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!

 

Our frontline team needs your help as we work hard to make sure you and your pet receive the best care!

We’re working hard to make sure you and your pet receive the best care. Over the last 18 months, we’ve stretched and adapted, and never closed our doors. But historic pressures facing the veterinary field caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are taking their toll—and we need your help.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our lives and we are grateful for your patience and understanding as we continue to adapt to new ways of caring for pets. At VCA Hollywood, the health and well-being of your pets is our top priority. The pandemic has placed significant pressures on the veterinary field across the country and we wanted to share more information on these forces impacting our hospital, how we’re continuing to adapt to ensure your pet receives the best care, and what strategies we are employing to navigate this new reality.

What is happening? As you may know, millions of animals have found their forever homes since the start of the pandemic. As more people worked from home, they noticed changes in their pet’s condition sooner. This has led to historic demand for veterinary care.

Unfortunately, the field of veterinary medicine is struggling to keep up. There is a significant shortage of qualified professionals—from veterinarians to technicians to support roles. This shortage has created a challenging landscape for thousands of veterinarians across the country, including our own. Thus resulting in longer wait times and fewer available appointments.

What are we doing about it? In addition to shifting our care services to continue to keep pets and people safe, we are hiring. VCA swiftly evolved their recruiting program to find more care professionals who can join our hospitals. Yet, after successfully hiring hundreds of veterinarians and technicians just this year, more are still needed and there aren’t enough people in the field.

How does this impact your pet’s care today? While we are making progress to address these challenges brought on by the pandemic, we acknowledge that your experience has been impacted. Due to increased demand for care, longer operational protocols and reduced staff, we are seeing longer wait times and appointments booking weeks in advance. 

We recognize that this can be frustrating, and the entire team appreciates your patience and understanding as we navigate this once-in-a-lifetime landscape facing the whole field of veterinary medicine.

As we continue to work through these challenges, we’d encourage you to book appointments as early as possible. 

Not every appointment can be anticipated, and we always try to reserve time each day for same-day and emergency care, but these appointments fill quickly given how many new pets there are to serve.

We currently offer in-person appointments. Appointment must be scheduled in advance to allow our team to continue to provide the excellent medical care you have come to know and love, with extra one-on-one time for your pet.

Above all, we are committed to the care of your pet. Please know that everyone on our team is working harder than ever to care for as many clients and patients as possible. We ask for your understanding and we very much appreciate your patience and kindness.

For our team, caring for pets is not only a career but also our passion. We’re all doing our best to find new and innovative ways to care for as many pets as possible while still providing world-class care and the client experience you deserve and expect from us.

Thank you for remaining a loyal part of our hospital community and for your continued trust.

Tips & Tricks

The best appointments to book early include annual and semi-annual wellness check-ups, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and elective surgeries. You can book through our website, on the myVCA app or by calling us directly.

During your next visit, it’s also a good idea to book your pet’s next appointment right at check-out. If you aren’t sure when or what your pet’s next appointment should be, our hospital team can help or you can check myVCA app.

The Five Most Common Questions about Cancer in Dogs

How common is cancer in dogs? Unfortunately, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in older animals. According to the Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF), 1 out of every 4 dogs will develop cancer in their lifetime, and each year, approximately 6 million dogs are diagnosed with cancer.

What are some of the most common cancers in dogs?
Like their human companions, dogs can develop many different types of cancer, such as mammary cancers, lymphoma, leukemia, osteosarcomas, mast cell tumors and skin cancers, to name a few. According to the Veterinary Cancer Society, mammary tumors are the most common cancer seen in dogs.

Are there diagnostic tests or exams that should be done regularly to try to detect cancer in dogs? 
To improve the chances of early cancer detection, you should take your pet to your veterinarian at least once a year. Personally, I recommend animals over 6 years of age be seen twice a year. Your veterinarian will do a complete examination, checking your dog from head to tail to look for:

• Abnormal skin growths (lumps and bumps)
• Enlarged organs or masses in your pet’s abdomen (belly)
• Abnormal heart or lung sounds, and abnormalities in the eyes, ears and mouth

These exams are important because veterinarians can discover things that you may never notice. However, not all cancers can be detected by physical examination, so your veterinarian may also recommend screening tests like blood work, urinalysis and radiographs (x-rays), to uncover underlying diseases like cancer. Depending on the age, sex and breed of your dog, your veterinarian may recommend one or all of these tests to help look for cancer.

Are some types of cancers more treatable than others? 
Yes, all cancers are different and some are more treatable than others. The type of cancer, location, size, stage and response to treatment all affect the ultimate prognosis. With many cancers, the earlier the treatment is started, the better the prognosis, and ultimately, the longer the survival times. That's why it is so important to bring your dog to the veterinarian for examinations at least once a year. 

Do chemotherapy and radiation treatments affect dogs the way they affect human cancer patients? 

While remission is the ultimate goal, quality of life is equally as important. As a result, cancer treatments in dogs are generally less aggressive than regimens used in people. Therefore, pets typically do not suffer from some of the troubling side effects seen in people, such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss and extreme fatigue. If side effects occur, your veterinarian will adjust the treatment to ensure that your pet remains as comfortable as possible.

The goal of cancer therapy in dogs, like with many other diseases, is early diagnosis and treatment. In order to give your dogs the best odds of beating cancer, make sure your dog gets regular check-ups, take advantage of recommended screening tests, and become familiar with the common signs and symptoms of cancer in pets so you can look-out for them at home. If you want to know more about cancer, speak with your veterinarian and visit Veterinary Cancer Society or Animal Cancer Foundation 

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

Originally posted by Dr. Ruth MacPete, DVM @http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/five-most-common-questions-about-cancer-dogs

News you can use: Everything you need to know about Parvo!!

What is Parvo?

Commonly known as parvo, this disease is caused by canine parvovirus (CPV-2). Infection with parvovirus is most commonly seen in young, unvaccinated puppies. The virus is very hardy in the environment and is resistant to many common cleaners and disinfectants, under the right conditions it can persist for years. Puppies become infected through oral or nasal contact with fecal material or objects/surfaces contaminated by the virus. Parvovirus is highly contagious to other dogs, after they become infected, and often before they start showing any signs of illness, they start to shed the virus in their feces. This viral shedding continues even past the point of recovery and other dogs in the area are at serious risk. The good news…parvo is preventable!

What does Parvo do?

Once canine parvovirus enters the body through contact with fecal material containing the virus or fomites (objects, people, surfaces, etc.) contaminated by the virus, it begins to replicate and spread throughout the body. The virus has preferences for certain tissues in the body to infect, including the small intestine, the bone marrow, and lymph tissue. The virus infects and destroys cells in these tissues causing the clinical signs that we commonly see. Because the small intestine is affected we see vomiting and bloody diarrhea, along with non-specific signs of illness like lethargy, anorexia, and fever. In a puppy these signs can rapidly progress to dehydration, collapse, shock, and ultimately death. 

Diagnosis

Parvovirus can be diagnosed with a quick ELISA test that most veterinarians have in hospital, used on a sample of fecal material. This test is very accurate but a false negative is possible if it is early in the disease before high viral shedding. Routine bloodwork can also help with a diagnosis as infected dogs often have very low numbers of white blood cells due to the virus destroying the bone marrow.

Treatment

Parvovirus is treated with supportive care until the dog’s immune system can fight off the virus. Aggressive treatment must be started as soon as possible if parvo is suspected. Treatment includes fluid therapy, anti-nausea medications, antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infection, and nutritional support. There are potential complications of parvovirus that may require surgical intervention.

Most deaths occur within 24-48 hours after clinical signs appear. The risk of rapid death, severe complications, and the cost of intensive hospitalization demonstrate why prevention of this disease is so important.

Prevention

Parvovirus is largely preventable with vaccination! Parvovirus vaccines should be administered to puppies at approximately 8 weeks old, 12 weeks old, and then 16 weeks old. They should get another vaccine at 1 year of age and then they can be vaccinated every 3 years. Adult dogs should be kept current on their parvo vaccinations to prevent any risk of infection.

Reducing exposure to the virus is also an important consideration. Puppies should not be taken to parks, pet stores, puppy classes, etc. before they are fully vaccinated. Prompt removal of fecal waste can help prevent the spread of parvovirus, and areas where infected puppies have been should be properly disinfected.

Contagion

Canine parvovirus is highly contagious. Sick puppies should be isolated from other dogs as soon as infection is suspected. Please alert your veterinarian to the signs that you are seeing before you bring your puppy into the waiting room so they can take precautions to protect the other patients. Puppies diagnosed with CPV are hospitalized in an isolation ward to protect them and other pets in the hospital. CPV is not contagious to humans.

Learn more about
Shilo Gardner, DVM

News you can use: Heartworm disease- What you really need to know!!

What is heartworm and what disease can it cause in our pets?

Heartworms are large worms (potentially up to one foot long) that live in the pulmonary arteries of dogs or cats (the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs), but can also be found in the heart and lungs themselves.  Heartworms can be found in dogs, cats and ferrets as well as some wild animals such as wolves or coyotes.  Since dogs are a natural host for heartworm, adult worms living inside dogs can mate and produce offspring that can be transmitted to other dogs.  Heartworms in dogs can cause damage to not only the heart, but also the lungs and arteries.  Signs of heartworm disease in dogs can include cough, exercise intolerance and weight loss.  When large numbers of worms are present they can back up into the right side of the heart severely affect the amount of blood that can enter the heart and be pumped to the lungs, this is known as caval syndrome and can be life threatening.  Cats, however, are not a natural host and those that become infected often only have a small number of worms that often do not mature to adults.  Heartworm disease in cats is more respiratory in nature but is still a serious concern.

How is heartworm spread between pets?

In order for transmission of heartworm between animals to occur mosquitos must be present.  When a mosquito bites an infected dog and ingests blood from that animal they can pick up immature heartworms called microfilaria that are being produced by the adult heartworms.  Within the mosquito the microfilaria will mature to a stage that can then be transmitted to a new dog or cat when this mosquito bites them.  It takes 6 months for the heartworms to mature within the tissues and the blood of the newly infected animal, but once mature they can live for a significant period of time.

What is the risk of your pet acquiring heartworm disease and how can you prevent it?

At this time it is difficult to determine what factors may increase the risk of heartworm transmission in a given area.  However, we do know that heartworm disease has been diagnosed in all 50 states and infection rates can vary.  The American Heartworm Society recommends ensuring your pet has a heartworm preventative for all 12 months of the year.  A variety of heartworm preventatives exist for both dogs and cats.  All heartworm preventatives target only the immature heartworms, not the adults.  It is important that both outdoor and indoor pets are given a heartworm preventative as mosquitos can easily enter the home. Prevention is extremely important in cats as the disease can be difficult to diagnose and the treatment currently used in dogs cannot be used in cats.  All heartworm preventatives target only the immature heartworms.  Your veterinarian can recommend and prescribe the product that is best for your pet to help protect them from heartworm disease all year long. 

How do you test for heartworm?

Testing should be performed annually for dogs even if they are on a monthly heartworm preventative to ensure that the medication is working correctly.  All dogs, except for puppies under 7 months of age, should be tested before they are started on a heartworm preventative or if they have been off a heartworm preventative for any length of time.  The timing of testing is different with cats because diagnosis of heartworm in cats is more difficult.  The test in dogs is a simple blood test that can sometimes be run right in the clinic.  In cats testing also includes diagnostic imaging because they typically have such low numbers of worms present when they are infected.  It takes a minimum of 6 months for an animal to have a positive test after they have been infected with heartworm. 

How is heartworm disease treated?

Your veterinarian will come up with a specific treatment plan for your pet once the diagnosis of heartworm disease has been confirmed.  It is important to note that the larger the worm burden is the more severe disease can be and the more difficult it may be to treat.  Treatment is different for cats and dogs, but can involve multiple medications and take several weeks to complete.  6 months after the treatment regimen is completed a repeat heartworm test will be performed to confirm the success of treatment. 

For more information on heartworm disease and how to prevent it in your pet please seek the advice of your veterinarian or access the American Heartworm Society website. 

Never Forget! your pets monthly heartworm medication again. VCA HomeDelivery will safe you money and deliver your pet's monthly medication to your door, the day you need it. All you have to do is call 'Fido' to the door and give him his mail. For more information about home delivery for your pet visit store.vcahollywood.com

Learn more about 

Rebecca Mycock, DVM

News you can use: Home Dental Care for your pet!!!!!

An important part of your pet’s overall health is good oral hygiene.  Just like in humans, preventing dental disease requires regular cleaning to remove any buildup of plaque and tartar on your pet’s teeth.  There are a variety of things you can do at home to help keep your pet’s mouth clean.  All the methods that will be discussed here are targeted at minimizing the buildup of bacterial film, of plaque, and preventing the plaque from mineralizing into tartar. 

  

Home Oral Hygiene:

Brushing: Of the home oral hygiene methods, brushing is by the most effective way to keep your pet’s mouth clean.  Ideally brushing should be done daily, but brushing several times per week will still be effective.  A soft bristle tooth brush and pet specific toothpaste are the only materials you will need.  Human toothpaste is not made to be swallowed and can upset your pet’s stomach if used.  Most pets will allow you to brush their tooth, but a gradual approach is best to get them used to it.  It is often best to start by holding up their lips for short periods of time for the first few days and then proceeding to massaging their gums with your finger or a piece of gauze for another few days before introducing the toothbrush.  Some pets prefer finger brushes or dental wipes, so it is important to be patient and find what works best for your pet.  Lastly, try to make it fun for your pet and make sure to offer the lots of love and reward during the process. 

Oral Rinses and Gels: Another home oral hygiene method you can try is chlorhexidine oral rinses or gels that are squirted into the mouth or applied to the outside of the teeth. These are designed to be safe for pets but can have a bitter taste that some pets will object to. 

Diets and Treats: There are a variety of diets and treats on the market that formulated to help decrease dental disease.  Some help to remove plaque through mechanical action based on the shape of the kibble, while others have ingredients to help prevent tartar buildup.  For dogs, rawhides or various chew toys can be beneficial.  However, bones and antlers should be avoided as they can lead to broken teeth. 

Choosing products that are beneficial for oral hygiene can be difficult as there are so many options out there.  The Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal of Acceptance can be found on various products that have been found to meet the VOHC standard for preventing plaque and tartar buildup on pet’s teeth.  A complete list of the products with this seal can be found on their website (www.VOHC.org). 

Veterinarian’s Role: As important as home oral hygiene is, it is also important to recognize if at any point your pet needs dental care to be provided by your veterinarian.  Some of the most common signs of dental disease can include: obvious bad breath, loss of teeth, discoloured or stained teeth, pain associated with their mouth, as well as appetite or weight loss.  Your veterinarian can perform a full physical exam, including an oral exam to assess what dental care your pet may need.  This typically includes a full oral hygiene procedure and full mouth dental radiographs done under general anesthesia to ensure patient safety as well as to fully clean the teeth, both above and below the gumline.  Regular veterinary visits can help to determine the need for professional dental cleanings and allow you and your veterinarian to come up with a home oral hygiene plan that is best suited for your pet in order to help prevent future dental disease.   

VCA HomeDelivery delivers all of your pets food, treats and medications right to your door. Let us do the heavy lifting for you. For more information about home delivery for your pet visit store.vcahollywood.com

Learn more about 
Rebecca Mycock, DVM

News you can use: Everything you need to know about Lepto!

What is Lepto?

Leptospirosis is a disease that is caused by the bacteria Leptospira. There are many different strains of this bacteria that can cause disease in dogs. It is most commonly seen in warm climates where it rains regularly, aka Florida, but is found worldwide. Lepto is spread through the urine of infected animals so nearly every dog is at risk. Rodents are the primary reservoir of this bacteria, so if your dog comes into contact with water, soil, grass, basically anything that is contaminated with the urine of rodents or other wildlife they could be infected. The good news…lepto is preventable!

What does Lepto do?

Once the Leptospira bacteria get into the body through contact with the urine of infected animals they enter the bloodstream and invade tissues and organs, commonly settling in the kidneys. This causes acute kidney injury in dogs. Signs of acute kidney injury include lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, abdominal pain, and either urinating too much, or not enough. Lepto can also affect the liver and cause acute liver disease. Additional signs you may see include muscle pain, stiffness, diarrhea, fever, edema, and inflammation of the eyes.

Diagnosis

Since the signs of leptospirosis are non-specific your veterinarian may recommend several diagnostic tests to start with, including routine bloodwork, urinalysis, radiographs, and ultrasound. If their suspicion for lepto remains high after routine diagnostics they can send out urine and blood to look for bacterial DNA and antibodies.

Treatment

Leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics and supportive care. Supportive care can include fluid therapy, anti-nausea medications, liver support, and GI protectants. Depending upon the severity of kidney failure, more intensive measures like dialysis may be needed. With early initiation of treatment, the chances of recovery are good but there is still a risk of permanent kidney and liver damage. The risk of permanent damage even with treatment is just one of the reasons why prevention of this disease is key.

Prevention

Leptospirosis is largely preventable with vaccination! The currently available Leptospira vaccines cover multiple serovars and have been shown to provide good clinical protection and reduce bacterial shedding in the urine. Puppies should be vaccinated for lepto starting at 12 weeks old followed by a booster 2 weeks later, and then annually after that. Adult dogs that have never been vaccinated also need the initial vaccine and a 2 week booster. It’s never too late to start vaccinating and protecting your dog!

Reducing exposure to potential sources of Leptospira bacteria is also an important consideration. Preventing your dog from drinking from or swimming in lakes, rivers, ponds, or any standing water, and avoiding contact with wildlife and rodents is always a good idea.

Human Risk

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means that it can be spread from animals to humans. Human leptospirosis most often results from direct contact when swimming recreationally; however, transmission from an infected pet is possible. When lepto is suspected, basic precautions to avoid contact with the dog’s blood and urine are taken. Owners of dogs diagnosed with leptospirosis should contact their physician.

Learn more about

Shilo Gardner, DVM

Dr. Sessa, you will be missed!!!!!!

Joining our family 28 years ago, Dr. Tom Sessa has spent a lifetime serving our pet community. Today, we bid him farewell.

As an iconic member of our practice, Dr. Sessa has touched the lives of not only the animals he has cared for but the clients, the colleagues and the staff with which he has shared his time. There will never be another soul quite like Dr. Sessa and his legendary "magic touch" will remain alive in the many lessons he has passed on during his practice.  


A message from Dr. Sessa:

To my dearly loved co-workers, clients, patients, and friends -
As many of you know, over the past couple of years I’ve experienced some medical setbacks.  Due to these issues, as of September 1, 2017, I will no longer be an employee of VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital.
I want to take a moment to thank you for the honor and privilege it has been to serve you these past 28 years. I have such fond memories of my time at Hollywood Animal Hospital, and it is with great sadness that I bid you farewell.

To my clients, you are like no other!  From trusting me to care for your new four legged babies, to crying with you as you had to say goodbye (and everything in between)...I will cherish each and every one of those experiences.   The friendships I’ve forged with some of you are lifelong, and I am eternally grateful for the loyalty and faith you all have had in me over the years.
To the staff, it is difficult to put into words how fond I am of you all.  Over the years I have worked with some of the most compassionate, devoted, and talented people – we will always be one big family.

Now, with great sadness, it is time for me to end this journey with you.  I can’t thank you all enough for allowing me into your lives.  While I will miss not being able to see you and care for your pets, I have complete confidence in the abilities of the doctors and staff at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital.

My best wishes to you all and God bless –

Dr. Tom Sessa

Kill fleas without leaving your house!!!!!!!!!

VCA Home Delivery makes getting your pets medication and food simple by delivering them directly to your door often at no cost. With our unique NeverForget program, single doses of monthly preventative medications come to your door the day you need them! No more looking at the calendar or setting your app to remind you. For the same price that you pay if you came in, the cost and safe storage of these medication is spread out over a full year making managing your pets wellness care simple.

Now through September, you can receive Home Delivery of Bravecto and an awesome FREE Kong Jumbler. Click here to learn more about VCA Home Delivery. Call us to get your Kong!!

https://vcahospitals.com/hollywood

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.

Double Check your Pet's Supply Checklist!!!!!

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS 

ANIMAL SUPPLIES CHECKLIST: 

FOOD

• Two Week Supply
• Manual Can Opener

WATER

• Two Week Supply

BOWLS 

• For food and water that attach to cage

PORTABLE CARRIER/CRATE 

• Large enough for pet(s) to stand and turn around in. 
• Each pet in separate crate. 

IDENTIFICATION

• Collar, Tag, and Leash 
• Microchips (Registered with national database) 
• Current photo of every pet WITH OWNER 

PET FIRST AID KIT 

• First Aid Guide Book 
• Roller Bandages 
• Scissors 
• Gauze 
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Medications 
• Medical Records (stored in waterproof container or plastic zip bag) 

CAT LITTER AND LITTER BOX 

• Litter Scooper

CLEANING SUPPLIES 

• Paper Towels 
• Disinfectant 
• Plastic Trash Bags
• Hand Sanitizer 
• "Quick Bath" wipes 
• Plastic poop bags 

BEFORE A Hurricane Approaches: 

Disaster kits and emergency supplies should be ready prior to hurricane season. Once a hurricane warning is declared, preparations should focus on securing your home and property.

• Protect the areas where wind can enter. Secure windows and doors, preferably with permanent, County-approved storm shutters. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8" plywood. You’ll need to cut the boards to fit to have it ready for installation. Tape does NOT prevent windows from breaking.
• Bring in lawn furniture, garbage and recycling carts and other items that are not tied down and could become airborne.
• If you own a boat, use double lines at a marina or consider dry-dock storage.
• Protect your electronics with surge protectors and waterproof coverings.
• Fill prescriptions of emergency medications (consult pharmacist as needed).
• Monitor the storm’s progress.
• Visit www.miamidade.gov or call 3-1-1 for updates on County services. Depending on conditions, bus, rail, garbage collection and recycling service, as well as airport and seaport operations, could be affected.
• Preparedness is not expensive. Many disaster kit items such as flashlights & batteries, garbage bags, etc., may be found around your home.

During a Hurricane: 

If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should: 

• Monitor your radio or television for weather updates and instructions from public safety officials. 

• Stay indoors, preferably in a room with few or no windows. 

• Take your emergency kit and disaster supplies with you if you move from room to room. 

• If flooding threatens your home, turn off electricity at the main breaker. 

• Use flashlights, not candles or kerosene lamps, as your light source. 

• If you lose power, turn off all major appliances. 

• Avoid using the phone and do not take a bath or shower during the storm. 

• Fight the temptation to go outside during the “eye of the storm.” There’s only a brief period of calm before hurricane force winds return. 

• Keep children informed about what’s happening and watch for signs of stress. 

• Keep animals in their carriers.

Sources:
http://www.miamidade.gov/hurricane/library/hurricane-guide.pdf
www.miamidade.gov/fire/ consumer-survival-kit.asp
http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/library/disaster_tip_sheet_eng.pdf
http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/disaster-preparedness.asp

Welcome Dr. Kevin Frame!!!!

Dr. Kevin Frame, BVSc grew up outside Denver, Colorado. For his undergraduate degree he studied at Tulane University and received degrees in chemistry and anthropology. He then moved to New Zealand to attend Massey University where he earned his veterinary degree and completed an 18-month small animal rotating internship. His goal following his surgical internship is to complete a small animal surgical residency and become a Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Kevin has a keen interest in all types of surgery, along with oncology and neurology. Outside of work he enjoys all sports and especially loves playing basketball and rugby. He has been lucky to explore New Zealand for the last 6 years and looks forward to traveling to other parts of the world in the future.

Canine bloat- GDV!!!

I remember the night like it was yesterday. I was finally relaxing at home after a long day of clinics when Captain, my four year old German shepherd starting acting, well, strange. Twenty minutes later, radiographs at the emergency room confirmed my suspicion. Captain had gastric dilatation and volvulus or GDV.

GDV is commonly known as canine bloat. Many of you may remember this as the heart-wrenching disease from Marley and Me. This is a potentially life-threatening condition where the dog’s stomach rotates completely around itself causing the entrance and exit of the stomach to become obstructed. This obstruction leads to air getting trapped in the stomach (bloat) and decreased blood supply to the affected areas. Emergency surgery is required to correct this situation.

While the exact cause of this condition is still unknown, several risk factors have been identified. These risk factors include large or giant breed dogs (Great Danes, German Shepherds, Irish Wolfhounds, Labradors), older age, rapid food intake, naturally anxious or stressed dogs or dogs with a parent that had GDV.

Signs you may notice at home that may indicate your dog has GDV include but are not limited to the following: pacing, circling, restlessness, whining, increased breathing rate or effort, looking at their side, attempting to vomit a foamy substance or nothing at all produced, distended abdomen, pale gums, drooling, weakness or in severe stages collapse. GDVs have a better outcome the sooner they are addressed. So if you notice these clinical signs a veterinarian should immediately see your dog.

Treatment of GDV is based on the needs of your individual dog when they arrive to the hospital but initially consists of fluids and pain medications. Once GDV is confirmed with radiographs, the stomach is decompressed. Meaning the air trapped in the stomach is released prior to surgery to relieve some discomfort to the dog and lessen the stretch of the stomach. Then surgery is performed to de-rotate the stomach. The stomach and surrounding intestines and organs are examined to make sure they are still healthy. In some cases, the compromised organs die due to the lack of blood supply they experienced. In these cases the dead portions are removed and the remaining healthy gut is reattached. A gastropexy, a fancy word for suturing the stomach to the side of the body, is then performed to prevent the stomach from rotating again in the future. Following surgery, your dog will likely be hospitalized for a couple of days for close monitoring and supportive care.

While we cannot tell for sure which dogs will develop GDV in the future, it can be prevented in at risk dogs. A prophylactic, or preventative, gastropexy can be performed. It is highly recommended at the time of spay or neuter since the dog will already be under general anesthesia.

Luckily in my case, Captain’s surgery went smoothly and he recovered perfectly. I hope that you never have to experience the fear of what I went through with Captain. But if it does occur, now that you know what to look for, hopefully your dog too will be back to doing what they love in no time


Abigail Kreines