Call: 250-947-9364

01 Aug

Posted at 17:20h in i-Care, Vet Tips by
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As the August long weekend approaches, and with it the peak summer heat, it’s crucial to keep our furry friends cool and comfortable. At i-Care Veterinary Hospital, we understand that the well-being of your pets is a top priority. Here are some essential tips to help dog and cat owners ensure their pets stay safe and cool during the hot days ahead. 1. Provide Plenty of Fresh Water Hydration is key in the summertime. Always ensure your pets have access to fresh, cool water. Place multiple water bowls around your home and refill them frequently. Adding ice cubes to the water can help keep it cooler for a longer period, making it more refreshing for your pets. 2. Create Cool Resting Spots Your pets need shaded areas where they can relax and escape the intense sun. Create cool resting spots in your home with fans or air conditioning. Even a simple shaded spot outdoors can provide relief from the heat. 3. Avoid Peak Heat Times Walk your dog in the early morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Avoid taking them out for rigorous exercise during peak heat times, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM, to prevent overheating. 4. Use Cooling Mats and Towels Cooling mats and towels can provide a cool surface for your pets to lie on. You can also wet a towel with cool water and lay it down for your pet to lie on or drape it over them to help reduce their body temperature. 5. Never Leave Pets in a Parked Car Under no circumstances should you leave your pet in a parked car, even with the windows open. The temperature inside a car can rise rapidly and become deadly within minutes. If you need to run errands, it’s best to leave your pets at home. 6. Serve Frozen Treats Frozen treats are a fun and delicious way to help your pets stay cool. You can freeze pet-safe fruits like blueberries or strawberries, or make pet-friendly popsicles using plain yogurt. These treats not only cool them down but also provide hydration. 7. Grooming Regular grooming helps to remove excess hair and promotes better air circulation on your pet’s skin. However, be cautious not to shave your pet’s coat too short, as their fur provides protection from the sun’s harmful rays. 8. Know the Signs of Heat Stroke It’s important to be aware of the signs of heat stroke in pets. Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting,...

30 Jul

Posted at 17:43h in i-Care by
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At i-Care Veterinary Hospital, we've always prided ourselves on providing the highest quality care for your beloved pets. Today, we're excited to share some news that takes that commitment to an entirely new level. Our clinic founder, Dr. Rhett Mortenson, has recently achieved the General Practitioner Advanced Certificate in Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery GPAdvCert(SAOS), earned through the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS). This certification represents Dr. Mortenson's unwavering commitment to veterinary orthopedic surgery and the way it can positively impact the lives of your pets. https://youtu.be/LSCRl2r4Xas Dr. Mortenson is one of just 56 veterinarians worldwide to have achieved this. This means i-Care Veterinary Hospital can continue to provide excellence in small animal orthopedic care to animals here on Vancouver Island and in our local community. The ISVPS certification is no small feat. It requires rigorous study, practical application, and a demonstration of advanced skills in orthopedic procedures and techniques. This certification ensures that Dr. Mortenson is equipped with the most current knowledge and skills in the field, allowing him to provide unparalleled care for our patients. For our clients and their furry family members, this means access to excellence in orthopedic care right here at i-Care Veterinary Hospital. Whether your pet needs routine joint care or complex surgical intervention, you can rest assured that they are in the most capable hands. Dr. Mortenson's achievement aligns perfectly with our hospital's mission to provide compassionate, cutting-edge veterinary care. It underscores our commitment to continuous learning and improvement, ensuring that we can offer a multitude of treatment options for your pets. We invite you to join us in congratulating Dr. Mortenson on this outstanding accomplishment. His dedication to his craft and to the well-being of animals is truly inspiring, and we're proud to be a part of his team here at i-Care. Next time you visit us, feel free to ask Dr. Mortenson about his new certification. He'd be more than happy to discuss how this training translates into better care for your beloved pets....

27 Jul

Posted at 00:50h in i-Care by
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As we wrap up today, the team at i-Care Veterinary Hospital wanted to let you know that we will be closed this Sunday, July 28, 2024 for a team event. We’ll be open again on Monday, July 29 at 8am. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If your pet has an urgent situation or an emergency on Sunday, please contact Central Island Veterinary Emergency Hospital: (250) 933-0913 Have a safe and happy weekend!...

22 Jul

Posted at 23:46h in i-Care by
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This week, we're honoured to celebrate Veterinary Assistant Week and shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals who are the backbone of our clinic at i-Care Veterinary Hospital. https://youtu.be/0rc9NJGM2kw Our Veterinary Assistants are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring the comfort and well-being of every dog and cat that comes through our doors. They are the gentle hands that soothe nervous pets and the skilled professionals who keep our clinic running smoothly. From preparing examination rooms and assisting with procedures to providing post-operative care, our Vet Assistants do it all with dedication, patience, and a smile. Their passion for animal welfare and their commitment to excellence make a world of difference in the lives of countless dogs and cats. To our amazing team of Veterinary Assistants: Thank you for your unwavering dedication, your compassion, and your hard work. You are truly the heart of i-Care Veterinary Hospital, and we are grateful for you every single day....

19 Jul

Posted at 18:09h in i-Care by
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We regret to inform you that we will be closed tomorrow, July 21, 2024.   There is scheduled maintenance on a neighbouring property that will turn off our water supply for the day.   We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We will reopen on Sunday, July 21, 2024 at 8am.   Please contact us today or Sunday if you were planning on coming by tomorrow.   And if your pet has an urgent situation or an emergency tomorrow, please contact Central Island Veterinary Emergency Hospital: (250) 933-0913 ...

18 Jul

Posted at 21:05h in i-Care by
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Planning a trip to the United States with your canine companion? Here are the current requirements for bringing dogs from Canada into the US. Please Note: Our staff is not able to provide advice on US entry requirements. The following is a summary of the information that is currently available. Please ensure you check the CFIA website for updates. The most important thing to know is that the requirements are changing as of August 1, 2024. We strongly recommend checking the official Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) website for the most up-to-date information before your trip: CFIA We also strongly advise you to review the US entry requirements on the CDC site: Bringing a Dog into the U.S. Currently, one of the requirements by the CDC is this form: Dog Import Form The requirements are subject to change, so it's important to get the most current information directly from the official source. Again, please note that our staff cannot provide advice on US entry requirements. By being prepared and following the official guidelines, you can help ensure a smooth trip across the border with your furry friend. Safe travels!...

15 Jul

Posted at 18:54h in i-Care by
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See how i-Care is growing to offer you and your fur family members more of the care they deserve. At i-Care Veterinary Hospital, nestled in the heart of Coombs, BC, every day is a unique blend of compassion, cutting-edge technology, and groundbreaking care. i-Care Veterinary Hospital is proudly family-owned and operated! We serve Coombs, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Port Alberni, northern Nanaimo, and all areas of Vancouver Island, we’re here to provide top-notch care that turns challenges into heartwarming success stories. Whether it’s through innovative treatments or the simple power of a caring touch, i-Care Veterinary Hospital is your trusted partner in pet health. Join our community of pet lovers and experience veterinary care that goes beyond expectations. Visit us and see firsthand how we’re revolutionizing animal care on Vancouver Island. https://youtu.be/ZyxfjDSf-8s  ...

12 Jul

Posted at 22:02h in i-Care by
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This is a typical Friday here at the clinic. Our team is here to assist your cat or dog in their time of need with the same love and compassion that we give our own fur family members. https://youtu.be/tEwX0hPXoaU?feature=shared We're open 7-days a week and always have a full veterinary team ready to help your dog or cat, even for urgent or emergency situations. At i-Care Veterinary Hospital, nestled in the heart of Coombs, BC, every day is a unique blend of compassion, cutting-edge technology, and groundbreaking care. Contact us today and see what we're all about when it comes to the health and well-being of your beloved fur family members. And if you'd like to see how we do things here at i-Care, check out our YouTube channel....

10 Jul

Posted at 21:22h in i-Care by
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At i-Care Veterinary Hospital, we understand that accidents can happen at any time, even when your furry friends are simply enjoying a day of play. Recently, we had a courageous canine patient who taught us just how important immediate veterinary care can be. https://youtu.be/3X9BBcLTdoE The Incident: A Day of Fun Gone Astray It started as an ordinary day of fun and frolic. Our patient, a lively and sweet girl, was out playing with a friend. Like us humans, our canine companions can sometimes find themselves in a bit of a pickle despite the best intentions. In this case, the playful pair ran a little too close to a fence, resulting in an unfortunate and painful injury. Quick Action: The i-Care Vet Difference When her pawrents noticed the injury, they were understandably worried. The idea of a long and stressful drive to an emergency vet was daunting. Fortunately, i-Care Vet is equipped to handle urgent care situations, providing peace of mind and professional care without the added stress. Our dedicated team at i-Care Veterinary Hospital acted swiftly. Thanks to our state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and skilled veterinary surgeons, we were able to provide immediate and effective treatment, alleviating the pain and preventing further complications. The Road to Recovery: A Brave Journey Two weeks after the incident, our resilient patient returned to i-Care Vet to have her stitches removed. It was heartwarming to see how well she had healed, and her lively spirit was a testament to the level of care she received. Watching her wagging tail and playful antics reminded us all why we do what we do. Each pet’s journey to recovery is unique, and being a part of that journey is a privilege we at i-Care Vet do not take lightly. Why Choose i-Care Veterinary Hospital? At i-Care Veterinary Hospital, we are more than just a veterinary clinic; we are a community dedicated to the well-being of your pets. Our veterinary team can assist your dog or cat in a wide range of veterinary surgeries and diagnostic procedures, ensuring that your furry friends receive the highest quality care. With over 15 years of experience, our warm, compassionate approach, combined with a touch of gentle humour, helps make even the toughest situations a little easier to bear. Conclusion: Pet Safety and Preparedness While we hope your pet never experiences an accident, it’s reassuring to know that i-Care Veterinary Hospital is here to provide urgent care when needed. Our priority is the health and happiness...

05 Jul

Posted at 22:08h in i-Care, Procedures by
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At i-Care Veterinary Hospital, we are dedicated to providing top-notch care for our furry friends, no matter how challenging their medical conditions may be. Recently, we had the opportunity to treat Lily, a 2.3 kg Chihuahua, for a condition known as a luxating patella. This blog post delves into Lily's journey through orthopedic surgery, aiming to educate and engage pet owners who might be facing similar challenges with their pets. Understanding Luxating Patella A luxating patella, commonly referred to as a "floating kneecap," occurs when the patella (kneecap) dislocates or moves out of its normal position. This condition is particularly prevalent in smaller dog breeds like Chihuahuas and can cause significant discomfort and mobility issues for the affected pet. For Lily, surgery was necessary to realign her patella and restore her quality of life. https://youtu.be/Jldn-l8ATzQ?si=UbSEOL9_m2DSgMEi The Surgical Procedure Lily's orthopedic surgery was a meticulous process involving several steps to ensure the successful realignment and stabilization of her patella. Here’s a breakdown of the procedure: Deepening the Sulcus Groove: The first step involved deepening the sulcus groove. This groove is where the patella normally sits, and by making it deeper, surgeons can help ensure that the kneecap stays in place more reliably. Transposing the Tibial Tuberosity: Next, the tibial tuberosity (a bony prominence where the patellar ligament attaches) was transposed. This adjustment helps in realigning the patella and improving its functional position. Tension Band Fixation: To stabilize the bone post-surgery, tension band fixation using K wires was employed. This technique is crucial in ensuring that the bones remain in their proper place as Lily begins the healing process. Post-Surgery Care Post-operative care is crucial for the successful recovery of pets undergoing orthopedic surgeries. For Lily, this included diligent monitoring and potential hardware removal typically performed 8-12 weeks after the initial surgery. This step is essential to remove any surgical materials used during the fixation process, ensuring that they do not cause any long-term issues. Alternative Surgical Options In cases involving more severe deformities, options such as cranial wedge osteotomy exist. This procedure, while effective, involves a longer recovery time and is considered based on the severity of the condition. Compassionate Care at i-Care Vet Hospital Lily's journey exemplifies our commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for pets with orthopedic conditions. Through meticulous surgical techniques and dedicated post-operative care, we aim to restore comfort and mobility to our furry companions. If your pet is experiencing similar issues, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation....