Welcome Dr. Denise Lukacs!!!!!!!!!

Dr. Denise Lukacs was born and raised near Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She received her Bachelor’s in Animal Biology from the University of Guelph in 2010. She went on to complete her Master’s in Animal Behavior and Welfare, with a research interest in the behavior and thermoregulation of elephants and giraffes.  During university, Denise continued to work at a companion animal hospital, as a veterinary assistant, where she gained valuable experience in general practice and reproduction medicine.

Denise completed her veterinary degree at the Ontario Veterinary College.  Denise served as the president of the Animal Behavior Club, and enjoyed volunteering with various animal and community outreach organizations, while completing her veterinary degree. Denise is excited to join VCA HAH, and hopes to further develop her special interests in emergency, critical care and internal medicine.

In her free time, Denise enjoys horseback riding, having competed to the international level in eventing. Denise also enjoys spending time with her dogs, and competing with her Border Collie, Anky. She also owns a loveable black cat named Jagger. Denise is excited to explore southern Florida, and spend time by the ocean.

Education: Ontario Veterinary College

Pet Periodontal Disease Prevention

Pet Periodontal Disease Prevention  

Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition affecting adult dogs and cats. It is a progressive disease that can cause bad breath, oral pain, and spread of bacteria from the mouth to the rest of the body. Fortunately, periodontal disease is preventable with both home dental care and routine veterinary dental care.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is the destruction of bone, gum tissue, and structures that hold the teeth in place. Just like in humans, periodontal disease starts out as a bacterial film on the teeth called plaque. The bacteria can then spread causing gingivitis, infection and inflammation below the gumline, and eventually destruction of bone leading to tooth loss.

How do I know if my pet has periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease occurs below the gumline where it is not visible. In advanced stages of the disease, you may notice that your pet has bad breath, loose, teeth, and a painful mouth.  If your pet’s teeth appear white and clean, this does not mean that periodontal disease is not present!

The only way to identiy or prevent periodontal disease is through regular veterinary dental exams and cleanings. Anesthesia is required to assess your pet’s dental health below the gumline!

The KEY to periodontal disease is PREVENTION

The two components to preventing periodontal disease in your pet are home dental care and annual veterinary dental care.

·         Daily brushing remains the gold standard recommended by veterinary dentists to prevent plaque and slow progression of periodontal disease. Many pets can be trained to accept and even like brushing.  It is important to begin a brushing routine when your pet’s mouth is clean and healthy (a pet with oral pain may develop a negative association with brushing).  Offer a positive reinforcement, such as a treat or toy, following brushing. Use a soft bristled toothbrush and a palatable pet toothpaste.

·         Annual veterinary dental cleanings under anesthesia are an important part of your pet’s oral health routine. During this procedure, the veterinarian will visually examine each tooth and probe for pockets, which can result from periodontal disease. Dental radiographs (x-rays) can also be taken to look for dental disease below the gumline and to evaluate diseased teeth. An ultrasonic scaler is used to clean the visible area of the teeth and under the gums.  Finally, the teeth are polished to eliminate the rough surface created by scaling. When this procedure is performed regulary, beginnings of periodontal disease can be addressed immediately before it causes extensive and expensive damage.

     
     Lauren Vezzosi

Welcome Dr. Abigail Kreines!!!!!!!!!!

Dr. Abby Kreines was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from University of Wisconsin – Madison. While in Madison Abby served as the social chair of the Pre-Vet Club for two years. She also spent weekends volunteering at the local Henry Vilas Zoo educating children about various animal species.

Abby received her veterinary degree from St. George’s University in Grenada and completed her clinical year at University of Florida. In Grenada Abby served as first the zoo rep and later the president of the Exotics and Wildlife Society. She also spent one of her summer vacations in South Africa learning from a wildlife veterinarian.

When not working, Abby enjoys taking her German shepherd, Captain, on long walks or hikes. She also enjoys cooking, traveling and reading. Abby is interested in zoo and exotic animal medicine but she loves all animals of all sizes.

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.