Human Quality Diagnostic Imaging for Pets

As a leader in specialized veterinary medicine, VCA Hollywood has always offered the best care for our pet community.                                                                      3D Video of Canine Scan

Now offering the only 64 Slice CT (computed tomography) Scanner in So.Florida Veterinary medicine, we provide human-quality advanced diagnostic imaging for your pet. This means we deliver the highest resolution images available with significantly less anesthetic time, quicker return of interpretations and ultimately more timely diagnoses and treatment for your precious pet.

Your veterinarian may recommend a CT scan for conditions including pre-operation evaluations, neurological disorders (disk disease, seizures, etc), orthopedic disorders, nasal disease as well as many other conditions which may benefit from CT imaging. 

 Your primary care veterinarian will tell you if a CT scan is right for your pet.

 

Quick-Facts about CT Imaging

Our human-hospital grade technology is now available for your patients too.  

Read more to learn about our Haemonetics Cell Saver 5+ and Toshiba 16 slice CT

What is new at VCA Hollywood?

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital strives to provide the latest technology in veterinary care with our new 64 Slice CT machine.

What is a CT Scan?

CT stands for Computed Tomography. It is basically a series of very fine X‑rays that the computer then assembles into a 3D image. CT scans are especially helpful in evaluating the skull, brain, sinuses, inner ear, eye sockets, spine and discs, bones, joints, and soft tissues.

How does this make us different?

●       Quality-VCA Hollywood HD CT Scans offer greater resolution than traditional diagnostic imaging tools because of our 64 slice scanner.

●       Value-VCA Hollywood’s CT scans an affordable diagnostic- gets more comprehensive answers more quickly then other diagnostics

●       Availability-CT Reports are read by a board-certified radiologist and standardly provided within 24 hours of scan. “Stat” reads are also available.

Toshiba 16 Slice CT

Our 64 slice CT machine produces high resolution images, requires less anesthesia time and generates quicker reports and results, allowing for more timely diagnoses and treatment plans.

CT include:

* Pre-Surgery Examination-Each pet is given a thorough examination before surgery allowing us to determine anesthesia risk before surgery.
* Intravenous Catheter-The catheter gives access to a vein so that the doctor is able to administer drugs and fluids.
* Intravenous Fluids (During Procedure)- The fluid is a balanced electrolyte solution helps to combat anesthesia-induced drop in blood pressure. The exact rate of fluid administration is determined based on the pet’s body weight, hydration status, etc.
* Anti-nausea Medication (Cerenia)-Dogs and cats may have a propensity to vomit due to some of the pain prevention medications and anesthesia they receive. Cerenia is highly effective in controlling nausea allowing your pet to feel more comfortable. Pets treated with Cernia before surgery are shown to have a better appetite during the recovery process.
* A pre-anesthetic tranquilizer/analgesic (pain medication)-Administered to decrease stress, anxiety and preemptively address discomfort Scans are reviewed by our Board Certified Radiologist with standard results returned within 24 hours. Stat reads available at additional fee.  

Healthy skin is in! Protect the skin your pet is in.

In human medicine, patients see their family doctors for routine wellness checks and general health concerns. But often, the primary care doctor recommends a specialist. The same is now true of veterinary medicine. Get to know our Veterinary Specialist in Dermatology, Dr. Melanie Hnot [NOT].

Does my dog need a manicure?

Symmetric Lupoid Onychitis in dogs
Do you have a dog whose nails are brittle or where the nails have started to fall off? Symmetric lupoid onychitis (SLO), an immune-mediated condition that affects your dog’s nails and paws. I’ve seen this recently in some patients so I wanted to give an update on this dermatologic disease. 
Luckily, this disease isn’t that common, but if it’s your dog, you want to bring them to your veterinarian right away. 

What is it?
SLO has been reported in many dog breeds. I’ve seen it in Vizslas, Greyhounds, German Shepherds, Giant Schnauzer and mixed breed dogs. Commonly occurring in middle age, dogs can present with brittle nails or with nails falling off on multiple paws. Understandably, this can be painful and discourage your pup from walking or playing. This disease usually only affects the feet so dogs are typically still eating and drinking normally.

What can I do?
The best way to diagnose this disease is to biopsy an affected nail. The biopsy is helpful because it can differentiate SLO from other diseases.
Treatments for SLO varies as does the response of from each dog. Often a combination of treatments are used. Some dogs respond to strict diet trials, whereby a food allergy causes this disease. Other dogs respond to omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, doxycycline (an antibiotic) along with niacinamide (a B-vitamin) and some need stronger medications like prednisone. Nails grow slowly so treatment can take time. Most patients need to be treated for at least 8 weeks before seeing improvement and dogs may need treatment lifelong. Even with treatment, the nails can grow in abnormally. We also want to make sure our patients are comfortable so pain management is part of the initial plan. 

The good news, most patients respond well to treatment of SLO.

Itchy Cats

Itchy Cats
Ever had a cat that is licking excessively or scratching so much the skin bleeds?  Hopefully not, but if you have an itchy cat, you know heartbreaking it can be to watch.  If you’ve been reading up on the multitude of causes of itching in cats online, you might get discouraged.  We’re here to help guide you through the process of figuring out what’s making your cat itch!!

What causes this?
There are many causes of itching in cats. They can include parasites, infectious diseases, allergies, and behavioral issues, among other diseases. Your veterinarian will take a detailed history to learn more about your cat and will then perform their exam. Looking for parasites is one of first things we want to do. We see a lot of flea allergy dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) so we will want to perform a combing to check for fleas. Some cats are fastidious groomers and can lick fleas off of their hair coat before we even find them so we often recommend a flea prevention. Looking for other parasites is important too. Superficial and deep skin scrapings can be taken to look for certain types of mites. Skin cytology can be helpful to look for bacteria and yeast infections and testing for ringworm can be performed.

Could it be allergies?
Once parasites and infectious diseases are ruled out, the next step is determining if your cat has allergies. Allergies can be caused by fleas, foods or even pollens, dust mites and molds in their environment. 

What can I do?
A strict, prescription 2-3 month diet trial may be recommended to see if your cat has a food allergy.  We know that cats can be picky eaters, which is why we have multiple dry and canned foods to try.  If environmental allergies are suspected, allergy testing can be performed.
With all of these possible causes, we recommend taking your cat to their veterinarian so they can help you determine the cause of itching and help treat it.

*New product update in cats: Revolution Plus is a new topical preventative for cats. It helps to provide protection against fleas, some ticks, heartworm, roundworms, hookworms and ear mites. It requires a prescription so you will need to talk with your veterinarian to see if it is an option for your cat.

A veterinary dermatologist is an expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of animal skin, ear, hair, nail, hoof and mouth disorders. Our specialty teams work closely with your pet’s primary care veterinarians to develop the best possible treatment plan for your patient.  If you have questions about our dermatology services or any of our other specialized services in Surgery, Cardiology, Internal Medicine or Emergency & Critical Care, please contact us via our website at vcahollywood.com, by phone at 954-920-3556 or by email at au1000@vca.com.

2018 Pet Food Drive Results

 RESULTS FOR MEALS ON WHEELS FOOD DRIVE FOR PETS AT VCA HOLLYWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL and FREE PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA FUN!!

This weekend Santa served up some serious holiday spirit to our local pet community, their humans and the staff at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital! From 9-noon, over 100 people stopped by to get their Free Photo with Santa and ensure their wish lists made it directly to the big man. Every dog, cat, parent and child took home memorable photos and memorable experiences with the big bearded one.

A special appearance was made by our friends at Boxer Friends Rescue who set up shop to provide shade to our attendants as well as homemade seasonal paraphernalia to doll up our photo stars.

As also, the last day of our Meals on Wheels Food Drive for Pets, generous donations poured in to top our results off at 2000 lbs. of food and over $1500 in donations. These donations will support the pets of homebound seniors in So Florida for the next few months and the money will go to the purchase of food thereafter.  

Meals on Wheels South Florida’s Meals on Wheels for Companion Pets Program was started when volunteers began to notice clients sharing their meals with their pets. Seniors on a restricted budget can have a difficult time meeting their own needs and often the needs of their companion animals can be neglected. Through the support of volunteers and donation from events like our Meals on Wheels Food Drive, pet food is delivered once a month to these loyal companion animals. For more information about Meals on Wheels for Companion Pets, please visit https://www.mowsoflo.org/meals-for-companion-pets

“Now in our 7^th year of partnership with Meals on Wheels South Florida, we could not be more proud of our community and our combine commitment to support the animals that support us.”

-Dr. James Herrington, DVM VCAHAH Medical Director

"The quantity of food used monthly by Broward Meals on Wheels for Pets is around 800 lbs. alone for the southern portion of Broward County. The food collected during this drive will go a long way to help feed our client’s furry family members.” said Bobbi Arnold, Co- Chair of Broward Meals on Wheels for pets.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Meals on Wheels South Florida delivers pet food once a month to home-bound seniors who need assistance taking care of their in-home pets. We request small contributions per pet for each delivery made. Pet food is provided through the generosity of community donors!  If you would like to get involved with our pet program to help volunteer or make a pet food donation, please contact us at 954.731.8770 or info@mowsoflo.org.

For more information please visit https://www.mowsoflo.org/meals-for-companion-pets

Boxer Friends Rescue Boxer Friends, Inc. was established in 2000 and is a 501(c)3 nonprofit Florida charitable organization.  They are comprised 100% of volunteers devoted to helping pure breed Boxers in need in the south Florida area. They rely solely on adoption fees, our fundraising events and the generosity of your donations. To learn more about Boxer Friends Rescue please visit, http://www.boxerfriends.org/  or email info@boxerfriends.org.

Pet Food Drive and Pet Photo with Santa!

Pet Food Drive & Pet Photo with Santa!

Tis the Season for Giving! VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital is accepting donations of canned, dry or dehydrated food for cats or dogs to stock Meals on Wheels of So. Florida’s Companion Pet Program’s Panty to provide monthly food for pets of homebound seniors in So. Florida.

Join our efforts and donate what you can.

Final day of the Pet Food Drive is Dec 15^th at our Free Pet Photos with Santa Event.

WHERE is all of this happening?

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital

2864 Hollywood Boulevard, one block east of I-95

Hollywood, Florida 33020

954.920.3556

More details:

Pet Food Drive:

https://hollywoodanimalhospital.blogspot.com/2018/11/meals-on-wheels-of-of-so-florida-pet.html

Donations for food can be made, November 10th- December 15th, 2018 by stopping by with a donation of canned, dry or dehydrated food for cats or dogs.

VCA Animal Hospital have a solid reputation for offering the very best in veterinary medicine as well as the latest technological advances and therapies. We believe that giving back to the people that supports us is paramount. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Meals on Wheels of So. Florida Companion Pet Program started when volunteers began to notice clients sharing their meals with their pets. Senior on a restricted budget can have a difficult time meeting their own needs and often the needs of their companion animals can be neglected. With only the support of volunteers and donation this organization provides delivery of food for these loyal pets once a month to clients of BMOW. For more information visit www.bmow.org.

Pet Photo withSanta:

https://hollywoodanimalhospital.blogspot.com/2018/11/free-pet-photos-with-santa-at-vca.html

Get tickets!

Now in its seventh year, St. Nick's pre-holiday route has VCA HAH as a permanent stop. Maybe it is all of the cuddly faces!!

Please join us with your darling dog and your cherished cat for a FREE photo with Santa!
WHEN: Saturday, December 15, 2018
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

A photographer will be on hand to take the photos and print them out while you wait.

   

Meals on Wheels of of So. Florida Pet Food Drive!!!!

 Meals on Wheels of of So. Florida Pet Food Drive  VCA Animal Hospital November 10th through December 15th

 

 Donations for food can be made 

When:

November 10th- December 15th, 2018
How:

Just stop by with a donation of canned, dry or dehydrated food for cats or dogs.
Where: 

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital

2864 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, Fl 33020
(954)920-3556

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

VCA  Animal Hospital have a solid reputation for offering the very best in veterinary medicine as well as the latest technological advances and therapies. We believe that giving back to the people that supports us is paramount. 

Meals on Wheels of So. Florida Companion Pet Program started when volunteers began to notice clients sharing their meals with their pets. Senior on a restricted budget can have a difficult time meeting their own needs and often the needs of their companion animals can be neglected. With only the support of volunteers and donation this organization provides delivery of food for these loyal pets once a month to clients of BMOW. For more information visit www.bmow.org.

Support for this Food Drive has been provided by the following sponsors.

 

   

FREE Pet Photo with Santa at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital!!!

 FREE PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA AT VCA HOLLYWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Now in its seventh year, St. Nick's pre-holiday route has VCA HAH as a permanent stop. Maybe it is all of the cuddly faces!!

Please join us from 9-12 with your darling dog and your cherished cat for a FREE photo with Santa!

A photographer will be on hand to take the photos and print them out while you wait.

WHO/WHAT: Pose your furry baby with the big bearded one!


WHEN: Saturday, December 15, 2018
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.


WHERE: VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital
Annex Building
2864 Hollywood Boulevard, one block east of I-95
Hollywood, Florida 33020
954.920.3556

HOW: This is a FREE event. People and pets can just stop by!!

Visit our Facebook page to see the fun we have had with this event over the years and the hilarity that ensues when you get Santa suited up with a LOT of animals.

This is also the final day of  our Pet Food Drive for Meals on Wheels of So. Florida for Companion Pets Program! Check out our blog for more details about this month long drive and how you can help!!

A photographer will be on hand to take the photos and print them out while you wait.

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.