Mainland Animal Emergency Clinic
15338 Fraser Hwy V3R 3P5 Surrey, BC, Canada

Remember to spay! Spaying prevents a pyometra (infection of the uterus) from forming; this post shows an enlarged uterus filled with puss. If your unspayed female is producing vaginal discharge, acting lethargic/depressed, has a loss of appetite, vomiting, and frequent urination is occuring, please don't wait to visit us or your regular vet as this could be an emergency situation.

What is Pyometra? Pyometra is an infection of the uterus (womb). It is a common condition in older female dogs that have not been spayed, but can occur in un-...spayed dogs of any age. Each time a female dog has a season (usually about twice a year) she undergoes all the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy - whether she becomes pregnant or not. The changes in the uterus that occur with each season make infection more likely with age. Early signs that you may notice are that your dog is: licking her back end more than normal off colour off her food drinking more than normal (and will probably urinate more) These signs will progress and you may see: Pus (yellow/red/brown discharge) from her vulva She may have a swollen abdomen Vomiting Collapse If left untreated signs will worsen to the point of dehydration, collapse and death from septic shock. Diagnosis Your vet will probably suspect your dog has a pyometra based on your description of the signs and from their examination of your pet. They may suggest procedures such as ultrasound and blood tests to confirm the diagnosis, rule out other possible causes and to check that your pet is well enough to undergo treatment. Treatment The treatment of choice for pyometra is surgery to remove her uterus as soon as possible. The operation is essentially the same as a routine spay, however there is more risk involved and a higher chance of complications when the operation is being carried out on a sick pet.

Springtime Slim down Did you spend your winter cozying up indoors? It’s hard to keep up on exercise when it’s so cold out, but it can lead to a little extra winter weight. Like humans, exercising more, watching food portions, and avoiding treats between meals can help your pet get back to their healthy weight. Overweight pets are more likely to develop serious conditions like diabetes, respiratory and heart diseases, and joint problems. Check with your veterinarian first if you suspect that your pet has gained weight, and they’ll help you create a weight loss plan

The world's deadliest mushroom is in B.C. Can you recognize it?www.cbc.ca/1.3800164

Jan 19 Update: Our limited funded went fast. We are now taking cats for our wait list.

Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs Your beloved pet can have heart problems just like you. Know the symptoms so you can get your companion the help they need. Symptoms... Take notice of these early symptoms of heart problems: Coughing more than usual (during or after exercise or a few hours before bedtime) Having a hard time breathing or exercising Tiring easily Pacing before bedtime and having a hard time settling down A swollen belly from fluid buildup in (called ascites) Fainting because of blocked blood flow to the brain Change in tongue or gum color to bluish gray because of poor oxygen flow Weight loss as your dog loses her ability to store healthy fat Getting a Diagnosis Your vet will want to know any symptoms you've noticed. He or she will want to know what the pet eats, what medications and supplements they may be taking, and if currently on heart worm protection. The vet will listen to your dog's chest and may want to run some tests. What to Expect Make sure to bring your dog for regular visits with your vet and stick with your treatment plan. Unchecked heart problems can make things harder on your dog and even shorten his/her life. With the right treatments, care, and monitoring, your dog can live a long, comfortable life.

~Chocolate~ What would the holidays be without boxes of chocolate and warm cocoa in front of the fire? However, chocolate can be toxic or even fatal to dogs and cats. Chocolate may be mistakenly given to pets as treats and may be irresistible to the curious canine. Chocolate poisoning occurs most frequently in dogs but other species are also susceptible. Theobromine is the toxic compound found in chocolate. Signs which may appear within 1 to 4 hours of eating chocolate includ...e: Vomiting Increased thirst Diarrhea Weakness Difficulty keeping balance Hyper excitability Muscle spasms, seizures, coma Death from abnormal heart rhythm As with any poisoning, call your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital immediately if you suspect your pet may have ingested chocolate. Have the product label information available when you call your veterinarian. There are national and regional poison control hotlines for animals. In general, the treatment of poisonings is most effective if begun soon after eating the poison, before large amounts are absorbed into the blood.

Merry Christmas!!! be safe this time of year.

Holiday Danger’s Leftover food. Leftover food and bones can be harmful to both cats and dogs. Consuming leftovers can cause the animal to experience vomiting/diarrhea. Fatty foods can also promote pancreatitisa potentially dangerous inflammation of the pancreas that produces toxic enzymes and causes illness and dehydration. If swallowed, bones can cause stomach perforation and painful constipation that requires veterinary help.