Meet Dr. Ramirez

 

Kevin Ramirez

Staff VeterinarianDVM

Member of the Broward County Veterinary Medical Association

Dr. Kevin Ramirez was born and raised on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. He obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University, after completing his clinical year at the University of Florida. With a specialized focus in Emergency Medicine and Soft Tissue Surgery, Dr. Ramirez is dedicated to providing exceptional care to every patient he encounters.

Fluent in both Spanish and English, Dr. Ramirez prioritizes clear communication with clients, fostering a deeper connection and understanding throughout their pet's treatment journey. He values diversity and aims to ensure that every client feels heard and supported.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Ramirez is an avid adventurer. Whether he is exploring the depths of the ocean through scuba diving, traversing picturesque hiking trails or enjoying the simple pleasures of soaking up the sun on our sandy beaches, he is always seeking a new adventure.

With his rich cultural background and unwavering commitment to veterinary medicine, Dr. Ramirez brings a unique perspective and top-tier care to his practice, ensuring the well-being of every animal under his care.

Education: Ross University, 2023, DVM

Meet Dr. Alvarado

 Paloma Alvarado

Staff VeterinarianDVM

Member of the Broward County Veterinary Medical Association

Dr. Paloma Alvarado is a native of Southern California. Originally, from the vibrant community of Orange County, she began her academic journey by earning a bachelor's degree in Zoology from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. There, she developed a strong interest in the natural world and animal sciences and driven by this passion she pursued her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Ross University. Completing her clinical year at our esteemed University of Florida, she has found a happy home on the east coast, and joins us with a diverse skill set and a solid foundation in veterinary practice.

Outside of the office, Dr. Alvarado shows a particular love for cooking and discovering new cuisines, often sharing her culinary adventures through food reviews. Additionally, she is a self-proclaimed comic book nerd and enjoys immersing herself in the world of comic books and sci-fi culture by attending conventions as a dedicated Star Trek fan.

Dr. Alvarado's multifaceted interests and unwavering dedication to veterinary medicine, embodies a holistic approach to life and she is excited to continue her journey with our South Florida pet community.

Education: Ross University, 2023, DVM

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.

Veterinary Medicine, it is not just playing with puppies and kittens.

Veterinary Medicine, it is not just

 playing with puppies and kittens.

When taking your pet to a veterinarian there is an expectation that they will care for the whole pet- just like a human general practitioner (gp). They understand all of the body systems and and how they inter-relate and can make decisions about care that allows your pet to live their best life.  At VCA Hollywood, we think we have some of the best gp veterinarians around who are well versed in this comprehensive care. 

Annually at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital, we invite veterinarians to join us for a year of intensive practice and mentorship to continue their growth as practitioners. We are very proud of our Surgical and Rotating Internship Program and its part in the veterinary journey. As internships after graduation are highly competitive and completely optional we are always inspired by the caliber of doctors that join us by their clear commitment to going the extra mile for their patients. 

This year's group was truly amazing and we want to share what is next for them.    

To become a board certified veterinary dermatologist, like our very own Dr. Hnot, you must complete a 3 year residency and pass the sate board exams. We are so proud to share that our Dr. Tatiana Matos, after a year working with on emergency all of our specialist will start her dermatology residency at Allergy, Skin and Ear Clinic for Pets 

Get to know, Dr. Alexandra Emelianchik. After spending a year caring for our pet community Dr. E, is working toward specialized exotic pet care with a one year exotic internship with Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston. We are so excited for and we will miss Dr. Emelianchik!

To become a board certified veterinary surgeon, you must complete a 3 year residency and pass the state board exams. The journey to a residency is rigorous and quite competitive which requires applicants to prepare with specialized internships to even be considered for acceptance. Dr. Sonya Shaw and Dr. Pallavi Sinha have spent this year mentored by our surgical team Dr. Jon Dee and Dr. Andrea Clark and we are excite to share their next steps. 

Meet Dr. Shaw who will be taking on a research/surgical internship at the University of Missouri next year and Dr. Sinha who will join the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island for a surgical internship.

Dr. Jennifer Neumann will be pursuing emergency work in the Miami area and Dr. Leanne Boyd is returning home to California to be with her east coast family. 

Now more then ever, general practice veterinarian have a broader directory of advanced veterinary care to draw on when their patient assessment dictates. Specialists in Dermatology, Surgery, E
emergency & Critical Care, Internal Medicine and Oncology are among the available care for pets at our practice and we are proud of our commitment to the future of veterinary medicine.

Purina Elemental Recall-NESTLÉ PURINA PETCARE COMPANY VOLUNTARILY RECALLS

PURINA PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS EL ELEMENTAL DRY DOG FOOD DUE TO POTENTIAL ELEVATED VITAMIN D

ST LOUIS – FEBRUARY 8, 2023

Nestlé Purina PetCare Company has voluntarily recalled select lots of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental (PPVD EL) prescription dry dog food due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs; however, ingestion of elevated levels can lead to potential health issues depending on the level of vitamin D and the length of exposure. These issues may include vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, and excessive drooling to renal (kidney) dysfunction.

Purina is taking this action after being contacted about two separate confirmed cases of a dog exhibiting signs of vitamin D toxicity after consuming the diet. Once taken off the diet, each of these dogs recovered.

The affected dry dog food was distributed by prescription only through veterinary clinics, Purina Vet Direct, Purina for Professionals, and other select retailers with the ability to validate a prescription. Bags of PPVD EL with the UPC Code and Production Code below should be immediately discarded. No other Purina products are affected.

Pet owners who purchased bags of the product listed above are asked to immediately stop feeding and dispose of the food. If signs such as weight loss, excessive drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite or increased thirst or urination have occurred in their dog while eating this diet, pet owners should contact their veterinarian.

Purina has asked their veterinarians and other retail partners to remove and destroy the affected product from their inventory.

We apologize to pet owners and veterinarians for any concerns or inconvenience this situation has caused. As pet experts and pet owners ourselves, the health and well-being of pets is our top priority.

Please contact the Purina team directly at 1-800-345-5678 or via email at https://www.purina.com/contactus for assistance in getting a refund or alternative diet recommendation.

Prescription Diet Services

Over the last year, COVID-19 has impacted the availability of products across many industries. Pet food companies have been among those effected by production limitations and we have all felt that same impact as we stock our shelves. Simply, pet owners are finding their favorite pet food harder to find than usual.

As a practice, our specialty diet recommendations are scripted to clients of our emergency and specialty departments along with the sale of an initial transition dose, upon discharge. While in the past we have enjoyed a surplus of food and been happy to accommodate supplemental supply as needed to these clients  we too are being effected by the industries limitations.

Therefore, we will continue to provide food supply to clients of our general care practice first but will be unable to fill food prescriptions for clients of our emergency and specialty services. These clients will be directed to fill the script with their primary veterinarian or other outside pet food supply companies.

As manufacturers and vendors work together to correct the course of this limited stock, we look forward to being able to accommodate service to more clients however, getting the marketplace back to normal will take some time.

While we will continue to update you on the progress of food availabilty, further assistance may be available through your pet's food manufacturer.

HILLS – Website: hillspet.com; Phone: 800-445-5777

PURINA – Website: purina.com/purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets; Phone: 800-778-7462

ROYAL CANIN – Website: my.royalcanin.com; Email: info.usa@royalcanin.com; Phone: 800-592-6687

 We appreciate your patience and understanding as we traverse these unique times.

Message from our Oncology Department:

Welcome back, Dr. Vazquez!!!!!!

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Irene Vazquez, returns from maternity leave on Tuesday, September 7th to resume her full schedule of appointments and procedures Monday- Thursday.

 We are very excited to have her back and look forward to sharing with you some of the newest treatments she is implementing in her cancer care service.

As always our Emergency Service is open 24/7/365.
Our Specialized Veterinary Care is available Monday-Saturday!

We understand the unique impact this year has had on all of us and we are grateful to be your source for emergency & specialty pet care.

Learn more about Pet Cancer Care and the vast resources that are available through your local VCA Hollywood Pet Cancer Care Center.

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. 

  

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

 

A Spay is Not Just a Spay.

A spay is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by veterinarians. But what exactly is a spay? The term spay is a generic term that means surgical removal of the female reproductive organs. This can mean one of two things. The term spay can refer to ovariohysterectomy, which is the removal of the ovaries and the uterus. Alternatively, spay can refer to ovariectomy, which is removal of only the ovaries. So why do most veterinarians recommend spaying dogs and cats? There are numerous healthy benefits that come from spaying your pet. Spaying female dogs and cats helps prevent accidental pregnancy, reduces the risk for mammary cancer, and eliminates other possible health conditions such as uterine infection (pyometra), ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer. 

 Both ovariohysterectomy and ovariectomy are equally effective, and research has shown no difference in health benefits between the two procedures. So regardless of whether the ovaries and uterus (ovariohysterectomy) or just the ovaries (ovariectomy) are removed, spaying your pet can ultimately lead to your pet living a longer and healthier life. So what is new to learn about the common spay?

Historically, in veterinary medicine, the only way a spay could be performed was by open abdominal surgery. This surgery involves making an incision in the muscles of the abdominal wall, opening the abdominal cavity, and removing the reproductive organs through the abdominal incision. While there is nothing wrong with that method, advances in veterinary medicine and technology have given veterinarians a second way to perform a spay procedure through minimally invasive techniques. This minimally invasive procedure is called laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic surgery uses high-definition cameras, fiber optic lights, and high tech small instruments that are inserted into the abdominal cavity through two tiny incisions. The high-definition cameras allow for superior visualization of your pet’s internal organs – much better than the naked eye. The superior visualization allows the surgeon to see more precisely and this greater detail makes a big difference for your pets’ safety.

Better visualization allows surgeons to be more precise with their surgical techniques as well as detect and address things such as small amounts of hemorrhage present during the procedure. Additionally, the entire surgical procedure can be documented through high definition pictures and videos and the minimally invasive approach, through two tiny incisions, means less pain after surgery and a quicker recovery for your pet.

With the ability to perform minimally invasive surgery, a spay is no longer just a spay. Now pet owners have options when it comes to spaying their pets. And you and your veterinarian can choose how to best serve your pet – either the traditional method, or minimally invasively.

Dr. Andrea Clark, DACVS-SA

Veterinary Surgeon

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.

Food Backorder

A year of consumers being stuck at home has created a surprising level of unexpected demand for products and imports in every market, creating a shortage of cargo shipping containers and truck drivers.

These shipping constraints have resulted in an inventory shortage throughout the entire pet food industry as well. Whether due to…

1. COVID-related production problems and capacity constraints.
2. Increases in pet ownership amidst the health crisis.
3. Pet owners trading up to healthier pet foods.

As such, many consumers are unable to find their pet's food in the stores. While manufacturers and vendors are working together to correct the course, this may take some time to get the marketplace back to normal.

What can you do?

If you are unable to find your pet's food, we are happy to provide you with an alternative dietary recommendation. Please send us a message and we can share those diet options.

While we will continue to update you on the progress of food availability, further assistance may be available through your pet's food manufacturer.

HILLS – Website:hillspet.com; Phone: 800-445-5777

PURINA – Website: purina.com/purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets; Phone: 800-778-7462

ROYAL CANIN – Website: my.royalcanin.com; Email: info.usa@royalcanin.com; Phone: 800-592-6687

We are here for you.

As we continue to move toward our new normal, we remain committed to providing you and your pet(s) with the care options they need to thrive. We invite you to stay connected with us through our myVCA App for the fastest access to:

• 
  Your pet's records
• Medication refills
• Online pharmacy
• Scheduling appointments
• 24/7/365 access to a veterinarian
• and so much more...

Download the app and see for yourself!

Nancy French, you will be missed!

In her own words, Nancy French “pretty much grew up at the HAH”.  Beginning her career at just 16, Nancy remains one of the few team members to have firsthand stories of days with our founder, Dr. Dee Sr. 

 Starting in our kennels and then advancing to become Dr. Jon’s lead surgical technician could have been a career in and of itself. However, in 2006, Nancy took on yet another challenge and stepped into the role of our practice manager. As Manager, Nancy embraced our hospital’s culture of community service and our drive to provide the best in cutting edge medical care.

Developing standards and traditions that have stood the test of time, Nancy leaves a blueprint for us to continue her work, to mirror her ethics, and to share her love for pets and people. Nancy has ensured her legacy in the history of VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital and we are a better practice because of her leadership. 

Watch this video to see the VCA Hollywood antics as we officially bid Nancy farewell! 

It is with great sadness and great excitement that we wish Nancy French good luck and much love as she embarks on a new life journey.

After 45 years of service to our hospital and our community, Nancy has chosen to retire. She will be missed.

As she begins this chapter, we congratulate her on her new role as full-time, wife, grandma, and friend. We wish for her clear roads for travel, steady waters for kayaking, and wee-wee pads for her new puppy. 

Human Quality Care for your Pet

As a leader in specialized veterinary medicine, VCA Hollywood has always offered the best care for our pet community with Digital Imaging for advanced diagnosis and care!

                                                                                             3D Video of Canine Scan

Now offering the only 64 Slice CT (computed tomography) Scanner in So.Florida Veterinary medicine, we provide human-quality advanced diagnostic imaging for your pet. This means we deliver the highest resolution images available with significantly less anesthetic time, quicker return of interpretations and ultimately more timely diagnoses and treatment for your precious pet.

If you veterinarian recommends a CT scan for conditions including pre-operation evaluations, neurological disorders (disk disease, seizures, etc), orthopedic disorders, nasal disease as well as many other conditions which may benefit from CT imaging, our doctors and boarded radiologist is her here to help you find answers.

 

Quick-Facts about CT Imaging

Our human-hospital grade technology is now available for your patients too.  

Read more to learn about our Haemonetics Cell Saver 5+ and Toshiba 16 slice CT

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital strives to provide the latest technology in veterinary care with our new 64 Slice CT machine.

What is a CT Scan?

CT stands for Computed Tomography. It is basically a series of very fine X‑rays that the computer then assembles into a 3D image. CT scans are especially helpful in evaluating the skull, brain, sinuses, inner ear, eye sockets, spine and discs, bones, joints, and soft tissues.

How does this make us different?

●       Quality-VCA Hollywood HD CT Scans offer greater resolution than traditional diagnostic imaging tools because of our 64 slice scanner.

●       Value-VCA Hollywood’s CT scans an affordable diagnostic- gets more comprehensive answers more quickly then other diagnostics

●       Availability-CT Reports are read by a board-certified radiologist and standardly provided within 24 hours of scan. “Stat” reads are also available.

Toshiba 16 Slice CT

Our 64 slice CT machine produces high resolution images, requires less anesthesia time and generates quicker reports and results, allowing for more timely diagnoses and treatment plans.

CT include:

* Pre-Surgery Examination-Each pet is given a thorough examination before surgery allowing us to determine anesthesia risk before surgery.
* Intravenous Catheter-The catheter gives access to a vein so that the doctor is able to administer drugs and fluids.
* Intravenous Fluids (During Procedure)- The fluid is a balanced electrolyte solution helps to combat anesthesia-induced drop in blood pressure. The exact rate of fluid administration is determined based on the pet’s body weight, hydration status, etc.
* Anti-nausea Medication (Cerenia)-Dogs and cats may have a propensity to vomit due to some of the pain prevention medications and anesthesia they receive. Cerenia is highly effective in controlling nausea allowing your pet to feel more comfortable. Pets treated with Cernia before surgery are shown to have a better appetite during the recovery process.
* A pre-anesthetic tranquilizer/analgesic (pain medication)-Administered to decrease stress, anxiety and preemptively address discomfort Scans are reviewed by our Board Certified Radiologist with standard results returned within 24 hours. Stat reads available at additional fee.