Brockton Animal Hospital

01/04/2024

New Serious Canine Respiratory Disease?.......not so much......!

Recently there have been several reports on local and national media concerning a "new" and serious respiratory disease in dogs. The reality, as of this writing, is that this disease is neither new nor, in most cases, fatal. Actually most current information suggests that the most recent outbreak of various respiratory diseases in dogs, is just a variant of the condition often referred to as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRD). One component or manifestation of this disease is none other than what is commonly referred to as "Kennel Cough". There are many types of viruses and bacteria that can play a role in this disease group; among them Bordetella, Mycoplasma, Parainfluenza, Canine influenza to name a few. Although some of these agents can result in persistent cough, ocular and nasal discharge and even pneumonia, in most healthy, vaccinated dogs recovery can be long but usually uneventful. The most recent theory regarding the increase in prevalence is that this is likely due to the interstate transport of dogs during Covid, and also the fact that pet owners were confined indoors much of time and likely their four legged companions were isolated from other dogs as well. Now that we are all out and about again, we are exposed to infectious diseases that we have been sheltered from for two ore three years. It is similar to a child who starts day care or preschool. In the beginning, the child has little "natural" or "street" immunity as some call it, and pick up colds and infections. Over time they develop more resistances but it must be maintained by regular contact.

So what can you do? Health checks and vaccination are key to avoiding Canine Infectious Respiratory Diseases. Though we, at the Brockton Animal Hospital, often hesitate to vaccinate for certain diseases that your pet may not be exposed to (Kennel Cough, Influenza, parainfluenza) currently a slightly more aggressive vaccination program for this year, at least, may be in order. These diseases are also much easier to treat in the early stages. So if you notice that your four legged friend is coughing, sneezing, or quieter than normal don't hesitate to call. As mentioned, these diseases are all pretty much treatable. The seriousness of any illness, can often be greatly reduced by earlier intervention. Please call us if you have any questions regarding the health or vaccine status of your pet.

12/28/2023

Red Light Therapy and Launching a new Study.

Although Dr. Hirschberg's presence in the hospital is much less than previously, we, at the Brockton Animal Hospital continue to work with Chronic Kidney Disease patients who can greatly benefit from Red Light Therapy (aka Photobiomodulation, or Laser Therapy). We use a combination of treating in the hospital as well as at home by clients who are willing to use a sourced at home device under our guidance. We have had excellent results as far as improving appetite, activity and socialization in cats and dogs that receive Red Light Therapy.

Recently Dr. Hirschberg launched a new study in which cat owners who are not fortunate enough to have a veterinarian nearby who is familiar with Red Light therapy, can become part of a study overseen by Dr. H. In this study Dr. H supervises these patients using telemedicine in order to instruct the pet parent on precisely how to treat. https://medcovet.com/luma-for-renal-disease/
So far he has had a number of remote clients who are thrilled to become part of this work. They still visit their local vet to have laboratory testing done periodically, but the client does all of the treatment. Dr. H feel that this is the future for treating this insidious, high morbidity disease that once diagnosed needs life long treatment. If you might know anyone who has a cat with kidney disease, feel free to pass along the link. the study is now underway.

12/26/2022

Integrative Treatment with Photobiomodulation (Red Light) Therapy
in Chronic Kidney (Renal) Disease in Dogs and Cats: An Update

It has been nine years since we initiated a pilot study integrating Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT, previously known as Low Level Laser Therapy and now commonly known as Red Light Therapy) into a mainstream Chronic Kidney Disease treatment group. The study subjects were canine and feline, all suffering from Late Stage III and Stage IV Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Three canines and nine felines, all were placed on protein and phosphorous restricted diets, hypertensive medications when indicated and appetite stimulants if needed. In addition, these patients received PBMT in the Brockton Animal Hospital on a regular schedule. At the conclusion of the one-year trial, ten of the twelve patients had survived with what was assessed as a very good to excellent quality of life. We presented the results at the ASLMS (American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery) in Boston, Massachusetts in 2016. Since this initial study, we have treated nearly two hundred patients in our hospital. Many other pets have been treated remotely utilizing Telemedicine, home therapy units and outside veterinary facilities. Though no double blinded, sham study has been completed at an academic institution, our results have been compelling. Improvement in both the quality of life and likely the longevity of these patients is significant when PBMT is added to traditional treatment. Two other private veterinary facilities have replicated our initial work with similar results.

Because of a great variation in available Red-Light Therapy devices and a lack of education among veterinary professionals in the field of Photobiomodulation, treatment of patients outside of our control varies greatly. Some patients receive both in-hospital and at-home light therapy while others are limited to at-home treatment only. Often the light parameters are unknown or unreliable. The following summarizes our various protocols as we continue to treat patients in our hospital and consult with other remote clients and their care providers. Comments made below are strictly based on our opinion and/or clinical impressions at this juncture. They may change as we experience additional patient populations, data acquisition and patient progression.

Protocol 1 (in and outpatient treatment at the Brockton Animal Hospital)

This is the precise regimen followed in the Pilot study. These patients received in-hospital PBMT using THOR Laser and LED devices https://www.thorlaser.com/ twice daily for the initial 2 to 3 days of hospitalization, then twice weekly as outpatient therapy for two weeks, once weekly for two weeks and then every other week for the duration of the study. Post study, we experimented with isolated patients when the client desired to prolong the treatment interval to every 3 or 4 weeks. In these cases, creatinine appeared to increase more rapidly than those continuing the two-week protocol. Currently we feel that every other week therapy is optimum

Protocol II (addition of home device)

Same as above with the addition of a Luma device from medcovet
for twice weekly home treatment in addition to the bi-weekly clinic treatment. Though it is unclear if these patients do better than the first group, there is scientific logic and laboratory research that supports the concept of more frequent treatment in ongoing inflammatory conditions.

Protocol III (further addition to Protocol II of the light treatment chamber Glowbie.

Recently we have had the opportunity to do some initial assessment utilizing the Glowbie Red Light Therapy chamber for additional support of CKD patients. Although our experience as of this writing is limited, we have been encouraged by initial results. One particular Stage III canine patient who had recently struggled, showed a significant improvement in appetite, activity and biochemistries two weeks after addition of the Glowbie. As the utilization of light pods for human wellness expands, results continue to impress. We welcome this addition to the veterinary device market so that we can take advantage of whole-body Red-Light Therapy in veterinary patients. We look forward to further evaluation of this addition in the treatment of Chronic Renal Disease.

Protocol IV (Telehealth patients)

Initial laboratory and patient assessment are identical to the above, but at the client's own veterinary or urgent care facility. Treatment is limited to at home therapy using the Luma device only. We have not yet completed any studies using this protocol. As these are remote patients, attempts to follow up are difficult. Several of these patients seem to do well during the first month communication period but then tend to go quiet. Though no news is generally thought of as good news, this may not be an accurate assessment. We encourage these clients to monitor biochemical parameters (BUN, creatinine, phosphorous, blood pressure, etc.) the same as in our in-house patients.

The integration of Photobiomodulation (Red Light Therapy) into the mainstream treatment approach of Chronic Kidney Disease appears to be of significant benefit. Which of the above protocols is utilized will be based on access to specific veterinary resources, client resources and personal choice. We will continue to recommend a combination of in-clinic and home therapy as our current “Best Practice”. Training of the client is important in order that the correct placement locations are utilized when using the medcovet device. The Glowbie. is a significant treatment option addition that is now available. While some training of the patient is required to encourage use, once comfortable in the chamber the whole-body treatment approach requires no further client training or application. PBMT in one or more forms is of significant benefit in the treatment of Chronic Renal Disease. It has been quite rewarding to see such significant improvement in a disease that is so widespread and devastating.

Photobiomodulation, Laser Therapy (LLLT) for tissue healing, inflammation, pain relief and wounds. Equipment and training for medical professionals only.

12/22/2022

Happy Holidays to One and All!

Another year has passed and once again it is time to reflect and thank you all for your support and patience (and patients) over the past year. Though the pandemic has wound down considerably, the increased demand for veterinary services continue to challenge. Rest assured that we are doing everything we can to continually improve your experience and serve you and your pet companions better. We are so thankful and appreciative you have chosen us to play such an important role in your lives. We do not take your trust lightly. In your honor we have chosen to contribute to several very worthy causes as this year winds down. We wish all of you the Healthiest and Happiest Holiday and New Year. Thank you all so much for being there. Be well, be safe and may Peace spread throughout the world.

08/09/2022

More Movie Pics!!

08/09/2022

Brockton Animal Hospital......Now a Movie Set.....

Over the past several years Boston has become an increasingly popular location for movie making. I am sure several of you have seen movies filmed partly or entirely in good old Beantown. Well, these films have to be shot somewhere. Recently we were approached by a location scout who was looking for a veterinary hospital on the South Shore to film a movie starring Joey Lawrence and wife Samantha Cope. The movie was to be directed by his brother, Andy Lawrence. After arranging an initial walk through which apparently generated interest from the production team, a second visit was requested. The rest is history. On Saturday, July 2 nearly thirty people descended on our animal hospital, turning it into a full on production venue including, cameras, sound equipment, wardrobe, makeup specialists, actors, directors and on and on.

The movie, a romcom (romantic comedy), is “Frankie Meets Jack” starring Joey Lawrence as a veterinarian who meets his heartthrob through their dogs. No spoiler here, but the film certainly looks entertaining. Several scenes were filmed in and around Brockton Animal Hospital, the central location for the film, with some of the most sensitive ones in the first exam room that many of you will recognize. Most of our staff participated by watching over the hospital and answering questions that came up. It was a long day….we let the first of the production crew in around 10:30 AM and Meaghan pulled the “graveyard shift” finally locking up around 1:30 the following morning. It certainly was a long day and a fun experience, even joining a birthday celebration for one of the crew members. Enjoy sharing the event.

07/02/2022

Oops forgot one pic of the fearless crew

07/02/2022

Brockton Animal Hospital on the Move!!!!

There has been so much happening at BAH over the last few weeks it is hard to know where to begin. Although Covid is still in the news, it has become more of a nuisance than a “super stressed, backs against the wall” way of life. Masks have become optional for both staff and clients and things are feeling much more like normal. In order to celebrate and reconnect with each other a bit, we felt that a team outing was in order. So last Tuesday, we closed the office for the day and all went sailing. The weather was perfect, the crew unwavering (no one got seasick) and a gourmet lunch, really good sandwiches, to die for. Enjoy the pics!
Next installment of BAH news……..turning Brockton Animal Hospital into a movie set for the newest Lawrence Brothers movie “Frankie meets Jack”. Stay tuned…….

11/16/2021

Brockton Animal Hospital Update………..Near Normal…..Finally

For many of us, this last year and a half has seemed much longer. Our thoughts are with all of you, our friends and clients who have weathered the storm known as Covid. Particularly for those who have lost loved ones or seen their lives and families totally disrupted please accept our sincere condolences. In the health care industries it has been a most challenging time keeping our staff and clients safe, our patients cared for and our severely disrupted supply chain moving along. Finally, however, we seemed to have turned a corner. Life is feeling much like previous days at the Brockton Animal Hospital although we have certainly modified things a bit in order to cope. There has been a significant increase in the number of pets across the US, especially first time pet owners. Additionally with more people spending time at home and more closely observing pets, there has been an increase need for urgent care. And yet we have seen more and more practices restricting the number and type of medical visits. At the Brockton Animal Hospital we have had to adjust accordingly but below summarizes where we have arrived at this point.
1. All staff has been vaccinated, boostered and/or is regularly tested according to their preference.
2. Masks are required throughout the hospital at all times for staff and clients alike.
3. Wellness visit notifications and reminders are now sent out well in advance in order to ensure that appointments are available in a timely manner. Once you receive these notices, don’t delay.
4. We have expanded our “drop off service” for existing clients when appointments are necessary for urgent or time sensitive care.
5. Procedure appointments such as surgery or other in hospital visits are once again readily available when needed.
6. Our use of Light or Laser Therapy has been transitioned to a combination of outpatient treatments at the Brockton Animal Hospital with adjunct at home treatments by the pet family now that effective, low cost rental units are available and training is simple. Not only does this make more appointments available to schedule, but it is cost effective for you and beneficial for your furry friend.
7. Nearly all of our veterinary technicians are now certified which means they are capable to provide direct care to patients with a veterinary consult when needed.
Once again, we want to thank all of your for your patience and flexibility during this extremely difficult period. It is nice to feel we are finally emerging from this very challenging time and getting our lives back to where they used to be. Now if Amazon can just get those holiday gifts to us on time………..

08/04/2021

Congrats Dr. H!
As many of you know a major focus of Dr. Hirschberg’s practice is light therapy or Photobiomodulation. We are excited that he will be the Veterinary Chair at this year’s WALT (World Association of Light Therapy) Conference. https://www.pbm2021.com/ WALT is a premier international association for research and implementation of light therapy both in the human and the veterinary realm. In addition to being the veterinary chair he has also been asked to present his own work, Photobiomodulation in the treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease, based on many clinical cases he has managed at the Brockton Animal Hospital.

Dr. Hirschberg and light go back over 15 years when a client introduced him to work he was doing with people. Learning the mechanisms of light on the body Dr. Hirschberg became a pioneer in the use of light on numerous veterinary medical conditions. Many of his clients have seen the exceptional results on a myriad of conditions ranging from wound healing, to corneal ulcers, spinal injuries, and kidney disease.

Dr. Hirschberg is known to travel with a portable unit. On a trip to Thailand, while a guest in a small village, he encountered some situations that would get relief from light therapy, and of course offered to help. Word spread quickly of the effectiveness of the light and there was talk of the man with the “magic box.”

We are fortunate to have Dr. Hirschberg and his never-ending curiosity for better treatment alternatives in helping the patients of our practice. We are proud that he will be representing the veterinary field and the Brockton Animal Hospital at an international event.

PBM2021 will focus on PBM becoming a mainstream medical procedure. Institutions such as NICE in the UK and medical insurance companies in the US now recognize PBM as “medically necessary”. Regulatory gatekeepers, reimbursement experts, and policy officials will be invited to explain the roadmap ...

07/01/2021

Chronic Kidney Disease and Photobiomodulation (aka Low Level Laser Therapy) Where do we Now Stand?

Now that the pandemic seems to be somewhat weakening its grip on our lives, it is time to step back to pick up where we left off. It has now been 9 years since we treated our first Chronic Kidney Disease patient, a cat named Nomar. Suffice to say that we haven't looked back. With nearly two hundred cats and dogs (as well as a handful of humans who have decided to self treat using our parameters), it has become clear that the benefit of Photobiomodulation in treatment of kidney or renal disease can no longer be ignored. Although we can't say with certainty that these patients live longer when treated with Light Therapy, we can say that they obviously live better, that is have an improved quality of life (QOL). It is not much of a reach to suspect that their longevity is improved as well. The need for appetite stimulants, at-home subcutaneous fluids and other supportive measures can often be dialed back when the pet is treated using the correct light parameters. We have taken an open source approach in providing our protocols to anyone who inquires and have received multiple reports from other practitioners who have witnessed similar results. So where do we go from here?

Since many of our inquiries come from outside Massachusetts (as well as the US) we are exploring options of home treatment by the pet owner under the supervision of a veterinarian. The idea is to have an owner source their own unit (we help them with that) as long as they are willing to utilize professional oversight to help them understand probe placement and provide periodic chemistry updates. It is too early to say whether this approach will be as effective as in office treatment, but we are confident it will significantly help the patient's QOL. First reports seem to bear this out.

If you would like more information, please contact us @
[email protected]
Please include your phone number as a real time conversation is often the most efficient way to initiate a communication.

05/29/2021

03/18/2021

Has the Pandemic Changed Veterinary Care?

During 2020 the number of new pets in households has increased dramatically. With so many people working at home or on leave from jobs, much greater attention is paid to our four-legged companions. These factors have resulted in a considerable increase in the demand for veterinary services in the US. As most practices have gone to curbside care for the foreseeable future (Brockton Animal Hospital not included), the number of patients that can be scheduled daily has decreased as fewer pets can be seen with a curbside approach. In addition, during the last several years, the number of veterinarians in the US has not grown nearly fast enough to meet the needs of the public. The above has caused many issues to come to bear in the pet owning world. Consider the following:

1. Longer wait times for appointments. Whether this is regarding a seriously ill pet or a new pet that needs a timely physical exam, continuation of immunization and/or deworming’s, it is a difficult problem.

2. Less interaction and communication between doctor and client. It is nearly impossible to have the same fluid discussion between doctor and client when attempted via telephone, Facetime or a Zoom meeting. We have seen a number of missed diagnoses from other practices as a result of incomplete communication between hospital and client. We have all experienced similar when we have had a call with our own doctor only to realize afterwards we have forgotten to ask something we thought critical.

3. Delayed or missed input from clients regarding symptoms their pet may be exhibiting. An “in-room” appointment is an evolving story. The more time that is spent examining the pet and talking to the client, the more issues that are likely to surface. Telemedicine visits, remote visits and curbside care do not allow for this most important aspect of a medical visit. No one knows your pet as well as you. Often the key to a diagnosis and treatment is hidden within your own mind. The doctor needs time and repeated questioning to discover some of these most important details.

4. The cost of care is increasing. Unfortunately, this is a fact of life in most areas of our economy. As veterinary medicine has become increasingly sophisticated as to what we can achieve, these advances come at a price. Additionally, the stress level of people within profession has grown exponentially during the pandemic. Necessary additional time off, furloughs, increased cost of child care, temporary hospital shutdowns, reduced hospital schedules, the psychological cost of being essential workers, this all plays a role in the economics of the veterinary profession.

Will these above changes revert once the pandemic has been declared over? Some may but unfortunately many will not. The increase in pet numbers, the rise in demand for services, the preference of many doctors for curbside care and telemedicine, the shortage of veterinarians are all factors that will prevent a return to the previous “normal”. What can you as a pet owner do? While it is understandable when faced with an ill pet to sense an urgency for an appointment, remember that you are not alone. Be prepared to leave your pet at the hospital for several hours if your veterinarian cannot schedule a specific appointment. In the event this is not possible, ask your veterinarian to refer you to an urgent care clinic, one of the fastest growing segments of the veterinary field. It may not be ideal but it is certainly better than waiting several days with an ill pet. In addition, schedule an appointment as soon as possible with your regular practice and ask to be placed on a cancellation list. Be persistent in calling back to check your wait status. In most instances your appointment will be moved earlier. Also, be patient in waiting for call backs from the doctor or nurse if your pet is in the hospital. Hopefully, your regular practice is exemplary with returning calls. At the Brockton Animal Hospital, the doctors often don’t return calls until the afternoon or evening. If there are several places you may be during the day, leave any and all numbers. This can be very helpful.

The veterinary care world is a different place than it was pre-pandemically. We must all work hard to achieve understanding of each other’s plight and situation. In the meantime, we will strive to be there for you when you need our help. We will do everything within our power to minimize the discomfort and suffering of our patients and their families. Let’s all continue to work together to achieve a common goal. Namely, that is to take care of our pet companions and live in a happier world.

12/29/2020

A Time for Reflection....A Time for Hope

As 2020 draws to a close, the staff here at the Brockton Animal Hospital reflects on what a difficult year it has been for all of us. We sincerely wish the Earth's entire population an easier 2021. Many of us have lost friends and/or family members to the pandemic. Others have been fortunate to still have our friend and family sphere intact but are suffering from the isolation. At the animal hospital we have heard far too many sad stories to contemplate. Our mission remains intact. We have gone to great lengths to have continually operated during this tragedy in spite of the odds.
As has been a longstanding Brockton Animal Hospital tradition, instead of sending holiday cards to our dedicated and compassionate clientele, we wish you Happy Holidays through social media. The money we save (and then some) by not spending on paper cards and postage is donated to a variety of non-profits. These non-profits, we hope, reflect the positive wishes and intentions of our clientele and staff. This year, there have been so many people who have had to live with sacrifice, our contributions have taken a different turn. The following is a list of groups we have donated to on behalf of you, our clients.

Old Colony YMCA (long term contributors)
Boys and Girls Club Metro South (both here and above are Brockton centric)
Greater Boston Food Bank
School on Wheels
Easton Children’s Museum
FUEL (Foundation for Underway Experiential Learning)
Multiple other Organizations that provide food relief throughout 2020)

We sincerely wish all of you the best of everything in 2021. May it find you and all of your family members healthy and happy in knowing it is bound to be easier than 2020. And whatever we can do to keep your animal companions putting smiles on your faces, we will do. Here is to a peaceful and recovering world in the coming year.

12/14/2020

Is Your Next Career in Veterinary Medicine?

We have a unique opportunity for someone who is tired of working remotely or looking to take a step back into the work force. Brockton Animal Hospital has a position open for a front office assistant to help with phone, reception and organizational responsibilities. The applicant should enjoy working with a diverse group of individuals joined by the common goal of making the world a better place in providing compassionate care and understanding to pets and their owners. A desire to acquire and/or expand one's knowledge and intellect in the field of veterinary medicine is essential. Work schedule is somewhat flexible. If interested, please submit a cover letter and resume to: [email protected]
Please include your phone number in order to simplify communications. Thanks for helping out.

11/10/2020

Photobiomodulation (Laser Therapy) and Kidney Disease

While many of our patients, and clients, are enjoying the benefit of Photobiomodulation (previously Laser Therapy) for conditions such as arthritis, disc or back injuries and anterior cruciate disease, one of the most sought after treatments is for cats and dogs with kidney or renal disease. Although our pilot study included pets with late stage chronic kidney disease, we are now treating patients with earlier stage chronic disease as well as Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). Thanks to word of mouth from you and other friends, we receive inquiries from the veterinary community around the globe on nearly a daily basis. The results that are reported continue to reinforce what we have found. Although Photobiomodulation is not a cure for kidney disease, it greatly improves the quality of life (and likely longevity) when done properly with appropriate dosage.

Tomorrow, during a webinar with nearly a hundred participants representing a dozen countries around the world, we will present the updated data collected over the last ten years. Without you supporting us and spreading the word, it is unlikely that this would have occurred. As more veterinary hospitals expand this treatment, the "translational work", meaning the spill over into human medicine continues. Thanks for being with us during this extraordinary ride and buckle up for the future. It only gets better from here.

11/02/2020

This scary looking bat is actually one of our staff's cat named Bo. Enjoy this pic and all the others from the staff. Thanks for participating.

11/02/2020

And no contest would be complete without the runners up. Here we have Kya and Butters and Handsome (Dashing's older brother)

11/02/2020

This year's "Best Dressed Pet for Halloween" is one scary clown. Congratulations to Dashing!!! I can't wait to see what he comes up with next year.