Small Creatures Pet Clinic

21/08/2024

DR. J SAYS:

August 20, 2024

'NO-SHOWS':

At 'Small Creatures', we define a 'No Show' as someone who has booked their pet for an appointment, and has not arrived at the clinic within 10 minutes of said appointment. Nor have they contacted us about their absenteeism.

They are surely a given in any business.

Last Tuesday, our first appointment, at 8 am, was booked with a new client. They had 6 pets! They phoned for the appointment many days before, mentioning that some of the six had records that we could obtain from various clinics in the U.S.. The appointment, as always, was confirmed by ourselves the day before. One & one half hours were slotted off, given the number of pets, new client status, etc..

And you'll never guess what!!....

A No-Show! No phone call from them beforehand. No response to our efforts to see what, if anything, had happened.

Sometimes these things are (kinda) legit....family emergency, cat runs out the back door, forgot, stuck in traffic, etc..

But 6 pets? Clearly a 'Small Creatures personal best'. Such lofty heights; maybe it was a scam.....

If someone has a solution, we are reaching out....

If we can reach even a smidgeon of pet owners, and solve the dilemma, our time writing this article is well spent!......

From our standpoint: (1) We're running on a tight schedule, trying to slot people in. One of those slots goes unused. Not really fair to other concerned pets or their people. (2) It makes poor use of our staff, who probably have 'new client' sheets made out, made long distance phone calls trying to gain historical records for the pet (the wasted time occurs at the previous clinic as well). (3) We lose income (there are multiple reasons for having a veterinary clinic, but realistically, one of them is to make money caring for animals). (4) It's just downright rude and pi**es everyone off that works at 'Small Creatures'! (5) It's so unnecessary.

So we licked our wounds that day, and carried on with what always seems to be a busy practice. We've gotten over it, and now just kinda laugh at our new, what- previously- seemed- an- unattainable, record. And we aren't making strong efforts to track them down to rebook.

Best.

DR. J

16/08/2024

As another long weekend approaches here are some tips and tricks to keep your pets safe while on your camping adventures!

Happy Friday everyone. 😁

https://www.trupanion.com/pet-blog/article/tips-for-camping-with-dogs?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_term=natl&utm_content=brand&linkId=547106964&fbclid=IwY2xjawEsxHVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHSKoHHBxOMBHGb5L-r6V9NjWJ58YJaHcOVb5_oyLUvl-w97pQ-A7oVUpKA_aem_pvdogmTfWQJFetAzG-aY3A

Are you doing all you can to go camping with your pet safely this year? Top 10 tips for camping with dogs and create a fun, safe experience for you both.

09/08/2024

DR. J SAYS:

August 9, 2024

TWD & THE TOMATOES, 2024:

When puppies & kittens become ill, we sometimes use words like unthrifty, non-thriving, stunted, etc., as medical terms to describe them.

When elderly animals become ill, we sometimes use words like cachectic, anemic, unhealthy, etc..

But I have never used these words to describe tomato plants at the side of 'Small Creatures'....

See picture below.

They are all of the above, plus add in spindly, non fruit-bearing, disappointing, sickly, etc.. Their stems are not thick & vigorous- they are about as big around as my 'birdman' legs. They are dutifully watered & fully tended to. The staff shares in their care over weekends when I am not around.

Perhaps other growers are experiencing the same phenomena.

I have tried to find answers.....

I digress. TWD had knee surgery just over 2 weeks ago (see attending photo below with his 'party hat'). Clearly, reception work has suffered because of his decreased mobility; no big deal, the rest of the staff picks him up & covers for him. Recently, it has occurred to me that perhaps his convalescence is intimately related to the tomato crop failure.....

Over time, we have come to know the value of his specially-formulated, environmentally-friendly, nitrogen-enhanced, readily-applied, golden-yellow liquid tomato super-fertilizer. His inability to apply it may be the concern.

Get well soon, TWD.

Have a great WE, everybody!

DR. J

07/08/2024

Anyone else ?!

The Small Creatures Pet Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic and hospital serving Langley pets

01/08/2024

With the long weekend now approaching, here are some essentials to keep on hand for any emergency with your pet!

Have a great long weekend everyone😄

The Small Creatures Pet Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic and hospital serving Langley pets

27/07/2024

July 27, 2024

DR J. SAYS-

CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY OF THE CANINE KNEE (STIFLE) & KEEPING THE VETERINARIAN IN TOUCH:

Obi (TWD) suffered traumatic rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament last week, while bolting across the cul-de-sac at our home. I wasn't there. Apparently he took off after a 'small creature' like a rabbit or squirrel, and came up dead lame on his right hind. No squeaks or nothin'......My wife Jan had no idea what had happened......She was understandably upset.

He has now had surgery with Dr. Mark Smith (see attending photo, with attending party hat). Our profession is tending towards having 'board-certified veterinary surgeons' for this sort of work- kinda like 'who would you rather have fix your own forearm fracture- a GP or an orthopedic surgeon?'......Our profession is constantly evolving. In a good way, I think. These 'experts' are available- we should take advantage of their services, if possible.

With the expertise comes attending incremented cost.

"Would you like to make a small deposit for Obi TWD, pre-surgery?" the lovely receptionist asked..."Sure" I said. So I did. It was maybe more of a big deposit, I think.

On picking up Obi TWD post-op, she asked me if I'd like to tidy up the bill. "Sure" I said. So I did that too.

(I am reminded of one of my go-to veterinary medicine mantras....Good veterinary medicine isn't cheap; cheap veterinary medicine isn't good).

They wheeled him out on his gurney post-op, with 2 seat belts on. His care had clearly been exemplary.

He should be fine in about 3-4 months.

Cause of anterior cruciate disease in the dog is very interesting (especially if you're a veterinarian). Why does Obi TWD suddenly come up lame after putting chase on that same rabbit or squirrel for the 763rd time? (why doesn't he just catch it for once?)..... I think what I have come to believe (and I think the 'gurus' will support me on this) is that over time, if we think of the 'X-pattern' of the supporting ligaments in between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) as a rope, with thousands of microscopic 'strands', the 'strands' break down over time, with the repeat activity. I call it 'threading'. With that same rabbit / squirrel chase that was uneventful on the first 763 attempts, the last few strands rupture on the 764th, and the whole ligament is now full-on torn. Although there is complete laxity (looseness) of the joint, with attending lameness, there isn't horrendous pain. It's a 'mechanical' lameness, rather than one of extreme discomfort.

Obi TWD is now, by definition, more likely to have arthritis in his affected stifle, but less so than if he didn't have surgical repair. He is also more likely than the average dog to have his left stifle 'blow'. We will cross that bridge when we get to it. Pre-surgical xrays also revealed significant degenerative joint disease (aka arthritis) in both of his hips.

Between cost, wearing that awful 'party hat', the sad brown (and blue) eyes, lifting him up into the vehicle, 4 am pooping, decreased appetite, and a whole pile of other stuff/ worries, etc., etc., it's been another a good lesson for me; I try not to ever take my position as an attending veterinarian for granted.

We love these guys to bits, and they are worthy of all our attention & dedication.

And I am so privileged to do what I do for a living.

Take Good Care.

DR. J

The Small Creatures Pet Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic and hospital serving Langley pets

24/07/2024

New 2024 Rules For Pets Crossing Between Canada & USA

*Microchip your dog
->Must be a valid ISO microchip that can be picked up by a universal scanner
->You can purchase your own scanner online if you are concerned the scanner they use at the border will not pick up the one your pet currenly has
-> KNOW THE LOCATION (microchips can migrate/move)

*Ensure your dog is up to date on their rabies vaccines (with a current & valid rabies certificate)
->Pick this up at the location you had your dog vaccinated for rabies

*Be at least six months of age.

*Appear Healthy.

*Paperwork (import form) must be submitted to the CDC a few days before travel (done by the owner).
Form can be found in the link below
https://cdc-786687.workflowcloud.com/forms/090dc543-7b2f-4538-b2c7-2919d12ecc73

The Small Creatures Pet Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic and hospital serving Langley pets

17/07/2024

Now that summer is in full swing we are starting to see an influx of pets at beaches, rivers or creeks.
To keep your pets' safe while in these waterways here are some quick tips to follow.

Safe swimming everyone!😄

The Small Creatures Pet Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic and hospital serving Langley pets

10/07/2024

July 10th, 2024

We have recently had more inquiries regarding new travel regulations to the USA.

As a veterinary clinic, we receive no more information than yourselves in the community 😔.

At this time, we can certainly help with any information we have. We are told that by July 15th, 2024, the CDC (USA Center for Disease Control) will be releasing more information.

Stay in touch!

Staff at Small Creatures Pet Clinic

The Small Creatures Pet Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic and hospital serving Langley pets

06/07/2024

The Small Creatures Pet Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic and hospital serving Langley pets

25/06/2024

We recently had the opportunity to lauch our new website. For anyone who hasn't had the chance please feel free to take a peak!

11/06/2024

We had the pleasure of meeting this litttle character "Theo" last week. "Theo's" happy dance at the end of his appointment was the light of our day :)

Thank you for stopping by "Theo"!

02/06/2024

DR J SAYS:

June 2, 2024

WHY DON'T WE DO MORE POST MORTEMS IN VETERINARY MEDICINE?:

A post mortem is the same as an autopsy/ necropsy. We usually reserve the term 'post mortem' for veterinary medicine.

In my experience, they aren't done very often; perhaps they should be offered more frequently to our clients in veterinary medicine..

Under what circumstances would we/ should we do a post mortem?:
(I'm writin' this off the top of my head, so bear with me!)

1) unexpected death of the patient.
2) suspected poisoning or shooting or foulplay or trauma.
3) suspected contagious disease, perhaps especially if other animals are at risk.
4) suspected error by the veterinarian treating the animal.
5) the attending veterinarian wishing to gain interpretation of an undiagnosed case.
6) curiosity of the owner. This can rear its head many weeks/ months/ years after an animal's passing. I try to mention it to people as a possibility whenever I think it might be a concern.

Let's digress for a moment, and then comment on some of the above....

At 'Small Creatures', we would use the services of the provincial 'Animal Health Laboratory' in Abbotsford. At North American veterinary schools, students do perform multiple, supervised 'full' post mortems on many large & small animals (not sure about foreign grads...). So a North American grad could perform the service. However, it is most likely that only a 'gross post mortem' would be performed. This would involve only examination of body organs and tissues; there would (probably) be no histopathology, virology, bacteriology, toxicology, etc., which is to say the procedure would be limited (the work is important- why limit the investigation?)......I haven't personally done a PM for many years- my skillset has waned, others are more competent, disposal of remains is tricky, and other concerns.

The cost for the full PM by a board-certified pathologist at the AHL in Abby would probably be in the range of $1,000-please don't quote me on this. They would like to receive the animal within a maximum of 24 hours of its having passed. Freezing causes the tissues to 'autolyze' (break down), rendering the procedure essentially 'non-diagnostic'.

Coming back to the numbered points above, a coupla thoughts/ observations.....

1) In the human realm, an unexpected death automatically mandates that an autopsy MUST be performed. 2) I remember a veterinary pathologist colleague of mine telling me many years ago that virually every time a pet owner thinks their animal has been shot or poisoned, it almost never has been. 3) Most causes of death in domestic small animals are not contagious (it's why we vaccinate). 4) Now here's a tricky one.... I'm gonna try and be brutally honest here..... We all mistakes...... If I have any sense that my involvement in the treatment of a client's pet has resulted in its demise, I will automatically offer, and pay, for a full post mortem at the AHL. In the interests of impartiality, I want an expert's unbiased eyes on the case, with a full post mortem. Being transparent at this time is a meaningful way of gaining trust of the client. It's a tricky one, because I also want to be mindful that clients are hesitant about desecration of their pets' body. I get that.....To myself, if a client comes to our practice from another, and chooses to share their experience with a deceased 4-legged friend, I might ask if a post mortem was offered. Usually the answer is 'no'. Depending on the circumstances, that lack of offer sometimes kinda bugs me......

Oh, and one more point! I still get asked (infrequently) if upon handling a pets' remains, will we/ I be doing any 'experimental surgery' afterwards... People are surely entitled to ask any question that they think might be relevant, at any time, but I find the question almost hurtful/ offensive on a personal level. It kinda makes me wonder what sort of persona myself and other veterinarians present to the public on a professional level.......No, I don't do that. Period. The animal's body is sacred, and we are entrusted with ensuring it is always treated with the utmost of respect, both pre and post-mortem.

Jeepers, how did a simple thought process expand into this long dissertation?!

Have a great WE!

Yours in Vet Med.

DR. J

29/05/2024

This past weekend, we said goodbye to our previous SCPC tenants Wh**ey, Daryl and Daryl as they went back to Dr. Snyders bowl at home.
After seeing how much love those three got, we decided to go pick up some new fish friends at Fish Addicts!

Logan and Emily both loved seeing the beautiful aray of different fish that Fish Addicts had to offer; they even got to choose some of their own for SCPC!

Meet SCPC new residents Fighter, Storm, Drogo, and Bluey the snail!

22/05/2024

May 22nd, 2024

As regards “Xylitol” in dogs:

As we all know, Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener put into human medications and food. However, it is quite toxic to our pets. Products such as breath mints, certain baked goods, cough syrup, chewable vitamins, toothpaste, some brands of peanut/nut butter, over-the-counter medicines and sugar-free ice cream can contain Xylitol.

Bob asked us today if the oral Gabapentin that was prescribed to them, from SCPC, for their dog, contained Xylitol. As regards human liquid Gabapentin, it may contain Xylitol as a sugar- free sweetener. Animal liquid Gabapentin does not contain the toxic sugar-free additive. As a veterinary practice we source our compounded oral Gabapentin from a veterinary based pharmacy to make sure our products are safe for your pet’s consumption.
In the long-run, the purchase of your pets’ medications from a veterinarian (versus a human pharmacy) can be a lot safer for your pets. In our area, ‘Wolfe’ Pharmasave in Cloverdale does a lot of veterinary compounding, and are an outstanding source of veterinary information and products.

Thanks Bob, for your inquiry that has prompted this posting!

15/05/2024

Starting on August 1, all dogs entering the U.S. (including those that left the U.S. and are returning, and regardless of the country they are coming from) must be:
• healthy upon arrival
• at least 6 months of age
• microchipped
• accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form receipt and required vaccination and veterinary documents.

Additional requirements may apply depending on where the dog has been in the last 6 months and whether or not the dog was vaccinated in the United States.

Use CDC’s Q&A tool (the CDC “DogBot”) to determine what rules apply to your dog: https://bit.ly/2rww2bq

09/05/2024

Our last 'Parasite Month Contest' was so successful that we are again offering a skill-testing question again this month!!........Who is likely to give birth sooner, Christina or Dr. J?

Have a Wonderful day everybody!

The Small Creatures Pet Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic and hospital serving Langley pets

08/05/2024

Happy Wednesday everyone! This sweet little lady pictured here is 'Stella', how can you not love that squishy pug face!
Thank you for letting us give you all the love Stella

The Small Creatures Pet Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic and hospital serving Langley pets

01/05/2024

As our April Flea & Tick Month has now come to a close; It is time to announce the winner of our draw for the free 6 months worth of flea & tick medication.

DRUMROLL PLEASE.....

Our winner is...
Gary Mitchell!

We will be in contact with you regarding your prize.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this years draw:)

The Small Creatures Pet Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic and hospital serving Langley pets

25/04/2024

With spring now coming into full bloom here are a few things to look out for when it comes to your furry friends!

21/04/2024

DR. J SAYS:

April 21, 2024

WHAT GOES INTO THE CHARGE FOR THAT BLOOD TEST ANYWAYS?........

If you have ever wondered about the cost you assume for a blood test, perhaps this note will explain/ justify (!) what is involved.....

1) The thought process involved by the veterinarian. That is to say, is there justification, based on the history, exam & urgency of the pet's condition, to take the sample. It's a thoughtful process, and to this person, very sacred. Blood testing should never be taken to increase practice income or needlessly add cost/ time to a case that clearly doesn't warrant it. We see enough cases from other clinics that I know this happens (really bnothers me- not sure how you can thoughtfully come up with an 'inclusive', thoughtful conclusion within the framework of a 10 minute appointment....). As I will sometimes offer to clients "you're paying us for an opinion, and if the situation doesn't justify a blood test, based on probable treatment or outcome of the case, then perhaps we don't need to take the sample; people seem to appreciate the honesty and good old-fashioned 'clinical judgment'!. (Haven't been burned yet on this approach, so will probably continue with it!).

2) Getting ready to take the sample. Out come the clippers, alcohol, bandage, blood tubes and requisition sheet, baggy for shipping, syringe and needle, microscope slides for blood slides, & microscope slide holder.

3) Taking the sample. Behind the scenes, there is alot to holding/ restraint of an animal. It takes years of practice. It's a fine line between knowledge, experience, firmness & compassion. And just like surgery, some people are just gifted at it. We have a number of gifted people at 'Small Creatures'. They just sense how to handle particular and perhaps difficult situations (big aggressive dogs and fractious cats come to mind).

4) Processing and sending the sample. Filling out 'req forms' with proper 'signalment' (history) and pertinent medical information. Label all samples. Call the lab ("True North Veterinary Diagnostics' here in Langley).

5) Courier pickup & delivery of the samples by 'True North'.

6) Unpackaging, labelling & processing the samples by the lab. Hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment involved here.

7) Review of blood smears by a 'board-certified veterinary clinical pathologist', and comments from them on any blood abnormalities (I've learned SO much from these people!).

8) Results sent back to 'Small Creatures', usually within 12-24 hours.

9) Review & interpretation by DR. J (only & always). It usually takes about 10-15 minutes to 'quarterback' the history, physical exam, blood results & clinical pathologist comments. Sometimes alot longer on the tough cases, in which case he might consult with the clinical pathologist by telephone.

10) Relay of info to owner; we try for 24-48 hours; sometimes that's not feasible, and we ask for patience.......Regardless, unlike the 'real doctors', we always want to speak to you, to then come up wih 'the plan'. In the past couple of years, support staff does most reporting of the results; they are pretty clearly doing a direct plagiarize of Dr. S' comments. It's a time-saver.

Hope the above makes sense and gives clarity!

Best,

DR. J & STAFF AT 'SMALL CREATURES'

17/04/2024

Some of you might have noticed a new staff member with us in the last few months.
Mikayla joined our team here at Small Creatures about 6 months ago; she recently adopted a rescue from Texas named "Gizmo". If you see little Gizmo walking around feel free to say hi and place a treat down for him as he is quite shy. Mikayla wanted to say thank you to everyone she has met so far for being so kind and welcoming.

The Small Creatures Pet Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic and hospital serving Langley pets

08/04/2024

Dogs require plenty of exercise and playtime, not only for their physical well-being but also for their mental health. In fact, recent research suggests that activities such as exercising, socializing, playing, and learning are vital

06/04/2024

We had the pleasure of meeting this sweet little man "Louie" this past thursday. We would love to see you every day if we could Louie!

The Small Creatures Pet Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic and hospital serving Langley pets

27/03/2024

Keep an eye out for some fun things coming this April!

Starting in April it is Flea & Parasite control month! With a purchase of any of our flea, tick and parasite products, you are welcome to enter your name in our draw for a chance to win a 6 month supply of flea, tick and parasite control of your choice.

The Small Creatures Pet Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic and hospital serving Langley pets

23/03/2024

DR. J SAYS:

March 22, 2024

ALWAYS PICK YOUR INFORMATION SOURCE CAREFULLY:

It has recently come to my attention that every 'Small Creatures' staff member has graduated with 'Honours' from their post-secondary veterinary institution of choice....

Your esteemed writer wasn't even close.......

Not sure how to interpret this; mightn't be a bad idea to refer your tough questions/ difficult surgeries to female staff.

Be (s)well!

DR. J

22/03/2024

It is officially Spring!
Recently our beautiful O'Henry Peach Tree has now started to bloom. The beautiful pink flowers should hopefully produce a lot of delicious peaches for us this year!

15/03/2024

Dr. Snyder now available for hire for Spring Cleaning help!

13/03/2024

Here is a video of our patient "Harry" showing us how its done on the treadmill. Way to go Harry!