Photo Frustrations!

With all of our technical support for Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod, it is rare we have a significant technical error. From our hardware, software, to digital imaging systems, we have teams of technicians available 24/7 to keep our systems running smoothly. And we need this kind of dedicated support, as we have over 26 computers, 4 servers, 2 ultrasounds, digital x-ray and digital dental x-ray accross our 2 locations

All of this of course excludes my own computer. I have fantastic pics of a litter of sleepy main coon kittens, a Labrador “bone” removal, and other interesting pics. But technical problems are prohibiting me from uploading the images.

So while the technical team is ready for any problems at Veterinary Associates, I have been trying to work this out on my own. As soon as I have fixed the problem, look for some new posts.

In the meantime, enjoy the holiday weekend.

The VACC Pet Fund Latest: Honey

Honey was found wondering the streets of Bourne, loaded with heartworm and fleas. She has a huge hernia, entrapping almost all of her intestines, as well as advanced dental disease. All of this points to neglect. Whether willful or unavoidable, no one has cared for Honey.

But here at Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod and the Forestdale Veterinary clinic, our staff and clients care about pets like Honey. And we are showing Honey just how much. In dedication to many of our lost patients, Honey is receiving the most advanced veterinary care available on Cape Cod.

We have treated her advanced case of heartworm, and are planning surgery in a few weeks to repair the hernia. We will then spay her and fix her dental disease. You can read more about Honey on our Vets Giving Back web page.

Fortunately, this sweet dog has found out that people do care here on Cape Cod.

Digital Dental

Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod is a total digital hospital. We do not have one piece of film in the hospital!

Digital means a much better image quailtiy, giving our patients faster and more accurate treatments, all with 75% less radiation.

Most veterinary hospitals on Cape Cod do not even have a dental x-ray unit, much less a digital system. The dental x-ray ensures we are providing the proper care, from treatments to extractions. A human dentist would never work on a tooth without one! We strive to provide and often exceed the level of care that we expect on the human side.

And digital dental x-ray is so much easier on the patient. It is so much faster; the time under anesthesia is dramatically reduced. There is no film to develop, no second shots to take. Not to mention the image quality is totally superior to film. The tooth in question is projected on a 22 inch high def monitor.

We do all this because good dental health leads to good overall health. And our mission is to make your pet’s quality and quantity of life much better, and digital dental x-ray is just one little part of that effort.

Sometimes Fish Hooks Catch More Than Fish…

Every year we have pets who are hurt when they encounter with fish hooks. Some pets, like cats, are likely attracted to the luring features. Dogs are likely attracted to the smell, and with their super sense it often a used hook that brings them in.

These pets are often injured and panicked, but fortunately most make a full recovery.

Our latest victim was a six month old cat who was snagged on the above lure. One end had caught his face and nose, while the other barbs had trapped his rear feet. Once pets become injured by a single barb, they often panic, only to be pierced by additional hooks. This cat had all six barbs in him.

We quickly sedated this cat and removed the barbs. With a little suturing, as well as pain management and antibiotics, he made a quick and full recovery.

So always remember to keep your pets away from fishing gear; they might be a lot more interested than you might think.

Saving Dogs From Bloat With Minimally Invasive Surgery

Anyone who has ever had their dog “bloat” knows how terrifying and deadly this condition can be. Bloat, or gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) is a devastating condition in our canine patients. For some unknown reasons, a dog’s stomach can fill with gas (bloat) and then twist, cutting off vital circulation to the abdomen. These dogs go from totally normal to deceased often in a matter of hours.

Certain breeds of dogs are prone to bloat. Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, Standard Poodles, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds are perhaps the most predisposed. There is a preventative surgery, but the standard procedure requires a huge incision, with serious post operative pain and discomfort.

But that was before minimally invasive surgery. Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod is proud to be the only veterinary hospital on Cape Cod, much less in southeastern Massachusetts, to offer laparoscopic gastropexy. This means our patients can have this preventative surgery without a big incision, long hospital stays, and serious post operative pain.

This video shows the stomach after it has been “tacked” to the abdominal wall. The patient, Bruno, had several episodes of bloat, and was on a fast course to have his last, so to speak. We performed this laparoscopic surgery with a minimal incision, and he went home the very same day, in little discomfort.

Since Bruno’s surgery, he has been doing great. He has had no more episodes of bloat. And his owner’s elected the same quality health care that they would expect themselves; minimally invasive surgery. Bruno went home much faster, had far less bleeding, with a much smaller incision, and in a lot less pain.

Good luck Bruno!