On The Inside Instead of Out

This is a video of a retained testicle from a laparoscopic removal. It shows the testicle hiding inside the abdomen, and not on the outside of the dog, as nature and anatomy intended. Retained testicles in the abdomen are a very serious cancer risk. They will often turn malignant as the animal ages.

But the traditional surgery to remove these retained parts is invasive and painful. It often requires a large incision on the side of the abdomen. It is more painful than most standard abdominal procedures, and the recovery is often longer than exploratory surgery.

But not with minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. The incision is only was big as the testicle we remove. So there is a much smaller incision, way less bleeding, and a much faster recovery. To my knowledge, we are the only veterinary hospital performing these procedures in southeastern Massachusetts, if not further.

What A Handsome Senior

Harry is one very special patient here at Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod. Sure he is cute and sweet, but what really makes him an outstanding cat is that he is over 20 years old!! Harry’s family found him wedged between the top of their garage door and ceiling when he was no more than a year old.

Fortunately he pulled through that without any internal injuries and ended up with a loving family who has been caring for him over the last 19 + years. He presented to our clinic a few weeks ago for a check-up. Other than a cyst on the top of his head, his physical exam was completely normal. Considering his age, we ran senior blood work to check for any underlying problems.

Much to our amazement, Harry’s blood work was the picture of perfection. At this rate, Harry might make the Guiness Book of World Records!

By Dr. Lauren Collazo

Look At These Teeth!!

These fantastic teeth belong to a pair of labs with one dedicated owner. And even though these are what canine teeth usually look like after a professional cleaning, these teeth have been maintained purely with daily brushing. Way to go!

Good dental health leads to good overall health in both people and pets. Daily dental care, along with regular evaluation and cleaning (if necessary) on a professional level, not only makes for better breath, but often a longer life.

Creature Comforts

A little bit of home always helps an animal feel better. Take Butters for example. She has a dedicated owner, and they both have persevered through many medical problems. And as the picture indicates, Butters always seems more comfortable in our critical care ward with her kitty cat to snuggle. In addition to IV treatments and medications, as well as personal doctor and nursing care, her security and comfort goes a long way to make her feel better.

And while Butters has spent more than a few “stints” at Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod, she fortunately always leaves feeling better, and never forgets to take her kitty cat home.

Nice clients and cute pups are a great mix!

Video of Minimally Invasive Surgery

This video is of a liver biopsy performed last week at Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod. This patient had surgery at 3 pm, and went home at 5 pm – pain free!

He had a laparoscopic procedure. His two incisions were smaller than a dime, almost impossible to see. He went home jumping up on his owner only a few hours later.

The vast majority of liver biopsies performed in veterinary medicine are attained with standard, open surgery. That means big incisions, significant bleeding, and a lot of pain. These animals often spend days in the hospital. And often the cost to the owner is even greater.

But that it not the case here at VACC with our minimally invasive surgical approach. And fortunately that means a lot less pain for our patients.

When Life Gives Your Pet Lemons Try To Make Lemonade

Another great dog with cancer, but at least he is another dog in remission. He is such a nice beagle. We were so happy to see him complete the chemo protocol, especially with no adverse effects.

This is one of many cancer patients treated at Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod living a longer and more comfortable life because of chemotherapy. He went through the entire chemo protocol with no adverse reactions, which has become the norm for our chemo patients.

That means great quality and quantity of life!