Canada West Veterinary Specialists

02/04/2025

Another big snowfall overnight in the Lower Mainland had our team member Jane adopting a creative method of transport to get to the hospital today.

As the old veterinary saying goes, “Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail shall keep the ICU technicians from their appointed rounds”. 😉

If you can, stay home today, and if you must venture out, stay safe on the roads! ❄️

02/03/2025

The holidays are behind us, but those festive treats might still be hanging around—on your furry friends! Just like us, pets can gain a little extra weight during the festive season, and maintaining a healthy weight is key to their overall well-being.

Here are a few tips to keep your pets healthy:

1. Portion Control: Work with your vet to determine the right amount and type of food for your pet’s individual needs.
2. Healthy Treats: Limit treats and opt for nutritious options.
3. Stay Active: Keep your pets moving, even in winter! Indoor fetch, puzzle toys, or brisk walks on milder days can help.
4. Slow Feeding: Use food puzzles or slow-feeder bowls to make mealtime last longer and prevent overeating.
5. Family Commitment: Make sure everyone in the household follows the plan to avoid sneaking extra treats.

Every pet’s journey is unique, and even small changes can make a big difference. And remember, if you need us, we’re here for your pets.

01/30/2025

A little extra care on rainy or cold days keeps your pets happy and healthy.

01/14/2025

Did you know today is the 'National Dress Up Your Pet Day?' Dressing up your pet can be fun, but their comfort and safety should always come first. 🐶

: Choose outfits that fit well and don’t restrict movement, breathing, or vision. Avoid clothing with small parts that can be chewed off or swallowed.

01/10/2025

Did you know alcohol can be used to treat antifreeze poisoning in pets? 🐾 Ethylene glycol (found in antifreeze) is highly toxic to dogs and cats, but ethanol (alcohol) can help prevent its breakdown into harmful toxins when hemodialysis isn’t an option.

We recently had a case of this nature at our hospital. Read the full story here: https://canadawestvets.com/2025/01/09/did-you-know-using-alcohol-to-combat-anti-freeze-poisoning/

01/07/2025

Pet Food Recall:

Northwest Naturals brand 2lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw & frozen pet food has been recalled after the death of a cat confirmed to be infected with H5N1 highly pathogenic Avian Influenza as a result of eating the contaminated raw Turkey food. Find out more on our blog - link in comments.

01/07/2025

Recall Notice:
Northwest Naturals brand Feline Turkey Recipe
Raw & Frozen Pet Food

January 7, 2025

Veterinarians and pet stores in British Columbia have been advised by the Office of the Chief Veterinarian of British Columbia of a pet food recall as a result of the death of a domestic cat in Oregon which was confirmed to be infected with H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza as result of eating the contaminated raw turkey food.

Northwest Naturals of Portland, Oregon is voluntarily recalling Northwest Naturals brand 2lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw & frozen pet food after it tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus.

Recalled Product Details:
• Product: Northwest Natural 2lb Feline Turkey Recipe
• Best by Dates: 5/21/26 B10 and 06/23/26 B1
• Distribution: Sold in British Columbia and 12 US states

More information is available in the official statement from the Office of the Chief Veterinarian here:https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/media/4tgc0ggo/h5n1-hpai-in-domestic-cat-in-oregon-and-raw-pet-food-recall-janaury-2025.pdf

12/25/2024

Happy Holidays

We’re here for you and your pets, day or night, whenever emergencies arise.

•604-473-4882•

12/24/2024

Wishing all the best to you and yours this holiday season.

p.s. (But know our emergency department is open 24/7 throughout the holidays if you need us!)

Wishing you & yours a relaxing holiday season. We'll be standing by if you need us throughout the holidays!Music from (free for Creators!):https://u...

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!