FREE Sight Saving Exams for the Pets That Serve!!!!!!

VCA HOLLYWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL TO OFFER FREE SIGHT SAVING EYE EXAMS FOR SERVICE ANIMALS ON SUNDAY MAY 22, 2016

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital (VCA HAH) and Animal Eye Guys (AEG) of South Florida are proud to announce their participation in the ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam program. Now in its 9th year, the program offers free eye exams for service and therapy animals during the month of May by more than 250 board certified veterinary ophthalmologists from around the United States (including Puerto Rico) and Canada.

Sunday, May 22^th from 10a-4p, the VCA HAH will open its doors exclusively for these exams and host therapy animals from local individuals and community service organizations.

 Guardians and handlers of all qualified service animals are invited to visit the clinic on Sunday, May 15th for a free eye exam provided by Robert Swinger, D.V.M., Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist.  Dr. Swinger will be checking for problems including redness, squinting, cloudy corneas, retinal disease, early cataracts and other serious abnormalities.

“A lot of little things can be missed without all of the proper equipment. Early detection of problems and treatment is vital to the success of these working animals," said Dr. Swinger.

Noah, a Labrador Seeing Eye dog, was seen by Dr. Swinger during the 2015 Free Eye Event. Eighty-percent blind, Fernando Castillo, is retired and says the cost of veterinary care can strain his budget but his daily routine is intertwined with Noah's health.

"Only one of us can be blind," Castillo jokes!

HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE 2016 EVENT:

To qualify for a free exam, animals must be active working animals such as guide dogs, handicapped assistance animals, detection dogs, therapy animals and search and rescue animals that have been certified by a formal training program or organization or are currently enrolled in a formal training program. The certifying organization could be national, regional or local in nature. Owners/agents for the animal(s) must first register the animal via an online registration form beginning April 1^st at www.ACVOeyeexam.org.  Registration ends April 30th. Once registered online, the owner/agent will receive a registration number. They can then simply call (954) 826-8871 to schedule an appointment for the month of May.

“Our practice has been serving the Hollywood community for over 68 years. We have a commitment to the pet community and we could not be happier to partner with Dr. Swinger and Animal Eye Guys once again to provide this service.”

Dr. James Herrington l VCAHAH l Medical Director

"It is truly an honor to provide exams for animals that so selflessly provide support to their people and communities."

Dr. Robert Swinger l Animal Eye Guys l Owner

About ACVO Free Eye Exams

 Since the program launched in 2008, nearly 45,000 Service Animals have received free screening eye exams, over 7,000 in 2015 alone. The event started when ACVO recognized the good  that was already being done by many members; the majority of whom were providing similar free exams across the country. By combining and expanding these individual events, ACVO was able to create more of an impact.

In addition to dogs, other service animals including a service donkey named Henry and our very own local HSBC’s miniature pony named, Lil’Man have received free sight saving exams. 

A sampling of groups served since the ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam Event 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 sponsored by ACVO® and Stokes Pharmacy, as well as several generous industry sponsors, and volunteer ophthalmologists. Participating ophthalmologists volunteer their services, staff and facilities at no charge to participate in the event.

Other non-profit supporters include the American Veterinary Medical Association, most state veterinary medical associations in the U.S. and Canada, the American Society of Veterinary Medical Association Executives, and other national service animal organizations.   Visit http://www.acvoeyeexam.org for more information.

About the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists®

The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® (ACVO®) 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 successfully complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, a one-year internship, a three-year ACVO® approved residency and pass a series of credentials and examinations. For more information, please visit www.ACVO.org.

About Stokes Pharmacy

Stokes Pharmacy is a national, full-service compounding pharmacy specializing in the art and science of the custom formulation of prescription medicines for humans and animals. Leading the way in innovation, Stokes invites veterinarians to prescribe compounded medications online securely, quickly, and accurately via iFill, a cloud-based prescription management system. For more information, visit stokesrx.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. For more information, please visit www.ACVO.org.

Career day with Dr. Robert Swinger and "Harvey".

  Dr. Robert Swinger, our Board Certified Ophthalmologist went on a field trip this week to Pentab Academy in Miami. He took Harvey one of the HAH Blood Donors and gave 130 kids from kindergarten to 7th grade a hands on experience of what it is like to be a Vet. Debbie, Dr. Swinger's technician and all around right hand wo-man came along to share in the event. This team certainly seemed to have fun!

Looks like Debbie is hard at work!!

Client Testimonial

Dear Nancy,

I am sure you hear about it when things go wrong, but I would like to tell you about our experience which was wonderful. My dog, Kiku, was diagnosed with an ulcerated cornea the day before we were suppose to travel to NYC, so severe that she would have gone blind in one more day. We postponed our trip by half a day so we could keep her overnight at HAH, and take her back to Dr. Pelicane, her ophthalmologist, in the morning, and back to your hospital. That night and the five or six that followed, required Kiku to receive serum every 1/2 hour, and every 1/2 hour, and subsequently every hour from midnight to six am, not to mention 7-8 other drugs that needed to be administered. Between Dr. Low and Dr. Swinger ( who added a few more he thought would be beneficial) and all the wonderful techs, her healing began immediately, which assured us that we could go on our trip knowing Kiku was in good hands. 

During our trip Dr. Low spoke to me everyday, and if I didn't call her, she would call me--religiously. Dr. Swinger kept a focus on Kiku, too. I ended up leaving Mochi, our other dog, there, as well. Fast forward to the end of our trip, we picked up two happy and one much healthier bichon! In addition, I spoke to Mimi the night before pick-up to ensure that the dogs would be bathed and ready by noon, so I could pick them up and get to Dr. Pelicane's by 1:00 pm. As I anticipated, all went according to Hoyle!

From the front desk crew, to all techs (to whom I am particularly grateful), Mimi, Dr. Swinger, and most particularly Dr. Low, without whose help I would not have been able to travel, I want to extend my most heartfelt gratitude. Should either dog ever have any health crisis in the future, there is no question where we would go!!!! We live in Boca Raton, but your hospital is the only place we would consider!

I just want to commend you on your staff, and again extend my sincere gratitude to all who helped Kiku back to health!

Thank you so much,

Marilyn (and Reed) Endo

Free Public Lecture Series- April 11, 2013

Free public lecture in Miami, April 11, 2013 for all pet owners, rescue workers and animal lovers.
The South Florida Veterinary Foundation invites you to attend: 

What big eyes you have!  Keeping your pet’s eyes healthy – common ocular diseases.
Presented by Robert Swinger, DVM, DACVO
Animal Eye Guys, HAH, SVRC


The Golden Years - Common diseases and problems in senior pets.
Presented by Vera Maeckelbergh, DVM, DACVIM
Miami Veterinary Specialists
 
Thursday, April 11th, 2013 from 7-830pm
Whitten Learning Center, University of Miami, Room LC120
RSVP by email: info@sfvet.org or by calling 786-258-VETS

May Free Eye Exam for Service Animals!!!!

 Hollywood Animal Hospital and Animal Eye Guys, in conjunction with the American College of Veterinarian Ophthalmology and Merial will offer free eye exams to all service animals throughout the month of May. Guardians and handlers of all qualified service animals are invited to visit the clinic for a free eye exam provided by Dr. Robert Swinger, D.V.M., Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology.

"I will be checking for problems including redness, squinting, cloudy corneas, retinal disease, early cataracts and other serious abnormalities. Early detection and treatment are vital to these working animals," said Dr. Swinger. "It is truly an honor to provide exams for animals who so selflessly provide support to their people and communities."


To qualify, animals must be 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/organization or are currently enrolled in a formal training program. The certifying organization can be national, regional or local in nature.

Owners/agents for the animal(s) must first register the animal via an online registration form
beginning April 1, 2013 at www.acvoeyeexam.org. Registration ends April 30th.
Once registered online, the owner/agent will receive a registration number. They can then simply
call Hollywood Animal Hospital with that number to make an appointment.

"For 65 years, the veterinarians and staff of Hollywood Animal Hospital have been deeply devoted
to companion animals and the people of South Florida," said Dr. Jim Herrington. "When Dr.
Swinger presented the ACVO/Merial National Service Dog Eye Exam program to us, we jumped
at the opportunity to participate."

May Free Eye Exam for Service Animals

Hollywood Animal Hospital and Animal Eye Guys,  in conjunction with the American College of Veterinarian Ophthalmologist and Merial will offer free eye exams to all service animals throughout the month of May.

To kick off to this month long event we are dedicating one full day,

May 8, 2013, to these loyal service animals. Guardians and handlers of all qualified service animals are invited to visit the clinic on May 8^th for a free eye exam provided by Dr. Robert Swinger, D.V.M., Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist. Read more about Dr. Swinger.

"I will be checking for problems including redness, squinting, cloudy corneas, retinal disease, early cataracts and other serious abnormalities. Early detection and treatment are vital to these working animals," said Dr. Swinger. "It is truly an honor to provide exams for animals who so selflessly provide support to their people and communities."

To qualify, animals must be 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/organization or are currently enrolled in a formal training program. The certifying organization can be national, regional or local in nature.

Owners/agents for the animal(s) must first register the animal via an online registration form beginning April 1, 2013 at http://www.acvoeyeexam.org/2013/animals/qualifications.shtml.

Registration ends April 30th. 

Once registered online, the owner/agent will receive a registration number. They can then simply call Hollywood Animal Hospital with that number to make an appointment.

"For 65 years, the veterinarians and staff of Hollywood Animal Hospital have been deeply devoted to companion animals and the people of South Florida," said Dr. Jim Herrington. "When Dr. Swinger presented the ACVO/Merial National Service Dog Eye Exam program to us, we jumped at the opportunity to participate."

Dr. Robert Swinger, D.V.M., AVCO

Dr. Robert Swinger completed his undergraduate work and received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois in 2003.  After completing an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Veterinary Specialists of South Florida in Cooper City, he went on to complete both an ophthalmology internship in 2005 and residency in 2009 at the Animal Eye Specialty Clinics in Miami, Deerfield Beach, and West Palm Beach.  Soon thereafter, he joined the VCA Aurora Animal Hospital outside of Chicago and developed a successful ophthalmology service where he continues to actively consult.  In 2011, Dr. Swinger launched Animal Eye Guys and joined the Hollywood Animal Hospital veterinary team.  Dr. Swinger is board certified and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
In his work environment, Dr. Swinger enjoys teaching and taking active roles in the hospital’s internship program.  His special interests include surgical and medical management of glaucoma, cataract surgery, and corneal physiology.  Outside of the veterinary arena, Dr. Swinger enjoys spending time with his family; his pets (a poodle, Sophie and a pug, Chuck; an African Grey parrot, Paco; and several saltwater fish); and enjoys fishing, cooking, and traveling.

       

Patient of the Month- Jackie deLaurentis!!

Jackie, a 9 ½ year old, female, JRT was 7 when she was diagnosed with diabetes. She had a long history with the HAH and with, Dr. Anne Murphy. Upon diagnosis the process of regulating Jackie began. However, she was very difficult to regulate and so her mom, Sarah, started to test and record her blood glucoses at home. Sarah was diligent in taking and tracking the blood results which made it possible for Dr. Murphy to make changes to her insulin as needed. However, it took almost a year to regulate Jackie’s blood sugar levels and in that time she developed diabetic cataracts.

Diabetic cataracts are common in diabetic dogs in fact; most will develop cataracts even if the diabetes is well controlled. The solution to the cataract is surgery. 

In Jackie’s case though, before she could schedule the surgery she developed Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (I.M.H.A.) I.M.H.A. is a disease of the immune system that causes the body to attack its red blood cells causing a life threatening anemia. A steroid is needed to combat the body's desire to destroy these RBC’s  but that same steroid can cause insulinantagaism. This will increase the need for insulin in the body thus making regulating Jackie’s diabetes once again, very difficult.

Once her I.M.H.A was controlled, Dr. Murphy spent the next 10months focused on slowly weaning Jackie from the steroids and adjusting her insulin accordingly. Finally, in Oct of 2012, after 3months of no immunosuppressive drugs Jackie was cleared for eye surgery which was performed by Dr. Robert Swinger.

Today, Jackie is doing great! “She is like a new puppy!” She is once again staring out the window spying on the world as she once did. Her success is due to many factors. Her “original super hero”, as her mom would say, Dr. Murphy and the “remarkable” surgery by Dr. Swinger were paramount but a huge credit goes to Jackie’s owner.  Sarah’s determination, dedication and organization of Jackie’s bloodwork, diet and behavior made Jackie a perfect patient. Without that commitment to her care the story would have a very different ending. We are so pleased to honor Jackie (and in many ways her mother) as our Patient of the Month!!