Did you know? Genetic Testing can help your pet better fight cancer!

Did you know...
DNA Genetic Testing is used to help pets with cancer!

Let’s delve into DNA genetic analysis! What exactly is it?

Genetic testing, also referred to as DNA testing, involves the use of technology or DNA sequencing to identify abnormal changes in genes, chromosomes or proteins. These changes, termed mutations or variants, often contribute to the formation and progression of cancer. DNA genetic testing is routinely used in human medicine and is anticipated to become a standard in veterinary oncology.

How can DNA genetic testing help my pet with cancer?
When DNA mutations or variants are identified through genetic testing, chemotherapy drugs that specifically target the identified mutations can be recommended as treatment for your pet’s cancer. Although DNA genetic testing is not perfect and may not always yield results, it can often help you and your veterinary oncologist make informed treatment decisions and can provide additional insights into prognosis for your pet. This precision allows veterinary oncologists to use precise and targeted chemotherapy to treat cancer, which decreases the risk of chemotherapy side effects.

DNA genetic testing can be especially helpful in challenging cases in which treatment options are limited. Ultimately, our goal is to extend your pet’s survival time past what is expected with conventional chemotherapy. By specifically targeting the mutations identified in your pet’s cancer, many times, targeted chemotherapy and conventional chemotherapy can be safely combined.

What samples are necessary for DNA genetic analysis?
Samples required for DNA genetic testing are typically obtained non-invasively. Depending on the specific test, blood, fine needle aspirates, or biopsy samples are necessary.

Is DNA genetic testing available for both dogs and cats?
Unfortunately, DNA genetic testing is exclusively available for dogs. However, there is hope that it will soon become accessible for cats.

My dog has been diagnosed with cancer. Is DNA genetic testing the next step?
Maybe! Not all cancers are treated equally, and chemotherapy is not always the chosen course of action. Sometimes, surgery alone might suffice for treating your pet’s cancer.

It is the goal of our Oncology Service is to help you explore the best treatment options for your pet and ensure treatment is focused on improving their quality of life. Learn more about our VCA Pet CancerCare Center and how our experts are here to care for your pet.

Dr. Irene Vazquez is a gifted and dedicated veterinarian who leads our Onolcogy department with a primary focus on improving quality of life for every pet that is diagnosed with cancer.

To schedule an appointment and to learn more about Dr. Vazquez, visit our website and watch this video.

Watch Video   

Advanced Cancer Care for the World's Most
Important Pet: Yours

At VCA, it is our goal to help treat your pet’s cancer, giving you and your pet more quality time together. At our VCA Pet CancerCare Centers, our oncology teams design individualized treatment plans for each patient using the most advanced and effective treatments available—much like those used in human medicine.

Learn about the VCA Pet CancerCare difference and watch the stories of pets we've helped after a cancer diagnosis.

Meet Roxy!

Safety Tips SHARE!

Sometimes it is easy to forget the little things that can be risks to our pets. This is an excellent reminder for the holiday season. As we enjoy our treats let keep our sweet fur babies safe. 

 

When You Asked, We Delivered.

Whoop, our pharmacy did it again!

When you needed a better way to reach our pharmacy- they created a direct access email address that connects you right to their team-------> vcahollywoodpharmacy@vca.com

When you needed a faster, more seamless way to refill your pet's medications- they created our QR code to simply Scan and Go!------> your pet's meds on in their queue!

We are very excited to continue to offer tools to help our humans better care for their pets.

There is more.....
Want one more way to stay
up-to-date on your pet's care?

Download our myVCA App and have your veterinary care right on your phone. Learn more and download the app now!

Or text us and we will send you a link that takes you right to your myVCA App page.

Blister packaging is SECURE CLEAR & CONVENIENT

When we were asked for a more convenient way for our clients to manage their pet's medications- our pharmacy created a system that ensures more accurate tracking of medications administered by 

1. reduces errors at home
2. eliminates the hassle of opening traditional medication vial
3. makes the time to re-order, easy to see

We now offer blister packaging. 

Our blister packaging involves securely packaging individual tablets and capsules in clearly labeled compartments within a specially designed card providing an even more convenient solution for your medication needs. This service is available upon request and is particularly beneficial for clients who face challenges in opening medication vials or maintaining a consistent medication schedule.

We are very excited to continue to offer tools to help our humans better care for their pets.

There is more.....
Want one more way to stay
up-to-date on your pet's care?

Download our myVCA App and have your veterinary care right on your phone. Learn more and download the app now!

Or text us and we will send you a link that takes you right to your myVCA App page.

Making Specialty Pet Care Accessible.

 

Our specialists are making even more time available to care for pets.

The veterinary industry has seen its share of strained this year as general practitioners and emergency care facilities see a high volumes of urgent care cases on top of their typical case loads.

Specialty medicine has seen this same influx as well which is why our innovative team at VCA Hollywood created a wait-list tool to ensure our specialty patients recieved access to available appointment as soon as possible. Now, our oncology service has added more consultation times to make oncology care even more accessible to pets in need.


The goal of our Pet Cancer Care team is to ensure pets enjoy the very best quality of life. With the support and collaboration of the entire VCA Hollywood doctors and staff, they also have the best team possible to care for pet.

Learn more about Dr. Vazquez, DAVIM (Oncology) and the PetCancer Care Team 

Stay up-to-day on all of the great success stories we have had the privilege to share!

 MEET THE TEAM!

This year, we welcome four amazing veterinarians that not only have a tremendous passion for pet care, they each bring a unique focus to our practice that compliments our team.

Learn more about Dr. Crystal Ware, Dr. Alexandra Lovirnic, Dr. Corey Young and Dr. Veronica Alamo on our website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see the softest side of patient care. (that is all of the puppies, kitties and snuggles we can get.)  

VCA Hollywood's Hotshots- Meet Michelle!

VCA Hollywood's Hotshots- Meet Michelle!

VCA Hollywood has a loads of hotshots!  We love to highlight our team whenever possible.

This month's special highlight is Michelle. 

Michelle has been with VCA since 2017 but with VCA Hollywood just 9 months and we are all so grateful she chose us!

Michelle joins us as a part of our Pharmacy Team who's location at the (literal) center of our practice though really mirrors their role in our ability to provide exceptional patient care.   Our pharmacy provides care for all of our client Whether GP or Specialty, whether on preventative or chronic medication they serve our in and outpatients even filling all of the medications for our hospitalized patients- not to mention our online pharmacy. 

It is a lot and Michelle has made the team whole. 

Get to know more about Michelle:

Background: Native Floridian who (Miami Gardens) but spent the last 15 years in CA.  

1. Cat or dog person?  

I love cats & small dogs especially, but have affection for most animals in general. I currently have 3 Shepherds and 5 cats.   

2. What is your favorite comfort media (book, show, movie, music, or anything else)? 

Video games! Especially ones that encourage crafting or are open-world. (Currently playing “Subnautica” and “Tears of the Kingdom”.

3. What is one thing you’re learning now or learned recently? 

“Taking care of yourself” is a lot harder than it sounds. It’s an active process (and you don’t suddenly “have it together” by 30 yrs. old) 

4.  What is one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit? 

Better posture (so my back will stop yelling at me) 

5.  If you could trade places with anyone for the day, who would you choose and why? 

Younger me (5 years younger than now) I think it’d be interesting to see younger me deal with today’s me with my responsibilities, vice versa (lol).

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VCA Hollywood's Hotshots- Meet Cristina!

VCA Hollywood has a loads of hotshots!  We love to highlight our team whenever possible.

This month's special highlight is Cristina.

Cristina is a bright light and happy presence in the our practice. She and Dr. Melanie Hnot, our veterinary dermatologist, go together like peanut butter and jelly and have a team that truly enjoys all that they do.

Cristina recently graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science (what an amazing accomplishment) and is working to continue her education on a path to becoming a veterinarian. 

Cristina also recently married the man of her dreams. Life is good. In the busy life she leads, she made the time to answer some fun questions for us.

Get to know Cristina:

1.    Your name/Position/Years working here

Cristina- Veterinary Technician-Dermatology

2.     What is an easy item on your bucket list that you haven’t done yet?

Go to Europe! Or Africa!

3.    Does your current car have a name? What is it?

Yes! Tiffany

4.    What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“Treat others the way you wish to be treated”

5.    What song or album could you listen to on repeat?

Taylor Swift- Album “Midnights”

6.    What simple/everyday food do you refuse to eat?

YOGURT!! 

7.    What current fact about your life would most impress your five your old self?

I am currently applying to the vet school of my dreams and married to an amazing man

8.    What piece of advice would you share with your younger self?

Keep working towards your dreams, never give up despite how hard it is.