Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital

02/19/2025

Heart Month is a perfect time to think about your pet's heart health! ❤️

At BBVSH, we provide specialized cardiology care throughout the year, with a wide range of diagnostic and treatment options to keep their hearts strong.

For a full list, plus heart disease prevention tips and more, visit our Heart Month blog: https://bbvsh.com/blog/understanding-heart-health-in-cats-and-dogs/

02/18/2025

What is physiotherapy for pets, and does my dog or cat need it?�

Animal physiotherapy is similar to human physiotherapy—it involves tailored exercises and treatments designed to relieve pain, improve mobility, and speed up recovery from injuries or surgeries. Pets with arthritis, back pain, joint issues, or those recovering from orthopedic or neurologic surgery are often good candidates for rehabilitation.

Even pets that are aging or dealing with chronic conditions like hip dysplasia can benefit from physiotherapy. It’s all about giving them the best chance to stay active and comfortable.

At BBVSH, we understand that each pet is unique. Our animal rehabilitation team provides comprehensive and individualized treatment plans tailored to your pet’s specific needs.

After a thorough assessment, our team collaborates closely with you to provide education, guidance, and unwavering support throughout your pet’s healing process.

Learn more in our guide to pet physiotherapy: https://bbvsh.com/blog/dog-and-cat-physiotherapy-what-pet-owners-need-to-know/

02/17/2025

Happy Family Day from all of us at Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital!

We hope you enjoy a relaxing day with your furry family members.

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Should your pet require immediate medical assistance, we are available 24/7/365, including statutory holidays. Walk-ins welcome.

As a VECCS Level 1 certified hospital, we are capable of handling even the most critical, life-threatening emergencies and trauma, with specialists on staff and on call to handle any medical or surgical issue your pet may be experiencing.

For more information, visit https://bbvsh.com/

02/14/2025

02/13/2025

Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs and cats, affecting over 80% of pets by the age of three.

Here’s why it’s essential to prioritize your pet’s oral hygiene:

🦷 Prevention of Pain and Discomfort: Pets with dental disease often experience painful conditions such as gingivitis, abscesses, or tooth fractures.

🦷 Avoiding Systemic Health Issues: Bacteria from dental infections can enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.

🦷 Improved Quality of Life: Healthy teeth and gums make it easier for pets to eat, play, and interact without discomfort.

Learn more on our Pet Dental Health Month blog: https://bbvsh.com/blog/february-is-pet-dental-health-month-what-you-need-to-know/

02/11/2025

February may be Heart Month but every day is a good day to prioritize your furry friend's heart health! ❤️

Preventive care and early detection are critical in managing heart disease. Here are some ways you can protect your pet’s heart:

❤️ Weight Management

❤️ A Balanced, Nutritious Diet

❤️ Frequent Exercise

❤️ Annual Exams

❤️ Parasite Prevention

❤️ Provide Dental Care

❤️ Know what breeds are more susceptible

Deep-dive into these preventative measures on our Heart Month blog: https://bbvsh.com/blog/understanding-heart-health-in-cats-and-dogs/

02/10/2025

Pet dental health is more than just a cosmetic issue; it’s a cornerstone of your pet’s overall well-being. 🦷

As February is Pet Dental Health Month, it’s the perfect time to learn about the importance of oral care for your furry friends. Neglecting dental hygiene can lead to pain, infection, and even systemic health problems.

At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH), we’re here to help pet owners take proactive steps to maintain their pets’ oral health.

Visit our guide on what you need to know about pet dental health on our blog: https://bbvsh.com/blog/february-is-pet-dental-health-month-what-you-need-to-know/

02/09/2025

While the H5N1 bird flu mainly affects wild migratory water birds and domestic poultry, bird flu viruses can spread (less frequently) to mammals, including cats and humans.

Recent investigations implicate food as a source of infection for cats, most often unpasteurized milk and raw or undercooked meat (e.g., poultry).

Cats can contract bird flu by:

🐾 Drinking raw or unpasteurized milk.
🐾 Eating raw eggs.
🐾 Eating raw, undercooked, or uncooked freeze-dried meat or animal products (including retail pet diets that contain raw meat).
🐾 Hunting and eating wild birds.
🐾 Direct contact with infected dairy cows.

If you suspect your cat has bird flu, call your veterinary or emergency veterinary clinic—before taking cats in to be seen—and describe any clinical signs you have noticed so that the veterinary team can be ready when the patient arrives.

Tell the veterinarian about any contact your cat has had with livestock, poultry, or wildlife. Tell the veterinarian if your cat has had any raw or unpasteurized milk or raw or undercooked meat.

Limit your cat’s contact with immunocompromised individuals if any exposure to the virus is possible.

For our full guide on pets and Avian influenza A (H5N1), visit our blog: https://bbvsh.com/blog/can-my-cat-get-bird-flu-a-guide-to-avian-influenza-a-h5n1-in-pets/

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Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital is a veterinary specialty, emergency and critical care hospital in Surrey, BC. We offer specialized veterinary care and 24/7/365 emergency and critical care services to provide peace-of-mind to pet owners and to support primary care veterinarians.

As a VECCS Level 1 certified hospital, we are capable of handling even the most critical, life-threatening emergencies and trauma, with specialists on staff and on-call to handle any medical or surgical issue your pet may be experiencing.

No referral is required. Should your pet experience a life-threatening emergency, come directly to our hospital.

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02/08/2025

ICYMI: February is Heart Month, an annual time to raise awareness and inform our community about cardiovascular health in pets, including heart diseases.

While there are several heart diseases that your cat or dog can contract or develop, the symptoms are all usually very similar.

This is because heart disease doesn’t necessarily mean one specific type of condition but encompasses a wide range of heart-related problems that can affect your cat or dog.

These symptoms can include:

🐾 Persistent Cough
🐾 Difficulty Breathing
🐾 Fainting/Collapsing
🐾 Abdominal Swelling/Distention
🐾 Less Tolerant of Exercise
🐾 Heart Murmur
🐾 Change in Heart Rate
🐾 Change in Body Weight
🐾 Restlessness or Hiding
🐾 Loss of Appetite

If your pet is experiencing any of the above symptoms, take them to your veterinarian right away. If you do not have a family vet, or you feel your pet is experiencing an emergency, BBVSH is open 24/7 with cardiologists on staff and on-call after-hours to handle any heart-related issues.

For more information, visit our Heart Month blog: https://bbvsh.com/blog/understanding-heart-health-in-cats-and-dogs/

02/07/2025

Heart Month FAQ: Can Pets Have Heart Disease?

Yes, pets can develop heart disease, and it is more common than many realize. Heart disease in cats and dogs can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (developing later in life). Common types of heart disease include:

🐾 Valvular Disease
🐾 Myocardial Disease
🐾 Arrhythmias
🐾 Pericardial Disease
🐾 Congenital Disease
🐾 Heartworm Disease

Learn more about these conditions, their symptoms, preventative measures and more in our Heart Month blog: https://bbvsh.com/blog/understanding-heart-health-in-cats-and-dogs/

02/06/2025

Meet Dr. Judy Rochette, Board-certified dental specialist! 🦷

As this month is Pet Dental Health Month, we're highlighting the importance of good oral health for your furry friends as it is an important part of their general health.

Dr. Rochette has had a long career in dentistry and oral surgery in the lower mainland of BC and is specially trained to diagnose genetic and acquired dental problems.

She is also specially trained in surgery, medicine and dentistry, which means she offers a wide range of special treatment options.

Find out more about our specialty dentistry services: https://bbvsh.com/service/dentistry/

02/06/2025

Hi SBCV Community,

We've received the following press release—

The Wildlife Rescue Association of BC urges the public to keep
hummingbird feeders clean and thawed during cold snaps, as frozen feeders can cause life-threatening injuries.
When feeders freeze, hummingbirds are often admitted to the Wildlife Rescue hospital in critical distress.

You can read the full press release here: https://tinyurl.com/Hummingbird-Press-Release

02/05/2025

Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital is a veterinary specialty, emergency and critical care hospital in Surrey, BC. We offer specialized veterinary care and 24/7/365 emergency and critical care services to provide peace-of-mind to pet owners and to support primary care veterinarians.

As a VECCS Level 1 certified hospital, we are capable of handling even the most critical, life-threatening emergencies and trauma, with specialists on staff and on-call to handle any medical or surgical issue your pet may be experiencing.

No referral is required. Should your pet experience a life-threatening emergency, come directly to our hospital.

For more information on BBVSH, visit https://bbvsh.com/

02/04/2025

February is Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular health in both humans and pets.

Heart health is as crucial for our pets as it is for us. Cats and dogs can experience a variety of heart-related conditions, and early detection and specialized care are key to managing their health effectively.

At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH), our cardiology team specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing heart diseases in pets, providing pet owners with the tools and support they need to protect their furry friends’ hearts.

Learn more about heart health in cats and dogs in our Heart Month blog: https://bbvsh.com/blog/understanding-heart-health-in-cats-and-dogs/

01/28/2025

January 2025 marks Bell Let's Talk Mental Health Month, a nationwide initiative in Canada aimed at raising awareness and fostering conversations about mental health.

For pet owners struggling with their own mental health, having the reassurance of access to specialized veterinary care can be a significant source of comfort.

Knowing their pets are healthy and well cared for reduces worry and allows owners to focus on their own well-being.

We offer:

🐾 24/7 Emergency and Critical Care: For unexpected medical needs to critical illness and trauma, we are here to ensure peace of mind at any hour.
🐾 Specialty Services: From internal medicine to advanced surgery,
🐾 Education: Resources like our blog empower pet owners with knowledge about topics like the role of pets in mental health and overall well-being.

For service information, blog resources and more, visit https://bbvsh.com/

01/27/2025

These two cuties are Rex and Camus, Maltese brothers who came in to BBVSH to be treated for urinary stones by one of our board-certified internal medicine specialists, Dr. Lydia Pan.

We're happy to report their treatment went well!👏

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Our board-certified internal medicine specialists are experienced with finding a diagnosis in challenging cases and have an arsenal of specialized diagnostic tools and methods available, in addition to collaborating with our team of board-certified specialists in critical care, surgery, cardiology, neurology, and oncology.

They are capable of managing patients who have multiple disorders or diseases that do not respond well to standard protocols.

To learn more about internal medicine at Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, bbvsh.com/service/internal-medicine or visit our link in bio.

01/27/2025

Walk Your Dog Month may almost be over but the importance of regular exercise for our furry family members continues year-round.

We know that getting back into a regular exercise routine with your dog can be challenging, especially after an injury or health condition.

To help your dog safely increase their exercise, here are some key tips:

🐕 Consult a professional: Before initiating a new exercise regimen, especially for dogs with existing health conditions, consult a veterinarian or a certified canine physiotherapist.

🐕 Start gradually: Begin with short walks, gradually increasing duration and intensity to build endurance without causing strain.

🐕 Monitor for signs of discomfort: Watch for limping, reluctance to move, or signs of pain, and seek professional advice if these occur.

🐕 Incorporate targeted exercises: Engage in activities recommended by a physiotherapist to strengthen specific muscle groups and improve flexibility.

Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital offers comprehensive animal rehabilitation services led by professionals with specialized training in dog (and cat!) physiotherapy.

Our goal is to provide individualized care that addresses each pet’s unique needs, ensuring a safe and effective rehabilitation process.

For more information on our rehabilitation services, visit https://bbvsh.com/service/animal-rehabilitation/