Dr. Lawren Durocher-Babek, Veterinary Internist

04/10/2024

I had a great time speaking to a packed house last night for on a very common problem, upper respiratory tract issues in cats. Thank you to all the vets who turned up after a busy day saving patients! Together, we can help the pets in Hong Kong live happier, more enjoyable lives!

07/09/2024

🌿 Exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine for Pets 🌿

I often get asked about my thoughts on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), herbs, and supplements for our furry friends. The truth is, combining TCM with Western medicine can create a powerful synergy that benefits your pet’s health! Here are some key points to keep in mind when considering these treatments:

1. Consult a TCM Veterinarian: If possible, seek advice from a veterinarian specialized in traditional Chinese medicine. Their expertise can guide you in making the best choices for your pet.
2. Communicate with All of Your Vets: Make sure to share a complete list of all supplements and herbs with your veterinarians. This ensures a comprehensive approach to your pet’s health.
3. Introduce One at a Time: When starting new supplements or herbs, introduce them one at a time. This way, if your pet experiences any adverse reactions (like vomiting or diarrhea), it’s easier to identify the culprit.
4. Choose Trusted Sources: Always purchase from reputable suppliers to ensure the quality and safety of the products you’re using.

While it’s great to explore new remedies, remember:
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- No single supplement can cure serious conditions like cancer.
- What works for one pet may not work for another—every animal is unique.
- Keep an eye on your pet’s quality of life; managing multiple supplements can be just as challenging as managing multiple medications.

With careful consideration and guidance, TCM can be a valuable part of your pet’s health journey! 🐾💚

14/08/2024

I’m honored to be speaking at the IAAHPC conference!

🌟 Join Us at the IAAHPC Annual Virtual Conference! 🌟

We’re excited to feature an incredible lineup of speakers and lectures this year! Check out some of our standout sessions:

📚 Robin Downing, DVM, MS, DAAPM, DACVSMR, CVPP, CCRP:

Pain is Inevitable, Suffering is Optional: Comprehensive, Multimodal Pain Relief
Acute Pain in a Chronic Pain Patient: What Do We Do Now?
Doing the Right Things for the Right Reason at the End of Life

📚 Mary Gardner, DVM:

Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy (GOLPP)

📚 Tamara Grubb, DVM, PhD, DACVAA:

Pain Management and Palliative Strategies for Neuropathic Pain
Implementing Chronic Pain Scoring in Practice

📚 Megan Coveyou, DVM:

Introduction to Equine Hospice: How the environment of the horse, its management, use, and psychosocial factors of its caretakers play a role

📚 Gil Riley, MVB, Cert EP, MRCVS

Pain management in senior/geriatric horses

📚 Kathy Coooney, DVM, CHPV, CCFP:
The Latest in Companion Animal Euthanasia Research; A review to keep you current for 2024

📚 Lawren Durocher-Babek, DVM, DACVIM, CHPV:

Taking the Pain Out of Diabetes - Developing a Palliative Care Approach for Diabetics at the End of Life

📚Michael Khan
Cognitive Dysfunction

📚Erica Sandberg, DVM, CHPV, CPEV:
It’s All in Their Head: Management of Intracranial Disease in Veterinary Hospice

Plus, don’t miss our specialized tracks for technicians, exotic animals, and equine-specific lectures! 🎓🐴🦜

And enjoy keynotes from social media sensation Hospice Nurse Penny and comedian Jessica It's All Good !

📅 Dates: September 26-29, 2024
📍 Format: Virtual
📚 CE Credits: Over 50 hours of RACE-approved CE available

Register now at IAAHPC 2024 Conference Registration!

13/08/2024

JJ was such a good boy today!

呢條友，最終都係要去Veterinary Specialty and Imaging 睇Dr Lawren，係老竇覺得睇咗會安心啲。你條友咁驚青，今日驗血加埋超聲波，算係叻仔㗎啦，驗血報告正常，夠唔夠腎上腺素個report要等，重點係超聲波顯示胃壁、十二指腸同大腸比正常厚好多，嚟緊星期五要做內窺鏡拎組織去化驗。

多謝 Dr. Lawren Durocher-Babek, Veterinary Internist 同埋佢私人VA姐姐嘅詳細解釋同埋檢查，希望可以盡快搵到佢成日肚屙嘅原因再對症下藥。

Thanks for Dr. Lawren Durocher-Babek, Veterinary Internist and her personal VA taking care my boy during the blood taking and ultrasound examination.

17/06/2024

I'll be speaking at the AVMA Convention in Austin Texas this Friday! Come join me Friday, June 21 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM to hear:
1. Rational Diagnostics and Management of IBD in Dogs
2. Rational Diagnostics and Management of IBD in Cats (hint: they're not small dogs!)
3. Maximizing the Minimum Database - Tips and Tricks from an Internist

Come up and say hi between lectures!

05/06/2024

Welcome Nutmeg Mafan to the Family! Get Ready for Cuteness Chaos! 🥰

Thanks to TAILS Lantau we've adopted the most adorable, mischievous, and absolutely MAFAN puppy named Nutmeg Mafan (previously known as Buttercup)! 🥰🐶

This bundle of energy and curiosity has already made her presence known with her love for climbing furniture, biting everything in sight, and even destroying plugs to humidifiers. Don't worry, she's already signed up for puppy socialization courses at the SPCA. I know we're a bit crazy, adopting a puppy amidst the typical family of four chaos, opening our own clinic, and summer vacation starting soon - but our home felt a bit empty without the sound of four paws.

We know she's going to bring so much joy and laughter into our lives. 💕🐾

Welcome to the family, Nutmeg Mafan! We're so lucky to have you, and we promise to give you all the love, patience, and training you need to channel that boundless energy in the most positive ways. Let the puppy shenanigans begin! 🐶💫

30/05/2024

Our renovations are coming along nicely!

I’m immensely grateful for your continued trust and support as we embark on this new chapter. We can't wait to welcome you and your furry companions to our new facility, where we'll continue to provide the compassionate, top-notch care you deserve.

Stay tuned for more updates and join us in celebrating this exciting milestone. 🐾💙

14/05/2024

I know it's nearly impossible to resist showering Domo with love and attention because, let's face it, she's the definition of cuteness overload! 😍🐶 But Domo has some special dietary needs that we need to respect.

This adorable sign serves as a gentle reminder that Domo cannot accept treats due to her food allergies. A lot of people love giving treats to dogs that they just met (and dogs love taking treats!) - but for some dogs, that can cause serious stomach upset. This sign is an excellent idea for those of our furry friends who suffer from food allergies or just don’t need the extra treats due to obesity 🚫🍖

So, when you see this sign, remember to offer the dog some extra love, scratches, and belly rubs instead of food. ❤️🐕

08/05/2024

This cutie is Co Co, who was diagnosed with a liver shunt approximately a year ago based on a CT scan. Because traditional surgery is not an option due to the location of her shunt, her treatment plan includes antibiotics, liver supplements, lactulose to aid bowel movements, and a low-protein diet. Thanks to her family’s dedication and care, Co Co has been thriving. 🌟

There are two types of liver shunts: extrahepatic (outside the liver) and intrahepatic (inside the liver). Extrahepatic shunts, commonly seen in smaller breed dogs, can often be treated with surgery. However, intrahepatic shunts, more frequently found in larger breed dogs, cannot be treated with traditional surgery due to their location within the liver. There are interventional options such as coils, but they are not as available in many areas of the world.

Dogs with liver shunts tend to be smaller in size and may experience slower growth compared to their littermates. They can show symptoms such as seizures, abnormal behaviors, and bladder stones. Sometimes the signs are quite subtle. Diagnosing liver shunts typically involves a combination of tests, including basic blood work and a specialized liver function test called bile acids. To confirm the presence and location of a shunt, a CT scan is often recommended.

While surgical intervention is ideal for most, medical management can offer hope and improved quality of life for others. Medical management consists of long term antibiotics (to decrease bacteria in the colon that could produce toxins), lactulose (to help move the f***s through the colon more quickly) and lower protein diets. One of the studies we do have showed that 33% of dogs with shunts can be managed with medical management alone. In another study, 90% of dogs treated with surgery were still alive 1500 days post diagnosis, compared to 63% of dogs treated medically.

Each case is unique, and it's essential to work closely with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your beloved companion.

03/05/2024

Exciting changes are coming! Keep an eye on this space for updates ❤️

25/04/2024

Meet Faye Faye, a beautiful 7-year-old Golden Retriever, and her devoted family. When her family made the life-changing decision to emigrate from Hong Kong to Canada, leaving Faye Faye behind was never an option. Together, they embarked on a remarkable journey that defied distance and proved that our furry family members can thrive, even in new environments. During this period, Faye Faye faced an additional challenge—a battle with cancer. Through it all, Faye Faye's tail kept wagging and her family's love and determination knew no bounds! They sought the best possible care for her, and with our guidance, they worked out a plan to ensure Faye Faye's health and safety during the long journey to Canada.

Today, we're thrilled to share that Faye Faye has successfully settled into her new Canadian home, embracing her new surroundings with tail-wagging enthusiasm. We will miss seeing her here, but we are so happy to see pictures of her thriving in her new home.

You don't have to abandon your beloved pets when you embark on a new chapter in life. With proper planning, support, and the right resources, it's possible to bring them along and ensure their happiness and well-being in a new country. Yes, there are instances when a dog or cat can’t travel due to their health, but those are rare. Older pets can adjust and even thrive in new surroundings!

If you're considering emigrating with your pets, remember that preparation is key. Consult with your veterinarian and research the requirements and regulations of your destination country. Seek guidance from experienced professionals who can help you navigate the process smoothly.

Faye Faye's remarkable journey is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals. We hope her story inspires others to consider their options and embrace the journey of emigration with their furry companions. 🐶❤️✈️

19/04/2024

Frappe is all smiles now that he’s off all of his medications for IMHA!

IMHA, or immune mediated hemolytic anemia, is a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the red blood cells, destroying them. We treat this autoimmune disease with medications such as steroids and cyclosporine that are designed to suppress the immune system. We start out with a high dose and slowly taper the dose over 3-6 months. In Frappe’s case, we were able to stop all medications in 6 months.

We will be monitoring Frappe closely for any signs of recurrence with frequent health checks. A recent study showed that 11% of dogs with IMHA will relapse within the first year, and 18% will relapse in the first 2 years.

08/03/2024

Congratulations to the super Ah Be! Today he officially finished his chemotherapy for large cell nasal lymphoma. He threw us a little curveball with some other issues today, but we are so proud of him and his family! They have fought so hard alongside him.

Well done, Ah Be!

29/02/2024

🐾 Introducing a Game-Changer for Vet Visits! 🚗🐱

I stumbled upon an amazing tip for stress-free cat transportation to the vet, and I just had to share! 🙌✨ Say hello to the mesh laundry bag method! 🎉

Here's how it works: Simply place your kitty inside a mesh laundry bag, ensuring they have enough space to move around comfortably. The mesh material allows you to see your cat at all times, while also minimizing the chances of them striking out in fear or panic. It's like a cozy cocoon that provides a sense of security! Once you place them inside the laundry bag, you can put them into their carrier for transportation. They feel more comfortable and it’s much easier to get them out of the carrier in the office. Your cat can feel their surroundings and maintain a sense of control, fostering a more relaxed and stress-free experience.

Give it a try for your next vet trip and see the difference it makes! Your cat's well-being and comfort are always a top priority. 😻💙

21/02/2024

Last night was the kick off of the inaugural Hong Kong Veterinary Association mentorship program. The program pairs younger vets with more experienced vets so that we can help form a strong support network for all. Mentorship is vital to help build a cohesive veterinary community in Hong Kong and to fight the burnout, mental health issues, and high su***de rate that are plagueing veterinary medicine the world over. The turn out last night was excellent and the excitement was palpable. We plan on having more events like last night, including CPD and social events.

This program is very near and dear to my heart. I am so happy to see it come to fruition!

15/02/2024

🌈 In Loving Memory of Dimple Dim Sum 🐾💔

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the sudden passing of our beloved frenchie, Dimple Dim Sum. Despite our best efforts and the dedicated care of her veterinary team, we weren’t able to save her. She got sick very suddenly and deteriorated very quickly.

You may think that this part of life is easier for vets. We have helped many families navigate end of life decisions and care. Despite this, it is not any easier for us. Sadly, as often seems to happen, Dim Sum passed away while I was out of town. On top of grief, I am faced with feelings of guilt because I wasn’t there.

Dim's passing serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment we have with our furry family members. She will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Her playful spirit, wagging body, love of bread and bananas, and unconditional love will be deeply missed and she will never be forgotten.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the amazing team at The Ark. On a Saturday night during Chinese New Year, they were there for us and Dim Sum. They took wonderful care of our girl and of the two legged family as well - juggling family members in both Hong Kong and Africa (with very poor wifi and no cellular service). I am beyond grateful that they were there for us.

Rest in peace, Dim Dim.

PET SPACE