If you love pets, Volunteer for this FREE Event.

If You Pets, Register now!

 This event is for kids, curated by pet lovers and guaranteed to be a great time. Scan the code, registered now. Join us for this life changing event.    

Join us for the Walk for the Animals- Miami- October 4th

 

We Hope You Join Us This Saturday!!

This Saturday, we’re proud to lace up our sneakers and join the Humane Society of Greater Miami’s Walk for the Animals—and we’d love for you to be part of it!

At VCA, our values go beyond the walls of the hospital. We believe in community, compassion, and connection—the same principles that guide how we care for pets and the people who love them. Supporting the Humane Society of Greater Miami is one more way we live those values, giving back to the families and pets who make our community stronger.

Bring your friends, your pets, and your energy, and come walk with us! Together, we can celebrate the bond between people and animals while supporting an incredible cause.

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!

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.

Case Study:Esophageal Foreign Bodies

Esophageal Foreign Bodies

History
A 9-year-old female spayed Pomeranian presented to the VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital Emergency Service for an esophageal foreign body. Three to four days ago, the patient regurgitated several times after attempting to eat. Since then, the patient has been lethargic and anorexic.

The day prior to presentation, the patient originally presented to her primary veterinarian where diagnostics revealed the following:

Complete Blood Count: Hemoconcentration (58.52%), leukocytosis (24.94x109/L) characterized by mature neutrophilia (21.86x109/L), and thrombocytopenia (125x109/L)

 

Test	Result	Units	Reference Interval
Hematocrit	↑ 58.52	%	37 - 55
White Blood Cell Count	↑ 24.94	109/L	6 - 17
Absolute Neutrophil Count	↑ 21.86	109/L	3 – 12
Platelet Count	↓ 125	109/L	165 - 500

 Serum Chemistry Profile: Hyperglobulinemia (4.6 g/dL)

Test	Result	Units	Reference Interval
Blood Urea Nitrogen	9	mg/dL	7 – 27
Creatinine	0.8	mg/dL	0.5 – 1.8
Phosphorus	3.3	mg/dL	2.5 – 6.8
Calcium	9.1	mg/dL	7.9 – 12.0
Glucose	112	mg/dL	70 – 143
Alanine Transaminase	22	U/L	10 – 125
Alkaline Phosphatase	212	U/L	23 – 212
Gamma Glutanyl Transferase	0	U/L	0 – 11
Total Bilirubin	0.3	mg/dL	0 – 0.9
Cholesterol	178	mg/dL	110 – 320
Total Protein	7.6	g/dL	5.2 – 8.2
Albumin	3.0	g/dL	2.2 – 3.9
Globulin	↑ 4.6	g/dL	2.5 – 4.5

 Fecal: No ova or parasites seen

 Thoracic and Abdominal Radiographs

Findings

Within the thorax, there is a linear mineral opacity object superimposed over the caudal thoracic esophagus, along with moderate surrounding poorly defined soft tissue/fluid opacity. No other significant intrathoracic abnormalities are identified. In the abdomen, there is moderate bilateral renal mineralization. The liver is mildly enlarged. Peritoneal serosal detail is adequate. There is luxation of one of the patellas.
Impressions
Strongly suspected mineral and soft tissue opacity caudal esophageal foreign body. No obvious evidence of a gastric or small bowel or radiopaque foreign material is noted. Moderate bilateral renal mineralization, most likely chronic and incidental. Mild hepatomegaly.

 

Although the client was referred that day for an emergency esophagoscopy for foreign body removal, the client elected to hospitalize for the day for supportive care due to financial constraints (records not available). Upon discharge that evening, the patient appeared brighter and had a small appetite for wet food. However, the patient was once again lethargic and anorexic the next morning, which prompted the presentation to VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital.

Physical Examination
On presentation, the patient was quiet, alert, and responsive. Vitals were within normal limits. The patient had a body condition score of 6/9 with normal muscle condition. Mild hypersalivation was noted. Regurgitation/gagging/coughing was not elicited on cervical palpation, and the abdomen was soft and non-painful. The remainder of the physical exam was unremarkable.

Endoscopy
Due to financial constraints, the client elected not to perform repeat thoracic and abdominal radiographs to confirm the location of the foreign body. This was offered as endoscopy is only able to potentially address esophageal and gastric (and potential very proximal duodenal) foreign bodies due to the length of the scope. The patient’s bloodwork from the day prior was accepted as pre-anesthetic bloodwork.

The patient was pre-medicated with butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg and midazolam 0.2 mg/kg. Propofol 2.5 mg/kg total IV was used for induction, and the patient was intubated with a 4.5 Fr endotracheal tube. The patient was placed in left lateral recumbency, and an esophagoscopy was performed with a Karl Storz 60714 NKS scope (7.9 mm x 140 cm flexible gastroscope). The proximal esophagus appeared normal, and a bone foreign material was identified in the caudal esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter could not be initially identified due to the shape of the bone. The mucosa surrounding the bone was moderately erythematous and markedly friable.

The bone was successfully removed using a snare. On re-exploration, the region was markedly ulcerated. The lower esophageal sphincter still had not been visualized.

On closer inspection of the ulcerated region, a full thickness esophageal perforation was identified. The heart could be seen beating in the thoracic cavity.

Immediately following this, the patient became cyanotic, and esophagoscopy was discontinued. Within seconds, the patient arrested, and CPR performed for 15 minutes did not result in a spontaneous return to circulation.

Discussion
Bones are the most common type of foreign body involved in canine esophageal foreign bodies1–4. Other common types of foreign bodies include fish hooks, treats, balls, and wooden sticks^1,2,5. Young small breed dogs, such as West Highland White Terriers, Jack Russell Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Chihuahuas, are over-represented^1,3. Patients may present with gagging, retching, coughing, vomiting, regurgitation, hypersalivation, dysphagia, and/or odynophagia^1,3,5. Diagnosis is typically achieved through radiography^3,5.

Possible complications of esophageal foreign bodies include esophagitis, esophageal stricture, esophageal perforation, and aspiration pneumonia^1,2,5. The duration of clinical signs before presentation is correlated with the severity of esophagitis, risk for esophageal perforation, and need for surgical intervention^1,3,4,6. Bones, fish hooks, and esophageal foreign bodies present for greater than 72 hours have been associated with an increased risk of perforation¹.

Endoscopy is the treatment of choice for removal of the foreign body or dislodgement of the foreign body into the stomach for digestion or surgical extraction^1,4,5. Esophageal perforation or hemorrhage during the procedure are associated with increased mortality². Undergoing surgery after failed endoscopic attempts and repeating endoscopy if surgery is recommended but declined are also associated with increased mortality².

If an esophageal perforation is identified, surgery is often recommended⁵. In patients in which surgery is not an option, medical management with IV fluids, IV antimicrobials, analgesia, and gastroprotectants may be an option^1,5.

Conclusion
Dogs with esophageal foreign bodies should be referred for emergency esophagoscopy +/- surgery, as the duration of clinical signs is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Although emergency surgery for an esophageal perforation remains the gold standard, some dogs with an esophageal perforation may survive to discharge with medical management alone.

 

Authored by: 

Melody Chen, DVM, MS

Practice Limited to Internal Medicine

melody.chen@vca.com

References
1. Sterman AA, Mankin KMT, Ham KM, Cook AK. Likelihood and outcome of esophageal perforation secondary to esophageal foreign body in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2018 Oct 15;253(8):1053–6.

2. Burton AG, Talbot CT, Kent MS. Risk Factors for Death in Dogs Treated for Esophageal Foreign Body Obstruction: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 222 Cases (1998-2017). J Vet Intern Med. 2017 Nov;31(6):1686–90.

3. Thompson HC, Cortes Y, Gannon K, Bailey D, Freer S. Esophageal foreign bodies in dogs: 34 cases (2004-2009): Esophageal foreign body in dogs. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2012 Apr;22(2):253–61.

4. Juvet F, Pinilla M, Shiel RE, Mooney CT. Oesophageal foreign bodies in dogs: factors affecting success of endoscopic retrieval. Ir Vet J. 2010 Dec;63(3):163.

5. Teh H, Winters L, James F, Irwin P, Beck C, Mansfield C. Medical management of esophageal perforation secondary to esophageal foreign bodies in 5 dogs: Medical management of esophageal perforation. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2018 Sep;28(5):464–8.

6. Rousseau A, Prittie J, Broussard JD, Fox PR, Hoskinson J. Incidence and characterization of esophagitis following esophageal foreign body removal in dogs: 60 cases (1999?2003). J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2007 Jun;17(2):159–63.