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20 September 2023
天氣炎熱注意：心絲蟲
香港天氣炎熱潮濕、蚊子多的環境，令心絲蟲更容易傳播。心絲蟲是寄生於貓狗心肺中的線狀寄生蟲。
狗狗常在戶外活動，因此更有機會被帶有心絲蟲幼蟲的蚊隻叮咬。一旦幼蟲在狗狗身體內發育，並寄生在心臟和肺動脈，就會讓狗狗的心臟和血管受到嚴重的傷害。
感染初期症狀並不明顯，需要以血液快速測試及顯微鏡抹片，才可以在這個時期發現心絲蟲的存在。而當心絲蟲的成蟲開始入侵肺動脈與心臟後，狗狗會開始出現活動量下降，咳嗽、容易氣喘，精神與食慾變差、肺部發出雜音等症狀。到了感染後期，狗狗可能會出現血尿、貧血、胸腔腹腔積水，最後可能因為心肺衰竭而死亡。
市面上有不同預防心絲蟲的藥物，而藥物主要都是殺死心絲蟲的幼蟲，建議定期連續服用或每年針藥，才可達到預防的效果。如果狗狗長時間沒有服用預防心絲蟲藥，或在七個月大以上仍未開始預防，獸醫會建議需要以血液檢測來確定沒有心絲蟲成蟲的感染，再開始進行預防。
如果寵物遇到緊急情況，或需要預約一般檢查及查詢，請致電香港獸醫急症中心(VEC)。
一般查詢及預約: 2334-2334
二十四小時緊急熱線: 6828-6620
Detail
13 September 2023
Kennel Cough
We have recently seen an increase in kennel cough infections, in dogs of all ages. Ask the VEC team today about vaccination.
Kennel cough is a very contagious respiratory disease that can spread quickly between dogs in close contact with each other such as pet shops, inside kennels, day care and dog shows, but we have recently seen an increase in dogs catching it on the street and from the dog park.
The common signs of kennel cough in dogs are spasms of harsh, dry coughing, running nose, eye discharge and sneezing. The symptoms usually presists for 5-10 days, but a bronchitis cough can linger even for a couple of weeks.
Kennel cough can be prevented with vaccination, so it is important to make sure your puppy gets the necessary jabs.
If your pets are in an emergency or if you have general inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Veterinary Emergency Centre (VEC).
General Hotline: 2334-2334
24-Hour Emergency Hotline: 6828-6620
Detail
6 September 2023
Luxating Patella
Maisie is a 1 year old Cocker Spaniel Dog with a luxating patella.
The patella (knee cap) sits in a groove at the end of the femur. A luxating patella means the kneecap slips in and out of place (dislocates). Owners may notice the dog is lame in that leg or they may notice a skip in the dogs gait when the dog holds up the leg for a few seconds then goes back to normal. Sometimes there is a popping sound when the patella dislocates.
Patella luxation is mainly found is small breed dogs such as Maltese, Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terriers but it can sometimes be seen in larger breeds.
It is most commonly seen in young dogs and is primarily of genetic cause. The patella sits in the patellar ligament and if this ligament is not connected to the centre of the tibia (shinbone), the patella gets pulled out of place. This is most common in dogs that are bow legged.
Patella laxations are graded from 1- 4. Grade 1 patella luxations don’t usually need surgically repaired but grades 2-4 should be.
Surgical repair involves 3 stages:
1) The groove in the femur is deepened to help the patella stay in place
2) The point of attachment of the patella ligament in the tibia is moved into the correct position. This is stabilised using pins and a wire as can be seen in the x ray.
3) The capsule around the joint is tightened
If your pets are in an emergency or if you have general inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Veterinary Emergency Centre (VEC).
General Hotline: 2334-2334
24-Hour Emergency Hotline: 6282-8179 & 6828-6620
Detail
31 August 2023
Has my pet fractured their leg?
A fracture most commonly happens with trauma (for example: hit by car, fallen from height) although certain conditions can cause a fracture without associated trauma.
Symptoms include:
Sudden lameness
Holding up the leg
Extreme pain
Swelling at the site of the fracture
Leg is lying at an awkward angle
A dangling leg
⚠️A dog or cat with a suspected broken leg should be seen by the vet as soon as possible.
⚠️Transporting a pet with a suspected broken leg:
If your dog is small enough, carry them carefully. It may be easier to wrap them in a blanket.
If you have a larger dog, they may still be able to walk on the other 3 legs, it may help to give them some support by placing a towel under their tummy. If they are unable to walk, move them into a large towel or blanket and get 2 people to carry them in it like a sling. Don’t touch or try to manipulate the fractured leg as this will be painful.
Please keep in mind when transporting your pet that they will be in some pain and are scared. They may not act like their normal selves and yelp or even try to bite you. Be careful and try to reassure them.
⚠️What will happen next:
After a history is taken and clinical examination is performed, the vet can often give an indication of the problem. They will also administer pain relief. X -rays +/- CT scans will be used to assess the fracture properly. Depending on the type and location of the fracture, they can be treated conservatively (with rest, splints or cast material) or surgically (with pins, plates or external fixators)
If the fracture happened during a big trauma, the pet may be in shock or have other serious injuries. The pet will need to be stabilised and any life threatening injuries dealt with prior to the fracture management.
☎️If your pets are in an emergency or if you have general inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Veterinary Emergency Centre (VEC).
General Hotline: 2334-2334
24-Hour Emergency Hotline: 6282-8179 & 6828-6620
Detail
20 July 2023
What is veterinary acupuncture?
Use of acupuncture has become more common around the world, either alone or in conjunction with Western medicine. It can be used as a preventative medicine or treatment to relief certain symptoms. Same as human, there are multiple acupuncture points locate on the body of both large and small animal (e.g., Horse, dogs, and cats).
These acupuncture points connect to internal organs via different meridians or channels. Many of these meridian traces the paths of the body’s major nerve trunks. Placing needles on these acupuncture points can stimulate healing process and provide analgesic effect.
Acupuncture can be used on some functional diseases. The most common conditions that show positive responses include traumatic nerve injuries, intervertebral disc disease, osteoarthritis, facial paralysis, vestibular syndrome.
For inquiries or bookings acupuncture treatment, please do not hesitate to contact us at VEC 2334-2334.
If your pets are in an emergency or if you have general inquiries, please do not hesitate to
contact Veterinary Emergency Centre (VEC).
General Hotline: 2334-2334
24-Hour Emergency Hotline: 6282-8179
Detail
12 June 2023
Pain in Old Cats
Many illnesses can cause daily pain in cats, such as dental disease, arthritis, kidney disease and others.
- Over 50% of cats have dental disease.
- Over 90% of cats above 12 years old have osteoarthritis.
- 30% of cats above 10 years old have kidney disease.
Cats naturally HIDE signs of pain, so how can I know if my pet is suffering?
1. Has your cat stopped jumping up onto the bed or sofa?
2. Seems less playful or sleeping more? More grumpy or vocal than before?
3. Eating less or prefers only soft food now? Drinking more?
4. Running away from the grooming brush? Grooming themselves less/letting hair get matted? Or overgrooming a certain area (such as groin or hip).
5. Using the litter tray less often?
These could all be signs of chronic pain. If you’re worried your pet is suffering from chronic pain, then vet can help check your pet for signs of illness.
VEC is launching [Senior Cat / Dog Wellness Plan (age 7+)] for owners to know more your pet’s health. For more details please call 2334-2334.
General Hotline: 2334-2334
24-Hour Emergency Hotline: 6282-8179 & 6828-6620
Detail
5 April 2023
Senior Cat Wellness Testing
Wellness testing includes blood tests and other diagnostic tests that can detect early disease in senior pets that appear healthy and have no obvious clinical signs.
Illness and diseases can be masked in the early stage of disease in cats. If a disease can be detected early on, steps can be taken to slow down the progression of the disease. Wellness testing is important in senior cats that are over 7 years old as they have a higher chance of developing chronic disease.
Wellness testing can be performed during your cat’s annual visit to the veterinarian for physical examination and vaccination.
Tests that can be included for wellness testing for older cats include complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry profile, urinalysis, thyroid hormone testing, blood pressure and early kidney function test (SDMA). It is recommended to do more comprehensive testing for older cats as they have a higher risk of underlying disease.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) gives information about the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets number. It can test for anemia (decrease red blood cell), infection (increase white blood test) and clotting problem (decrease in platelet number).
Biochemistry profile helps to detect diseases such as diabetes, kidney and liver disease. If abnormalities are detected, more diagnostic tests such as radiographs and ultrasounds will be recommended. Blood pressure monitoring can detect an increase in blood pressure which is common in older cats.
SDMA tests for early kidney function loss as early as 25% loss of function. Urinalysis tests for kidney function and if there is any diabetes or infection present. Kidney function test and urinalysis allow a more complete assessment of kidney function which is important as there is higher chance of kidney disease in older animals.
Thyroid problems are also common in older cats. Thyroid hormone testing gives information about the thyroid hormone level in the blood. Cats usually suffer from hyperthyroidism (high levels of thyroid hormone).
Wellness testing is a straightforward way of monitoring your older cat’s health. Early detection of disease can lead to early treatment and delay in the progression of disease and to ensure your pet will have a healthy and active life.
VEC is launching [Senior Cat Wellness Plan (age 7+)] for owners to know more your pet’s health. For more details please call 2334-2334.
General Hotline: 2334-2334
24-Hour Emergency Hotline: 6282-8179
Detail
22 March 2023
Pet Skin Problem
The skin is the largest organ in the body. Skin problems such as itchiness, hair loss and inflammation are one of the most common reasons pets are brought to see the vet.
Common signs of skin disease:
• Scratching and licking
• Head shaking
• Paw or chew at the affected area
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Scaly patches
• Hair loss/ bald patches
• Swelling or lumps
• Dull or greasy hair coat
Different skin issues can have similar symptoms therefore it is important to have your vet check for the causes of skin problems and have the right treatment. Skin issues can also be caused by a combination of problems.
Common causes of skin problems in pets:
• Infections: caused by parasites, bacteria and fungus. Common parasitic infections are caused by fleas and mites. Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal skin disease. Ear infections are also one of the common causes of skin disease in pets.
• Climate: High humidity will increase the risk of bacterial and fungal infections
• Allergies: Food and environmental allergies are common in pets. Common food allergens include chicken, pork. Common environmental allergens including pollen, dust mites, insect bites or parasitic infection.
• Endocrine disease: some pets with hormonal issues such as Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism can also have skin disease.
• Underlying illness: skin problems can also be caused by underlying illness such as those with immune system disease.
Treatment of skin disease:
• Depends on the underlying cause
• Your vet will take samples from the skin such as hair plucking and taping of skin and also perform blood work.
• The best treatment for cat or dog skin conditions will depend largely on the cause, but options often include:
• Antibiotics, antifungals, medicated shampoos and medicines that control itchiness.
• Giving your pet allergy shots, a form of immunotherapy that may reduce sensitivity to allergens.
Ways to prevent potential skin problems in dogs and cats:
• Brush and wash your pet regularly.
• Follow pet parasite and insect prevention measures recommended by your vet.
• Feed your dog or cat skin prescription diet.
• Feed skin supplements such as essential fatty acids.
If your pets are in an emergency or if you have general inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Veterinary Emergency Centre (VEC).
General Hotline: 2334-2334
24-Hour Emergency Hotline: 6282-8179
Detail
1 March 2023
GDV
Gastric (stomach) Dilatation (distention) and Volvulus (twisting and turning)
GDV is an emergency situation, without early recognition and swift medical respond, it can take away your pets life in a matter of hours. It is usually seen in large breed dogs. BUT it can also happened in the smaller breed dogs and even in cats. Over the years, we have seen GDV in mongrel, standard poodle, shiba inu and even in shih tzu.
We recently have a corgi presented with gastric dilation and potentially going into volvulus. Fortunately, the owner bring him to VEC in time to have our medical treatment and hospital care. He was saved and went home!
GDV is caused by multiple factors. Here are some of the factors that predispose your dog to this horrible condition, see if your pet is at risk?
Major risk factors:
1) Relatives that have history of GDV
2) High chest depth: width ratio. Therefore - Large breed
3) Middle age to older dog
Fearful and anxious pets
Stressful events: e.g. boarding
4) Single large meal, vomiting, ileus (disruption of normal GI motility)
Minor risk factors:
1) Postprandial exercise
2) Lean body condition
3) Dry food exclusive diet
IMPORTANT Signs to look out for!
1) Non-productive retching
2) Drooling
3) Abdominal distention
4) Increased in respiratory rate and restless
5) Weakness and collapse
If your pets are in an emergency or if you have general inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Veterinary Emergency Centre (VEC).
General Hotline: 2334-2334
24-Hour Emergency Hotline: 6282-8179
Detail
