Alberni Veterinary Clinic

11/17/2023

Make sure your dog is vaccinated every year for this disease!
🦠Leptospirosis is an extremely serious disease that is often fatal.
🦠It is not 'easily treated with antibiotics'. Care is intensive and can cost thousands pounds.
🦠The vaccine is incredibly safe. Reactions are rare and generally very mild.
🦠The strains present in the L4 vaccine ARE in canada and, given the soaring numbers of imported and travelling dogs, likely rising.
Alberni Vet Clinic 250-723-7341

11/17/2023

Do you know that the Alberni Vet Clinic does walk in appointments?
For more info call 250-723-7341

11/16/2023

Do you know that all of the staff at the Alberni Veterinary Clinic own pets so we really do care how your pet is doing? Please ask us if you need anything and we will be happy to help the best that we can. We listen, care and explain.
250-723-7341

11/16/2023

Our office manager, Marc, of Damant’s Diving Digital Photography, calendars for 2024 are now available!!! They feature 12 pictures of underwater life around Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. They are only 20$ and he can ship anywhere... he also has prints available in many different mediums such as metal and canvas. For more info face book message him or drop by the Alberni Vet Clinic to pick one up.
Damant's Diving Digital Photography has been featured on magazine covers and won several awards. He believes in educating people about Canadian wildlife so that more people will work to preserve our waters.

11/16/2023

At the Alberni Veterinary Clinic, we practice evidence based medicine because, unlike in humans, the placebo effect does not work in our pets and denying vital medication or surgery results in undue pain and suffering for both the pet and the owner.
Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is an approach to medical practice intended to optimize decision-making by emphasizing the use of evidence from well-designed and well-conducted research. Although all medicine based on science has some degree of empirical support, EBM goes further, classifying evidence by its epistemological strength and requiring that only the strongest types (coming from meta-a**lyses, systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials) can yield strong recommendations; weaker types (such as from case-control studies) can yield only weak recommendations. The term was originally used to describe an approach to teaching the practice of medicine and improving decisions by individual physicians about individual patients. Use of the term rapidly expanded to include a previously described approach that emphasized the use of evidence in the design of guidelines and policies that apply to groups of patients and populations ("evidence-based practice policies"). It has subsequently spread to describe an approach to decision-making that is used at virtually every level of health care as well as other fields (evidence-based practice).
Naturopathy or naturopathic medicine is a form of alternative medicine that employs an array of pseudoscientific practices branded as "natural", "non-invasive", and as promoting "self-healing". The ideology and methods of naturopathy are based on vitalism and folk medicine, rather than evidence-based medicine. Naturopathic practitioners generally recommend against following modern medical practices, including but not limited to medical testing, drugs, vaccinations, and surgery. Instead, naturopathic study and practice rely on unscientific notions, often leading naturopathic doctors to diagnoses and treatments that have no factual merit.
Naturopathic medicine is considered by the medical profession to be ineffective and possibly harmful, raising ethical issues about its practice. In addition to accusations from the medical community, such as the American Cancer Society, naturopaths and naturopathic doctors have repeatedly been accused of being charlatans and practicing quackery. Over the years, many practitioners of naturopathic medicine have been found criminally liable in the courts of law around the world. In some countries it is a criminal offense for naturopaths and naturopathic doctors to label themselves as medical professionals.
Please keep in mind that dogs and, especially cats, are not little humans and the have very different enzyme systems in their livers. Because of this, many substances which are not toxic to us are to our pets. Tylenol is a good example of this. Tylenol in very small amounts kills cats. Furthermore, naturopathic medications are not tested to be safe in people let alone cats and even the solutions that the supposed “medical ingredient” is dissolved in can be toxic itself. They are not screened for pesticides, active ingredients, or any amount of safety as they are not regulated by the same associations that regulate actual drugs. When you purchase these products, you have no idea what is really in them or what it will do to your cat.
If you have any questions about whether a product is safe you can always call or email the clinic. Advice is always free and it is better to ask a veterinarian before giving anything to your pet.
“What do you call alternative medicine that works? Medicine.” Tim Minchin

11/16/2023

Yes it late night Thursday and we are open until 7 pm! For more info call the Alberni Vet Clinic 250-723-7341

11/16/2023

Have a cat that hunts? They will have worms which they can pass on to you and your family. Make sure to get a dewormer from your vet every few months to keep them worm free.
For more info call the Alberni Vet Clinic 250-723-7341

11/16/2023

We have lots of contagious disease here, especially leptospirosis and kennel cough (bordetella). Make sure your pet is up to date and remember that some vaccines are needed every year. For more info call the Alberni Vet Clinic
250-723-7341

11/15/2023

Fleas are a year round problem on Vancouver Island. For help preventing or treating an infestation call the Alberni Vet Clinic and never use a product from the pet store. They can be toxic and they are not effective. 250-723-7341

11/15/2023

Cats who are outside are at risk of fleas and other parasites. They also can contact many diseases. If you can't keep your cat inside, make sure they are vaccinated every year and are on a preventative flea medication.
Alberni Vet Clinic 250-723-7341

11/15/2023

Having to make that tough end of life decision? We can help.
Alberni Vet Clinic 250-723-7341

11/15/2023

Don't forget your cat needs ro be seen by a vet every year. Many cats don't see a doctor until they are very sick and so suffer from treatable diseases.
Alberni Vet Clinic 250-723-7341

11/15/2023

Need a second opinion? Want another quote for a procedure? Give us a call! We would love to see you. Alberni Vet Clinic 250-723-7341

11/15/2023

Do you know that we bathe, clip nails, do a**l glands and shave matts here at the Alberni Vet Clinic? Take it from our clinic cat, Doc, we have fun with our baths....
For more info call 250-723-7341

11/14/2023

Do you know that our vets here at the Alberni Vet Clinic do a minimum of 15 hours a year of continuing education so that they can stay up to date with the latest in veterinary medicine?
250-723-7341

11/14/2023

Based on calls to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the 10 most common toxicoses in dogs are ibuprofen, chocolate, ant and roach baits, rodenticides, acetaminophen, pseudoephedrine-containing cold medications, thyroid medications, bleach, fertilizer, and hydrocarbons. Please be careful!
Alberni Vet Clinic 250-723-7341

11/14/2023

Do you know that we do drop off appointments and that you can board your pet for the day? We are also open at 8 am every day, open late on Thursdays, and work through lunch hour. For more info on our flexible scheduling please call the Alberni Vet Clinic at 250-723-7341

11/14/2023

Our office manager Marc, of Damant’s Diving Digital Photography, calendars for 2024 are now available!!! They feature 12 pictures of underwater life around Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. They are only 20$ and he can ship anywhere... he also has prints available in many different mediums such as metal and canvas. For more info face book message him or drop by the Alberni Vet Clinic to pick one up.
Damant's Diving Digital Photography has been featured on magazine covers and won several awards. He believes in educating people about Canadian wildlife so that more people will work to preserve our waters.

11/14/2023

Fleas and ticks are a constant threat to our pets' health, spreading worms and causing allergies and severe itch. Please only use products from your vet as over the counter pesticides are toxic and do not work. Nor do home remedies. For help with these pests call the Alberni Vet Clinic 250-723-7341

11/14/2023

Can I give my pet aspirin for his arthritis?
STOP right there! Although aspirin and many other drugs of the same class of pharmaceuticals can be relatively harmless to people, they can have serious side effects in dogs and cats. For example, Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol®) is TOXIC to cats in relatively small quantities! Ibuprofen (e.g. Advil®) is not well tolerated in pets and can easily cause stomach ulcers.
Always seek veterinary advice before administering over-the-counter medications to your furry friends! These drugs have not necessarily been approved for use in pets. In addition, even if you can give your pet one of these drugs, the correct dose and frequency of administration may be very different than what you would expect.
Now, a little about arthritis while we are on the subject!
Arthritis, defined as “inflammation of the joints” (“itis” means inflammation, and “arthr” means joint), has many different causes. By far the most common cause is “wear and tear” or old age. This form of arthritis is most commonly referred to as osteoarthritis (“osteo” means bone) or “degenerative joint disease”.
How do you know if your pet has arthritis associated with old age? Most of us are familiar with joint stiffness, even if we are not all that old. If we are lucky enough to have no experience with these symptoms, we have all witnessed someone who has difficulty rising from a chair or has a limited range of motion when walking. These basic manifestations of “stiffness” are similar in pets – that is, reduced range of motion of the limbs, limping, and stiffness when getting up after a long rest. Stiffness does not have to be a result of arthritis of course; it can just as easily be a result of muscle, tendon or other soft tissue concern. In pets, it is difficult to appreciate the difference.
Even though most pets will not show signs of arthritis until after 5-7 years of age, some less fortunate pets (especially dogs) may show these signs at a younger age due to inheritance of bony disorders such as hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis dessicans (OCD) and others.
If you notice any change in your pet’s gait, including limping, stiffness or reluctance to exercise, book an appointment with the veterinarian as soon as you can.

11/14/2023

Please keep this in mind when choosing a pet.
Alberni Vet Clinic 250-723-7341

11/13/2023

Do you know that the Alberni Vet Clinic sees injured wildlife on a volunteer basis and works closely with the North Island Wildlife Center?
250-723-7341

11/13/2023

Drug-resistant salmonella outbreak spreads across Canada, affecting many kids

An ongoing outbreak of "extensively drug-resistant" salmonella infections has spread across six provinces, affecting many children aged five and under, prompting a public health notice.
On Saturday, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) issued a public health notice saying it, along with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada, launched an investigation into the salmonella outbreak, revealing raw pet food and cattle contact as likely culprits.
"Many of the individuals who became sick are children five years of age or younger. Illnesses associated with this outbreak strain may be difficult to treat with commonly recommended antibiotics, if antibiotic treatment is needed," PHAC said in a statement.
The outbreak is still ongoing, as illnesses continue to be reported to PHAC.
After investigating the outbreak, PHAC said two sources were identified.
The first source was linked to exposure to raw meat prepared for pets. PHAC said some of the individuals who became sick reported exposure to raw pet food before the illness occurred. But a single supplier of raw pet food has not been identified.
Contact with cattle, particularly calves, was linked as the second source of the outbreak.
"The outbreak is a reminder that salmonella bacteria can be found in raw pet food and in many species of animals, including dogs and cattle," PHAC warned.
PHAC's investigation also found this outbreak strain of salmonella has been found in sick dogs and cattle, and some of these animals have died. It warned that infected pets can also spread bacteria, like salmonella, to individuals they are in contact with, even if they do not show any signs of illness.
There have been 40 confirmed cases of the salmonella strain as of Nov. 11, PHAC said.
Illnesses have been reported in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
Between July 2020 and September 2023, the reported individuals fell ill, resulting in 13 hospitalizations, with no reported deaths, PHAC said. The affected population spans from infants to 91-year-olds, with nearly half (43 per cent) of the cases involving children aged five or younger. Females comprise approximately half (53 per cent) of the reported cases.
The salmonella strain linked with the outbreak is "extensively drug-resistant," PHAC said, meaning it's resistant to all commonly recommended antibiotics. "People who are infected with salmonella bacteria can spread salmonella to other people several days to several weeks after they have become infected, even if they don't have symptoms," PHAC said.
"Salmonella can spread by person-to-person contact and contaminated surfaces. Most people who become ill from a Salmonella infection will recover fully after a few days without treatment, but it can also cause severe illness and hospitalization."

11/13/2023

The first source was linked to exposure to raw meat prepared for pets. An ongoing outbreak of "extensively drug-resistant" salmonella infections has spread across six provinces, affecting many children aged five and under, prompting a public health notice.

An ongoing outbreak of 'extensively drug-resistant' salmonella infections has spread across six provinces, affecting many children aged five and under.

11/13/2023

We are back after the long weekend and here to help.
Alberni Vet Clinic 250-723-7341

11/13/2023

Blood work saves lives! Your pet will look healthy but can have disease starting. The sooner we diagnose the problem the easier it is to treat. For more info call the Alberni Vet Clinic 250-723-7341

11/13/2023

Dogs with big jowls often need regular cleaning of their folds or they suffer from infections. For tips and tricks call the Alberni Vet Clinic 250-723-7341

11/12/2023

https://albernivet.com/news/can-my-pet-have-diabetes

Diabetes in humans is common – you likely know someone who manages the condition. But did you know that pets can also develop diabetes? As the number of overweight and obese pets rises each year, so too does the incidence of diabetes. It’s something that pet parents need to be aware of.

11/12/2023

We aren't sure why cats and dogs eat grass but it can cause worms, GI upset, ulcers and other serious health problems. For more info on what's safe call the Alberni Vet Clinic 250-723-7341

11/12/2023

New puppy or kitten? Come see us. We have everything you need to start them off right 🙂
Alberni Vet Clinic 250-723-7341

11/12/2023

We will be closed today to honour Remembrance Day.
Alberni Vet Clinic 250-723-7341

11/12/2023

If you need help with your pet after surgery let us know! We have lots of tricks and tips...
Alberni Vet Clinic 250-723-7341

11/12/2023

Do you know that people who work in the veterinary profession are at a high risk of depression and su***de? Make sure to give them a smile next time you are in the clinic.
Alberni Vet Clinic 250-723-7341

11/11/2023

Please only treat your pet with medication from your vet. Other products are pesticides, are not effective and can have serious side effects.
For more info call the Alberni Vet Clinic 250-723-7341

11/11/2023

If your cat is outside and is a hunter make sure that you are deworming them at least once every three months. Only use a product from your vet as they are both safe and the only medication which works against tapeworms. For more info call the Alberni Vet Clinic 250-723-7341

11/11/2023

Does your cat hate the cat carrier?!

It’s hardly surprising when they are only shoved into it to go in the car and then somewhere like the vets or the cattery.

But it doesn’t have to be this way! As this fabulous cartoon from Meowingtons shows!

Your cat carrier can actually be one of your cats favourite places.

Leave in out in your home, pop a cosy bed inside, cover it over with a blanket and you will have created the perfect spot for a snooze!

Our cats love to rest in small, enclosed spaces, (It’s why they make a beeline for cardboard boxes!) it makes them feel safe and helps them to stay warm.

And then when you need to take them for a trip out, you can simply put the door on and carry them out.

I can’t promise it will make them love the car or waiting room but being snug in a space they feel safe will mean they feel more relaxed and will help to lower their stress levels.

To help even more give them a few treats as car snacks and a spritz of Feliway on the blanket, so they arrive at their destination in the mood for a fuss not a fight!