Bloorcourt Veterinary Clinic

Dr. Jack volunteers to help free-roaming dogs in Chile

athornton — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:06:53 +0000

POSTED IN CHILE LATIN AMERICA VOLUNTEER

By Vets without Borders – April 10, 2012 – 6:30 am

Puerto Natales, Chile – Feb, 2012

It was somewhat disorienting arriving in Puerto Natales, Chile after travelling for two days on three buses and two airplanes from my sunny winter home in Mexico. Of course it was summer here but it took quite a bit of acclimating, several hot showers and hugging the gas heaters to get comfortable. The landscape was like a strange mixture of BC rugged, quaint Maritime fishing village, and Scottish Highland sheep scrub, but what was most striking were the dogs. They were everywhere! In all shapes and sizes, on the streets, in the yards, on the rooftops, fences and pick-up trucks. In packs, with people or alone, they sported dreadlocks, bite wounds, injuries, hit-by-car lameness, venereal tumours, and mange. Dogs were eating garbage, fighting, defecating and procreating in the broad daylight, which seemed to go on forever. This was the farthest south I’d ever been on the planet and it was weird adjusting to these extra-long days, a huge harvest moon in February, and glaciers surrounded by herds of wild camelids and mini-ostriches. Also the ozone depletion over this part of the globe could cause severe and rapid sunburn as evidenced by the white cats dodging the dogs, their ears consumed by solar dermatitis or carcinomas.
The Latin American team was fantastic! I had already met our dynamic project leader, Dr. Elena Garde at our Vets without Borders’ Board of Directors retreat on Galiano Island in November when I volunteered for this interesting and important project.

Dr. Jack & Guillermo, Puerto Natales, Chile. Feb, 2012

Now I was introduced to her partner in work, life and crime – plying me with “pisco sours”, Guillermo Perez, a Chilean-Canadian biologist and dog catcher extraordinaire! There was also the lovely and capable Dr. Angelica Romero, who was nicknamed “Flaca” because she was thin, but for good reason – she worked long days pounding the pavement, recruiting dogs door-to-door for the project, and as our media and PR spokesperson, taking client education to a new level. Also on the team were Karla, another Chilean vet, who charmingly procured whatever we needed from bricks to suture material, and Connie, a final-year student who will surely become the canine neuter champion of Chile after this experience. Dr. Susan Kutz, a parasitologist from Calgary who currently heads up our Nunavut dog project was there to lend a helping hand and a contagious smile. We were joined by two American volunteers, Karen Green, Senior Director of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs, from Portland, Oregon, and Dr. Mary Ann Hollick, a veterinarian from Alaska, both of whom had experience with Esterisol, the chemical manufactured by Ark Sciences that we were using for sterilization, and loads of enthusiasm and excitement for our project.

Dr. Jack & Dr. Elena, Puerto Natales, Chile – Feb, 2012

The study involved about 150 free-roaming dogs divided into three groups: the conventional surgical neuter group, the chemical sterilization group, and the controls. We were interested in determining the most effective population and disease control techniques for free-roaming dogs throughout Latin America. The data accumulated was extensive, with questionnaires to be completed by the dog-“owners”, videotaping the behaviour of the dogs at different times of day, and extensive follow-ups. Dogs were blood-tested for testosterone levels before and after sterilization, fecal samples were analyzed for hydatid disease and thorough physical examinations, vaccinations, de-worming and microchipping were performed. The “Esterisol Dogs” were also ear tattooed to facilitate identification, since they still had their testicles, something that appeared to have cultural desirability. The Municipality was very helpful and cooperative with this important study, making available two community centers, manpower, supplies and media coverage to encourage families to participate. They also treated us to a couple of memorable excursions on our days off to see the Prehistoric Milodon Cave and Torres del Paine National Park with its breathtaking mountains, glaciers and wildlife. This project is a model for community involvement with animal health issues where wildlife, domestic animal and human interfaces are of critical importance for the study of zoonotic diseases and the concept of “One Health” throughout Latin America and the rest of the world.

Dr. Angelica at work in the community of Puerto Natales, Chile – Feb, 2012

In two short weeks we spent many long days in the clinics, doing surgery and injecting dogs, with limited resources, developing some very creative anesthetic and surgical protocols based on what we didn’t have. It always seemed to flow miraculously well, thanks to the camaraderie of our professional team, the kindness of the people of Puerto Natales, and the delicious seafood, great Chilean wines and of course, the pisco sours!

Local children watching us work, Puerto Natales, Chile – Feb, 2012

The smiles of the children helped too, their faces pressed against the windows, watching us do surgery, or munching on our shared snacks. The greatest reward was to witness their authentic love for the animals. For this wonderful experience I give thanks to all, including the beautiful creatures I met in Patagonia such as the condor, rheas, guanacos, owls, peregrine falcons, caracaras, horse, cattle, sheep and most of all, the dogs. Gracias a la vida!

- Dr. Jack Gewarter, Bloorcourt Veterinary Clinic, Toronto.

Springtime Hazards

athornton — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 05:01:45 +0000

The smell of spring is in the air, and Easter is arriving fast! Sprucing up the home with decorations can be fun and remind us that summer is fast approaching. However, some of these decorations can pose a health hazard to our pets.

Here are a few tips on what to look out for this spring.

Easter Lilies (and related lilies) – These plants are highly toxic especially to cats! Please make sure any type of lily is out of reach from our furry ones. Some signs of toxicity are vomiting and lethargy and if left untreated can result in kidney failure and for some even death. Please call your veterinarian if you even suspect that your pet has consumed any part of these plants.

Easter Grass – Like tinsel, these colourful stringy decorations are a very enticing play toy for your pets. If your pets consume them, it may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly internal blockages. Sometimes ingested parts of the product may be seen either from the mouth or the anus; please, do not pull on these strings to get them out as you could potentially cause more damage within the intestine. If you believe your pet has ingested Easter grass (or any string-like products) please contact your veterinarian.

Chocolate – Chocolate can be very toxic to our pets. Dogs especially have an extremely powerful nose and are attracted to all that is sweet. If you are hiding chocolate around your home please be sure to select your secret hiding places carefully, as your pet may be very good at finding the most wonderfully hidden chocolate. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the packaging around chocolate will deter your pet. Dogs, especially, can be very determined to open those chocolate treats, and sometimes will even eat some or all of the packaging! Please keep them out of reach just to be safe.

Xylitol – Xylitol is a sweetener that is used in many of our sweet products including gum, candies and some baked goods. Please do not leave these types of items unattended on counters and tables that are reachable by your pets.

Litter, garbage or unknown items on the street or in the park – With the warmer weather, many of us are frequenting parks and going on walks with our dogs more often, and our cats are a little more eager to explore. When out for your walks, please pay special attention to garbage or disposed foods that have been left out. Your pet may be tempted to eat something unsafe, causing gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting or diarrhea. Sometimes this can lead to bigger health problems such as pancreatitis. Please keep an eye on what your pets are sniffing and if you see something that your pet could possibly eat please pick it up and dispose of it, this will ensure no other pet attempts to eat it and it helps out the environment, too!

February is Dental Month

athornton — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:28:26 +0000

Before Dental Cleaning

We want to keep your companion’s smile looking great! Implementing a dental plan for your pet is extremely important since all pets of any age develop a build-up of tartar and plague on their teeth. This causes your pet’s teeth and gums to become infected, cause gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Brushing teeth regularly, proper diet and chewing
exercises can help prevent these diseases but sometimes a professional scaling with a veterinarian is required. Book a dental consultation to him him/her assessed today!

Dental Month’s Current Promotion: -$499 Dental Scaling for stage 1 candidates!!!

This includes a dental consult with a technician, pre-anesthetic bloodwork and a dental cleaning. Please call us at 416 537-9677 for more details.

After Dental Cleaning

Winter/Holiday Season Hazards

cpavy — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:07:25 +0000

With the return of the cold weather and the holidays right around the corner there are many things to consider in order for you and your pet to enjoy a happy, healthy and safe season. Please click here for more information about holiday hazards.

Decorations look great and spruce up the home making it festive and fun, however some decorations that look great in the home can be enticing toys for your pet, which could be hazardous to our furry friends. Let’s review some of these potential risks that may be lurking in our home.

Christmas Lights/cords and bubble lights– While they look beautiful and light up or homes, whether on trees or mantles, these bright lights can cause electrical shock to our furry ones who like to chew on unsecured cords. Please ensure all loose cords are secured and out of reach so we can all enjoy them safely.

All that Sparkles – Tinsel, ribbons, spray-on snow, tape, price tags, gift wrap and ornament hooks can be dangerous to pets. Tinsel and Styrofoam can cause internal blockages that can be life-threatening. Please make sure they are all safely out of reach.

Ornaments – Shiny, dangling objects can be exciting play objects to pets. Please make sure they are secure and out of reach. Be sure to properly dispose of any broken glass or ornaments as soon as possible so that fluffy, fido and human alike don’t injure themselves on shards of glass.

Candles – Who doesn’t enjoy the scent of apple cinnamon throughout the home? Candles are a beautiful addition to our homes, when selecting your placement please consider your pets. Candles on tables and mantles that can be reached by our furry ones can be a major safety concern as even tips of their tails when walking by can catch fire. Please do not leave candles unattended.

Batteries – Many of our gadgets today require batteries, Some pets tend to chew on them if left unattended. Chewing on batteries can result in our pets burning their mouths and throats from the acidity, as well as the possibility of them swallowing them and getting lodged. Please keep batteries and packaging off floors just to be sure!

Christmas tree – if you have one please secure it! Tree climbing comes natural to cats, and they enjoy perching from branches if able to do so. Too keep them safe whether a real or fake tree keep them secured so if fluffy does attempt to climb the tree and fluffy doesn’t come toppling over.

Plants – plants add holiday beauty to our homes, some plants are hazardous or even deadly to pets. Please keep the following plants out of reach:

Amaryllis

Autumn Crocus

Balsam and pine can cause irritation

Daffodil (Paper whites) can be hazardous to animals.

Holly – Just a few holly berries can be toxic.

Mistletoe and berries can cause digestive upset, irregular heartbeats and cardiac shock.

Poinsettia

For more information about hazardous plants, please check the ASPCA website here.

Foods – according to the ASPCA , there are a number of foods that are a no-no for not only the holiday season but year round and can cause some serious problems. Some of these foods are :

Alcoholic Beverages – Beware of your four-legged friends trying to take a sip out of that holiday punch!

Avocado

Batter/Dough with raw eggs – like cake batter.

Chives

Chocolate

Coffee

Garlic

Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure.

Nuts – Certain nuts can cause serious upset tummy’s in pets. Macadamia nuts, moldy pecans and walnuts can cause seizures, vomiting and neurological issues.

Onions

Sage, a seasoning used in stuffing, can cause tummy upset and central nervous system depression.

Scallions

Spicy Foods

Xylitol, a sweetener – is often used in candy. It can lead to liver failure in pets.

Please do not feed your pets undercooked turkey and/or bones as they can lodge in, cause blockages and even puncture the intestines. We know that our pets deserve a treat every once in awhile, however everything in moderation! Too much of anything can cause gastrointestinal upset!

Garbage – unattended garbage can be a health risk to our pets as they tend to enjoy going through them and picking out the lovely left overs that they think are a treat! Please keep garbage tied tightly and put it away immediately to make sure your pet isn’t rummaging through it while you are busy else where.

Let’s not forget about antifreeze – pets are attracted to the sweet taste of antifreeze, however it is extremely toxic, please make sure that your car is not leaking antifreeze and if you believe your pet has ingested some please seek medical treatment immediately as time is of the essence!

Remember the holidays can be an exciting time for you and your pets alike. Along with the excitement come new smells, sounds and sights. Try sticking to a regular routine and diet to aid in keeping our furry ones less stressed throughout this season.

Welcome!

cpavy — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:52:23 +0000

Welcome to the launch of the new Bloorcourt website! And what better way to kick off the all new website and the holiday season than with information on potential hazards during the holiday and winter season. Please check back in the coming weeks and months for more posts from the team at Bloorcourt!