The big bearded one never misses a change to visit the VCA HAH, but this year we are excited to announce that Santa returns to the "red carpet" for Free Pet Photos with your fur babies!

When: December 14th from 9am-12pm,

Where: VCA Hollywood- Annex

What: Free photos with Santa!!

Join us with your fiery feline and cuddly canine during our free pet photo event. This event has historically been offered on the last day of our pet food drive for Meals on Wheels of So. Florida's Companion Pet Program. in lieu of donations of food, monetary support for meals on wheels for pets, can be made online or (link) or during the event on Saturday, Dec.14th.

As always, one photo will be printed on site and digital prints will be made available online for downloading.

Santa never misses a stop off at VCA Hollywood to see your fur-babies. Check out his visit (caught on camera Dec 2020!) Not Even COVID Could Keep Santa Away.

Visit our Facebook page for great photos of some of the fur-families that joined in the fun as well as outtakes of the hilarity that ensues when Santa suits up with a lot of animals!

 facebook.com/VCAHollywoodAnimalHospital

*These collections are full of some "great shots" and also some silly, "feline in your face", "dog on your lap good" times. Enjoy!

Learn more about Meals on Wheel of So. Florida's Companion Pet Program.

Meals for Companion Pets Founded in 1999, the Meals for Companion Pets Program is a volunteer-driven effort providing pet food to homebound and disabled seniors in Broward County. Research shows that seniors with pets are less likely to exhibit depression, report feelings of loneliness and experience illness. But taking care of a pet – feeding, grooming and veterinary care – can be financially and physically burdensome to seniors. More often than not, a devoted animal lover with limited access to food will feed their hungry pet before they feed themselves. Pet food is provided through the generosity of local donors and grants and is delivered on the third Saturday of each month. Volunteers are always needed on the third Saturday of the month to pack & deliver food.

https://www.mowsoflo.org/meals-for-companion-pets

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.

Retired K9 Officer Healthcare Fund

Caring for the officers that care for us!! #familymembers

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital is proud to share our 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 simply being 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. 

Please consider donating to the RK9OHF 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

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

Check out our global presence!!!!

VCA Hollywood has been in the business of serving our So Fl pet community for the last 70 years.We have employed the same family values instilled by our founding family- the Dee's.  In fact, many of the Dee family are still employeed today!! Visit our online presence to learn more about us an our commitment to care for you and your pet! 

Check out our website!!

Be social with us!!

Here what people are saying!!!

Trick your pet ito a brighter smile!!

Healthy chews can help your pet's teeth without much effort from you. In fact, the are hard at work while your pet is simply feeling loved.

C.E.T.^® HEXTRA^® Premium Chews for Dogs

Premium chew clinically proven to reduce calculus when used daily in dogs.

For daily use in dogs as a chew to help remove plaque and reduce tartar.

• Provides a well-known antiseptic effect and helps remove plaque and reduce tartar. Chews are coated with exclusive 10% solution of chlorhexidine gluconate.
• Contains beefhide for natural abrasive cleansing action.
• Helps keep teeth clean and breath fresh, even on days when brushing isn’t possible.
• Persistent action. Chlorhexidine is released into the oral cavity during chewing and may be released for up to 24 hours, providing sustained antimicrobial action.
• Appealing flavor. Dog owners may give as a daily chew.
• Available in petite, medium, large, and extra-large sizes. 

How can chews help my dog’s teeth?

With the appropriate chewing device, the mechanical action can help slow down the accumulation of plaque and tartar on your dog’s teeth. Not all products for chewing are good, however, because larger, harder ones could break your dog’s teeth. Some chews may contain additional ingredients that help fight the plaque as well.

Below are some products that Virbac has developed to provide a selection of choices to suit your dog’s needs. Regular use of an appropriate chew can be one part of a complete dental care program that will include examinations and professional care from your veterinarian. If you have questions about any of these products, be sure to talk with your veterinarian. As with any product, always listen to your veterinarian’s instructions and read the product label.

C.E.T.^® Oral Hygiene Chews for Cats

Made from freeze-dried fish, these chews control plaque and tartar buildup. Available in fish or poultry flavor and in 30- and 96-count bags.

How can chews help my cat’s teeth?

With the appropriate chewing device, the mechanical action can help slow down the accumulation of plaque and tartar on your cat’s teeth. Some chews may contain additional ingredients that help fight the plaque as well.

Below are some products that Virbac has developed to provide a selection of choices to suit your cat’s needs. Regular use of an appropriate chew can be one part of a complete dental care program that will include examinations and professional care from your veterinarian. If you have questions about any of these products, be sure to talk with your veterinarian. As with any product you use on your pet, always listen to your veterinarian’s instructions and read the product label.

C.E.T.^® VEGGIEDENT^® Tartar Control Chews for Dogs

These tasty vegetable-based chews have an easy-to-hold "Z" shape, and a tough, chewy consistency that dogs love.

Vegetable-based chew for dogs to help clean teeth and freshen breath.

Vegetable-based chews that work with a dog’s chewing action to freshen breath, reduce plaque, and decrease tartar formation.

• Cleans teeth and freshens breath when chewed once a day by dogs.
• Awarded the VOHC Seal of Acceptance for its ability to protect against tartar build up.
• Independent study demonstrated significant plaque and tartar control in dogs fed 1 C.E.T.^® VEGGIEDENT^® Chew per day.¹
• Easy-to-hold Z-shape design and tough, chewy consistency.
• Highly palatable vegetable-based chews for dogs. No animal-origin ingredients.
• Available in 2 sizes; 4-inch strips for small dogs and 6-inch strips for medium and large dogs. Packaged 30 chews per bag.

Quack! Quack! Muzzle?

Butterscotch is a very lucky girl!

She is lucky because she is now recovered from sickness due to the ingestion of a palm seed. She is lucky because she has a wonderful family that cares for her very much and is committed to keeping her safe and healthy. You see, Butterscotch has a history of eating things. Even though her family is diligent about watching her, on walks she occasionally picks things up and before you know it, she has eaten it!

This is what happened with her most recently. After sneaking a pine nut snack it lodged itself in Butterscotch’s small intestine causing an obstruction. Surgery was required and performed by Dr. Danielson at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital. After treatment and time she recovered from the toxicity that obstructions can cause. She is now doing great now!

Dogs that commonly and repeatedly eat foreign material often end up requiring surgery to relieve a blockage in the intestines. This blockage can be life threatening. Even with the most vigilant owners, animals sometimes still get into things. Something that can help to reduce the risk that your pet will eat foreign material is to have them wear a basket muzzle. A basket muzzle is different than a grooming muzzle in that it allows your dog to pant and drink water. Recently though, a company has come up with a unique version of this type of muzzle that allows pets to walk around comfortably while keeping them safe from eating foreign objects on the ground. A bonus is that the muzzle is less intimidating to strangers and frankly pretty cute.

We could not resist sharing this family’s effort to keep Butterscotch safe and adorable. We are very happy that Butterscotch recovered fully from her surgery and now is back out taking walks- safely- again with her family.

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

Pet Periodontal Disease Prevention

Pet Periodontal Disease Prevention  

Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition affecting adult dogs and cats. It is a progressive disease that can cause bad breath, oral pain, and spread of bacteria from the mouth to the rest of the body. Fortunately, periodontal disease is preventable with both home dental care and routine veterinary dental care.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is the destruction of bone, gum tissue, and structures that hold the teeth in place. Just like in humans, periodontal disease starts out as a bacterial film on the teeth called plaque. The bacteria can then spread causing gingivitis, infection and inflammation below the gumline, and eventually destruction of bone leading to tooth loss.

How do I know if my pet has periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease occurs below the gumline where it is not visible. In advanced stages of the disease, you may notice that your pet has bad breath, loose, teeth, and a painful mouth.  If your pet’s teeth appear white and clean, this does not mean that periodontal disease is not present!

The only way to identiy or prevent periodontal disease is through regular veterinary dental exams and cleanings. Anesthesia is required to assess your pet’s dental health below the gumline!

The KEY to periodontal disease is PREVENTION

The two components to preventing periodontal disease in your pet are home dental care and annual veterinary dental care.

·         Daily brushing remains the gold standard recommended by veterinary dentists to prevent plaque and slow progression of periodontal disease. Many pets can be trained to accept and even like brushing.  It is important to begin a brushing routine when your pet’s mouth is clean and healthy (a pet with oral pain may develop a negative association with brushing).  Offer a positive reinforcement, such as a treat or toy, following brushing. Use a soft bristled toothbrush and a palatable pet toothpaste.

·         Annual veterinary dental cleanings under anesthesia are an important part of your pet’s oral health routine. During this procedure, the veterinarian will visually examine each tooth and probe for pockets, which can result from periodontal disease. Dental radiographs (x-rays) can also be taken to look for dental disease below the gumline and to evaluate diseased teeth. An ultrasonic scaler is used to clean the visible area of the teeth and under the gums.  Finally, the teeth are polished to eliminate the rough surface created by scaling. When this procedure is performed regulary, beginnings of periodontal disease can be addressed immediately before it causes extensive and expensive damage.

     
     Lauren Vezzosi

Make the love last! Maintaining a healthy-weight in your pets can add years to their lives together!!!!

Obesity in Companion Animals

Obesity in our four-legged family members is one of the most common diseases seen by veterinarians. It is often a sensitive subject with clients, but it is in the best interest of the pet for you to know the risk factors and associated diseases. 

Canine Obesity

One study determined that as many as 40% of dogs are overweight. Older, female spayed dogs are the most likely to struggle with obesity, however, any dog of any age can be affected. Some breeds are more susceptible to obesity such as Labradors, dachshunds, and beagles. It is important to remember that small dogs can be obese, too!

Dogs that are overweight are at much higher risk of developing osteoarthritis. Medium and large breed dogs are at a significantly higher risk of ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments (ACL) in the knees while small dogs are at higher risk for luxating patellas (knee caps). 

Feline Obesity

As many of 52% of domestic cats are considered overweight. While indoor cats are generally more affected, both indoor and outdoor cats can be overweight. Obesity in cats puts them at much higher risk for developing diabetes mellitus and osteoarthritis. Overweight male cats are at higher risk for developing a lower urinary tract obstruction. There is also a condition called “fatty liver disease” that occurs when overweight cats stop eating. This is a life threatening disease that requires aggressive medical treatment. If you notice that your overweight cat has not been eating, please contact your veterinarian. 

Determining if Your Pet is Overweight

Veterinarians determine the correct size and weight of your pet based on a scale known as a body condition score. This is a scale of 1-9 (1-3 is underweight, 4-5 is ideal, and 6-9 is overweight) and a scale of 1-5 (1-2 is underweight, 3 is ideal, and 4-5 is overweight). We are assessing five parameters listed in the Purina scales below. 

Obesity Prevention and Treatment

Diet and exercise are the two main components to prevent obesity in our companion animals. If your pet is determined to be overweight, there are prescription diets that can help them to lose the weight. Please ask your veterinarian to calculate the correct amount of food for your pet per day. We are here to help!

Rebecca Rittenberg