OUR SPECIALTY TEAM IS HERE WHEN YOU NEED US!

 

Specialty Care Appointments

We understand the challenges your clients can face in finding appointments for the advanced care you recommend. We are here to help. What we are doing. Our Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Department has expanded to provide greater availability for Ultrasound and CT services. Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Services available Mon-Sat.  Internal Medicine & Dermatology With the growth of our Internal Medicine Department, Dr. Randi Fishkin, DACVECC, DACVIM and Dr. Melody Chen (Practice Limited to Internal Medicine) are able to provide IM consultations typically within five days of your referral. Internal Medicine Service is available Tues-Sat. Our Dermatology Department is currently booking appointments 6 weeks out. However, to ensure every dermatology client can be seen as soon as possible, we have a well-established waitlist protocol in place. Dermatology Service is available Tues-Sat. Oncology & Emergency and Critical Care Our Oncology Department's renovations are complete. Your clients are now welcomed into a state-of-the-art USP 800-compliant oncology suite, thus ensuring the safest administration of cancer care available.  Oncology Service is available Mon- Thurs. Our Emergency & Critical Care Department, overseen by  Dr. Randi Fishkin, DACVECC, DAVCIM is staffed 7 days a week for referrals.  Emergency and Critical Care Service is available 24/7, Sun-Sat. Our Surgical Service is available 5 days a week, Tues-Sat.

Barkworthy Savings on Petcare!

Puppies, Kitties, Adults & Seniors,
everyone saves as part of the club!

 VCA Hollywood's wellness plans ensure you save on your pet's care. With unlimited visits to your general practitioner, you also have unlimited peace of mind knowing that you can come in whenever you think your pet is in need.  

Our CareClub Plans offer pet assurance that cover all stages of life. Whether you are embarking on the new journey of puppydom or have a senior cat that needs a little extra support. We have a plan that is the perfect fit for every pet. 

Click here to learn more about our plans and to contact us for a customized estimate.
 

Everyone is a winner with CareClub! Along with guaranteed savings, this month, new CareClub members will be entered into a raffle to take home goodies for their pet.

What plan is right for your pet? Contact our CareClub Concierge, Sarah, to learn more about each plan and decide which one meets your pet’s needs.  Connect with Sarah directly at 954-920-3556 ext.157 or by email at sarah.schwartz@vca.com.

Join us! Job Fair_VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital!!

Are you an animal lover? Are you looking for a career in pet health? If you are, then you need to register and attend this event.

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital has been providing pet care to our community for over 75 years. It is our experience that sets us apart as we offer general care as well as specialized and 24 hour emergency services. We are the one-stop a pet needs for care and our team is one of a kind.

Our job fair is a great place to learn about the variety of roles available in vet care, to tour our facility, to meet our staff and to learn about the many benefits of working for VCA.

There is no cost to attend this event and all attendants that register will be entered into a raffle draw the night of the event.

Customer service, Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Assistant positions available for both day and night shifts.

 
Scan QR Code to Register Now!

 

Canine Influenza Virus Outbreak in Palm Beach County

50-60 dogs positive for canine influenza at Big Dog Ranch

By WPTV -Staff

Published: Jun. 23, 2021 at 12:06 PM EDT

https://www.wflx.com/2021/06/23/50-60-dogs-positive-canine-influenza-big-dog-ranch/

Multiple dogs at Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee Grove have tested positive for canine influenza, a highly contagious respiratory disease.

The details were confirmed Wednesday by founder Laurie Simmons and the shelter's spokesman Chase Scott.

Scott said Big Dog Ranch Rescue took in a dog after it was surrendered by a Palm Beach County owner.

That dog later tested positive for canine influenza three days later, which Simmons said then spread to 50 to 60 dogs that are currently sick.

"(The surrendered dog) appeared to be healthy, was updated on vaccines, already spayed. So instead of putting it in quarantine, where we normally put all our shelter dogs coming in, we put it directly into our adoption buildings," Simmons said.

She said four adoption buildings at the facility have been on lockdown since June 8.

"It's like way bigger than anything we have ever seen," Simmons said.

She doesn't believe that any dogs adopted before June 8 were affected by the virus.

Currently, puppy cabins, which are separate and isolated from the affected areas, are the only areas where dog adoptions are being allowed.
_________________________________________________________________________________

Simmons said they will administer canine influenza vaccines to dogs that have not been affected by the disease starting Thursday.

"This is a highly infectious virus. If you are in contact, and the dog coughed on you, saliva on you, it can be carried on your clothes, your skin, your shoes and lives on surfaces for up to 48 hours," Simmons said. "If you are walking your dog, another dog coughs on the grass, your dog sniffs that spot, it can get the virus that way also."

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

"We have multiple confirmed cases not only in the dogs at the Big Dog Ranch shelter, but also in pet dogs out in the community, so it is good evidence the virus is here in Palm Beach County," Crawford said.

Dr. Cynda Crawford explains that canine influenza can spread very easily among dogs.

She said this marks the first return of the canine influenza virus in Florida since a big statewide outbreak in the summer of 2017.

Health experts say there is no evidence of the spread of canine influenza from dogs to people, and there have not been any cases of human infection with the canine influenza virus in the U.S. or world.
_________________________________________________________________________________

The signs of this illness in dogs are the following:
Cough
Runny nose
Fever
Lethargy
Eye discharge
Reduced appetite

 
The CDC says most dogs affected by canine influenza recover within two to three weeks and only a small percentage die from the disease.

Sourced: https://www.wflx.com/2021/06/23/50-60-dogs-positive-canine-influenza-big-dog-ranch/

For more details about this outbreak,  watch WPTV's video report. 

 https://youtu.be/i_iUDlvA1EA

Our Team is Growing!!!

Keri Schaefer

Welcome, to our new 
Hospital Manager!

As we gladly say goodbye to a challenging 2020, and optimistically embrace the New Year, we proudly welcome Keri Schaefer to our practice as Hospital Manager. As a long-standing member of our Hollywood Animal Hospital family, Keri embodies our familiar roots. Having filled the role of our Human Resource Manager for the last 15 years, Keri developed a deep understanding of not only our practice but of the tremendous people that care for your pets 

As she steps into this new role, she continues our tradition of caring for our South Florida pet community. We are excited to welcome Keri as she joins, our medical director, Dr. James Herrington at the helm and we look forward to the continued growth of the practice and of the excellent pet care you have come to expect for your fur babies.

Lumps and bumps in the skin, should you be concerned?

The answer is not always, but an examination by your veterinarian is needed to determine this.

As pets grow and get older, they can develop lumps and bumps throughout their body. Although it is more common for older pets to develop skin masses, younger pets can develop them too. On many occasions skin masses are classified as benign. Sometimes, however, they can be malignant and cause problems. The best course of action to determine whether a lump or bump in your pet’s skin is benign or malignant is to have it evaluated by your veterinarian.

More than likely, a fine needle aspirate for cytology evaluation will be recommended to determine if further medical care is needed.A non-invasive technique that can be used to determine whether a skin mass is benign or malignant is a fine needle aspirate. This technique involves obtaining samples from the mass or abnormal tissue using a small needle. The sample obtained is then gently expelled onto a clean glass slide with the help of an empty syringe and examined with a microscope. This technique does not require sedation and can be rapidly performed.

Examples of benign masses in the skin include fatty tumors (also known as lipomas), sebaceous cysts, sebaceous adenomas, warts, skin tags, and benign tumors such as histiocytomas, among others. Unless they are causing a problem for your pet, such as impacting mobility or causing skin irritation, these don’t always require additional medical care and can be closely monitored. 

Examples of malignant masses in the skin include certain types of cancer such as mast cell tumor, carcinoma, melanoma, soft tissue sarcomas, and hemangiosarcoma, among others. Because malignant masses can be locally aggressive and spread to other locations in the body, such as the lymph nodes and the lungs (also known as metastasis) further medical care such as surgery and possibly chemotherapy are usually needed as well.

It is definitely scary to find a lump or bump in your pet’s skin. Having them examined right away will ultimately let you and your veterinarian know the appropriate next steps to take.

Learn more about Pet Cancer Care at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital @

Irene Vazquez, DVM, MS DACVIM (Oncology)

News about upcoming appointments and protocols!

3.26.19 COVID-19 Update on Appointments and Protocols!

We Are Open!!

Thank you, to all of our clients, for your cooperation and patience with our Curbside Service.

As a business deemed essential, we will remain open to serve our pet community for the foreseeable future. We feel confident that our Curbside Service will allow us to continue to be your resource for veterinary care, 24/7/365. The patient will enter the building without their owners, unless for reasons of

• Emergency
• Critical Care
• End of life services

Curbside Service provided Mon-Sat 8:00 am- 6:00 pm for:

• Wellness visits (vaccines, annual exams appointments, etc)
• Medication & Food pick-ups
• Sick/Emergency Care

Elective surgeries (Spays & Neuters) Grooming and Boarding will not be scheduled at this time.

As always we are open 24/7/365 for your emergencies.

In this uncertain time with information ever-changing, please stay connected with us on our Facebook page. Our goal is to be the very best resource for your pet’s care by prioritizing the health and safety of our staff, clients, and community.

Scheduling an Appointment

Appointments for all other services can be made by calling 954-920-3556 or through our MyVCA App. Download this simple tool to gain access to your pet’s records, to book an appointment, to request medication and more!!!

Remember, CareClub Membership, the MyVCA App grants you access to online chat with a veterinarian 24/7/365.

A doctor is always in!

Important information about Curbside Service:

What is the Curbside Service?

Upon arrival, the client and patient will check in with our curbside attendant.

The client remains with their pet until the appointment time.

When the doctor is ready, the patient will be brought into the hospital while the client remains outside. Communications will be facilitated with the doctor as needed for the best care of your pet.

 

Communicate

It is imperative that you let us know BEFORE entering for Emergency, Critical Care or end of life services, if you have a fever, flu-like symptoms, you’ve traveled internationally or been aboard a cruise ship in the last 14 days. We also ask that you disclose any household member exhibiting symptoms or who have traveled as well. If needed, we will take additional steps to protect the health of our staff, patients and client.

Stay Healthy!

Water and snacks are of importance to maintain hydration and good spirits. Please be mindful to pack a snack while waiting in the car for your appointment.

Payment options

At this time payment can be made through a single service check out system within the building or through pay-by-phone. Please let our Curbside Attendant know if you would prefer to pay by credit card over the phone for check out.

UPDATE: 3.17.2020: Appointments and Protocols! Our mission is to provide the very best pet care for our fur-families. Thus, ensuring the health and safety of our clients, staff, and community is a top priority. As we continue our effort to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we want to share what we are doing to make your client experience as safe as possible when at our practice. Effective immediately, Curbside Service will be provided Monday-Saturday 8:00 am-6:00 pm for: •Wellness Visits (vaccines, annual exam appointments etc.) •Boarding Check-in/Check-out •Cardiology Appointments •Medication pick-ups •Food Sales What is the Curbside Service? • Upon arrival, the client and patient will check in with our curbside attendant. • The client remains with their pet until the appointment time. • When the doctor is ready, the patient will be brought into the hospital while the client remains outside. • Communications will be facilitated with the doctor as needed for the best care of your pet. Curbside Service for Medication pick-up & Food sales • When the food or medication is ready, the product will be brought to the client outside. Clients with sick and emergent patients, and clients seeing specialists will be permitted into our hospital on a limited basis. 24 hour Emergency Service will continue as usual. At this time, we feel confident these precautions will allow us to continue to be your resource for veterinary care, 24/7/365. This is an ever-changing situation and we will continue to update you on our efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Please watch your emails, our Facebook page and our website for further updates. To Refill Medication: -Call the clinic in advance to request prescription refills. -Visit our online store and have medication shipped to your home. -Log into our MyVCA App to access all of these resources and more. Hospital Precautionary practices include: -Regularly sanitizing our hospital with the same disinfectants that we use in our surgical suites. -Signage throughout the hospital encouraging good personal hygiene. -Team members are washing their hands before and after each appointment. -Team members are encouraged to stay home when they do not feel well or are showing symptoms and to avoid non-essential travel. -We are asking all clients to stay home or seek medical assistance if they are not feeling well. -Staying up to date on government updates from the Centers for Disease Control and the Florida Health Department.

A Team Approach to Cancer Care, VCA Pet Cancer Care Center!

A diagnosis of cancer is stressful for every pet owner. Helping owners learn as much as they can about the disease and the latest advances in treatment is key to managing fear, confusion, and helping them make an educated decision on their pet’s health.

Our mission is to provide an exceptional level of progressive and sensitive cancer care to the cancer patient through a team approach and ensure that our client is always well informed and comfortable with decisions made regarding their pet’s care.

Using the strengths and expertise of all specialists on site, including doctors from our Surgery, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Dermatology, Radiology, and Emergency and Critical Care departments we tailor treatment protocols for each pet’s specific cancer and physical conditions to optimize the outcome and minimize side effects.

Our technicians have experience in caring and supporting cancer patients. They are knowledgeable and experienced in chemotherapy administration and treatment and they adhere to strict protocols to maintain the highest level of safety for the staff and patient. We emphasize support, education, and improving the quality of life for all animals, particularly those undergoing treatment.

Our Medical Oncology department utilizes chemotherapy to treat cancer.  Each tumor type has a different biological behavior. Depending on the tumor type, staging exams are usually performed prior to recommending treatment. Staging exams may include fine needle aspirates and/or biopsies, chest radiographs, an abdominal ultrasound and ultrasound guided aspirates, CT scan, etc. These can all be performed on-site and help us gain a better idea of the pet’s overall health.  Based on the tumor type and staging exam results, we may recommend surgery, chemotherapy, or a combination of both treatments. For some types of cancer, a curative intent treatment can be pursued. For others, a palliative intent treatment may be followed. 

 VCA Hollywood offers Medical Oncology Services
 with Dr. Irene Vazquez.
 Get to know Dr. Vazquez!

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!!

Say hello to Archie!

Archie is a wonderful boy with a happy ending to a sad start in life.

Archie presented to VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital having sustained an unknown trauma and had fractures associated with both of his hips and his left femur. Archie required surgery. Even though he was in a lot of pain initially, he was such a sweet boy and our staff was sure to reward that sweetness with lots and lots of snuggles! 

Six weeks ago, Archie had surgery with Dr. Briana Danielson to address all of his issues. He was a champ throughout the entire process! He didn't even complain after the surgeries on both of his rear limbs were performed and he had to start daily physical rehabilitation. Archie was very lucky to be cared for by the Grateful Paws Rescue and their volunteers helped him to recover and perform daily exercises on his back legs. 

This Tuesday Archie had a follow up visit with Dr. Danielson where xrays were taken to evaluate healing. The images showed that the fracture of the left femur were now healed. 

We are so thrilled for little Archie. Not only does he now get to run around and act like the puppy he is, he was also recently adopted to his forever home. Way to go Archie!!!!! 

Our team feels privileged to have been a part of Archie's journey. It's always rewarding to help a for legged angel.

News you can use: Everything you need to know about Parvo!!

What is Parvo?

Commonly known as parvo, this disease is caused by canine parvovirus (CPV-2). Infection with parvovirus is most commonly seen in young, unvaccinated puppies. The virus is very hardy in the environment and is resistant to many common cleaners and disinfectants, under the right conditions it can persist for years. Puppies become infected through oral or nasal contact with fecal material or objects/surfaces contaminated by the virus. Parvovirus is highly contagious to other dogs, after they become infected, and often before they start showing any signs of illness, they start to shed the virus in their feces. This viral shedding continues even past the point of recovery and other dogs in the area are at serious risk. The good news…parvo is preventable!

What does Parvo do?

Once canine parvovirus enters the body through contact with fecal material containing the virus or fomites (objects, people, surfaces, etc.) contaminated by the virus, it begins to replicate and spread throughout the body. The virus has preferences for certain tissues in the body to infect, including the small intestine, the bone marrow, and lymph tissue. The virus infects and destroys cells in these tissues causing the clinical signs that we commonly see. Because the small intestine is affected we see vomiting and bloody diarrhea, along with non-specific signs of illness like lethargy, anorexia, and fever. In a puppy these signs can rapidly progress to dehydration, collapse, shock, and ultimately death. 

Diagnosis

Parvovirus can be diagnosed with a quick ELISA test that most veterinarians have in hospital, used on a sample of fecal material. This test is very accurate but a false negative is possible if it is early in the disease before high viral shedding. Routine bloodwork can also help with a diagnosis as infected dogs often have very low numbers of white blood cells due to the virus destroying the bone marrow.

Treatment

Parvovirus is treated with supportive care until the dog’s immune system can fight off the virus. Aggressive treatment must be started as soon as possible if parvo is suspected. Treatment includes fluid therapy, anti-nausea medications, antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infection, and nutritional support. There are potential complications of parvovirus that may require surgical intervention.

Most deaths occur within 24-48 hours after clinical signs appear. The risk of rapid death, severe complications, and the cost of intensive hospitalization demonstrate why prevention of this disease is so important.

Prevention

Parvovirus is largely preventable with vaccination! Parvovirus vaccines should be administered to puppies at approximately 8 weeks old, 12 weeks old, and then 16 weeks old. They should get another vaccine at 1 year of age and then they can be vaccinated every 3 years. Adult dogs should be kept current on their parvo vaccinations to prevent any risk of infection.

Reducing exposure to the virus is also an important consideration. Puppies should not be taken to parks, pet stores, puppy classes, etc. before they are fully vaccinated. Prompt removal of fecal waste can help prevent the spread of parvovirus, and areas where infected puppies have been should be properly disinfected.

Contagion

Canine parvovirus is highly contagious. Sick puppies should be isolated from other dogs as soon as infection is suspected. Please alert your veterinarian to the signs that you are seeing before you bring your puppy into the waiting room so they can take precautions to protect the other patients. Puppies diagnosed with CPV are hospitalized in an isolation ward to protect them and other pets in the hospital. CPV is not contagious to humans.

Learn more about
Shilo Gardner, DVM

News you can use: Heartworm disease- What you really need to know!!

What is heartworm and what disease can it cause in our pets?

Heartworms are large worms (potentially up to one foot long) that live in the pulmonary arteries of dogs or cats (the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs), but can also be found in the heart and lungs themselves.  Heartworms can be found in dogs, cats and ferrets as well as some wild animals such as wolves or coyotes.  Since dogs are a natural host for heartworm, adult worms living inside dogs can mate and produce offspring that can be transmitted to other dogs.  Heartworms in dogs can cause damage to not only the heart, but also the lungs and arteries.  Signs of heartworm disease in dogs can include cough, exercise intolerance and weight loss.  When large numbers of worms are present they can back up into the right side of the heart severely affect the amount of blood that can enter the heart and be pumped to the lungs, this is known as caval syndrome and can be life threatening.  Cats, however, are not a natural host and those that become infected often only have a small number of worms that often do not mature to adults.  Heartworm disease in cats is more respiratory in nature but is still a serious concern.

How is heartworm spread between pets?

In order for transmission of heartworm between animals to occur mosquitos must be present.  When a mosquito bites an infected dog and ingests blood from that animal they can pick up immature heartworms called microfilaria that are being produced by the adult heartworms.  Within the mosquito the microfilaria will mature to a stage that can then be transmitted to a new dog or cat when this mosquito bites them.  It takes 6 months for the heartworms to mature within the tissues and the blood of the newly infected animal, but once mature they can live for a significant period of time.

What is the risk of your pet acquiring heartworm disease and how can you prevent it?

At this time it is difficult to determine what factors may increase the risk of heartworm transmission in a given area.  However, we do know that heartworm disease has been diagnosed in all 50 states and infection rates can vary.  The American Heartworm Society recommends ensuring your pet has a heartworm preventative for all 12 months of the year.  A variety of heartworm preventatives exist for both dogs and cats.  All heartworm preventatives target only the immature heartworms, not the adults.  It is important that both outdoor and indoor pets are given a heartworm preventative as mosquitos can easily enter the home. Prevention is extremely important in cats as the disease can be difficult to diagnose and the treatment currently used in dogs cannot be used in cats.  All heartworm preventatives target only the immature heartworms.  Your veterinarian can recommend and prescribe the product that is best for your pet to help protect them from heartworm disease all year long. 

How do you test for heartworm?

Testing should be performed annually for dogs even if they are on a monthly heartworm preventative to ensure that the medication is working correctly.  All dogs, except for puppies under 7 months of age, should be tested before they are started on a heartworm preventative or if they have been off a heartworm preventative for any length of time.  The timing of testing is different with cats because diagnosis of heartworm in cats is more difficult.  The test in dogs is a simple blood test that can sometimes be run right in the clinic.  In cats testing also includes diagnostic imaging because they typically have such low numbers of worms present when they are infected.  It takes a minimum of 6 months for an animal to have a positive test after they have been infected with heartworm. 

How is heartworm disease treated?

Your veterinarian will come up with a specific treatment plan for your pet once the diagnosis of heartworm disease has been confirmed.  It is important to note that the larger the worm burden is the more severe disease can be and the more difficult it may be to treat.  Treatment is different for cats and dogs, but can involve multiple medications and take several weeks to complete.  6 months after the treatment regimen is completed a repeat heartworm test will be performed to confirm the success of treatment. 

For more information on heartworm disease and how to prevent it in your pet please seek the advice of your veterinarian or access the American Heartworm Society website. 

Never Forget! your pets monthly heartworm medication again. VCA HomeDelivery will safe you money and deliver your pet's monthly medication to your door, the day you need it. All you have to do is call 'Fido' to the door and give him his mail. For more information about home delivery for your pet visit store.vcahollywood.com

Learn more about 

Rebecca Mycock, DVM