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.

Arthroscopy for Medial Coronoid Process Disease

Coco is a 6 month old female intact Rottweiler who was referred by her primary care veterinarian for further evaluation of right thoracic limb lameness.

The lameness started 3 weeks prior to presentation, and there was no history of trauma or any other inciting cause. Radiographs had been performed, and showed concern for possible osteochondritis dissecans of the right shoulder. Coco was treated with activity restriction/rest and analgesic medication, but there was no improvement in her lameness. Coco was referred to VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital’s Surgical Service for further evaluation.

On examination, Coco was partial weight bearing lame on her right thoracic limb at a walk and trot. She displayed repeated pain on extension of both the left and right elbow joints. She had no shoulder pain, and normal range of motion of her shoulder joints. A CT scan was recommended to further evaluate Coco’s elbows and shoulders, and to identify the underlying cause of the lameness and pain.

 
A CT scan of Coco’s thoracic limbs revealed bilateral medial coronoid process disease, along with right-sided humeroradial incongruity. Her shoulders were within normal limits. Medial coronoid process disease is a term used to encompass several pathologies, including sclerosis, microfracture, fragmentation, fissuring, and cartilage damage to the medial coronoid process. Elbow joint incongruity is another type of 

developmental elbow pathology, and it can occur alone or in combination with medial coronoid process disease. In fact, elbow joint incongruity is seen in 60% of elbows with medial coronoid process disease. Medial coronoid process disease is initiated by a delay in endochondral ossification, as well as biomechanical forces that act on the medical coronoid process during maturation. Disturbance of endochondral ossification could result from unbalanced mechanical factors and supraphysiological loading of the medial coronoid process. Overloading of the medial compartment of the elbow may also result from joint incongruity. This leads to a progressive process of cleft formation, fracture, bone remodeling, fatigue of subchondral bone, and eventual medial coronoid process disease. Medial coronoid process disease most commonly affects young, large and giant breed dogs. Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherd Dogs have a breed predisposition for medial coronoid process disease. The age at first presentation is usually between 6 and 18 months of age. Elbow joint incongruity is also primarily seen in large breed dogs, and Rottweilers are over-represented.

Treatment of medial coronoid process disease includes both surgical and non-surgical treatment options. For affected animals, the best prognosis is associated with early surgical treatment in young dogs with minimal to mild osteoarthritis in conjunction with preventative measures against osteoarthritis. Coco is an example of an ideal surgical candidate due to her young age, and the fact that the CT scan showed minimal degenerative changes. Traditionally, surgery for these cases was approached via an open arthrotomy. At VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital, arthroscopy is available as one of our minimally invasive treatment options. Arthroscopy has been shown to result in a shorter period of convalescence and better functional outcome compared to arthrotomy. Additionally, arthroscopy allows for superior visualization of intra-articular structures. Improved visualization allows the surgeon to treat each joint more thoroughly and more precisely. Since it is minimally invasive, patients tolerate arthroscopic treatment of both elbow joints in a single session. Plus, elbow arthroscopy can often be performed concurrently with ovariohysterectomy or castration and/or stem cell harvesting.

Bilateral elbow arthroscopy was performed during a single session and revealed fissuring of both the left and right medial coronoid processes, along with synovitis. Arthroscopy revealed fissuring of both the left and right medial coronoid processes, along with synovitis. Arthroscopic debridement of the diseased medial coronoid process was performed with a power burr until healthy subchondral bone was reached. Debridement of diseased cartilage not only removes the inciting cause of pain/lameness, but it also helps slow the progression of osteoarthritis. Debridement to the level of healthy subchondral bone supplies a means of vascular access to the joint. Coco was hospitalized for one night post-operatively, and she was discharged to her owners the following day. At the time of discharge, Coco was comfortable and already ambulating with minimal lameness at the time of discharge. 

Besides cases like Coco’s of medial coronoid process disease, elbow arthroscopy can be performed for diseases including ununited anconeal process, osteochondoris, and incomplete ossificiation of the humeral condyle. This minimally invasive surgical option provides superior visualization and outcome for treatment of certain disease conditions, as well as, less patient morbidity.

Dr. Andrea Clark, DACVS-SA

Andrea.Clark@vca.com

For a list of the Minimally Invasive Surgeries we are offer include (but are not limited to) click here!

For a quick list of doctors and services at VCA Hollywood click here!

Dr. Andrea Clark's surgical service is available Wed-Sat. She can be reached through our dedicated referral line @954-600-9835. This line is provided only to area veterinarians and there staff for their sole use. A doctor is always in at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital. 

  

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

VCA HAH Services-At-A-Glance

Updated 01.2025
When referring to VCA HAH, please call our hospital’s main line at 954.920.3556. Our staff will connect you directly to the appropriate person to discuss the case and determine which of our services are in alignment with your diagnostic plan.  

You can also refer online through our Patient Referral Form. Please complete the appropriate medical sections to better facilitate communication regarding your client’s care.

 

Advanced Dental Procedures

James Herrington, DVM,DABVP, CCRP
Jessica Lukens, DVM

Jodi.Heim, DVM

Lauren Vezzosi, DVM

Advanced Ultrasound Diagnostics

Randi Fishkin, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC

Anne Murphy, DVM, DABVP

CT Scan/ Radiology

Victoria McEwen, DVM,DACVR
Antech Imaging Service

Services include: Image capture, interpretation and consultation of CT and digital radiography Images.

Dermatology 
Dr. Melanie Hnot, VMD, DACVD

Emergency & Critical Care

Randi Fishkin, DVM,DACVIM, DACVECC

Jenna Cardillo, DVM, MS, DACVECC

James Herrington, DVM,DABVP, CCRP

Anne Murphy, DVM, DABVP
Jodi Heim, DVM

Jessica Lukens, DVM 

Lauren Vezzosi, DVM

Diana Zapata, DVM

Chloe Borriello, VMD

Crystal Ware, DVM

Corey Young, DVM

Kevin Ramirez, DVM

Endoscopy

Randi Fishkin, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC

James Herrington, DVM, DABVP, CCRP

Fluoroscopy
Randi Fishkin, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC

General, Reconstructive Surgery and
Advanced Soft Tissue Surgery

Amy Sheil, DVM (Practice Limited to Surgery)
James Herrington, DVM, DABVP, CCRP
Anne Murphy, DVM, DABVP

Internal Medicine
Randi Fishkin, DVM,DACVIM, DACVECC

James Herrington, DVM, DABVP, CCRP

Anne Murphy, DVM, DABVP

Orthopedic Surgery

Amy Sheil, DVM (Practice Limited to Surgery)

Transfusion Medicine

Randi Fishkin, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC

Jenna Cardillo, DVM, MS, DACVECC

Blood Bank

We stock a complete supply of blood products to readily provide blood components to hospitalized patients. Our highly trained staff is available 24/7/365 to perform transfusion therapy in support of your treatment plan. 

“There is Nothing Routine About Our Care!”

Tuesday's Tips from our Doctors- Feline Leukemia (FeLV) !!

Tuesday's Tips from our Doctors! 

Recently our  Doctors asked how they could share some facts about the common (and not so common) things that can effect the health of our  pets in S. Florida.  This is what we can up with. Be on the look out for more Tips from our Doctors and be sure to let us know what other things you would like to know about!

FeLV stands for Feline Leukemia Virus. It is a retroviral disease of cats that affects their bone marrow and immune system. It is estimated that about 3% of cats worldwide are affected with this virus. FeLV can be transmitted multiple ways; it is shed in the saliva, feces, milk, and urine of an infected cat, although the primary route of transmission is through saliva.  

Transmission can occur via grooming, licking, biting, as well as sharing dishes and litter pans. Therefore, close cat-to-cat contact is required for transmission. Transmission from infected mother to kitten may occur during pregnancy, and it can also be transmitted by the exchange of blood. 

Any age a cat can become infected with the virus. However, kittens and younger cats are at the highest risk of significant and rapid progression of the disease because of their naïve immune system. Some cats will contract the disease and will not show clinical signs (signs of illness), but they will continue to spread the virus. These are known as latent carriers. They can become symptomatically ill when stressed. On rare occasions, some cats that are infected may eliminate the virus on their own and never become ill. These cats become immune.

 

There is no specific treatment or cure for a FeLV infection. Many cats with FeLV will live normal lives, but their life span tends to be significantly shorter. Most cats will not live more than 3 years past the time they are infected with the virus.  Many cats become sick with lymphoma (cancer), bone marrow disease (such as leukemia), or feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).

FeLV cats may encounter other problems that include an earlier onset of dental disease and more upper respiratory infections (colds), as well as multiple diseases related to being immune suppressed. If your cat becomes ill and is FeLV positive, treatment involves supportive care based on their clinical signs. Examples include supportive care for the leukemia form (bone marrow disease). The lymphoma form of the disease may be treated with better results using chemotherapy drugs, but is still not curable. 

There is a vaccine available for the prevention of FeLV. This vaccine is considered a “core” vaccine for kittens. This means all kittens should receive the vaccines as the proper standard of care in veterinary medicine. 

Kittens will receive 2 vaccines 2 weeks apart (at 12-14 weeks of age, and then again at 15-17 weeks of age), and then a booster one year later. Current recommendations in the literature indicate that after 2 years of age (with proper vaccination until then), yearly vaccination is “risk based.” This means certain cats should continue to receive the yearly vaccine. This includes cats who have certain factors which increase their risk of exposure such as going outdoors, living in large colonies, or living with positive cats. 

All cats should be tested for FeLV before being vaccinated. New kittens can be tested as early as 6-8 weeks of age. Your veterinarian has an ELISA test (this is normally able to be done in the office with a few drops of blood) which screens for FeLV and FIV (another virus of cats). If you know your cat has been exposed to FeLV, it is recommended to test them again at least 30 days post exposure to ensure a second negative result. Some cats will test positive, but then clear the virus on their own and test negative the second time.  

Kittens should be tested at an early age (at adoption, etc.) however they should be re-tested at least 30 days later to ensure a second negative result since the virus may take weeks to months to be detected. If your cat tests positive, a confirmation test (known as an IFA (immunoflourescent assay test) can be done at an outside laboratory to confirm the positive result. 

 If your home has a FeLV positive cat, it is recommended that you do not bring any new negative status cats into the household to minimize other cats from being exposed. If you own two cats, separating them to avoid possible bodily fluid exchange is best. Luckily, the virus is very unstable in the environment, and common household cleaners easily destroy it. Even without cleaning, the virus is destroyed naturally in a span of days. 

Angela Suarez, D.V.M. 

University of Florida, 2015

June Team Member of the Month- Sarah!!!!

Fun Fact! This month’s Team Member of the Month’s mother actually trainined our current Hospital Manager when she was a new tech!  

One could say that her unique histoy with the VCA HAH has made her a part of our family right from the start. Sarah S.,may carry the title of Assistant Receptionist Supervisor but her list of tasks vary by need. 

Hiring on some four years ago, Sarah has made it clear the she is a motivated and capable team member. In these most recent months she has taken the initiative to help whenever there is a need and sincerely, “Step up!” 

She lead our team in fundraising for the Humane Society of Broward Count Walk for the Animals 2015. She (and her children) can be counted on to help at during our outreach events like Boxer Friends’ Dog Bowl and most recently when asked , Sarah stepped into our accounting department to help out. 

Sarah has certainly earned her stripes in our HAH home. We are very pleased that she has continued her family’s history of being a part of the VCA family. We are happy to highlight her as our June Team Member of the Month!!  

June Patient of the Month- Max!!!

***images attached to the end of this blog may be too graphic for some***another warning is present on the scroll prior to images***

Max, a one year old French Bulldog was discovered by Jamie’s Rescue at Miami Dade Animal Shelter after being abandoned. A regular client of Dr. Shapiro, Jamie brought Max to the clinic for a full evaluation. As his photos indicate, Little Max was a bit worse for wear when he came to our door.  In addition to other ‘expected’ challenges that we anticipate with abandoned animals, little Max had many other things going on. After his exam (and a some extra love from Dr. Shapiro’s technician, Dalila) Max was diagnosed with demodex (mange), a deep ulcer in his Left eye and viral papillomas. 

Demodex is a collection of tiny parasitic mites that live in or near the hair follicles of mammals. It is a common infestation for dogs and diagnosed by analyzing a small skin sample under a microscope. A dip, which includes a highly concentrated insecticide, is most often used to treat demodex however in some cases drugs like Ivermectins can be used. In each case, supervision by a veterinarian is highly recommended because of the potential for side effects.

For Max’s demodex, Dr. Shapiro prescribed oral medication which, while treatment would span several weeks, started the healing process immediately. However the ulcer in Max’s right eye would prove to be more challenging. The viral papillomas growing on his face were too close to his eyes and were obstructing the ulcer and causing additional irritation. With no room for medication to access the area, no healing was possible.   Max was in need of some intensive care.  But, before that could begin, the papillomas had to be addressed. 

One treatment for papillomas, is to remove the growths and begin antibiotic treatment; such as azithromycin which has been shown to hasten resolution of papillomas. Since the ulcer in Max’s eye was covered by the papillomas removing them was the necessary next step. Additionally, Max was an intact male so a routine neuter was on the list. Since the demodex was localized primarily to his head and upper body surgery was possible sooner rather than later. 

Dr. Shapiro and Jamie decided to hospitalize Max to begin treatment. After a day of medical treatment, surgery was scheduled. Dr. Shapiro performed a simple neuter and then went to the task of removing all of the papilloma masses from his eye, his mouth and his face. His recovery from surgery was smooth and for the next 2 weeks Max was our guest, undergoing intensive isolated care which included hourly medications for his eye, intense antibiotic therapy and pain medications. 

 After 14 days of treatment by our dedicated day and night crew, Max looked like a new dog. While his spirit stayed high throughout his stay his skin and eyes were now on the mend. His outside were now more reflective of his puppy like attitude.

 Today, Max is nearly fully healed. He has continued treatment for the demodex and continues to stay away from other dogs while the papillomas resolve but he is by all other accounts: back to normal and looking for his fur-ever home.

It is always a pleasure to be able to see the recovery of a pet that just needs some TLC. Time, love and compassion paired with great medical know how works wonders. We are so pleased with his progress and so happy to highlight him as our June Patient of the Month!

 

**images below are of Max before treatment of the Viral Papillomas***They may be too graphic for some****

Papillomas covering the ulcer in his eye.

Demodex is visible around his eye as well.