Welcome Summer Volunteers!!!

We would like to give a warm 'Welcome' to our summer volunteers. We are very fortunate to have such a great group helping us care for our patients. They are bright and hard working and are certainly learning the ropes of the veterinary world. We are very happy to have them here and hope to see them back in the summers to come. We wish them all 'good luck' and hope they gain all the knowledge and experience possible to lead them down a successful path in the veterinary world! Thank you and welcome to Hollywood Animal Hospital!!

Meet Cory! He just finished his first year at the University of Florida! Welcome Cory!

Meet Natasha! She is very eager to get a head start in her Veterinary career! She is a High School Senior! Welcome Natasha!

Meet Amanda! She will begin her Veterinary studies as a Freshman at Auburn University this upcoming fall. Welcome Amanda!

Meet Ashley! She just finished a her first year at the University of Florida! Welcome Ashley!

Meet Cory (there are two Cory's)! He just finished his first year at the University of Florida! Welcome Cory!

What is a Pyothorax?

What is a pyothorax?

Simply put, a pyothorax is pus in the chest cavity- YUK!!!

While pus is the body’s natural reaction to infection, it is never a welcomed guest. Made up of neutrophils or white blood cells (WBCs) both living and dead, pus is the result of our immune systems battle to protect our bodies from infection.

How does it get in the chest?

Infection. Bacterial Infection that settles in the chest cavity can enter the lungs thtough the esophagus.  Pets that suffer from bite wounds that pierce the chest or from the spread of infections like pneumonia, infections of the blood stream and cancers can all be causes of a pylothorax. 

How do I know my pet is sick?

Symptoms of pyothorax include coughing, fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. Many pets lose weight and show obvious discomfort. Typically there is a fairly lengthy gap between the trigger for the infection and the appearance of the symptoms. Since cats are often less expressive than dogs, especially when they’re ill, often the first obvious symptom in a cat is kitty with a pyothorax infection is a sudden episode of respiratory distress, shock, or sometimes even collapse.

To read more check out our source @:http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/03/04/pyothorax-infection.aspx

Thank you!!!

Last month, Susan Weinstein, our Sales Representative from Henry-Schein committed to providing $5 to Broward Meals on Wheels for Pets (BMOW) for every Merial Heartgard and/ or Nexgard product purchased from the HAH during the month of June. This month, she and Drew Thorpe, our Merial Representative presented  a check to BMOW for Pets for $500.

This much needed money will purchase cat and dog food for the pets of homebound seniors Broward County. The HAH has been a proud partner of Broward Meals on for Pets for years. Thank you to our friends at Merial and Henry Schein for supporting these pets. Thank you to all who participated in this promotion.

As you protected your family friend with these wonderful Flea, tick and Heartworm products, you have helped to feed another's loved one.

June Team Member of the Month- Debbie!!!

As you have come to know, the "STARS" at the HAH wear many hats. Each Team Member of the Month is recognized not only for the job in their title but by the many other titles they share. This month is no different with our Debbie.
Debbie  began in 2008 as a Receptionist. She was a leader as the Shift Supervisor and Trainer. Almost a year ago she moved departments and easily found her home with our in-house lab ladies.

Debbie always does what is best for the HAH. She is a leader and she spoils us rotten!! In addition to all Debbie does for "work" she brings to our practice a lot of  fun too. Whether it be treats that she has baked, a creative and entertaining display for a farewell/welcome party or the annual video she produces of  the latest year at the HAH. Debbie is a giver. Debbie is a contributor. Debbie is the perfect June Team Member of the Month!!!

June-Patient of the Month-Smokey!!!!

Smokey, a 4year old, Shih Tzu mix was first brought to the HAH for hind limb paralysis.  A resident of the Bahamas, Smokey was diagnosed and treated for neurological deficits with consideration of intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). After being “down” for 12 days, his primary Veterinarian referred him to the HAH for evaluation and possible spinal surgery.  His limping had turned into immobility over a period of one week and the possibility of surgery was real.

Dr. Bibevski, examined Smokey upon arrival. He had minimal sensation in his toes, and was unable to walk. IVDD was probable.

IVDD is a common disease seen in small dogs. The jump from a limping pet to a pet that is completely unable to walk can occur quickly and the compressed spinal cord can cause irreversable damage.

CT scan showing disc compression on the right side.

A Cat Scan was scheduled and performed at the Animal Cancer Care Center for Smokey.  The scan showed two lesions compressing the spine. The more significant of the two lesions was a herniated intervertebral disc that compressed approximately 80% of the spinal cord. IVDD was confirmed and "decompression" surgery was scheduled.

This “decompression” surgery is very delicate and brings no guarantees that when the pressure on the spinal cord is released that the spine will return to its normal function.

During this delicate procedure, Dr. Bibevski removed the herniated disc material. After surgery, Smokey was comfortably maintained to eliminate the possibility that he may further injure his spine. His recovery was very smooth.

Intra-operative photo showing the herniated disk compressing on the spinal cord.

Within one day of surgery, physical rehabilitation therapy began. By day #3  “evidence of independent motor function” was seen. Smokey was on the mend and scheduled for discharge that day.

"I am so grateful to Dr. Bibevski and her team for helping our Smokey. It was a very scary and nerve wrecking experience and thankfully for their great expertise at Hollywood Animal Hospital there was a favorable outcome. His recovery has been nothing short of amazing"

At home, in the care of his owner, Smokey has steadily regained his strength. Today,  he is walking with only a slight indication of any prior injury.

We have cared for many patience with IVDD at the HAH and success stories like this are a testiment not only quality medical care but also to the diligent attention and care of our owner. Smokey was set up for success with his family in his corner. We are very proud to be a part of his medical team and to honor him as our June Patient of the Month!!!

Below are videos of Smokey's home recovery from his initial "sling" walking to near normal cantor.

Hot Weather Tips to Help Your Pet Stay Cool This Summer

Summer means enjoying the weather, and for most, with your pet! Remember to keep your pet healthy this summer by keeping them safe in the summer’s high temperatures.

Here are just some of the ways you can help ensure your pets have a safe summer:

Visit the Vet. A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations. Pets should also be given a blood test for heartworm every year in the early spring. The deadly parasite is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, and it is recommended that dogs and cats be on a monthly preventive medication year-round. 

Keep Cool. Dogs and cats can become dehydrated quickly, so give your pets plenty of water when it is hot outdoors. Also make sure your pet has a shady place to escape the sun, and when the temperature is very high, don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt. 

Know the Symptoms. Some symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, seizures, and an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.

Summertime is the perfect time for a backyard barbeque or party, but remember to keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression, comas, or even death. Similarly, remember that the snacks you serve your friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments.” Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol. 

Water Safety is Pet-friendly. Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool, as not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure pets wear flotation devices while on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset. 

Source: http://www.aspca.org/about-us/press-releases/aspca-offers-hot-weather-safety-tips-help-pets-beat-heat-during-dog-and-cat

Patient(s) of the Month- Pitty Puppies!!!

This month's Patient of the Month is Walter White, a 5 month old, tri colored pit-bull. But to tell Walter's story you need to hear the story of his brothers and sister as well. Walter was born one of 7 pups. His mom was brought to the HAH after her labor seemed to stop progressing and was seen by Dr. Carlos. Within minutes of seeing the doctor, the first pup was born, a beautiful fawn colored male with a blue mask. Mom returned home and successfully delivered 4 more puppies. Sadly the 6th was stillborn but momma went straight to caring for her babies as expected; cleaning and nurturing them.

Unfortunately, it became clear rather quickly that momma was suffering from mastitis and the pups were started on a bottle feeding regime. For the next four weeks they were bottle fed. The pups never nursed.

Eleven days after their birth, their owner came home and found the first born puppy in respiratory distress. She rushed him back to the HAH where he saw Dr. Lukens and immediately received oxygen therapy and was given a blood transfusion. Sadly, he rejected the blood and his condition quickly worsened. Because of the pup's symptoms and his rapid decline his doctor suspected an aggressive infection knows as babesia.

Babesia is an infection spread by ticks but can also be transmitted to dogs through blood transfusions, bite wounds and from mother's before birth. It is rare to see babesia in South Florida and difficult to diagnose in puppies.  In this case all of the pups and their mother, were tested to rule out this possibility and prepare for any other symptoms seen in the pups at home.Treatment continued for the first pup but he was not thriving. His owners made the difficult decision to euthanize. 

"Dr. Lukens was an absolute blessing. She was so understanding, informative and consoling. We thought the worst was over."

When the pups were about 5-6 weeks old, mom found Walter having trouble breathing as well.

“I thought it was happening all over again.” said mom.

She rushed him to hospital and his PCV (packed cell volume) was 7. Dr Lukens prepared the family for all the possibilities and immediately performed a blood transfusion. Walter stayed over night with 24 hour hospitalized care.

By this point, Dr. Lukens had received the earlier babesia tests back and while the momma pup and the first born pup were identified as positive for the disease the remaining four were not. This is unusual. Walter was suffering similar symptoms associated to babesia and the concern was that he had converted from a negative to a positive for the disease. Thankfully that was not the case and his diagnosis was determined to be hook worm anemia. Hookworm anemia is serious but treatable and after a blood transfusion and plenty of TLC, Walter was on the mend.

Today, all of the pups are thriving and the momma is being successfully treated as a babesia carrier. Walter and his brothers are regulars at the HAH; stopping in for their scheduled wellness checks.

The first few weeks were a bit harrowing for these little guys but today they are healthy and very happy dogs. We are pleased to share their story as our Patient(s) of the Month!

 ”I cannot thank Dr. Lukens and the staff enough for their expertise and amazing care of my baby boy. All four boys are happy and healthy. They're mother is a champion in the show ring and I can't wait to see Walter White follow in her footsteps."