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31 May

Posted at 01:42h in i-Care by
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When a Limping Cat Reveals a Hidden Issue: Why Timely Veterinary Care Matters At i-Care Veterinary Hospital in Coombs, BC, we recently treated a cat whose limp turned out to be more than just a minor injury. This case serves as an important reminder that injuries which seem small can sometimes be more complex than they appear. https://youtu.be/UIfQmubm8AY ???? The Case: A Limping Cat with a Hidden Paw Injury The cat was brought in by a family member after her owner noticed she was limping. During the examination, we found a surprising cause: the cat’s paw had been sliced down the middle. Even more concerning, the wound had already healed, but not properly. As a result, infection had set in and she was experiencing ongoing discomfort and pain. ⚠️ Why Prompt Attention Matters While i-Care is not an emergency hospital, we often see cases where early veterinary attention could have prevented complications. Here’s what can happen if a wound isn’t treated quickly: Improper Healing: Tissue that closes incorrectly can trap bacteria and cause infection or abscess formation. (vcahospitals.com) Hidden Injuries: What looks like a small limp could mask deeper or more severe tissue damage. (pdsa.org.uk) Risk of Spreading Infection: An untreated infection can affect surrounding tissues and even spread internally. (vcahospitals.com) ???? Our Thoughtful Treatment Plan Dr. Westcott started with the least invasive option first. Antibiotics were prescribed to manage the infection, and the healing process will be carefully monitored. We always aim to balance effective treatment with the least amount of stress to the patient. If the infection does not improve, we are prepared to clean and manage the wound surgically. ???? What Pet Owners Should Know Don’t Ignore Limping: Even a mild limp can be a sign of a deeper problem. Early Action Helps: The sooner we see your pet, the more options we have to treat them effectively and comfortably. Always Reach Out: If you're unsure whether something needs a vet’s attention, give us a call. We're happy to help guide you. ???? Local, Compassionate Care in Coombs i-Care Veterinary Hospital is proud to serve the pets and people of Coombs and the surrounding Vancouver Island communities. While we do not provide after-hours emergency services, we’re here during clinic hours to help your pet get the care they need when they need it. To schedule an appointment or speak with our team, visit icarevet.com or give us a call. Your pet’s comfort and health are our top priority....

20 May

Posted at 06:00h in i-Care by
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At i-Care Veterinary Hospital in Coombs, BC, we recently treated a very special new patient, Dave, a spirited cat belonging to one of our own team members. Dave came in for the removal of an ear polyp, a procedure that highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing these growths in cats to ensure their comfort and long-term health. https://youtu.be/xKx2pFf18VI What Are Ear Polyps in Cats? Ear polyps, also known as inflammatory polyps, are non-cancerous growths that develop in a cat’s middle ear, ear canal, or nasopharynx. These growths often result from chronic inflammation or infections and can lead to significant discomfort if left untreated. You can learn more about the anatomy of the feline ear and conditions affecting it via Merck Veterinary Manual – Aural Disorders in Cats. Common Symptoms of Ear Polyps Signs that your cat might have an ear polyp include: Persistent head shaking or scratching at the ears Ear discharge with an unpleasant odour Sensitivity or pain when the ear is touched Head tilt or balance issues Laboured or noisy breathing if the polyp extends into the nasopharynx Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent secondary infections and worsening of symptoms. Dave’s Diagnosis and Treatment Dave was brought in after his owner, one of our staff members, noticed signs of discomfort. During his exam, Dr. Alastair Westcott observed that Dave had an ear infection and a visible polyp extending through the ear drum into the middle ear. To keep things safe and stress-free, Dave received a mild sedative. Dr. Westcott then performed a traction avulsion procedure, carefully grasping the polyp with forceps and gently twisting to disengage it from the middle ear. This technique can often avoid the need for more invasive surgery when the polyp is accessible. You can learn more about feline middle ear disease and polyp removal techniques via VIN. Recovery and Prognosis Dave recovered comfortably with the help of antibiotics to treat the infection and anti-inflammatories to aid healing. Most cats return to their usual selves quickly after this type of treatment. Regular follow-up helps monitor for any potential recurrence. Preventing Ear Polyps While not always preventable, keeping up with regular veterinary exams and addressing ear infections early can reduce the risk. Watch for changes in your cat’s behaviour, ear health, or comfort. It is often the best early warning system. Noticed something odd with your cat’s ears? Don’t wait. If your cat is showing signs of discomfort, shaking their head, or scratching at their ears, it’s worth getting checked....

17 May

Posted at 01:22h in i-Care, Vet Tips by
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At i-Care Veterinary Hospital in Coombs, BC, we often see patients with eye issues that appear minor at first but turn out to need prompt veterinary attention. One of our recent patients, Aspen, a sweet Miniature Australian Shepherd, came in with a red, irritated eye. Her story is a great example of why you should never ignore eye discomfort in pets. Aspen’s Eye Concern: Redness and Possible Trauma Aspen’s owner noticed that one of her eyes was red and that she was squinting more than usual. She was also concerned that she might have accidentally scratched Aspen’s eye with her fingernail during a cuddle session. Redness, squinting, and pawing at the face are all common signs of eye discomfort in dogs and cats. It’s important to have these symptoms evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. https://youtu.be/Lq-SfbFq5uY Diagnostic Eye Tests for Dogs at i-Care When Aspen came in, our veterinary team performed a full eye examination. This included: Fluorescein Stain Test: A special dye that helps detect corneal scratches or ulcers. Under blue light, any damaged areas glow green. Reflex and Pupillary Response Tests: To check for neurological and ocular health. Tonometry (Eye Pressure Test): To ensure intraocular pressure was normal and rule out conditions like glaucoma. These tests are painless and provide critical information about what’s going on inside your pet’s eye. The Diagnosis: A Foreign Body in the Eye After completing the eye exam, we discovered that Aspen had a small foreign object lodged in her eye. Something as simple as a grass seed, dust, or debris can cause significant discomfort and potential damage. We initially attempted to remove it using gentle swabbing, but because Aspen was understandably uncomfortable, we opted to sedate her lightly to ensure the object could be removed safely and without stress. Treatment and Aftercare Once sedated, we successfully removed the object and applied soothing eye medication to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Aspen was closely monitored after the procedure and sent home with eye drops and instructions for care. She’s now recovering well and back to her playful self. When to Seek Veterinary Help for an Eye Issue Dogs and cats rely heavily on their vision, and eye problems can worsen quickly if left untreated. You should contact your veterinarian if your pet is showing any of the following symptoms: Redness or swelling in the eye Squinting or holding the eye closed Discharge (clear, green, or yellow) Rubbing or pawing at the eye Cloudiness...

09 May

Posted at 00:48h in i-Care, Vet Tips by
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Camping with your pet on Vancouver Island is a wonderful way to explore nature and bond with your furry companion. From forested trails and remote beaches to tranquil campsites, the Island offers unforgettable experiences. However, the outdoors also brings certain risks, especially for pets. Being prepared can make all the difference in an emergency. Here are five common pet emergencies you might encounter while camping and what you should do if they happen. https://youtu.be/UGbPbZ47I4g 1. Toxin Ingestion in the Forest The risk: Dogs are naturally curious and often use their mouths to explore. Unfortunately, this can lead to the ingestion of toxic substances like wild mushrooms, marijuana, slug bait, or even dead wildlife. What to do: If your pet eats something suspicious, call a veterinarian or poison control right away. Try to identify what was ingested without putting yourself at risk. Symptoms to watch for include vomiting, drooling, tremors, or unusual behavior. Prevention tip: Keep your dog on a leash in unfamiliar areas and discourage them from sniffing or eating unknown items. 2. Vehicle-Related Injuries at Campsites or Trailheads The risk: Busy parking areas or campsites are often full of distractions and moving vehicles. Pets can dart out unexpectedly and get injured. What to do: Even if your pet seems fine, internal injuries may not be immediately visible. Always have your pet assessed by a veterinarian if there has been any trauma involving a vehicle. Prevention tip: Keep pets leashed or secured when arriving at or leaving a site. High-visibility collars or harnesses can also help drivers spot your pet more easily. 3. Allergic Reactions or Insect Stings The risk: Insects like bees, wasps, or ants are common in outdoor settings. A single sting can trigger a mild to severe allergic reaction. What to do: If your pet has swelling around the face, hives, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, seek veterinary care immediately. A cold compress may help with minor swelling in the meantime. Prevention tip: Avoid areas with high insect activity and do not allow pets to sniff fallen logs, brush piles, or undergrowth where insects may nest. 4. Heatstroke During Outdoor Activities The risk: Heatstroke is a serious condition that can affect pets quickly, especially during summer hikes or long walks. Flat-faced breeds, older pets, and those with thick coats are especially vulnerable. What to do: Move your pet to a shaded area, offer cool (not icy) water, and wet their coat to help lower their temperature. Do not delay veterinary care, as heatstroke can be...

02 May

Posted at 06:04h in i-Care by
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At i-Care Veterinary Hospital in Coombs, BC, we recently met Zoey, a spirited small-breed dog who came in with a persistent, hoarse cough. Her family noticed it would flare up during excitement or activity and weren’t sure if it was something to worry about. This case is a great opportunity to help pet parents understand a common yet often misunderstood issue: tracheal inflammation and its connection to a condition called collapsing trachea. https://youtu.be/PoZZVNOubBg What Is Tracheal Inflammation? The trachea (or windpipe) is a soft, flexible tube supported by rings of cartilage. In some small dogs, these rings weaken or the airway becomes irritated, narrowing the passage of air. This can lead to coughing that sounds dry, raspy, hoarse, or even similar to a goose honk. This condition may be diagnosed as collapsing trachea or tracheal inflammation, depending on severity and imaging. Common triggers include excitement, pressure on the neck from a collar, or inhaling irritants like smoke or dust. Toy breeds such as Shih Tzus, Yorkies, and Pomeranians are especially prone to this condition. Zoey’s Exam and Diagnostic Plan When Zoey came in, our first step was to gently examine her throat to rule out the possibility of a foreign object. It is important to ensure nothing is physically lodged in the airway, as that can be a medical emergency. After finding no obstruction, our team performed chest X-rays to look for signs of airway inflammation or collapse. In Zoey’s case, there was no obvious collapse, but we did see signs of tracheal irritation. It is worth noting that collapsing trachea is a dynamic condition, which means it may not be visible on X-rays taken while the dog is calm and breathing normally. That is why a combination of history, symptoms, and physical exam findings is so important. Treatment and Monitoring Zoey was sent home with a cough suppressant to help soothe her airway. Her family was asked to monitor her closely over the next 3 to 5 days for any changes. We also recommended the following supportive measures: Switch to a harness instead of a collar to reduce pressure on the trachea Maintain a healthy body weight to ease strain on the airway Avoid exposure to smoke, dust, or strong cleaning products Keep excitement to a minimum to reduce coughing episodes With these steps, many dogs with mild tracheal inflammation improve quickly and comfortably. When to Seek Urgent Care While many cases of tracheal irritation are manageable at home, there are times when...