Mountain Vista Veterinary Hospital

12/07/2024

For our swimmers out there, blue-green algae blooms are common in warm weather and in areas of slow-moving water. It often looks like green slime or some describe as "green pea soup". Some blooms contain harmful toxins that can be especially deadly to dogs if they ingest the water, even in small amounts.

Avoid drinking from or walking and swimming in water that has visible algal blooms, scum, foam on the surface or that has an odour.

Check local advisories for warnings before visiting a particular body of water.

Remove stagnant water (plant containers, birdbaths, fountains, etc.) to prevent blue-green algae growth around the home.

If you think your pet may have been exposed to an algal bloom, rinse their fur with fresh water and bring them to a veterinary hospital immediately.
www.mountainvisatvet.com

03/07/2024

Have you met Sydney? Sydney lives with our Rehab RVT, Lauren, and accompanies her to work most days!
Today is sweet Sydney’s 14th birthday 💕 She was spoiled by all her biggest fans this morning 🎂
Please join us in wishing Sydney the best birthday today! 🎉🥳

01/07/2024

Kudos to Google for an awesome Canada Day cover page! Wishing everyone a very Happy Canada Day 🇨🇦🫎🦫🦭🐻‍❄️🍁🌞🛶❤️!

www.mountainvistavet.com

26/06/2024

A reminder that we will be closed on Monday of the upcoming Canada Day long weekend to enjoy a short break with our friends and family. We are open for urgent care on Saturday until 3 pm and provide 24/7 telemedicine support throughout the weekend. We wish everyone a Happy Canada Day! 🇨🇦

www.mountainvistavet.com

24/06/2024

A recent article from the CBC (click link) about the rise of tick-borne disease in Ontario. We are also seeing more "positive" tests in our pet population for anaplasmosis as well. Fortunately, we have been screening for this for a number of years now in our hospital as part of annual tick disease and heartworm disease screening pet preventative care. Tick prevention in our pets is as important as ever. With the many options now available, we can keep your pets safe!

https://www.cbc.ca/radio/the-dose/anaplasmosis-ticks-1.7239603

22/06/2024

**🐾 Understanding Heartworm Disease: What Every Pet Owner Should Know 🐾**

This is an image from a heart ultrasound that Dr. Pankatz performed this week on a dog that tested positive for heartworm disease. The tiny worms live in the blood vessels of the heart which can lead to heart failure. The good news is that there is much we can do to keep our pets protected!

**What is Heartworm Disease?**
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of affected pets. It is primarily spread through mosquito bites. Even pets that spend a lot of time indoors are at risk

**Symptoms to Watch For:**
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue after moderate activity
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- In severe cases, heart failure and swollen abdomen due to fluid accumulation
- Pets can be infected without any signs at all! This is why annual screening is recommended

**Diagnosis and Treatment:**
The echocardiogram pictured below shows the presence of heartworms in a dog's heart. This imaging technique helps us assess the severity of the disease and plan the appropriate treatment. Treatment can be complex and may include medications to kill the worms, but it can be avoided with regular preventive measures.

**Prevention and Screening:**
The best way to protect your pet from heartworm disease is through prevention. Monthly heartworm preventatives are safe, effective, and easy to administer. Additionally, heartworm disease can be screened for annually with a simple blood test. Regular check-ups and blood tests are essential to ensure your pet remains heartworm-free.

**Take Action:**
If you haven't already, schedule an appointment with us to discuss heartworm prevention and screening to ensure your pet's health is protected. Prevention is always better than cure, and with your help, we can keep our beloved pets safe from this dangerous disease. 🫀🦟🪱


www.mountainvistavet.com

21/06/2024

We are excited to share that Dr. Erin has just returned from the prestigious Animal Dental Training Center in Baltimore! 🦷🐾

During her time there, she participated in an intensive program focusing on the latest techniques in veterinary dental surgery. This advanced training equips her with cutting-edge skills to provide the best possible dental care for our patients😬🦷🐾

We're incredibly proud of Dr. Erin's commitment to continuing education and her dedication to enhancing the health and well-being of our furry friends. Our hospital is equipped with a dedicated dental surgery suite with digital dental x-ray so that every patient gets comprehensive and professional dental care and we are very fortunate to have Dr. Erin's expertise!

16/06/2024

Happy Pawther’s Day to all the great dads out there !🧍‍♂️🔨🤓🐾

13/06/2024

Lyme Disease Alert ‼️
We are having a record year at Mountain Vista for pets testing positive for Lyme disease. The attached maps show the hotpots in Canada through the federal government's human Lyme disease surveillance program. Our region has been identified as a hotspot 🔥

In a One Health approach, we know that animal and human populations are intimately intertwined. At MVVH, we strive to educate pet owners on the best practices to prevent Lyme disease. Please consult your MD should you have concerns about your own health. Here are some Lyme disease facts:
✏️Lyme disease is spread through the common deer tick
✏️Ticks are active ALL year round
✏️A positive test means your pet has been exposed but does not mean active infection in all cases -further testing can determine if your pet needs specific treatment
✏️Lyme disease in pets is treatable if detected early
✏️ Lyme disease in pets can cause joint inflammation and pain, and kidney failure in the late stages

What can we do to protect our pets?
✔️ Screen annually - a simple blood test is all that's needed
✔️ Check your pet's coat routinely esp. after walking in long grass, wooded areas and the area's trails
✔️ Remove a tick as soon as it is identified but ensure the entire tick and mouth parts are removed (we can help!)
✔️ Use a pet tick prevention product all year round
✔️ Consider the Lyme disease vaccination - ask us if this is right for your pet
For more information on Lyme disease in Canada visit
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/lyme-disease/surveillance-lyme-disease.html -auto-4
or
https://ticktalkcanada.com/

12/06/2024

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Clarissa on the arrival of a healthy baby boy 👶Both mom and babe are doing great!

12/06/2024

The second Tuesday of June is World Pet Memorial Day, a day when we take the time to remember our beloved pets that have passed away and to celebrate the richness that they have brought to our lives. In honour of World Pet Memorial Day, we would like to introduce you to Emily Piche, RVT, CHPT, CPEP. Emily is a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Technician who we are so honoured to have join our team. Through her gentle caring nature, expertise and dedication to providing peaceful goodbyes, Emily will be heading our new at-home palliative and end-of-life care service.
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – Winnie The Pooh ❤️🐾
Today we remember all of those who have crossed the rainbow bridge 🌈

11/06/2024

Please help us welcome Dr. Kaitlyn Krizmanich to our veterinary team! Dr. Krizmanich lives locally in Collingwood with her family and we consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to welcome such a skilled and dedicated veterinarian. Dr. Krizmanich graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2016 and has a wealth of experience in both busy practice environments and emergency medicine. She brings a level of expertise and compassion that we are very proud to be able to offer our amazing clients and she is very excited to be working with our team! Dr. Krizmanich is now taking appointments and looks forward to meeting you! 🐾📿🏥

07/06/2024

Swimming into the weekend! 🐳 We celebrate Pheobe's graduation from our pet rehabilitation program after recovery from bilateral shoulder surgery🐾🎓

www.collingwoodactivepets

05/06/2024

We know a good lawyer 🐾😊⚖️
www.mountainvistavet.com

22/05/2024

On August 1, 2024 there are some important changes to dogs entering the United States from Canada. This may affect many of our snowbirds and cross-border travellers! An ISO approved microchip will be required as well as paperwork to be signed within 30 days of travel by a veterinarian with proof of rabies vaccination. The age limit of travel to the US will be 6 months and older. This does not affect those who travel with their cats. More information is available on the US CDC website - see article attached

Attention snowbirds and travellers to the US! Effective August 1, 2024 all dogs entering or returning to the United States will need to meet new requirements. Attention snowbirds and travellers to the US! Effective August 1, 2024 all dogs entering or returning to the United States will need to meet....

21/05/2024

Ear infections can be extremely frustrating in our pets especially when they reoccur after a course of treatment. Most chronic ear infections have an underlying cause which is often related to allergy. Getting a clear idea of what is actually going on in the ear canal helps us formulate a treatment plan. A technology we routinely use in our hospital is a video otoscope.
🔍 **Why Video Otoscopy?**
1. **Enhanced Visualization**: Get a clear, magnified view of the ear canal and eardrum, allowing for more accurate diagnoses.
2. **Precise Treatment**: Directly target the affected area with treatments, ensuring better results.
3. **Thorough Cleaning**: Remove debris and foreign objects with precision, reducing the risk of infection.
4. **Patient Comfort**: Less invasive and more comfortable for your furry friends.
5. **Educational Insight**: We can show you real-time images, helping you understand your pet's condition better.

Our commitment is to provide the best care for your pets, and video otoscopy is a significant step forward in achieving that goal. If your pet is experiencing ear issues and you have a medicine cabinet full of ear medications, maybe it is time to take a closer look 👀

🌐 www.mountainvistavet.com

🐾

17/05/2024

🐾 Greetings, friends! It's your buddy Drogo here, making a splash at our pet rehabilitation center 🌊 Just wanted to drop a quick note to let you all know that Mountain Vista will be open this Saturday for all your furry friends' needs. But hey, even underwater treadmills need a break, right? So, we'll be taking Monday off to soak up some quality time with our families. Wishing you all a fin-tastic and paws-itively delightful May 24th long weekend! 🎉🐶🐾
24/7 Telephone support and triage with a registered veterinary technician is available should you have a concern with your pet. Visit https://www.mountainvistavet.com/emergency

16/05/2024

🐾👨‍⚕️🔍 Who said dogs have discerning tastes? 🤷‍♂️ What happens when a furry friend decides to have a Birkenstock as a must-have snack? 🐶👟 Dr. Pankatz came to the rescue with non-invasive endoscopy to save the day! No major surgery needed, just a little "shoelace extraction" magic. ✨💼

At Mountain Vista, we pride ourselves on offering cutting-edge, non-invasive surgical options to keep your beloved pets feeling their best – and avoiding any major "paws" in their recovery! 🚑💨 So, when life throws your pup a curveball (or a Birkenstock), know that we're here to help them get back on their feet – and maybe keep the footwear out of reach next time! 😉 www.mountainvistavet.com

13/05/2024

It’s turtle season in Ontario and our native turtles are on the move 🐢🐢🐢 Mountain Vista is again working with the medical team at the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC) as a primary intake and triage hospital where we provide assessment, stabilization and hospitalization until transport to the OTCC can be arranged. Traffic accidents are the number one threat to our local turtles.
If you find an injured (or deceased turtle) please call the OTCC 705 741-5000 for instructions.
To become a volunteer turtle taxi 🚕 driver, e-mail the OTCC to get your name on the list. For more information visit www.ontarioturtle.ca
Meet our smallest intake of the season so far. A little painted turtle the size of a toonie 🐢🪙

12/05/2024

🌸 Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing pet moms out there! 🐾 Whether you're raising fur babies, feathered friends, or scaly companions, your love and dedication make you incredible pet moms. Today, we celebrate YOU! 🎉 Thank you for all the cuddles, playtimes, and unconditional love you give to your furry family members. From all of us at Mountain Vista Veterinary Hospital, we wish you a day filled with joy and wagging tails! 💕 🐶🐱🐾

10/05/2024

LAST DAY to take advantage of 25% off Royal Canin pet food flash 💥 sale through our webstore! (30% if on auto-order!)
But you can also enjoy savings year-round on Royal Canin, Hills and Purina diets when you sign up for automatic pet food delivery.

New to webstore shopping 💻? Our team can get you started or just click the webstore link on the front page of our website. It is free, easy and super convenient and every little bit of savings helps when keeping our furry friends happy and healthy😀
🐾❤️
www.mountainvistavet.com

09/05/2024

Dr. Clarissa is about ready *pop* and welcome a little boy into the world! 🍼 Her pup Raven seems to be more excited about the potential cupcakes than being a big sister 👅🧁
Dr. Clarissa will be starting her maternity leave May 10th - join us in wishing her (and Raven) well on this exciting journey! 💙

08/05/2024

Webstore flash 💥 sale! Save 25% on your Royal Canin Pet food order (30% for those on auto order!) Get direct home delivery or choose clinic pick-up! Ordering food online is quick, easy and convenient! Join our growing pack of Mountain Vista webstore users and save money on your pet's special diets and more!

Click the Webstore link on our website to get started! Offer valid until May 10 🐾🌸
www.mountainvistavet.com

01/05/2024

🌼🐾 Happy May 1st, everyone! 🌼🐾

We're kicking off this beautiful month with an overload of cuteness! Meet this adorable squad of seven French Bulldog puppies, spreading joy at our Veterinary Hospital here for their first health visit. May is a time of renewal and fresh beginnings, and what better way to start it off than with these little bundles of furry love? 🐶🐾
🐾🐾
www.mountainvistavet.com

27/04/2024

🌏🐾Happy World Veterinary Day! Today, we honour the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to ensure the health and well-being of animals everywhere 🐬🦓🦍🐘🐄🐢🦜🐕‍🦺🐈

We are especially proud to share the recent journey of Dr. Pankatz, who joined a veterinary health team on a mission to a renowned zoo in England. As part of the general anesthesia and imaging team, Dr. Pankatz and the team provided essential care, checking on several animals to ensure they were thriving and healthy 🩺🩻❤️

25/04/2024

🎉 Let's give a round of applause to our amazing veterinary hospital receptionists! 🐾 It's Veterinary Receptionists Appreciation Week, and we couldn't be more grateful for their dedication, kindness, and exceptional care they provide to our furry friends and their owners every single day. Thank you for being the welcoming faces and the heart of our practice! (we are missing Lynne in this photo as well as the other rockstar team members who multi-task at our hospital!)❤️ 🐶🐱

08/04/2024

To be safe, consider keeping your pets indoors during today's solar eclipse 🕶🌞

01/04/2024

Happy April 1st ! 🌷 The first of the month is a great time to schedule your pet's parasite prevention treatment. A once-a-month oral or topical treatment is all you need to keep unwanted house guests at bay. It's no April Fool's joke that pets are at risk for these parasites in our region. Let's stop them in their tracks!
🛑 Ticks (Lyme Disease)
🛑 Fleas
🛑 Internal Worms
🛑 Ear and Skin Mites
🛑 Heartworm


www.mountainvistavet.com

29/03/2024

Yes they are pretty this time of year but super toxic to cats. The petals, stems and even the pollen can cause kidney failure in our feline friends if ingested. Be safe, and skip having lily plants in your home if you own cats!
A reminder that we are closed Good Friday but we will be open Saturday this Easter Weekend for urgent care appointments until 3pm and we are open regular hours on Easter Monday
www.mountainvistavet