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Did you know that Lilies are toxic to pets?

On March 29, 2018   /   Community Relations  

Lilies are toxic to dogs and cats. That includes the flower, stem, pollen, and even the water in the vase!
Keep lilies out of your home to keep your pets safe. If your little loved one comes in contact with a toxin, contact a veterinarian right away.

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Five signs it’s time to take your pet to the ER

On February 3, 2018   /   ACCESS Los Angeles, ACCESS San Fernando Valley, ACCESS South Bay, Community Relations, Critical Care  

 

If only pets could talk! Even if pets can’t necessarily voice their problems, there are signs that you should watch out for that can point to injury or illness:

  • Bleeding: Even minor cuts, bleeding masses, or bite wounds have the potential of getting infected.
  • Difficulty breathing: Increased respiratory rate or effort while your pet is at rest could indicate major problems within the thorax, such as issues with the heart and/or lungs 
  • Vomiting/Diarrhea: Because both of these signs can cause dehydration, it is always better to bring your pet in for evaluation rather than let the illness persist 
  • Seizures: These may present as full body convulsions, or even just a “fly-biting” facial twitch. Although the brain is commonly the culprit for this, there are other disease processes that could cause this type of behavior.
  • Lameness: A limping/lame pet is a painful pet. It is always warranted to have a veterinarian evaluate if this sign is noted.

By catching the signs early and getting your pet evaluated as soon as possible, you are being the best advocate for your pet that you can be! Although we’re showcasing these five signs, please also keep in mind that there are many other signs that may indicate need for a veterinarian’s evaluation. Pets that have hives, possible toxin ingestion, cats or dogs that are straining to urinate, or any animal who is severely lethargic or not eating may also be in danger. If you are considering whether or not to bring your pet to the emergency room, it is always best to just take him or her and know that you are doing all you can to “speak” for your pet.

A big thank you to Danielle Sawyer DVM, Practice Limited to Emergency and Critical Care, for helping us with this list…

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6 Things to Consider When Getting a Pet

On February 1, 2018   /   ACCESS Los Angeles, ACCESS San Fernando Valley, ACCESS South Bay, Community Relations  

1. Cost
Your new little family member is going to require a lot – food, licensing, routine vaccinations and exams, a spay/neuter, emergency room visits, and in some cases they may need specialty care or even lifelong medication. If you’re thinking about getting a dog, cat, or exotic pet, make sure you have a little bit of savings to care for them.

2. Lifespan
There are many, many different species of animals and they all have a different life expectancy. It’s preferred to give your pet a great forever home, so if you’re not ready to care for a Macaw for 50 years, consider a dog. If you think you won’t be able to live with a Golden for 12 years, consider a hamster!

3. Husbandry
Do you know what you’re actually supposed to feed your bunny, dog, pig, duck, or rat? Make sure you know what your pet needs to stay healthy. That means speaking with veterinarians—don’t just trust what you’ve read online!

4. Toxins
Are you ready to pet-proof your home? Things that we consider safe can sometimes be fatal to our pets! Make sure you research common toxins for your pet and speak with a veterinary professional if you have any questions. Just because your Aunt told you her dog ate chocolate and was fine does not mean that chocolate isn’t a toxin—don’t accept anecdotal evidence!

5. Adjustment Period
It’s going to take some time for your new best friend to get used to their new home, family, and schedule—take it easy! Just like people, each animal has their own likes and dislikes and certain things can make them nervous. Know that they may have an adjustment period as they get settle in with their new forever family. (https://giphy.com/gifs/ObfpYXp3YZ3Ms)

6. Illness
Not many people know that animals can get sick and they don’t always show it right away. Brush up on the ways your pet can show that they’re in pain as well as other abnormal symptoms. Illness can range from vomiting and diarrhea to asthma and heart failure to kidney failure, and certain species or breeds are predisposed to some serious conditions. Always call your primary veterinarian if you’re concerned about your pet.

Always remember, adopt don’t shop!

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Dr. Zimmerman visits Costa Rica…

On December 12, 2017   /   ACCESS South Bay, Community Relations, General, Our Staff  


During a recent trip to Costa Rica, I had the amazing opportunity to visit the Jaguar Rescue Center and donate much needed medical supplies on behalf of ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospital — South Bay.

The Jaguar Rescue Center (JRC) is a temporary or permanent home for ill, injured and orphaned animals in southern Costa Rica, just outside of Puerto Viejo. With a focus on birds, reptiles, amphibians and small primates, the JRC provides veterinary services, round-the-clock care and comfort to animals that would otherwise be unable to survive in the rainforest or the sea of the Caribbean.

The JRC has a full-service hospital where injured or ill animals receive medications, special diets, physical therapy, and even surgery! The primary goal of the JRC is rehabilitation and return to the wild. In this, the JRC has an amazing track record. The La Ceiba Primary Forest serves as a release point for animals which will be returned to the wild. Even animals who cannot be released due to injury can be taken on “day excursions” into the primary forest. An amazing example I witnessed was an anteater who had suffered brain damage after being struck by a vehicle. He would not survive alone in the wild. He does, however, get the opportunity daily to experience the wild of the primary forest with a chaperone.

The JRC finds space and rehabilitates any and all animals native to the area, even full grown crocodiles! One of the more recognizable animals in Costa Rica is the sloth. Many sloth babies are orphaned when the mother is electrocuted grabbing an electrical wire rather than a tree or vine. The rehabilitation of an orphan is an extensive process. If a sloth cannot be returned to the wild, they can live up to 40 years, a big commitment! The permanent residents are given proper food, exercise, and access to the beach or jungle to maintain the best quality of life.

If you would like to donate or visit the Jaguar Rescue Center, please find them at jaguarrescue.foundation/

Click on the below pics to enjoy ‘bigger’ cuteness…
Discover more about Dr. Zimmerman

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Achilles Finds A Forever Home

On August 7, 2017   /   ACCESS Los Angeles, Client Stories, Community Relations  

Achilles came to ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospital – Los Angeles when he was dropped off by a Good Samaritan, bloody and covered in mats. Our team shaved him down and found a gnarly injury on his hind leg. With no family and a desperate need for surgery, things were looking rough for this pup!

Luckily, Casey, an RVT in our emergency room, stepped in and adopted him. She named him Achilles, given the injury that brought them together, and after his leg was amputated, he was able to come home.

He loves his new family and gets around quite well on three legs!




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ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals at ACVIM 2017!

On June 14, 2017   /   ACCESS Los Angeles, ACCESS San Fernando Valley, ACCESS South Bay, Community Relations, Continuing Education, Our Staff  

We had a blast at ACVIM, which is a veterinary conference for all of the specialties under the Internal Medicine College such as cardiology, neurology, and internal medicine.

We spent two full days in our booth in the exhibit hall to meet new doctors, specialists, and technicians. It was so nice to catch up with old friends Luke and Indy from Puppy Up, and of course our veterinary pals.

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