General and Preventive Medicine

At VCA Canada Animal Hospitals, we want to work with you to help your pets maintain a healthy weight so they can live a long and happy life with you. Being overweight can be very dangerous for our pets - even a few extra pounds can potentially shorten their lifespan.

Pet obesity has become a national epidemic for our cats and dogs, and we’ve decided to help do something about it. Visit our hospital for an evaluation, and if it looks like your pet might need to lose a few pounds, we’ll discuss the steps you can take and provide the tools you need for successful pet weight loss. We will be there every step of the way offering support and encouragement!

Our hospital offers vaccination examinations because vaccinations are critical to the well-being of your pets. Vaccines protect against potentially deadly viral diseases like Distemper, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis and Rabies in dogs, and Panleukopenia, Feline Leukemia Virus and Rabies in cats.

Dogs

• Annual Rabies Vaccination - Rabies is always fatal (in both animals and humans). Since there is no cure, prevention by vaccination is the only solution
• Lifestyle Vaccination Plan - Your dog's lifestyle determines his risk levels for various diseases. Our doctors will individualize a vaccination plan for your dog based on his health and these risk factors. The recommended vaccinations may include Canine Distemper, Adenovirus/Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, and Bordetella and/or Lyme.

Cats

• Annual Rabies Vaccination - Rabies is always fatal (in both animals and humans). Since there is no cure, prevention by vaccination is the only solution.
• FVRCP Vaccination - (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) This yearly vaccine protects and maintains your cat's antibody levels to protect them from these common viral diseases
• Feline Leukemia Vaccination - While it is more common in outdoor cats, Feline Leukemia it is often seen in indoor cats as well. Your cat is considered "at risk" for leukemia if he spends ANY time outdoors, supervised or not. We recommend vaccinating indoor cats as well to maintain high enough antibody levels to protect them in case they get outside, have to stay in the hospital or kennel, or you decide to adopt another cat.

Our hospital offers and encourages Preventive Medicine Services through the use of special "Early Disease Detection/Wellness" programs for adult and senior pets. Because cats and dogs are living longer, they are experiencing increased problems with chronic illnesses and cancer. The earlier a problem is diagnosed and a treatment plan started, the better the outcome. These programs recommend twice yearly exams by a veterinarian in order to detect any changes or illness in pets as they age.

In addition to a physical examination, other diagnostic tests (laboratory work, urinalysis, fecal exam, x-rays, etc) are often recommended if a problem is detected. Ask your veterinarian which tests are appropriate for your pets.

Does your pet have a microchip?

Each year, millions of pets go missing and many don't make it back home. Microchipping your pet is a simple, effective way to prevent this sort of tragic loss. About the size and shape of a grain of rice, identification microchips are encoded with your pet's vital information and then implanted beneath your pet's skin, usually between the shoulder blades. Animal hospitals and shelters across the country are equipped with special scanners capable of reading these microchips. If your pet is lost, the microchip can be scanned and the information retrieved to assist in reuniting you and your pet.

Because our pets age at a quicker pace than we humans do, it is important that they receive appropriate preventative care, along with early detection screenings to identify any health concerns or diseases in their earliest stages.

As pets get older (between 7-10 depending on breed) they should visit their veterinarian twice a year for wellness exams. These exams are the key to detecting any health problems that could endanger your pet.

Our pets are susceptible to some of the ailments that aging humans face, such as cancer, diabetes, kidney complications, liver and intestinal disorders, arthritis, dental disease and vision impairment.

You can be your pet’s best advocate when it comes to their health. Keep a watchful eye for anything unusual or out of character for your dog or cat.

Some warning signs to watch out for include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Excessive drinking or urination
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Behavioral changes
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Skin lumps, growths or irritation
• Bad breath, plaque on teeth or bleeding gums
• Ear odors, ear redness, or scratching at the ears
• Lameness or sensitivity

Our hospital offers guidance on a number of Parasite Control Programs.

The most common parasites that afflict pets are fleas and ticks. Fleas and ticks are capable of transmitting infection and disease to pets through a bite. Many pets also suffer from severe allergic reaction to the bites of fleas and ticks.

Internal parasites such as worms are also capable of causing severe illness in pets. It is imperative that owners use one of the many commercially available products that protect pets from these parasites in order to maintain their pet's health. Our staff and veterinarians can help you choose the correct product based on your pet’s risk factors and health status.

In addition, because of the damages posed by intestinal parasites to both pets and people, all dogs and cats should have at least one fecal examination per year to test for intestinal parasites (e.g., roundworms, hookworms, Giardia). In some parts of the country where intestinal parasites are known to be more common, several fecal exams per year are recommended. There are specific treatments available for pets with GI (gastrointestinal) parasites.

Fleas and ticks are capable of transmitting infection and disease to pets through a bite. Many pets also suffer from severe allergic reactions to the bites of fleas and ticks. It is imperative that owners prevent these parasites by using one of the many commercially available products that protect pets from fleas and ticks.

Our staff and veterinarians will help you choose the correct product based on your pets risk factors and health status. We carry topical flea prevention for cats and dogs, topical tick repellent/prevention for dogs, as well as oral flea prevention for dogs. Many of our flea and tick prevention products provide additional benefits, as well, including internal parasite control and even heartworm preventative.

To keep your pet healthy, regular visits to the veterinarian ensures their proper development.

Primary care services performed at our hospitals are the basic services every pet needs. These services include spays and neuters, health exams, laboratory and pharmacy services, and dental care.

To keep your pet healthy, regular visits to the veterinarian ensures their proper development.

Wellness exams are performed to prevent disease or sickness and help to ensure your pets continue to stay healthy. These services include vaccinations, parasite control, wellness exams, and even weight management support.

Our doctors will assess your pet’s health with a complete physical exam, medical history and lifestyle report to help create a plan for disease prevention. This also allows us to catch any potential issues as early as possible, and plan the best treatment course for your pet.

An essential part in disease prevention is vaccinations. Vaccinations protect your pet from common infectious diseases, and help reduce the incidence of serious transmissible disease in the pet population as a whole.

A Wellness Exam will not only help flag any potential problems with your pet's health, but they are also important in creating an overall medical history for your pet. By meeting regularly with your pet, your veterinarian is able to become better acquainted with their personal history, and is able to offer more personalized care. For pets who are 7 years and younger, Wellness Exams are recommended annually. Pets age much quicker than humans so for pets over 7 years of age, Wellness Exams are recommended at least twice a year, to screen for any sign of illness or diseases.

A Wellness Exam will include the following:

• A consultation with your veterinarian during which you will discuss your pet's day-to-day routine as well as any health concerns or questions you may have. You might be asked questions about his or her activity level, personality and nutrition.
• A hands-on examination performed by your veterinarian, which will assess your pet's overall health from nose to tail. Areas examined will include the abdomen, head and neck, eyes, ears, mouth and skin. In addition, the doctor will also evaluate your pet’s musculoskeletal system, as well as listen to their heart and lungs.

Other, additional annual preventive care is typically performed at the time of a Wellness Exam include:

• Vaccines ̶ your veterinarian will update any necessary vaccines.
• Intestinal Parasite Exam ̶ a stool sample will be sent off to the lab to check for any worms or other intestinal parasites
• Additional Diagnostic Testing ̶ any additional diagnostic testing pertinent to your pet's life stage. This could include blood tests, urinalysis, or radiographs as needed.

Dental Care for Your Pet - How to Keep that Healthy Smile!

Dogs and cats don't often get cavities. But they do frequently suffer from other types of dental disease. Periodontal or gum disease, is the number one illness found in both dogs and cats.

What you need to know about dental care for your pet

Dental disease can cause serious problems for your pet, ranging from gum inflammation and tooth loss to infection and even organ damage.

Up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats that don't receive proper dental care will develop signs of dental disease by the age of three.

Dental disease can be easily prevented by following your veterinarian's advice regarding dental examinations, home care, and dental cleanings.

The dangers of periodontal disease

Without proper dental care, your pet will most likely suffer from bad breath, inflamed gums, missing, loose, or broken teeth, and all of the pain and discomfort such problems can cause. Dental disease can also lead to systemic health problems in dogs and cats. The good news, however, is that dental disease is easily prevented by regular dental examinations, home care, and dental cleanings. What is periodontal disease? Periodontal disease is an infection caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque. It often begins with discoloration on the teeth. Without regular dental cleanings, this plaque builds up and turns into tartar. Tartar can dig into the gums, where bacteria can become trapped and cause infections. If left unchecked, periodontal disease can lead to serious pain, infection, and tooth loss. The infection can also result in bacteria entering the bloodstream and damaging other organs or body systems in your pet. It can also complicate other underlying diseases, such as diabetes or chronic sinusitis.

Prevention is the best answer

While the damage caused by periodontal disease is sometimes irreversible, it can be halted with antibiotics and regular cleaning. The wisest solution is to stop the disease before it starts.

Annual cleanings

Beginning at age one, your pet should have an annual dental examination and cleaning performed by your veterinarian. A thorough cleaning removes plaque and tartar both above and below the gum line. This proactive treatment is aimed at maintaining the natural oral defenses so that periodontal disease and other dental problems have a harder time becoming established. A good home care program can tremendously extend the positive effects of the professional cleaning.

Brushing

The best form of oral home care is daily brushing with a soft toothbrush. There is no better way of removing the disease-causing dental plaque. Your veterinarian can show you how to do it, and provide special brushes, toothpastes, and oral gels specifically made for pets.  We can also tell you about special treats that help control dental plaque.

Dental diets

Dry food is generally better than canned for tooth health. However, you'll get the best results with specially formulated foods that have been proven effective in combating plaque and tartar buildup. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Safe and Compassionate Surgical Care for Your Pet’s Health Needs

Our hospital offers many General Surgery Services that include a variety of common and elective procedures performed under general anesthesia.

Examples of common surgeries include: spay (ovariohysterectomy), neuter (castration), lump removal and biopsy, laceration repair, abscess and wound repair, exploratory surgery, removal of gastrointestinal foreign bodies, enucleation (eye removal), cystotomy (removal of bladder stones), and skin biopsy.

As these procedures usually require general anesthesia, please refer to our Anesthesia Services for a detailed description of our offerings. We routinely use pain management medication in our general surgeries to ensure your pet's comfort. Please refer also to our Pain Management Services for a detailed description.

Ask our staff if you have questions about our General Surgery Services.

Convenient On-Site Pharmacy for Your Pet’s Medications

For your convenience, our hospital has an in-house pharmacy, enabling you to pick up your pet's medications at the time of your visit.

While we may not carry every medication, we keep the most commonly prescribed medications in stock. If your pet requires a medication that we do not carry, your veterinarian will order it for you and contact you when it arrives.

If you have any questions about the medications we carry, please call ahead and we may be able to pre-order it for you.

With medical imaging, our teams can find the best care to dispense to your dog or cat

When we need to figure out what’s wrong with your pet, we routinely use x-rays to help identify the cause of the problem, rule out possible problems, or provide a list of possible causes. We may also use x-rays during a wellness exam to diagnose potential problems before they become serious.

X-rays provide valuable information about a pet’s bones, gastrointestinal tract (stomach, intestines, colon), respiratory tract (lungs), heart, and genitourinary system (bladder, prostate). We use radiology alone or in conjunction with other diagnostic tools. Interpretation of radiographs requires great skill on the part of the veterinarian.

We are proud to offer digital radiology (x-rays that are captured digitally rather than on film). This state-of-the-art technology allows us to provide you with a quicker diagnosis for your pet. Plus, it uses less radiation than traditional x-rays.

To avoid a blurry image, pets need to remain completely still while an x-ray is taken. In some cases, we may need to sedate your pet or use short-acting general anesthesia.

Ask our staff or veterinarians if you have questions about our Radiology Services.

At any time, you are never far from one of our teams that will take care of your companion during an emergency.

In an Emergency

VCA Canada Burlington network of hospitals has veterinarians and veterinary technicians or assistants present during regular business hours listed in the individual clinic section. As pet-parents ourselves, we know that it is very stressful to have a sick pet. We have a very flexible visitation policy so that you may come and see your pet almost any time of the day. Please call us to make arrangements.

If your pet has an emergency when we’re closed, please bring them to:

Mississauga Oakville Veterinary Emergency Hospital
2285 Bristol Circle,
Oakville, On L6H 6P8
905-829-9444

Burlington Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital
775 Woodview Rd,
Burlington, ON L7N 3S1
905-637-8111

Customized Nutrition Plans for Every Stage of Your Pet’s Life

Our Hospital is happy to offer a variety of Nutrition Services for your pet. Obesity is the number one nutritional problem facing pets today and can lead to severe health problems if not addressed. If your pet is overweight or obese, contact us today for a full evaluation.

Pets with certain medical conditions such as liver, kidney, bladder, heart disease, or obesity often require specific nutritional therapy to minimize symptoms of their disease. If your pet has any of these conditions, contact your veterinarian to discuss possible dietary recommendations or alterations.

Other pets that may benefit from nutritional services include new kittens or puppies, geriatric pets, or pets eating a home-cooked diet. Contact our veterinarians for a detailed evaluation of your pet's nutritional needs. We are happy to discuss different types of nutrition and supplements that may benefit your pet and allow them to reach or maintain their optimal health level.

Professional Help for Pet Behaviour Problems—Rooted in Medical and Behavioural Expertise

Expert Veterinary Advice from Home with Our Virtual Care Services

Virtual Care allows you to connect with your veterinarian from the comfort of your home. These virtual visits are great for general concerns about your pet, nutrition consults, or behaviour concerns. Our veterinarians are here to provide you with the guidance and answers you need to keep your pet happy and healthy. Your Virtual Care appointment will be booked just like a regular veterinary visit, and you will be speaking with your veterinarian or a veterinarian at our hospital.

Please note, that by their nature, Virtual Care appointments are limited, and certain conditions may require a physical exam and/or additional testing to provide an accurate diagnosis or treatment. If an in-hospital visit is needed, we will be happy to schedule one for you. Please read below to find out more about Virtual Care at VCA Canada. Please call us to see what services we offer.