Did you know? Genetic Testing can help your pet better fight cancer!

Did you know...
DNA Genetic Testing is used to help pets with cancer!

Let’s delve into DNA genetic analysis! What exactly is it?

Genetic testing, also referred to as DNA testing, involves the use of technology or DNA sequencing to identify abnormal changes in genes, chromosomes or proteins. These changes, termed mutations or variants, often contribute to the formation and progression of cancer. DNA genetic testing is routinely used in human medicine and is anticipated to become a standard in veterinary oncology.

How can DNA genetic testing help my pet with cancer?
When DNA mutations or variants are identified through genetic testing, chemotherapy drugs that specifically target the identified mutations can be recommended as treatment for your pet’s cancer. Although DNA genetic testing is not perfect and may not always yield results, it can often help you and your veterinary oncologist make informed treatment decisions and can provide additional insights into prognosis for your pet. This precision allows veterinary oncologists to use precise and targeted chemotherapy to treat cancer, which decreases the risk of chemotherapy side effects.

DNA genetic testing can be especially helpful in challenging cases in which treatment options are limited. Ultimately, our goal is to extend your pet’s survival time past what is expected with conventional chemotherapy. By specifically targeting the mutations identified in your pet’s cancer, many times, targeted chemotherapy and conventional chemotherapy can be safely combined.

What samples are necessary for DNA genetic analysis?
Samples required for DNA genetic testing are typically obtained non-invasively. Depending on the specific test, blood, fine needle aspirates, or biopsy samples are necessary.

Is DNA genetic testing available for both dogs and cats?
Unfortunately, DNA genetic testing is exclusively available for dogs. However, there is hope that it will soon become accessible for cats.

My dog has been diagnosed with cancer. Is DNA genetic testing the next step?
Maybe! Not all cancers are treated equally, and chemotherapy is not always the chosen course of action. Sometimes, surgery alone might suffice for treating your pet’s cancer.

It is the goal of our Oncology Service is to help you explore the best treatment options for your pet and ensure treatment is focused on improving their quality of life. Learn more about our VCA Pet CancerCare Center and how our experts are here to care for your pet.

Dr. Irene Vazquez is a gifted and dedicated veterinarian who leads our Onolcogy department with a primary focus on improving quality of life for every pet that is diagnosed with cancer.

To schedule an appointment and to learn more about Dr. Vazquez, visit our website and watch this video.

Watch Video   

Advanced Cancer Care for the World's Most
Important Pet: Yours

At VCA, it is our goal to help treat your pet’s cancer, giving you and your pet more quality time together. At our VCA Pet CancerCare Centers, our oncology teams design individualized treatment plans for each patient using the most advanced and effective treatments available—much like those used in human medicine.

Learn about the VCA Pet CancerCare difference and watch the stories of pets we've helped after a cancer diagnosis.

Meet Roxy!

Safety Tips SHARE!

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

 

24 Hour Emergency Care is Seeing an Increase in Pet Care

By now, we have all experienced the surge in emergency patient care that the veterinary has seen. Our clients have had to learn new standards for scheduling appointments and procedures for their pets and we have had to revise communication to ensure current expectations are set. With that said, our Emergency/Walk-in service has felt the effects of these measures and therefore we have made some temporary adjustments to our availability. It is our hope to keep you well informed about these changes so that you continue to feel comfortable when referring your patient to us for care.  

 

While we make every effort to provide 24/7/365  Emergency Service to our community, the following days & times we will have a modified ER/Walk-in schedule. Specialty pet services are Monday-Saturday: 7:30am-7pm by appointment only.

Modified Emergency Hours:

Friday, Dec 17th

Emergency/ walk-in service begins at 11am.

Appointments only 7am-11am

Tuesday, Dec 21st

Emergency/ walk-in service begins at 4pm.

Appointments only 7am-4pm. 

Saturday, Dec 25th

Emergency/ walk-in service only until 10pm.

There will be no new patients admitted after 10pm on Christmas Day. 

Tuesday, Dec 28th

Emergency/ walk-in service begins at 11am.

Appointments only 7am-11am

Saturday, Jan 1st

No Emergency/ walk-in service on New Year's Day. 

Closed for Emergencies.

Only existing hospitalized patients will be seen on New Year's Day.  

 

We are grateful for your continued partnership in pet care and we appreciate your patients as we adjust to new challenges. We are proud of the role our 24/7/365 emergency service plays in our community. It is our goal to resume the 24/7/365 services that you have come to reply on.

Please contact us on our dedicated referral line to reach our doctors and staff 24/7/365.

  

 

Local Rabies Alert

City of Weston reported a rabies alert for portions of the city.

Post Date:09/18/2021 5:21 PM -https://www.westonfl.org/

Date: September 18, 2021 /Contact: Nina Levine, Nina.Levine@FLHealth.gov / 954-895-5745

HEALTH OFFICIALS ISSUE RABIES ALERT
Rabies Alert for a Portion of Weston, Florida

Fort Lauderdale – The Florida Department of Health in Broward County (DOH-Broward) issued a rabies alert for a portion of Weston, Florida. This is in response to a fox that tested positive on September 17, 2021.

All residents and visitors in Broward County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in Broward County. Alerts are designed to increase awareness to the public. Please be aware that rabies can also occur outside the alert area.

This rabies alert is for 60 days (it expires on November 16.) The alert includes the following boundaries in Broward County:

• Weston Hills Drive to the North
• S.W. 196th Avenue to the West
• North Ridge Drive to the East
• Griffin Road to the South

An animal with rabies could infect domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes. Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm blooded animals and humans. The only preventive measure for human exposure to rabies is rabies specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Rabies prophylaxis started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:

• Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets and at-risk livestock.

• Do not allow your pets to run free. Follow leash laws by keeping pets and livestock secured on your property. If your pet or livestock are bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Animal Control Services for your jurisdiction.

• Support animal control in efforts to reduce feral and stray animal populations.

• Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or regularly vaccinated.

• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with outdoor food sources such as uncovered trash or litter. 

• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.

• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.

• Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people and pets.

• Persons who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the DOH-Broward at 954-467-4700.

For further information on rabies, go to

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (floridahealth.gov)

Source: https://www.westonfl.org/Home/Components/News/News/913/18?backlist=%2F

Mast Cell Tumors Beware! Our Oncologist has a mark on you!

Mast Cell Tumors Beware! Our Oncologist has a mark on you!   

When looking for advanced veterinary care, we are here for you with cutting edge treatment options. Dr. Irene Vazquez, our board certified oncologist is your neighborhood pet cancer specialist.

STELFONTA is a prescription medicine used in dogs to treat mast cell tumors on the skin or in the tissues just under the skin. Given as an injection directly into your dog’s tumor, it destroys the tumor by breaking down cancer cells and starving their blood supply. A “pocket” or wound is left at the injection site where the tumor was. This is generally a healthy wound ready for skin and hair to grow back in a few weeks.
Pretreatment involves oral medications, including corticosteroids and antihistamines, prior to the injection of STELFONTA. These medications are very important to reduce the risks associated with inflammatory substances that can be released from the tumor as the mast cells are destroyed. Premedication is given 2 days pretreatment and continues until 7 days post treatment. It is essential that you give all medications as prescribed.

Most dogs do not need sedation or anesthesia during the procedure although occasionally, dogs may be sedated.

Side effects reported in dogs treated with STELFONTA were generally mild and short lasting, but they can be severe, especially if not treated in a timely manner.

The most common adverse reactions included wound formation, injection-site pain, lameness in the treated limb, vomiting, diarrhea and hypoalbuminemia (low levels in the blood of the protein albumin). Although most side effects/adverse reactions seen in clinical studies were mild, the most serious side effects occurred in the first 4 days. Excessive pain, lameness, tiredness, refusal to eat for more than one day, repeated vomiting or diarrhea, trouble breathing, changes to the treated tumor site (including increased or excessive swelling and bruising, extensive wound formation, increased irritation) or any other symptoms should be examined immediately and treated accordingly.

When looking for advanced veterinary care, we are here for you with cutting edge treatment options. Dr. Irene Vazquez, our board certified oncologist is your neighborhood pet cancer specialist.

Irene Vazquez, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology)

Minimally Invasive (Soft Tissue) Surgery

 What kinds of surgeries can be done, minimally invasively?

 

·         Thoracoscopy (chest)

o   Exploratory

§  Exploring the chest to figure out a problem/ help diagnose.

o   Lung Lobectomy

§  Removing a piece of the Lung to send out.

o   Pericardiectomy

§  Surgical removal of a portion or all the pericardium (sac around the heart)

o   Pericardioscopy

§  Exploration of the pericardial cavity. (sac around the heart)

o   Lung, Mediastinal and pleural Biopsies

§  Taking samples to send out.

·         Abdominal/ Gastrointestinal

o   Exploratory (can include biopsies)

§  Exploring the abdomen to figure out a problem/ help diagnose.

o   Liver Biopsy

§  Taking a sample of the liver to send out.

o   Pancreatic Biopsy

§  Taking a sample of the pancreas to send out.

o   Adrenalectomy

§  Removal of one or both adrenal glands

o   Colopexy

§  Tacking/suturing the sigmoid colon to the abdominal wall.

o   Cholecystectomy

§  Removal of the Gallbladder

o   Gastropexy

§  Tacking/suturing the stomach to the abdominal wall

·         Urogenital

o   Kidney Biopsy

§  Taking a sample of the kidney.

o   Ovariohysterectomy/Ovariectomy (SPAY)

§  Removal of ovaries

o   Cryptorchidectomy

§  Removal of an undescended testicle

o   Cystopexy

§  Tacking/suturing the urinary bladder to the abdominal wall.

o   Percutaneous Cystolithotomy (PCCL)

§  Removal of bladder and urethral stones.

 Andrea Clark, DVM, DACVS-SA

 

One year in, what to expect!

As we approach the one-year mark of the strangest year of our lives, we an share in the sentiment- COVID fatigue! We are all stressed out and we miss our "old" lives.

With that said, there is little indication that “this too shall pass.” As we value our role  in patient care and as we work with our local veterinarians to serve our pet community, we would like to candidly share some updates about our practice.   What you need to know! We are here for you. Our doctors and specialists and our 24/7/365 emergency service is your resource. What you may not know. Walk-ins/Emergencies. Every day, we have doctors scheduled to see walk-ins and emergencies. Yet, even staffed, our walk-in wait time can be HOURS. We prioritize emergencies, therefore we want you to know the realities of extended wait times when cases are non-emergent cases. We have appointments available within 48 hours. When your pet needs to be seen but it is not a life threatening emergency, we can secure appointment times usually within 48 hours.   In fact, you can schedule your own appointment online at vcahollywood.com, by downloading our app @ www.myvcaapp.com, via email at au1000@vca.com or by leaving a message for a call back. The advantage? Avoid the ‘emergency room’ experience and ensure your pet is taken care of.  ___________________________________________________________ We have all endured a great deal this year. We have made some challenging decisions, each with the health and safety of our staff and clients in mind. As we move forward, we are grateful for our continued partnership and we appreciate the trust you have put in us for so many years. Please consider our team your resource for your specialty and emergency referral needs.

We would really like to hear from you!!

We would really like to hear from you about your

VCA Hollywood experience!!!

Having been in business for over 75 years, we truly feel like a part of the South Florida pet community and are therefore, committed to providing the very best in patient care. 

We appreciate your feedback.

                    

Visit our online presence to learn more about us 

and our commitment to care for you and your pet! 

Check out our website!!

Dr. James, you will be missed!!!

After 45 years of practice, Dr. James Dee has decided to retire.

Please know that the doctors at VCA HAH are extraordinary and our team here is second to none. I have no doubt that they will continue to provide stellar and compassionate care for you and your pets for many years to come. It is with deep sadness that we wish Dr. James farewell, but we take solace in the fact that his retirement is well deserved and his standard of hard work and caring will forever be a part of the DNA of this practice. Whether to staff, client, family or friend, Dr. James’ impact on each of us was profound and we are grateful for his part in building the VCA HAH. We wish Dr. James wonderful new adventures, full of all of the joys in the world and we welcome him back anytime for a visit and a laugh! A message from Dr. James. To the clients and staff of VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital - It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital; the place I have called home since I was a kid.   When I walked across the stage at Auburn University in 1972 and received my diploma, I can honestly say I did not realize the profound impact my career and the 45 years I spent at HAH would have on my life.  Along with my brothers Dr. Larry and Dr. Jon, and our partners Dr. Sessa and Dr. Herrington, it was an honor and a privilege to serve as an owner of Hollywood Animal Hospital.  What’s more, having the opportunity to practice quality family medicine with my father, Dr. Clarence Dee (who cofounded Hollywood Animal Hospital in 1947) and mother Lucille Dee, was an experience of a lifetime.   I would not trade those years for anything in the world and they have shaped me into the man, and veterinarian, I am today.  Additionally, I have worked alongside some exceptional folks – people I truly consider family. Together we have laughed, cried, supported each other, as well as our clients, as we navigated through some rough waters, hunkered down through many a  hurricane, watched generations (2 and 4 legged!) mature and grow.  The list is endless and I have nothing but fond memories of my years in practice. Now, this goes without saying, but in my eyes the clients of Hollywood Animal Hospital are the cream of the crop! I have met so many magnificent, kind hearted people who have entrusted me to do the very best by their pets.  I will miss you all more than I can ever express to you.  Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.  I will keep each and every one of you close to my heart. Warmest regards, Dr. James Dee

What you need to know about your new puppy or kitten!!!

Do you have a new puppy or kitten? 

One of the first things you should do when you bring your new pet home is to introduce them to your local veterinarian. Puppy and kitten visits offer a unique opportunity to start you and your new pet off on the right paw! Even if you are a very experienced pet owner and have had puppies or kittens before, each pet is unique and offers an opportunity to learn something new. The more educated you are about your pet, the better you will be able to care for them. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Spaying and Neutering:

We recommend that all dogs and cats not intended for breeding be spayed/neutered, as these procedures can provide a number of medical and behavioral benefits for your pet. Pet neutering can prevent pet testicular cancer, marking, and aggression. Pet spaying can prevent uterine infections, heat cycles, and breast tumors. We can discuss the best age to spay/neuter your pet during their visit!

Puppy & Kitten Vaccinations

Young pets typically require a series of vaccinations within their first year to equip the immune system with antibodies. VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital can develop a vaccination schedule for your pet after the initial wellness exam.

Parasite Testing & Prevention

Many puppies and kittens are born with intestinal worms (contracted by their mothers), which can cause a number of health problems if not treated. This is why deworming should be included with your pet’s first visit as well. To protect your pet from parasites (heartworms, fleas, ticks, etc.) in the future, we also recommend that you keep them on a year-round preventive.

We understand that having a pet can get expensive at times. Luckily there is pet insurance! We have witnessed first hand how Trupanion has helped clients from something as minor as an ear infection to something as major as a foreign body surgery!  Click here to find out more information.

Have more questions? Visit our website and schedule an appointment today!!!! 

5th Annual Free Eye Exam for Service Animals Event!!!!

  Love in action is service!

This May, VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital and Animal Eye Guys, will host their 5th Annual Free Eye Exam for Service Animals Event.  Sunday May 7th from 10-4pm will be dedicated exclusively to eye exams for qualified service animals.

Prompted by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist National Eye Exams for Service animals, Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist, Dr. Robert 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,"

Dr. Robert Swinger l Animal Eye Guys 

To qualify, 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. Once registered online, the owner/agent will receive a registration number. Simply call (954) 826-8871 to schedule an appointment.

 

HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE 2017 EVENT:

To qualify for a free exam, animals must be

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. 

Appointments can be made throughout the month of May through Animal Eye Guys.

 “Our practice has been serving the South Florida for nearly 70 years. We have a commitment to our pets and are honored to provide exams for animals that so selflessly provide support to their people and community. We could not be happier to partner with Dr. Swinger and Animal Eye Guys once again to provide this service.” 

Dr. James Herrington l VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital l Medical Director

K9 Officer First Aid Training!!!!!!!!

After nearly 70 years of caring for the pets in South Florida, VCA Hollywood has developed strong relationships with our community. These relationships have transcended the doctor:patient bond and established us a solid resource for best pet care. This bond is no more epitomized than with our law enforcement community. For decades we have cared for our state and local police K9 officers for wellness and emergency care. This week, we offered these same officers an opportunity to take care into their own hands with our annual K9 Officer First Aid Training.


Thirty officers from area K9 Units joined us to bone up on their canine care with Leah S, LVT. Leah has offered this training at least once a year to our officers and teaches them to adapt their knowledge of human emergency care to pet care. These Officers learn and practice taking vitals, doing CPR and emergency wound management.

The men where all ears to understand the best practices for caring for their K9 partners.

This year, through a grant for the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) special, customized emergency kits were purchased for each officer ensuring they will have everything they need if their partner is injured in the line of duty.

We are grateful for the service these officers perform and proud to be a part of their continued safety.

How often do you change your toothbrush??

How often do you change your toothbrush? How about your pet's. Oral care can be overlooked with our canine and feline partners yet it is critical to long term health. Health care routines can range from brushing to simple treats with an array of options in between. All supported by regular professional dental cleanings.
See what you can be doing to help prolong the health of your pet.  

C.E.T.^® Oral Hygiene Kit for Cats

Provides a complete kit with everything pet owners need to start a program of regular oral hygiene for their cat.

Convenient and complete starter dental care kit designed for cat owners to use at home. Contains C.E.T.^® Fingerbrush with C.E.T.^® Enzymatic Toothpaste and C.E.T.^® Cat Toothbrush.
Each kit contains:

• C.E.T.^® Fingerbrush; an ideal beginner toothbrush to help acquaint cats and their owners with the toothbrushing experience. After the cat and owner are comfortable with toothbrushing, owners can progress to using the C.E.T. Cat Toothbrush for more effective plaque removal.
• C.E.T.^® Cat Toothbrush is designed especially for feline mouths, which have very little room between their back teeth and cheeks. This toothbrush has long, soft bristles shaped into a pointed tuft. By placing just the tuft of the bristles between the cheek and the teeth, the back teeth can be brushed without causing discomfort.

C.E.T.^® Oral Hygiene Kit for Dogs

Provides a complete kit with everything pet owners need to start a program of regular oral hygiene for their dog.

Convenient and complete starter dental care kit designed for dog owners to use at home. Contains C.E.T.^® Fingerbrush with C.E.T.^® Enzymatic Toothpaste and C.E.T.^® Dual-Ended Toothbrush.
Each kit contains:

• C.E.T.^® Fingerbrush, an ideal beginner toothbrush to help acquaint dogs and their owners with the toothbrushing experience. After the dog and the owner are comfortable with toothbrushing, owners can graduate to using the C.E.T. Dual-Ended Toothbrush for more effective plaque removal.
• C.E.T.^® Enzymatic Toothpaste, which provides a natural antibacterial action and acts quickly to help neutralize mouth odors. The toothpaste is palatable and formulated to be safe even if swallowed by the pet.
• The C.E.T.^® Dual-Ended Toothbrush features soft bristles and a long handle with reverse angle heads to enable easy application. Tapered dual ends accommodate large and small tooth surfaces and conform to a pet’s mouth and teeth.