• There is a wealth of information available on the internet for clients to seek out additional information about their pet’s condition.. Please find below the relevant links:GENERAL PET INFORMATION
  • Veterinary Partner    veterinarypartner.com Part of the Veterinary Information Network accessible by clients and is a very good reference site.
  • Pet Health Network.  Information on dogs, cats and exotics
  • Winn Foundation– This foundation is dedicated to improving feline health on several fronts. This site is a good source of information on current feline health issues.
  • Companion animal care and wellness by Ohio State University at osu.edu
  • For dog lovers from Dog Fancy Magazine com
  • For cat lovers from Cat Fancy Magazine  com

  PET POISONS

  • Follow this link to the American Animal Hospital Associationlist of common pet toxins.
  • We often get questions regarding pet safe house plants.  This will direct you to a list of many resources for plants and other poisons.
  • These web sites are very informative about potential toxins, house plants and pet safety.For pet poisonings, please call us first before poison control as we are familliar with many common poisons.  If possible have the container at hand.  If needed we will direct you to poison control.Pet Poison Helpline– 800-213-6680 for any animal poison related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.ASPCA Poison Control – 888-426-4435  for any animal poison related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

  SPECIFIC DISEASE INFORMATION

  Washington State University has a great website with a library of information on different disease conditions, procedures, and common medical problems.  Link

  • Is your dog at risk for Leptosporosis? Read more at leptoinfo.com
  • Is your dog at risk for Lyme Disease? Read more at lymeinfo.com
  • Heart Disease overview  yourdogsheart.com   yourcatsheart.com
  • Information on Diabetes Mellitus and insulin injections and monitoring.
  • Diseases of the skin– courtesy of McKeever Dermatology

  PET INSURANCE

  • The Pet Insurance Review website gives a non-biased side-to-side comparison and review of all the common pet insurance providers.  There are also links to follow to all the companies for more in depth research of the available policies.  petinsurancereview.com
  • We have found that one of the best companies to work with and the simplest plan/policy is Trupanion Pet Insurance.
  • Another good insurance company petsecure.ca

  BREED/PET SELECTION

  • Dog Breeds A-Z     akc.org/breeds/breeds_a.cfm
  • Animal Planet has an interesting breed selector tool.  It is fun to use and see what breed it selects as being right for you based on answers to ten questions…….but I would still do my own breed research.http://animal.discovery.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds.html
  • Looking to Adopt a Pet? Are you looking for a Lost Pet? You can do both at http://www.petfinder.com This website is updated daily.
  • Growing Up With Pets– How to help parents foster strong, healthy relationships between their children and their pets.

  HUMANE SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS

  British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The BCSPCA exists to promote humane principles, prevent cruelty and alleviate fear, pain and suffering in animals.
  • The Humane Society of  Canada­ promotes the protection of all 
    animals.
  • Delta Community Animal Shelter – The Human/Animal Health  Connection

  PET LOSS INFORMATION

  • Until We Meet Again.
  • When is it time to say goodbye?  [Link]
  • Tufts Universityoffers a Grief Support Hotline and articles regarding the loss of a pet.
  • The University of Illinois Grief Support Hotline
  • Paw Prints in the Sky by Warren Hanson
  • Old World Stones  Custom engrave river stone pet memorials

   TRAVELING WITH YOUR PET

  • Pet Travel Page
  • Visit DogFriendlybefore you plan your trip.

  EXOTICS

  • Learn more information about your exotics at Veterinary Partners. Go to veterinarypartner.com
  • Melissa Kaplan’s Herp and Green Iguana Information Collection. Extensive information on the captive care and behavior of green iguanas, and other reptiles and amphibians. anapsid.org

Keeping your dog or cat’s teeth and gums healthy will go a long way to preventing not only bad breath, periodontal disease, and an uncomfortable or even painful mouth, but also more serious chronic conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, heart conditions and joint problems.About 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three. Most common and noticeable sign is plaque formation on your pet’s teeth.When not removed, plaque becomes tartar (or calculus) as mineral deposits and organic material build up and harden on the teeth. Tartar generally looks like a yellow-brown layer on the teeth near the gum line.As plaque and tartar build on the teeth, the balance of healthy bacteria is thrown off and the opportunity for disease arises. As the tartar builds up under the gums they become inflamed and sore. Plaque builds even more rapidly in the upper, softer part of the teeth and infection begins. In cats, cavities develop with even more opportunity for infection. These periodontal diseases are quite painful for our four legged family members but are preventable. All what they need is healthy diet and regular dental check ups . The simplest way to keep track of your dog’s teeth is to look at them on a regular basis and be aware of signs that may indicate a problem. Clean mouth will help in maintaining your companion’s overall health and extending their life expectancy. We provide the best dental care for your pets.Complete mouth examination can nip so many periodontal diseases in the bud. When required, cleaning and scaling with ultrasonic scaler produces visible results in few minutes For a dental cleaning, your pet will be given a mild sedative to help her relax prior to the procedure. She will then be anesthetized and an endotracheal tube (breathing tube into the major airway) is inserted. The endotracheal tube allows us to administer the gas anesthetic (isoflurane) that keeps your pet asleep and also protects her from breathing in the nasty bits of plaque and tartar we are cleaning off her teeth.

While these little creatures are the high jumpers of the insect world, we don’t want them around showing off their talents. They not only bite your pets but you as well. They are also a way to transfer worms into your pet. Unfortunately living in this beautiful city has one major drawback. We have fleas all year long. The Delta region, being so temperate, doesn’t get cold enough to kill off fleas. Fleas thrive in our climate and while they become less active in the winter, they are still around. They are particularly noticeable in the spring and summer months.fleas  live in the carpets and furniture of your house  and outside in shady areas of lawns and gardens. The jump on and off your pet to eat. Fleas cause serious allegic reaction on your dog’s skin. Ask our friendly staff and vets for the right kind of flea preventative for your pet.

Parasites, like protozoans, roundworms, tapeworms, pinworms and hookworms are all serious health risks for not only your pets but yourself as well.  They are called a zoonotic risk since they can transfer to humans.Ticks and ear mites are also parasites that can be harmful to your pet, but thankfully there is simple and effective treatment available through your veterinarian.

FOR CANINES

The core vaccines for dogs include Distemper, (hepatitis and respiratory disease), Canine parvovirus-2 and Rabies

Noncore vaccines include Leptospirosis,  coronavirus, canine parainfluenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica both are causes of kennel cough and Borrelia burgdorferi(causes Lyme disease)

DOG VACCINATION SCHEDULE

*A combination vaccine, often called a 5-way vaccine, usually includes adenovirus cough and hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Some combination vaccines may also include leptospirosis (7-way vaccines) and/or coronavirus. The inclusion of either canine adenovirus-1 or adenovirus-2 in a vaccine will protect against both adenovirus cough and hepatitis; adenovirus-2 is highly preferred.

**Some puppies may need additional vaccinations against parvovirus after 15 weeks of age.

FOR FELINES

In cats, the suggested core vaccines are feline panleukopenia (distemper), feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and rabies.

The noncore vaccines include feline leukemia (FeLV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), Bordetella, and Chlamydophila.

CAT VACCINATION SCHEDULE

Extended exams where required at no extra charge. Regular  periodic physical examinations are essential to maintain good health, and allow for early detection of any problems which will result in a more successful and economical course of treatment.

We provide you the best service for common orthopedic surgeries  including:

• Bone fracture repair
• Leg amputation
• MPL – medial patellar luxation
• APL – anterior patellar luxation
• TPLO – Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy for ruptured cruciate ligament
•  Hip dysplasia: Femoral head ostectomy and Triple pelvic osteotomy

Whenever required and in best interest of the patient, we  often times refer our patients to Canada West Veterinary Specialists for orthopedic referrals .

Probably the most common soft tissue surgery performed at our clinic is the removal of masses or ‘lumps’ on animals. Most of these masses or ‘lumps’, once removed and tested, are benign (non-harmful); however, occasionally they are more serious. Early removal and accurate diagnosis of a ‘lump’ is necessary to improve the outcome in your pet if the mass is cancerous. Lacerations are also common in pets and suturing will reduce the chance of infection, improve healing time and reduce scarring. Many breeds of dogs are susceptible to ear infections. Surgical treatment on ears improves air flow into the ear canal and can reduce the occurrence of ear infections. Tearing in your pet’s eyes can mean an infection is present or it may be a sign the cornea (outer layer of the eye itself) has been damaged. A damaged cornea may require soft tissue surgery to allow the cornea to heal faster with less scarring. Less scarring will improve the ability of your pet to see. In some animals, the cornea (outer layer of the eye) may be damaged by the eyelid hairs surrounding the eye. Surgical intervention involving the eyelid improves the comfort in these animals. It also reduces the chances of corneal scarring and enhances the animal’s vision in the long term.

It is extremely important in the Veterinary Hospital to have an Accurate, Fast and Affordable Laboratory system, One that provides results in minutes; 48th Avenue Animal Hospital uses this every day with great results. Our trained nurses have years of experience in the use of Laboratory equipment. Quality control is important and, as a team, we all are qualified to provide the Best Laboratory Service.

Our pharmacy  is well-stocked with pharmaceutical products, drugs and medicines, shampoos, flea, tick and parasite control and prescription diets to meet the needs of your pet. We also carry a full line of prescription and maintenance diets.

Millions of pets are lost each year. Some are found and unfortunately, some are lost forever. You can protect your dog or cat from this fate by having a permanent microchip id implanted in your pet. The microchip is a tiny form of computerized identification about the size of a grain of rice that can be permanently placed under a pet’s skin. It is a painless procedure and is as easy as a vaccination, but for convenience, it can be implanted while your pet is under anesthesia for his/her neuter/spay. The database is maintained and accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and you are notified as soon as your pet’s id is called into the 24 hour recovery service. For more information talk to your veterinarian.

The hospital also provides day-care, short or longer stay boarding for cats and dogs.  Our support staff care for all hospitalized animals, whether they are recovering from surgery or simply staying over night.

The proper technical term for the surgical alteration of an animal is “neutering”, regardless if it is male or female.  The castration, or orchidectomy, is the surgery performed on male animals. In this case, both testicles are removed. While Neutering male dogs and cats , both testicles are removed through a single small incision and the blood vessels and the vas deferens (sperm cords) are tied with sutures. In dogs we close the inside incision with suture and put sutures in the skin as well. Cats usually do not need sutures in either the inside layer or the skin.

The proper technical term for the surgical alteration of an animal is “neutering”, regardless if it is male or female. The spay, or ovariohysterectomy, is the surgery performed on female animals in which both ovaries and the complete uterus is removed. For female dogs and cats that are being spayed, a small incision (cut) is made in the middle of the belly, just below the belly button. It is through this small hole that the ovaries and uterus will be removed. The ovaries are clamped and the blood vessels tied with suture, and then the end of the uterus near the cervix is clamped and tied as well. The inside of the belly is checked carefully for bleeding and if everything looks fine, the muscle layer is sutured (sewed) first, followed by the fat layer then finally the top layer of skin. The sutures (stitches) on the inside are special dissolving material so they do not need to be removed. Skin sutures need to be removed in 10 days.

Here at 48th Avenue Animal Hospital, we know the vital importance of pet dietary management, and we can help your pets receive the proper nutrition and foods they need for pet dietary management the longest, healthiest life. A number of chronic pet health problems stem from an improper diet. Our Hospital is staff can help prevent and treat those chronic issues as well as make recommendations on how to improve your pet’s diet and quality of life.

Obesity Common Cause of Pet Health Problems

Obesity is a common issue with pets who are eating too much and exercising too infrequently. In certain cases, obesity may stem from genetic or hormonal factors or be the result of specific diseases which our animal hospital can diagnose and treat. Excess weight can lead to a variety of pet health problems, many of which can be prevented and alleviated with a proper diet. Obesity puts extra pressure on your pet’s joints, which can lead to pain, limited mobility, and an increased risk of arthritis. Excess weight also forces the pet’s heart to work harder, which can increase the chances of heart disease. Breathing problems are another potential side effect of excess weight, as are issues with the skin and fur. Our  vet can advise on the healthy target weight for your pet and a pet dietary management program that can help your pet achieve it.

Puppies and kittens have specific nutritional needs that benefit from pet dietary management. High-quality foods designed for the needs of puppies and kittens are a must at this crucial stage of growth. Our veterinarian can advise on the type and quantity of foods your puppy or kitten requires, along with any additional nutritional needs that should be met based on the breed and size of your pet. Puppies and kittens often need a more frequent feeding schedule than adult dogs and cats, with portion sizes always a factor.

Proper feeding schedules and portion sizes are always important for pets of all ages, and they can vary for pets based on the pet’s type and breed. Specific breeds of larger dogs, for instance, can have a tendency to develop gastric dilatation, also known as bloat or gastric torsion, when they eat large meals in a single sitting. Gastric dilatation can be a serious condition where the stomach twists and requires immediate care from our animal hospital. Surgery is often required to help correct the condition.

The goal of our  veterinarians, is to help ensure your pets attain and remain in optimum health. Always feel free to ask our vet about your pet’s specific nutritional and dietary needs that can help your pet be as healthy as possible.

Nutritional Counseling

We offer nutritional counseling for every stage of your pets’ life, based on their level of     activity, health conditions, weight, and age.

Behavioural  Counseling

Illness doesn’t always have a physical cause. We determine the cause of  disorders such as separation anxiety and obsessive behavior, and then develop a treatment regimen for the client.

Here at 48th Avenue Animal Hospital, we understand it is never easy to say goodbye to a beloved four-legged member of your family.  Our compassionate staff will assist you in making  arrangements when it has come time to make a final decision.  We use  All Care Pet Cremation Services for private and general cremations.