Make the love last! Maintaining a healthy-weight in your pets can add years to their lives together!!!!

Obesity in Companion Animals

Obesity in our four-legged family members is one of the most common diseases seen by veterinarians. It is often a sensitive subject with clients, but it is in the best interest of the pet for you to know the risk factors and associated diseases. 

Canine Obesity

One study determined that as many as 40% of dogs are overweight. Older, female spayed dogs are the most likely to struggle with obesity, however, any dog of any age can be affected. Some breeds are more susceptible to obesity such as Labradors, dachshunds, and beagles. It is important to remember that small dogs can be obese, too!

Dogs that are overweight are at much higher risk of developing osteoarthritis. Medium and large breed dogs are at a significantly higher risk of ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments (ACL) in the knees while small dogs are at higher risk for luxating patellas (knee caps). 

Feline Obesity

As many of 52% of domestic cats are considered overweight. While indoor cats are generally more affected, both indoor and outdoor cats can be overweight. Obesity in cats puts them at much higher risk for developing diabetes mellitus and osteoarthritis. Overweight male cats are at higher risk for developing a lower urinary tract obstruction. There is also a condition called “fatty liver disease” that occurs when overweight cats stop eating. This is a life threatening disease that requires aggressive medical treatment. If you notice that your overweight cat has not been eating, please contact your veterinarian. 

Determining if Your Pet is Overweight

Veterinarians determine the correct size and weight of your pet based on a scale known as a body condition score. This is a scale of 1-9 (1-3 is underweight, 4-5 is ideal, and 6-9 is overweight) and a scale of 1-5 (1-2 is underweight, 3 is ideal, and 4-5 is overweight). We are assessing five parameters listed in the Purina scales below. 

Obesity Prevention and Treatment

Diet and exercise are the two main components to prevent obesity in our companion animals. If your pet is determined to be overweight, there are prescription diets that can help them to lose the weight. Please ask your veterinarian to calculate the correct amount of food for your pet per day. We are here to help!

Rebecca Rittenberg

Welcome Dr. Rebecca Rittenberg!!!!!!!!!!

Rebecca Rittenberg originally hails from Charleston, SC. Her first experience in Florida came when she attended the University of Miami in Coral Gables for undergraduate where she received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Judaic Studies and a minor in history. While attending the U, she was involved in an internship program that allowed her to meet a Holocaust survivor with whom she wrote and published his memoir after graduation. 

After graduating in 2008, Rebecca moved to Israel with her now husband for 6 months before returning to Charleston where she began courses to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Rebecca attended veterinary school at the University of Minnesota with a focus in small animal medicine.

Rebecca’s veterinary interests include internal medicine as well as preventive medicine. 

Her interests outside of the veterinary field include traveling with her husband any time she gets the chance, hiking with her perfect dog, Sababa,  attending plays and concerts, and being with family and friends. She is excited to make this move to South Florida and catch up on much needed heat after four years in “America’s Icebox.”

17th Annual Annual Wilton Manors Stonewall Parade & Festival

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital will be at the 17th Annual Wilton Manors Stonewall Parade & Festival! 

The festival takes place from 1pm to 6pm. 

The VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital team will be joined by Animal Eye Guys (http://animaleyeguys.com )and offering a cooling station for pets. We urge you to Stop by and cool off with us this Saturday! 

This year's event will focus on local entertainers. Beginning at 11 a.m. at Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Drive, there will be bounce houses, face painting and music for families.

The main attraction of the festival is the PARADE, which begins at 6pm and will last an hour and a half. The parade launches at Five Points Plaza and heads toward Northeast 20^th Street and is followed by a dance party.

The Stonewall festival is one of the year's biggest in the South Florida LGBT community. About 30,000 people attended last year when former Detroit Tigers outfielder and Miami resident Billy Bean served as the grand marshal.

Festivities continue on Wilton Drive where vendors and booths will ribbon the thoroughfare between Northeast 20^th and Northeast 26^th streets.

Come and have a great and safe time in celebrating our PRIDE! 

For more details about this event, click here: http://wiltonmanorsstonewall.com/events/ 

Feeding Your Older Cat

Cats: They’re notoriously mysterious. They hide their illnesses well, often rule the home, and only want affection when they’re in the mood for it. Some cat breeds have average lifespans of nearly 20 years, while others might only live for 10. Most cats will begin to show visible age-related changes between 7 and 12 years of age. There are metabolic, immunologic, and body composition changes, too.

While some age-related changes are unavoidable, some can be managed with diet. It’s beneficial to start your cat on a senior diet at about 7 years old. Why? Foods specifically designed for senior cats help to maintain health and optimum body weight, slow or prevent the development of chronic disease, and minimize or improve clinical signs of diseases that may already be present.
 

As your cat ages, he or she will be more susceptible to particular health issues, including:

·         Deterioration of skin and coat

·         Loss of muscle mass

·         More frequent intestinal problems

·         Arthritis

·         Obesity

·         Dental problems

·         Decreased ability to fight off infection
 

Just like humans, cats who receive regular preventive health care and eat healthy diets will be less likely to suffer from age-related health conditions. Not sure what to feed your feline to help him or her age gracefully? Ask us—we’d be happy to help. 

Homeland Security to join Free Eye Exams for Service Animals Event this Sunday!!!

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s mission is to protect the nation's transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce. There vision is to provide the most effective transportation security in the most efficient way as a high performing counterterrorism organization. Through hard work, professionalism and integrity the Officers of the TSA work alongside their K9 counterparts to ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce.

Without the keen eyes, ears and noses of these highly trained k9 officers our way of life would be dramatically effected.  

Each year, VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital (VCA HAH) and Animal Eye Guys (AEG) of South Florida are participate in the ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam program. Now in its 9th year, the program offers free eye exams for pre-registered service and therapy animals during the month of May by more than 250 board certified veterinary ophthalmologists from around the United States (including Puerto Rico) and Canada.

Join us this Sunday from 12-2, at our FREE Eye Event for Service Animals as TSA Department of Homeland Security demonstrate the skill of their K9 partners.

Sunday, May 22nd from 10a-4p, the VCA HAH will open its doors exclusively for these exams and host pre- registered therapy animals from local individuals and community service organizations. Other groups attending the event will be Officer's from the Jimmy Ryce Center and Patrol Officers from Miramar.

 

When: Sunday, May 22nd

Where: VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital

2864 Hollywood Blvd

Hollywood, Fl 33020

Event time: 10-4pm

Demontration Schedule 12-2pm

TSA US Department of Homeland Security

Patrol Canine Officer Demonstrations

Jimmy Ryce Center K9 Search & Rescue Officers

http://www.jimmyryce.org/bloodhounds-in-the-news/

Join us!!

Patient highlight- Jade!!!

 This is Jade. Jade is a sweet girl who unfortunately had a tumor in her left tibia. The type of tumor she had is known as osteosarcoma.

Osteosarcoma is a primary tumor of bone meaning, that the tumor arises from the cells that make up bone. Bone cancer is not that common in cats however,  of the tumors of bone found in cats, osteosarcoma is the most common type.

Poor Ms. Jade had a tumor that affected the leg so much that the bone broke.  The treatment was, amputation of the leg. The prognosis often depends upon species (dogs often have a different prognosis than cats) and how aggressive the tumor is.

Jade had an amputation with one of the board certified surgeons at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital, Dr. Briana Danielson.

Jade did very well with her surgery and while it did take a little while for her to figure out how to get around on three legs, she's doing great now and feels good!

We are hopeful that she will continue to do well and live a very long life. We are so happy for Jade and her family.

It's she so cute rolling on her back to show us her belly. What a beautiful girl she is!

ACVS Foundations Legends Award

This weekend our very own, Dr. Jon Dee, DACVS, DACVSMR was honored to receive the ACVS Foundation Legends Award. This prestige award recognizes Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons who have developed a surgical or diagnostic procedure of significant value, proven by becoming the treatment or test of choice for a given condition.

ACVS Foundation Legends Award

The ACVS Foundation Legends Award recognizes ACVS Diplomates who have developed a surgical or diagnostic procedure of significant value, proven by becoming the treatment or test of choice for a given condition. The procedure or test has 'withstood the test of time’ and, while perhaps modified over time, remains the treatment or diagnostic method of choice or the scientific basis for the current treatment of choice. The procedure or test is novel and involves advancements in veterinary surgical science and not reapplication of general medical science. The award is marked by the receipt of a plaque and recognition at the Awards Ceremony held in conjunction with the annual ACVS Surgery Summit.

The ACVS Foundation Legends Award

2005 - George Wilson, VMD, MSc
2006 - Martin P. DeAngelis, DVM
2007 - Charles W. Raker, VMD
2008 - Marvin Olmstead, DVM, MS
2009 - George E. Eyster, VMD, MS
2010 - Larry R. Bramlage, DVM, MS
2011 - Robert L. Leighton, VMD
2012 - H. Phil Hobson, DVM, MS
2014 - Barrie D. Grant, DVM, MS
2015 - Donald L. Piermattei, DVM, PhD
2016- Jon Dee, DVM, MS

To learn more about these recipients please read on!!