Canada West Veterinary Specialists

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Canada West Veterinary Specialists

http://canadawestvets.com CWVS is a dedicated referral centre with expertise in core disciplines.
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We work as an extension of your family veterinarian to provide second opinions or exceptional specialized care for every patient - 365 days.

12/06/2024

6 Signs Your Pet Might Need to See a Neurologist.

Pets can’t tell us when something feels off, but their behavior can speak volumes. Here are six key signs that your furry friend might need a visit to a veterinary neurologist:

1️⃣ Seizures: Sudden, uncontrolled movements, twitching, or loss of consciousness could indicate epilepsy or another neurological condition.

2️⃣ Difficulty Walking: Dragging paws, stumbling, or an unsteady gait might signal nerve or spinal cord problems.

3️⃣ Head Tilt or Circling: A persistent head tilt, walking in circles, or balance issues could indicate vestibular disease or brain concerns.

4️⃣ Pain in the Neck or Back: Whining reluctance to move, or a hunched posture might point to spinal issues like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).

5️⃣ Vision Problems: Bumping into objects, walking hesitantly, or sudden blindness can indicate neurological or brain-related causes.

6️⃣ Behavior Changes: Unexplained aggression, confusion, or extreme lethargy could be tied to neurological dysfunction.

What to Do Next:
�If your pet shows any of these signs, don’t wait! Our veterinary neurologists specializes in diagnosing and treating brain, spinal cord, and nerve conditions, ensuring your pet gets the care they need.

Have questions or concerns? Drop them in the comments or call us—we’re here to help your pet live their happiest, healthiest life!

12/03/2024

Cold Noses, Warm Toes: Winter Safety Tips Every Pet Owner Should Know!

Winter can be tough on our pets’ paws! Ice, snow, and de-icing chemicals can cause irritation, damage, and even toxicity if ingested. Here’s how to keep your furry friends safe this season:

Protect Those Paws:
• Use pet-safe booties or paw wax to shield sensitive pads.
• Wipe paws with a damp cloth after every walk to remove salt and chemicals.
• Trim the fur between toes to prevent snow, salt, and grit from sticking to their feet.

Signs of Rock Salt Poisoning to Watch For:

If your pet ingests de-icing salt, it can be dangerous. Look out for:
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Disorientation
• Lethargy
• Excessive drooling

If you notice these symptoms or are concerned about your pet’s paws, call your family veterinarian, our hospital, or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately.

Keeping your pets safe this winter is just a paw-step away! Stay cozy, and let us know if you need help. ❄️

11/16/2024

Joint taps, or arthrocentesis, may sound intimidating, but they’re a powerful tool that helps us understand what’s happening inside your pet’s joints. At Canada West, joint taps allow our veterinarians to get a closer look at joint health by extracting a small sample of joint fluid for analysis. This can provide essential insights into conditions like arthritis, infections, immune diseases, and other inflammatory issues.

Unlike blood tests or X-rays, a joint tap can pinpoint exactly what’s happening in a joint, helping us diagnose the cause of pain, swelling, or lameness. This minimally invasive procedure can provide fast answers so we can create a targeted treatment plan, getting your pet back to their playful, happy self as soon as possible.

11/14/2024

This Week, we had the special honor of celebrating a milestone with one of our precious patients Violet in the ICU! While birthdays are usually spent at home with loved ones, we know how hard it can be to be apart from your pet, especially on days as special as this. That’s why our dedicated ICU team went the extra mile to bring a bit of birthday cheer to our resilient friend, creating a custom birthday band and sharing plenty of love and attention.We understand the emotional challenges of having your furry family member in the hospital, especially on these special days. Our team is here to provide not only top-notch medical care but also the love and compassion that make every moment a little brighter. Here’s to a speedy recovery and many more birthdays to celebrate together at home! 🐾

11/11/2024

Today, on Remembrance Day, we honour all who have served—the brave men and women and the loyal animals who stood by their side.

Throughout history, animals have played vital roles in wartime:

• Horses carried soldiers and supplies through rugged terrains and served as critical transportation, particularly in World Wars I and II.

• Dogs performed diverse roles, including detecting explosives, searching for wounded soldiers, carrying messages, and providing companionship and morale for troops.

• Carrier pigeons carried crucial messages across enemy lines, often flying long distances to deliver vital information quickly.

• Mules and donkeys transported heavy equipment through mountainous regions where vehicles couldn’t reach.

These animals showed courage and loyalty under the harshest conditions, saving countless lives.

Today, we honour all two-legged and four-legged veterans for their loyalty, courage, and service. Thank you for your sacrifices.

11/10/2024

As we prepare to honour Remembrance Day, we want to remind you that our emergency department will be open and ready to care for your pets.

Our team is here 24/7 to ensure your pets receive the care they need whenever needed.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

11/07/2024

Leptospirosis cases have been on the rise in British Columbia. This bacterial infection, spread through contaminated water, soil, or contact with infected wildlife, poses significant risks to both pets and humans.

Some pet insurance providers are updating their policies and may not cover treatment for leptospirosis unless your pet is vaccinated against it.

We strongly recommend the leptospirosis vaccine (particularly for dogs who may have exposure to outdoor areas, standing water, or wildlife) as it can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness.

Symptoms in pets can vary widely, ranging from fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, refusal to eat, lethargy, and stiffness to severe and life-threatening illnesses affecting the liver and kidneys.

If you have questions about leptospirosis, the vaccine, or how to protect your pet, please contact your family veterinarian. If you are concerned with your pet's well-being, we’re here to help 24 hours a day.

10/30/2024

👻 Spooky Safety Tips for Pets This Halloween 🎃

Halloween is just around the corner, and while we humans love the thrill of the season, it can be a little overwhelming—and even risky—for our furry friends. Here’s how you can keep your pets safe and happy:

1. Create a “Treat-Safe” Zone: Set up a small, gated area or pet-safe room where pets can relax away from trick-or-treat traffic and candy. Use cozy blankets, favourite toys, and calming scents to help your pet stay relaxed.

2. Use “Costume Practice” Sessions: If your pet will wear a costume, do a few short practice sessions a week ahead. Use treats and praise to help your pet feel comfortable in the costume without stress or anxiety.

3. Glow-in-the-Dark Pet Gear: Equip your pet with glow-in-the-dark tags, collars, or harnesses if they’ll be outside at any time on Halloween. This way, they’ll be more visible to trick-or-treaters and drivers.

4. Secure All Doorways and Gates: Halloween means frequent door openings, which increases the chance of pets slipping out. Set up a pet gate inside, or use a harness and leash as a secondary line of defence to prevent escape.

5. ID Tags are a Must: Pets may slip outside unnoticed with doors opening frequently. Make sure they’re microchipped and wearing up-to-date ID tags.

6. Prepare a Halloween Soundtrack: Loud sounds and doorbells can overwhelm pets. Try a calming music playlist, classical tunes, or white noise to mask spooky sounds and calm them in a quieter atmosphere.

Let’s make it a spooky but safe Halloween for everyone, fur-kids included!

09/30/2024

On Truth and Reconciliation Day, we pause to honor and reflect on the experiences of Indigenous children, families, and communities. As we care for animals, we are reminded of the importance of compassion, healing, and respect for all beings.

09/24/2024

At Canada West, our team participates in an essential CPR training session to ensure we’re always ready to give your pets the care they need in emergency situations. The drills include chest compressions, airway management, and administering medications, mimicking what might happen during an actual pet emergency. Training in a safe, controlled environment prepares the hospital staff for real-life emergencies, making every member skilled and capable when it matters most.

From tiny paws to larger companions, our priority is keeping them safe and healthy.

Address

1988 Kootenay Street
Vancouver, BC
V5M4Y3

Telephone

604-473-4882

Website

http://canadawestvets.com/

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Videos

Happy weekend vibes from all of us at Canada West! May your days be filled with cuddles, joy, and lots of tail wags. 🐾💖

We have the latest information from Dr. Adelman about the new CDC rules for dogs travelling to the U.S. The CFIA and CDC have agreed to update Canadian requirements. The key changes are as follows: * A bilateral export certificate has been negotiated between the CDC and CFIA. * -The CFIA is no longer required to endorse every form; a licensed Canadian veterinarian will be the recognized authority. * Dogs entering the U.S. must have an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compliant or other universally readable microchip. * The export certificate is valid for multiple entries based on the duration of the rabies vaccination. See links below in comments!

This is Meeka. Meeka is an example of how Canada West works closely with our referring veterinarians and all departments in our hospital. Meeka was referred to our radiology department for an ultrasound. During Meeka’s ultrasound, we found an mass on her spleen; after speaking with her family veterinarian, we had Meeka’s family speak with one of our surgeons. After an informative conversation, Meeka was scheduled for surgery to remove her spleen. We are happy to report that Meeka’s surgery went well, and she has fully recovered! Having received care from Canada West through the Jessie and Bandit Fund, her family reports that she is doing very well. Her walks have gotten longer, and she isn’t afraid to ask to spend time swimming. In addition, she has been on a few trips and had a wonderful time celebrating her 9th birthday! Thankfully, Meeka’s referring veterinarian, our radiologist, and our surgeon collaborated to diagnose and treat her so we were able to get her the care and medical attention she needed in a timely manner so that she could maximize her chances of successful recovery!

We love seeing our patients wagging their tails! Patient care plays a vital role at Canada West. It’s about ensuring patients get the highest possible care by providing comprehensive and individualized attention.

We are excited to have our new MRI machine up and running! By having a stronger magnet and better images, we will be able to diagnose our patients more accurately and formulate a treatment plan that is most effective for them.

TICK TALK THURSDAYS: Tick Removal Many pet owners worry about ticks since they transmit diseases. If you find ticks on your pet, remove them promptly. Here are some tips on how to remove ticks from pets: 1. Familiarize Yourself with Tick Anatomy: Ticks have a head, body, and legs. The head contains the mouthparts used to attach to the skin. The tick's body is round and filled with fluid that helps it stay in place. The legs grip the skin. 2. Wear Gloves or Wash Hands: Wearing gloves will help minimize the risk of exposure to pathogens. If you do not wear gloves, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterward. 3. Locate the Tick: Start by checking your pet's coat for ticks. Look for small, blood-filled bumps on the skin. Locate the tick carefully with a comb or your fingers. 4. Grasp the Tick with Clean Tweezers or Hands: Grab the Tick close to its head. Avoid touching the tick's body, as it may be carrying pathogens. 5. Pull the Tick Straight Out: Pull the tick straight out of your pet's skin using a steady and firm motion. Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause the tick's mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. 6. Disinfect the Bite Site: After the tick has been removed, it is essential to disinfect the bite site. You can clean the area with soap and water or a rubbing alcohol wipe. This will help reduce the risk of infection or irritation. 7. Monitor the Bite Site: Monitor the bite site for any redness, swelling, or other signs of infection. If you suspect any complications, consult with your family veterinarian. 8. Dispose of the Tick: After removing the tick, place it in a container with rubbing alcohol to kill it. 9. Regularly Check Your Pet for Ticks: It is important to check your pet for ticks regularly, especially during tick season. 10. Seek Professional Help if Needed: Your family veterinarian can provide guidance on tick removal and monitor the bite site for signs of infection if necessary.

Myra

This sweet girl is Myra! The sweet girl is currently waiting for a forever home with Loveabull Rescue. With the help of the Jesse Bandit Fund, Myra had a functional urinary disorder workup performed by our Internal Medicine Team. Currently, she is taking a new medication that shows promising results! What a wonderful thing it is to see two wonderful causes work together for the benefit of an animal! If you or someone you know is interested in fostering or adopting a dog, Loveabull Rescue might have just what you're looking for. Meet Myra, a sweet dog who needs a loving home where she can recover and regain her health. Don't hesitate to get in touch with Loveabull Rescue today if you're interested in providing Myra with a safe and caring environment. Your help and support can make a difference in her life. Loveabull Rescue Society

We are so pleased to partner with a local company, Vitacore, to recycle our PPE (gloves, masks, booties, gowns, surgical drapes, and the like). At the height of the pandemic, Vitacore was manufacturing masks and realized a pressing need for a proper disposal system. PPE is crucial for the health and safety of patients and providers, but it remains a single-use plastic product. Since early 2021, Vitacore's recycling program has been at the forefront of recycling PPE, preventing over 651,000 kg of PPE waste from being disposed of in landfills or incinerators. At Canada West, we will continue to make a positive difference by creating a cleaner and greener future for all. 🌲

Wishing you and your pets a Happy Easter filled with love, laughter, and endless cuddles. 🐰 Please don't hesitate to reach out with any concerns about your pet's health. We are here for all your pet care needs. #Easter #PetCare #SpringVibes #HappyEaster

It was spectacular to see the crane transport our new MRI to its location in our hospital. This new medical equipment will improve patients' experiences. With advanced imaging capabilities and faster diagnosis, our patients will receive more effective treatments, leading to quicker recovery and better outcomes. Overall, this new equipment will make a positive difference in the lives of our patients.

Facility Update: New MRI Machine Arrives We are delighted to announce the arrival of our new MRI machine at Canada West! MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and allows for non-invasive examination of the body's internal structures. With its powerful magnet and advanced imaging capabilities, this new MRI machine will improve our ability to provide assessment and treatment more efficiently. ✅ Key features and benefits: - High-resolution imaging: Our new MRI machine offers exceptional clarity, allowing our staff to obtain highly detailed images. - Wide range of applications: This machine is versatile and applicable to various medical conditions, from diagnosing tumors, evaluating injuries or brain architecture - Fast scanning times: The advanced capabilities of this machine enable us to complete scans in less time, providing faster results. We can't wait to have our new MRI machine up and running to provide our patients with a high level of diagnostic care in a shorter period.