society. While at UF, she received specialized training in shelter medicine and business management. Her interests in veterinary medicine include anesthesia, surgery and shelter medicine. 

Dr. Hawkins joins the VCA Hollywood to further her interests in surgery and emergency medicine. 

She lives in Boca Raton with her husband and their 2 dogs, Cookie and Cinnamon. In her spare time, Dr. Hawkins enjoys traveling, reading science fiction novels, and has recently developed a passion for West African dance.

Years in practice  2
Education: University of Florida College of Veterinary School, DVM 2016

We all remember Hurricane Andrew! How can we not help!!!

We all remember Hurricane Andrew! We all love pets! Therefore, our hearts go out to the people and pets of SE Texas.

While the tragic destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey cannot be undone, everyone at VCA is coming together during this time of need. 

When a disaster like this strikes, we all want to help right away.  At this current time, VCA is working with local Texas partners and organizations to learn what needs to be done and where we can be most effective.  Through VCA leadership teams in the area, partnerships with organizations like the SPCA of Texas have been forged to ensure shelters were cleared and that pets affected by the storm have a safe place to go.  Organizations have been flying and driving huge amounts of shelter pets to cities like Dallas Ft. Worth to get them away from the hurricane’s path. 

Sixteen of our area VCA hospitals are closed, three in the affected area remain open.  All VCA hospitals in surrounding cities like Dallas, San Antonio and New Orleans are ready to board and help those pets that are in need.

  

At our Hollywood Animal Hospital and other area VCA Hospital, donations of pet care items are being accepted. Monetary donations are being collected as well through our national VCA Charities effort. This national fund supports programs around the world that directly help pets in need as well as support educational programs promoting veterinary medicine for the treatment and prevention of cruelty to animals.

Now, through the September 30th, VCA Charities is dedicating monetary donations collected by all VCA practices to the VCA Pet Disaster/Emergency Relief Program to support the journey of healing in SE Texas. We are proud to work with our VCA family to help those in need and proud to continue to support our local and global community. 

For information on how to donate directly to Hurricane Harvey Relief through VCA Charities click here! 

Below are a list of some local drop off site for donations of toys, bedding and other pet related items.(list furnished by Paw Patrol Animal Rescue & Sanctuary)

1) MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
Regis HR Group - CONTACT Paula Foulk (Mostafa)
10625 N. Kendall Drive
Miami, FL 33176
open 8am to 6pm

2) BROWARD
Association Solutions Group - CONTACT Courtney Walter
1600 S. Federal Highway
Suite 651
Pompano Beach, FL 33062
open 9am to 4:15pm

3) BROWARD
Three Hearts ADT - CONTACT Diane Knowles Fernandez
2055 Lee Street
Hollywood, FL 33020
10am to 3pm
*there is a security gate, so please drive up, push button and say you are dropping off donations for Paw Patrol

4) BROWARD
Bow Wow Resorts - CONTACT Donna Blake-Fedor
4270 NW 19th Avenue Ste. G
Pompano Beach, FL 33064
7am to 5pm - 7 days a week

5) BROWARD
Iten Insurance Agency - CONTACT Debbie Czipulis Iten
5905 S. University Drive
Davie, FL 33330
9am to 5pm

Retired K9 Officer Healthcare Fund!!

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital is proud to share our inaugural partnership with the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County Retired K9 Officers Healthcare Fund (RK9OHF) to raise money for the coverage of veterinary care costs to canine police officers that have worked to protect our S. Florida community.

In retirement, canine officers often live out their years in comfort with their handlers, or partners. Yet, after a career of service these officers are prone to advance orthopedic and service related conditions in addition to issues associated with a senior pet. Typically, there is no financial support for these officers after retirement.

It is the belief of the RK9OHF that the cost of healthcare should be supplemented. The Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County could not agree more.  As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that collects and manages donations to memorial/ healthcare funds, training programs, education programs and other local nonprofit organizations the Retried K9 Officer Healthcare Fund seemed a perfect extension of their mission. 

 

Under the supervision of the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County, the RK9OHF and VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital provide the best in wellness care to these officers and cover a portion of those costs.

With this partnership, retired K9 officers receive preventative care from VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital at a negotiated rate and the RK9OHF cover a portion of those fees. Total cost to the handler/partner is 35% of the initial bill. 

Please consider donating to the RK9OHC to support our South Florida K9 Police Officers in their retirement.  

Donations can be made directly at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital

Or by mail at

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital

c/o Sheriff Foundation of Broward County

Retired K9 Officers Healthcare Fund

2864 Hollywood Blvd

Hollywood, Fl 33020

100% of all donations made to the Retired K9 Officer Healthcare Fund go to the cost of care for these K9 Officers.

For additional information about this fund please phone VCA Hollywood at 954-920-3556, email us at RK9OHF@gmail.com or reach out to the Sheriff Foundation of Broward County at http://sheriffsfoundationofbroward.org/

Retired K9 Officers Healthcare Fund is a 501(c)(3) serving under the supervision of the Sheriff's Foundation of Broward County- 85-8013389700C-0, tax ID# 65-0898338

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.

Broward Meals on Wheels Food Drive Results are in!!

Results are in! This year’s VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital Broward Meals on Wheels Pet Food Drive has collected 4450 lbs of food and $2000, enough food to fill the bellies of our pet community for at least the next 6 months.

Local clients donated 3650 lbs of pet food and $900 in monetary contributions to our various collection sites. Through the generosity of our VCA vendors Zoetis, Hills Pet Nutrition, Purina, Trupanion Pet Insurance, Elanco and Virbac, VCA HAH donated an additional 800 lbs of food and $1100 delivering a total donation of 4,450 lbs of food and $2000 to the Broward Meals on Wheels for Companions Animal effort. These donations will support the pets of home bound seniors over the next 6 months.

We all know the powerful role that pets play in our lives. This companionship and undeniable love is what keeps us thriving. The same is true for our citizens who receive monthly aid. Broward Meals on Wheels (BMOW) for Companion Animals delivers pet food once a month to homebound seniors who need assistance taking care of their in-home pets.   The success of this food drive ensures that no pet is left hungry for months to come.

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospitals could not be more proud to partner with our local VCA’s and Pet Supplies Plus to get the word out about the work of this wonderful organization.

Anyone interested in volunteering to help deliver food to these pets in need can call Bobbi at 954-295-7709 or email her at stony12345@aol.com

For additional information about BMOW, please visit http://www.bmow.org/our-services/