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27 Mar

Posted at 17:38h in i-Care by
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When our canine companions start limping, it’s natural for pet owners to be concerned. Lameness in dogs can stem from various causes, ranging from minor injuries to more complex conditions. At i-Care Veterinary Hospital in Coombs, BC, we recently encountered a case that underscores the importance of advanced diagnostic tools in pinpointing the root cause of lameness. A Mysterious Case of Lameness A few weeks ago, a dog visited our clinic exhibiting lameness in her left front leg. Initial examinations, including x-rays, did not reveal any abnormalities. To alleviate potential inflammation, we prescribed Metacam (Meloxicam). However, when the dog returned with worsening symptoms and noticeable swelling over her shoulder, it was clear that a more in-depth investigation was necessary. https://youtu.be/7IYGjDImyRg The Role of Ultrasound in Diagnosing Lameness While x-rays are invaluable for assessing bone structures, they can sometimes miss issues related to soft tissues, muscles, and tendons. This is where musculoskeletal ultrasound becomes a game-changer. Ultrasound allows veterinarians to visualize soft tissue structures in real-time, providing insights that x-rays might overlook. In our patient’s case, Dr. Alastair Westcott performed an ultrasound examination of the swollen shoulder. The imaging revealed tissue changes suggestive of a possible tumour affecting both soft tissue and bone. To confirm the diagnosis, Dr. Westcott used ultrasound guidance to perform a fine-needle aspiration, collecting fluid samples for microscopic analysis. Why Choose Ultrasound? Non-Invasive and Safe: Ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure that doesn’t expose pets to radiation, making it a safe diagnostic option. Real-Time Imaging: It provides immediate visuals of soft tissues, aiding in the prompt identification of issues. Guided Procedures: Ultrasound can assist in guiding needle aspirations or biopsies, ensuring accurate sampling from specific areas. Studies have demonstrated the accuracy of ultrasound in diagnosing various musculoskeletal conditions in dogs. For instance, research has shown that ultrasound can effectively detect hip luxation and associated soft tissue injuries, highlighting its utility in comprehensive musculoskeletal assessments.  Conclusion Lameness in dogs can be perplexing, but with advanced diagnostic tools like ultrasound, veterinarians can delve deeper into the underlying causes. At i-Care Veterinary Hospital, we are committed to employing the latest technologies to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments for our furry friends. If your pet is experiencing unexplained lameness or mobility issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Early intervention and comprehensive diagnostics can make all the difference in your pet’s health and well-being....

22 Mar

Posted at 04:14h in i-Care by
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Has your perfectly house-trained dog suddenly started having accidents indoors? Before frustration sets in, consider that your furry friend might be dealing with a urinary tract infection (UTI). These painful infections can affect dogs of all ages and breeds, causing distress for both pets and their owners. At i-Care Veterinary Hospital in Coombs, BC, we regularly treat dogs with UTIs. This guide will help you understand the signs, diagnosis process, and treatment options available for this common condition. https://youtu.be/7a5cNEkw_as?feature=shared Warning Signs: How to Recognize a Potential UTI Watch for these common symptoms that may indicate your dog has a UTI: Urinating inside the house despite being house-trained Dribbling small amounts of urine throughout the day More frequent urination than normal Darker yellow or blood-tinged urine Strong-smelling urine Straining or crying during urination Excessive licking of the genital area Scooting behaviour Occasional vomiting or reduced appetite While some of these symptoms (like vomiting and scooting) aren't directly related to UTIs, they can be important clues that something isn't right with your dog's health. What Causes UTIs in Dogs? UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, typically through the urethra, and begin multiplying in the bladder. Female dogs are more susceptible due to their shorter urethras, but male dogs can also develop these infections. Risk factors include: Previous UTI history Underlying health conditions like diabetes or bladder stones Hormonal imbalances Anatomical abnormalities Weakened immune system Improper hygiene The Veterinary Visit: What to Expect When you bring your dog to our clinic with suspected UTI symptoms, our veterinarians will conduct a thorough examination and ask detailed questions about your pet's behaviour changes. Diagnostic Process Our team follows these steps to diagnose UTIs: Sterile urine collection using ultrasound guidance to extract urine directly from the bladder In-house urinalysis checking for white blood cells, bacteria, crystals, and protein Microscopic examination for detailed analysis Urine culture submission to an external laboratory in cases of recurring infections This comprehensive approach helps us identify not only the presence of infection but also any underlying causes that might contribute to recurring UTIs. Treatment Plan: Quick Relief and Long-Term Solutions Based on diagnostic results, our veterinarians develop a personalized treatment plan that typically includes: Appropriate antibiotic therapy based on urinalysis findings or culture results Pain management if your dog is experiencing discomfort Medication for incontinence if needed, particularly for spayed females Treatment of any underlying conditions contributing to the UTI Follow-up testing to ensure the infection has cleared When to Call Your Vet: Don't Wait...

17 Mar

Posted at 11:07h in i-Care by
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Hey there pet parents! With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, we wanted to share some quick tips to keep your furry friends safe while you celebrate. Trust me, I've seen what happens when celebrations go wrong for our four-legged family members! St. Patrick's Day brings all the fun, festivities, and green everything! But while we're enjoying the celebrations, some holiday traditions can actually put our pets at risk. Here's what you need to know to keep your furry friend safe when the shamrocks come out. 1. Keep Alcohol Away from Pets Let's be real, many of us enjoy a beer (or several) on St. Patrick's Day! But alcohol is seriously toxic to pets. Even small amounts can cause: ❌ Vomiting and diarrhea ❌ Difficulty breathing ❌ Loss of coordination ❌ In severe cases, coma or death Quick Tip: Want your pet to join the celebration? Give them fresh water in a festive green bowl or a pet-safe treat instead! 2. Say No to Green-Dyed Foods & Treats Those green pancakes and cupcakes might look Instagram-worthy, but they're not for your pets! Many artificial food dyes can upset your pet's stomach, and some green treats (like anything matcha-flavored) contain ingredients that are straight-up toxic to pets. Quick Tip: If you want to treat your pet, stick to natural green snacks like: ✔️ Cucumbers ✔️ Green beans ✔️ Zucchini ✔️ Spinach (just a little bit) 3. Beware of Loud Parties & Fireworks Nothing stresses pets out like noisy celebrations, especially with fireworks or a house full of party people. Watch for signs of pet anxiety including: ❌ Hiding or cowering ❌ Excessive barking or meowing ❌ Pacing or restlessness ❌ Trying to escape How to Help: ✔️ Create a quiet, cozy hideaway away from the noise ✔️ Try a calming pheromone diffuser or some soft background music ✔️ Double-check that doors and gates are secure in case your pet panics 4. Keep Chocolate & Irish Dishes Out of Reach St. Patrick's Day brings delicious Irish food, but many dishes can harm your pets. Watch out for: ❌  Chocolate desserts (toxic to both dogs and cats) ❌  Onion and garlic-heavy foods (like Irish stew which can be dangerous) ❌  Soda bread with raisins (raisins can cause kidney failure in pets!) Quick Tip: Give your pet their own St. Paddy's treat like a pet-store green dog biscuit or homemade pet-friendly snack. 5. Dress-Up? Only If Your Pet Likes It! We all love seeing pets in cute St. Patrick's Day gear, but not all animals enjoy playing dress-up. If you want your pet to rock some...

12 Mar

Posted at 19:16h in i-Care by
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Lucy, a small but mighty Shih Tzu, arrived at i-Care Veterinary Hospital with a severely bloated belly and laboured breathing. Her concerned family had watched her abdomen gradually swell over time, prompting them to seek urgent veterinary care. Our team quickly identified that Lucy was suffering from ascites, an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, caused by portal hypertension related to her chronic liver disease. To provide immediate relief, Dr. Alastair Westcott performed an abdominocentesis, a procedure to safely drain the excess fluid. The results were dramatic and instantaneous: Lucy shed two litres of fluid, equivalent to 4.4 pounds, allowing her to breathe and move with newfound ease. https://youtu.be/mWBIgVfMNq4 Understanding Ascites in Dogs Ascites is not a disease itself but rather a symptom of an underlying health condition. The buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity can be caused by several factors: Portal hypertension from chronic liver disease, which increases pressure in the portal vein system and leads to fluid leakage into the abdomen Heart failure, which can cause fluid accumulation throughout the body when the heart cannot efficiently pump blood Malignancies, where tumors may obstruct lymphatic or blood flow, disrupting normal fluid balance Hypoproteinemia (low protein levels in the blood), which reduces the blood's ability to hold fluid, causing it to seep into tissues and cavities In Lucy's case, her ascites stemmed primarily from portal hypertension associated with her chronic liver disease. Diagnosing Lucy's Condition A comprehensive ultrasound revealed that while Lucy had a liver tumour, the primary cause of her fluid accumulation was portal hypertension. Since she was already receiving appropriate medication to manage her underlying condition, our immediate priority was to alleviate her discomfort by removing the excess abdominal fluid. The Procedure: Abdominocentesis Explained To address Lucy's distended abdomen, Dr. Westcott performed an abdominocentesis, a delicate procedure requiring precision and care. This involved: Carefully preparing and sterilizing the abdominal area Inserting a specialized sterile needle into Lucy's abdomen Using a syringe and tubing system to extract the fluid gradually This methodical approach was crucial, as removing too much fluid too rapidly can trigger a dangerous drop in blood pressure. The procedure was conducted in controlled stages to ensure Lucy's safety and comfort throughout. After several careful extraction rounds, the final tally came to exactly two litres, an impressive volume for a dog of Lucy's size. Results: A Rejuvenated Lucy The transformation was remarkable. Post-procedure, Lucy's abdomen returned to a normal size, and she had shed 4.4 pounds of...

07 Mar

Posted at 10:02h in i-Care by
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When your pet needs a cast, keeping it clean and dry is crucial for a smooth recovery. But what happens if the cast gets wet? At i-Care Veterinary Hospital in Coombs, BC, our experienced team recently treated a large dog with a wet, smelly cast that led to an infection. Here’s what we learned and what every pet owner should know. Why Keeping a Pet’s Cast Dry is So Important A wet cast isn’t just uncomfortable. It can lead to skin irritation, infections, and even slow the healing process. Moisture trapped inside the cast creates a warm, damp environment where bacteria thrive. This can result in a foul smell, as well as health risks for your pet. What Should You Do If Your Pet’s Cast Gets Wet If you notice your pet’s cast is damp or smells bad: Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately. Your vet may recommend bringing your pet in for an evaluation. Avoid DIY Fixes. Don’t try to dry the cast with heat or remove it yourself. This could hurt your pet or worsen the situation. Watch for Signs of Infection. Redness, swelling, foul odour, and your pet licking or chewing at the cast are all red flags. Real-Life Example: How We Handled a Wet Cast Case https://youtu.be/TFUyc2ZR1H8 When a large dog came to us with a wet and smelly cast, Dr. Erynn Buhr removed the cast using a rotary saw. We discovered an infection above the wound, likely due to trapped moisture. After cleaning the wound thoroughly, Dr. Alastair Westcott suggested a smart solution: reuse part of the cleaned cast as a splint, as traditional splints wouldn’t hold up for this big patient. Our team, including Veterinary Technician-in-Training Emily and Veterinary Assistant Hannah, worked together to clean, bandage, and safely support the dog’s injured paw. Thanks to quick action and creative thinking, the dog was set on a better path to recovery. Tips for Pet Owners: How to Care for Your Pet’s Cast Keep the Cast Dry. Use a waterproof covering when your pet goes outside, but remove it indoors to avoid trapping moisture. Check the Cast Daily. Look for any signs of dampness, dirt, or damage. Prevent Licking or Chewing. Use an e-collar (cone) if necessary to stop your pet from disturbing the cast. When to Call Your Vet If you notice any unusual smells, signs of infection, or if the cast becomes wet or damaged, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian. Early intervention can prevent...