Mountainside 24/7 Animal Emergency
Community animal hospital offering 24 hour emergency animal veterinary services
Happy First Day of Winter! ❄
We wanted to take this opportunity to remind you that extremely cold temperatures can cause serious problems for pets such as hypothermia, accidental antifreeze ingestion, burns caused by fires or space heaters, and more.
Check out this resource from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association for more winter pet safety tips: https://bit.ly/3R8R24r
Happy Holidays! We wanted to take this time to say that we are here for you and your pets!
We are open 24/7 if you experience a pet emergency during the upcoming holidays.
📞 604-973-1247
📍 2580 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4H2, Canada
Tails of Triumph! 🐾
Grandpa, our sneaky troublemaker, couldn't resist a snack when he found some groceries left unattended. With the pet sitter away, he climbed up and treated himself to a feast which included a bag of pistachios, three bagels, an English muffin, a cupcake, and a nibble of a candle!
Caught in the act, Grandpa was quickly brought in to induce vomiting. After a bit of effort, he successfully brought up a bunch of the half-digested goodies. This isn't his first food mishap; Grandpa, our determined scavenger, always finds a way to munch on what he fancies. If you have a hungry pup with a taste for trouble, we're here to lend a helping hand!
Extremely cold temperatures can cause serious problems for animals who are outside for even short periods of time. Most pets are not able to withstand temperatures below freezing.❄️
Keep this in mind when traveling with your furry friends.
If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet! Please be sure to take the necessary precautions.❄
When cold weather strikes, most of us kick up the thermostat and spend most of our time indoors. However, if you are the adventurous type, you may want to bundle up and head out for some wintertime fun that includes your pet. Whether you rent a cabin in the mountains or go for a winter hike, you’ll want to watch out for winter-related pet issues.
Check out our blog on cold weather safety for your pets here: https://www.mountainside24er.ca/news/cold-weather-safety
There’s still time to donate to our Holiday Giving Tree here at Mountainside! Stop by and pick out an ornament and help a pet in need 🐾
Broken teeth are very common in pets and can result from trauma or from chewing on hard objects such as marrow bones, cow hooves, and even ice. As a rule of thumb, if a toy is harder than your fingernail it should be avoided.
A broken tooth can be painful if infected or if the pulp cavity is exposed, which is the inner part of the tooth with nerve and blood supply.
If your pet has a broken or injured tooth, it is important to seek medical care immediately. If you act quickly and your pet gets the right medical attention, they should recover well.
Symptoms can include difficulty chewing, excessive drooling, reluctance to eat, avoiding chew toys, or acting more aggressive/short-tempered.
Tails of Triumph! 🐾
When the handsome Clementine and his family recently moved, the stress took a toll, causing him to stop urinating for 24 hours. Due to past urinary issues, his owners promptly brought him to the vet, where it was confirmed that he had a urinary blockage. Clementine was hospitalized, a urinary catheter was inserted, and he was placed on IV fluid therapy.
After only 12 hours, Clementine, a star patient, was showing great improvement. However, to avoid a recurrence, the catheter remained in place. Clementine continued to show great improvement, and at the 30 hour mark, his urinary catheter was removed. Shortly after, to our delight, Clementine had a substantial urination in his litter box. This meant he was ready to go home! Back home, his owner reports he immediately returned to his usual self, adapting well to the new environment, free from stress. We're thrilled that this friendly feline is thriving in his new house!
Our Holiday Giving Trees are up and accepting donations!
You can donate by finding one of our Giving Trees at Mountainside or at one of the participating clinics:
🐾 Westview Vet
🐾 Hollyburn Vet
🐾 Skyline Vet
🐾 Lonsdale Place Vet
🐾 North Shore Vet
🐾 Waterfront Vet
🐾 All About Cats
You can also donate online here: https://bit.ly/4a8mibk
This is a reminder that both dogs and cats are known to ingest antifreeze (an unfortunately sweet tasting substance). This often occurs when antifreeze isn't stored properly or isn't placed out of paw's reach. Antifreeze can cause serious nervous system damage, kidney failure, and death. All it takes is less than a tablespoon!
If your pet has ingested antifreeze, there is an antidote! However, it is EXTREMELY important to get treatment for your pet as soon as possible. Contact Mountainside at 604-973-1247 right away. You can also call the Pet Poison Hotline at at 1-800-213-6680.
Happy International Day of Veterinary Medicine! 🐾💙🩺
Mountainside 24/7 Emergency would like to recognize and celebrate the hard work, dedication, and kindness that our veterinary professionals extend to our patients and their families every day.
We truly appreciate the compassion that veterinarians, technicians, and support team members have for all animals. Join us in saying THANK YOU to everyone who ensures the well-being of the pets placed in their loving care - we are forever grateful!
Happy Hanukkah! Wishing you and your family a season full of light and love. 🕎💛
We at Mountainside are thrilled to be teaming up with the SPCA this Holiday season to spread joy to the adorable animals eagerly awaiting their forever homes.
In the spirit of giving, we have set up Christmas trees in clinics across North and West Vancouver to bring in donations for pets in need. To accompany that effort, we have set up this online fundraiser to provide another way to give to the tremendous cause. It's a wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact, and we would love for you to be a part of it!
You can donate by finding one of our Giving Trees at Mountainside or at one of the participating clinics:
🐾 Westview Vet
🐾 Hollyburn Vet
🐾 Skyline Vet
🐾 Lonsdale Place Vet
🐾 North Shore Vet
🐾 Waterfront Vet
🐾 All About Cats
You can also donate online here: https://bit.ly/4a8mibk
Tails of Triumph! 🐾
The resilient Charli has spent a lot of time stealing our hearts this year as she battled recurrent aspiration pneumonia secondary to Megaesophagus. Megaesophagus in dogs is a disorder in which the esophagus becomes flaccid, consequently losing its ability to transport food. When this disorder occurs, food accumulates in the animal's esophagus and causes frequent regurgitation, leading to aspiration pneumonia if the food enters the lungs.
Charli’s most recent case of aspiration pneumonia was quite severe, and she spent 13 days in the hospital receiving antibiotics, IV fluids, aggressive oxygen therapy, and lots of love from our staff. After 7 days, her repeat x-rays showed improvement in her condition; however, her symptoms were still present. Charli remained in the hospital until she was able to maintain her oxygen levels on room air. At the 13-day mark, this was achieved, and Charli was able to go home for ongoing outpatient care. Charli has now been home for over a month and has continued to improve.
Due to her condition, Charli needs to be fed her food in small meatballs in an upright position. This can be done by holding them upright, feeding in a special chair, or, in Charli’s case, sitting upright at the counter while sniffing for food!
It is suspected that Charli’s megaesophagus is part of a larger condition called Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy or GOLPP. Unfortunately, this is a degenerative disease, and treatment involves conservative management to prevent complications, including limiting exercise, feeding in an upright position, and physical therapy to maintain muscle mass. Despite this diagnosis, Charli continues to live a full life, thanks to continuous effort from her owners and quality medical care.
Cats are remarkable athletes! 🐈 Their superiority in speed, precision, and flexibility are only matched by their extraordinary ability to sleep 12 to 16 hours a day. When they aren't sleeping, these little speed gymnasts can sometimes accidentally get into potentially hazardous situations. One instance could be their collars catching on protruding objects, trapping or injuring them. Cats may also try to escape their collar and catch their leg or their lower jaw in the collar, making it hard for them to move. If anything like this happens to a cat without anyone around, it can be extremely dangerous for them.
Breakaway collars are a great solution that can help keep your cat safe. Some people think collars are not necessary for cats that don't go outside or that they won't tolerate them. But cats can get out accidentally so for their safety, inside or outside, we recommend getting them used to wearing one. Breakaway collars save cat lives! ❤😸
Tails of Triumph! 🐾
Two-month-old Charlie visited Mountainside after picking up and eating what appeared to be a cigarette from the ground. His owners noticed something was wrong when Charlie became wobbly, sleepy, and refused his food. When he arrived at the hospital it was clear that what he picked up had contained ma*****na.
Ma*****na toxicity has an excellent prognosis for full recovery if appropriate supportive care is taken. Symptoms can include excitability or drowsiness, changes in behavior including vocalization, wobbly gait, abnormal eye movements, increase or decrease in body temperature, muscle weakness, and sometimes vomiting.
Often ma*****na toxicity can be treated with outpatient management, however because of Charlie’s low heart rate, they were encouraged to hospitalize for supportive measures, decontamination, and monitoring.
After hours in hospital, with the help of fluids and charcoal, Charlie was once again playful and interactive. Charlie went home that morning and has been doing well since. If you notice signs of ma*****na toxicity, please seek care at your nearest emergency facility. We’re here to help!
November is . If left untreated, diabetes can cause a number of serious health issues. Factors that may lead to diabetes include middle to older age, genetics, breed, and obesity.
If you notice any of the following signs, you should reach out to your primary care veterinarian immediately:
🐾 Excessive water drinking and increased urination
🐾 Weight loss, even though there may be an increased appetite
🐾 Decreased appetite
🐾 Cloudy eyes (especially in dogs)
🐾 Chronic or recurring infections (eg. skin infections and urinary infections)
The earlier the diagnosis, the better chance your pet may have for a longer and healthier life.
A disease like Parvovirus in dogs is highly contagious and can have deadly consequences. Here’s what you need to know:
🐩 Parvovirus attacks the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system
💩 The main way that dogs contract Parvovirus is through the f***s (stool) of infected dogs
🐶 Parvovirus can affect puppies too young to be vaccinated, puppies within their vaccination course, and unvaccinated adult dogs
🐕 Vaccinating your pet is the only way to protect them from the disease
Some of the signs of parvovirus include lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and bloating, fever or low body temperature (hypothermia), vomiting, and severe (often bloody) diarrhea. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, and damage to the intestines and immune system can cause septic shock.
If your dog exhibits symptoms of parvovirus, call Mountainside 24/7 Animal Emergency at (604) 973-1247, we are open 24/7. The quicker they can be treated, the better the chance of recovery.
Lymphoma is one of the most common forms of canine cancer and affects the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and bone marrow.
The first symptom that dogs with lymphoma usually show is swollen lymph nodes. Dogs with lymphoma may also develop lethargy, fever, anorexia, weakness, and dehydration as the disease progresses. Awareness of symptoms can help catch serious diseases like lymphoma earlier which often leads to a better prognosis.
Always notify your primary care veterinarian if your pet exhibits unusual symptoms. If your veterinarian suspects that your pet may have cancer, they may refer you to an oncology specialist for advanced diagnostics and further treatment.
Tails of Triumph! 🐾
The crisp mountain air, the untouched powder, and the thrill of backcountry skiing – it's a combination that adventure enthusiasts live for. But what happens when man's best friend joins in on the excitement and faces an unexpected challenge? Meet Blueberry, who, during an exciting day at Seymour, encountered more than just the thrill of the slopes.
Blueberry was with his owner on a back-country skiing adventure when he accidentally collided with the edge of a ski, and cut the outside of his right forepaw. His owner wrapped the wound and made a speedy trip to Mountainside Animal Emergency to be assessed.
Despite the unforeseen injury, this four-legged adventurer maintained his sweet, bright demeanor. Blueberry’s examination revealed a 3-inch laceration, deep to the bone but was no longer actively bleeding. The decision was made to proceed with surgical repair. Local anesthetic was administered and the wound was flushed thoroughly with sterile saline to remove any dirt and potential debris. The wound was sutured closed and Blueberry returned home later that day.
Once his paw was fully healed, Blueberry was able to return to his adventurous lifestyle, ready to conquer the slopes once more!
Fall calls for all kinds of autumn decorations around the house to kick off the season! But many decorations can look like fun new toys or tasty treats to your pets. Be mindful this season when putting up new décor around the house and do what you can to proactively prevent accidents!
Keep what you can out of reach and double-check that any new plants, foods, and household products are pet safe before bringing them into your house: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
We hope your fall season is fun and safe for all family, friends, and pets! 🐕🐈🍂🍁
‼️ Lost cat ‼️
Please see the flyer below for details.
Jumping into a pile of leaves is full of fall fun! 🍁🍂🍁🍂 However, this environment can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Here are a few outdoor hazards to watch out for and tips to help keep your pets safe this season:
🍁 Monitor your pets when they are outside exploring new fall foliage that may be toxic.
🍁 Clear out any small sticks or items that may damage their gastrointestinal tract if ingested.
🍁 Inspect their fur regularly for ticks, fleas, or small wounds.
🍁 Check paw pads to ensure they don’t have any foxtails, thorns, or other materials stuck between their fur.
Tails of Triumph! 🐾
⚠️ This video contains graphic images ⚠️
When Millie’s owners returned home after work, they discovered that Millie had a small injury near her eye and decided to bring her to Mountainside to be assessed. Upon examination, it was discovered that the injury had a small skin flap that would heal well with a couple of sutures.
Millie’s owners agreed to have her undergo the minor procedure in order to repair the wound. Millie was sedated and the area was also locally blocked with a numbing agent given the sensitive nature of the area. The area was cleaned and extraneous fur was removed to facilitate a more sterile area for the sutures. The wound was closed with three stitches.
Millie recovered well from the procedure and was able to return home the following morning with post-operative pain medications as well as antibiotics. She has recovered well from her suturing, and is doing great!
The holidays are here, along with packed schedules, busy days, tempting fatty foods, and endless distractions. The hectic holidays are an opportunistic pet’s potential recipe for disaster. Use our pet safety checklist outlined in our latest blog to prevent a pet emergency this holiday season.
Check out our latest blog post on our website for our checklist to prepare for your pet’s safety and comfort before the holiday: https://www.mountainside24er.ca/news/making-a-list-and-checking-it-twice-your-holiday-pet-safety-checklist
Tails of Triumph! 🐾
Meet Ohno, a charming fellow who recently faced a medical emergency that is more common in cats than you might think – a urinary obstruction. Ohno and his owner were visiting from LA when his owner noticed some behavioral changes. Ohno seemed agitated and was vocalizing and growling. He was also noted to be straining in his litterbox but with no successful output of urine. As Ohno had a history of urinary crystals as a kitten, his owner recognized the signs and brought him straight to Mountainside.
A quick diagnostic ultrasound confirmed that his bladder was very large and contained lots of sediment, indicating that he was unable to urinate, and was in fact blocked. Ohno was hospitalized and was immediately unblocked via the placement of a sterile urinary catheter under general anesthesia. After his bladder was relieved and the catheter secured in place with a couple of stitches, Ohno was admitted to the hospital for intensive monitoring and intravenous fluids to keep him hydrated. This also helps the medical team in tracking the amount of urine that is being output for urinary blockage patients.
Over the duration of Ohno’s hospital stay, his urine became clearer and he seemed to be doing quite well. His urinary catheter was then removed to determine if he was able to urinate on his own before being discharged home. Since his visit to the hospital, Ohno has been doing wonderfully. He road tripped back to LA in early September and is now back to enjoying all the comforts of his California lifestyle!
November is .
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 50% of dogs over age 10, and 25% of all dogs will develop cancer. Although there is less information for cats, our feline friends also commonly develop cancer.
Cancer can develop in any body system. Symptoms vary according to the organs affected, but may include:
• A lump or mass anywhere on your pet's body
• Difficulty eating or chewing, or a decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Persistent vomiting, drooling, or diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Bleeding from the nose or mouth
• Abdominal swelling
• A wound that will not heal
• Limping or lameness
• Excessive drinking/urinating
• Straining to defecate or urinate
Other diseases may cause similar symptoms, but reaching a diagnosis as quickly as possible is important. Cancer will not resolve on its own and early detection is critical for successful treatment.
If you have any questions about your pet’s health, please contact your veterinarian.
Tails of Triumph‼️ 🐾
One afternoon, sweet Gracie went out on an adventure around her neighborhood and returned home a few hours later with a significant wound on her left hind leg and was in distress. Her owners brought her straight to Mountainside where she was triaged upon her arrival. As she was open mouth breathing upon presentation, she was given supplementary oxygen and was given immediate pain relief for her leg.
Although there was no definitive cause for her leg injury, given its severity it was deemed to be a result of an animal attack. Upon closer examination, the wound was noted to extend to the underlying muscle. A treatment plan was discussed with her owners outlining the need for stitches for wound management, as well as pain medication and antibiotics to facilitate recovery post-op.
Gracie was sedated and her wounds sutured. She stayed overnight at the hospital to ensure she was recovering well from her anesthesia. She maintained stable vitals and her appetite returned to normal once she became more alert. Gracie returned home the next morning with instructions to monitor for any signs of complications to her wound such as swelling, discharge, or any decline in her appetite.
Gracie recovered well and returned to Mountainside two weeks later to have her sutures removed. Since her accident, this superstar has returned to her sassy self and has been enjoying the comforts of the great indoors.
October is National Animal Safety and Protection Month - a month dedicated to promoting the safe practices of handling and caring for all animals.
Here are a few simple things you can do for your pet today:
✅ Make sure your home is pet safe by keeping all toxic materials out of reach of curious pets. Here is a full list of pet toxins:
https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poisons/
✅ Microchip your pet in case they get lost
✅ Update all ID tags and information
✅ See your primary care veterinarian for a full physical exam to ensure your pet is in good health and up to date on all vaccines.
Mountainside 24/7 Animal Emergency is open 24/7/365 to provide emergency and urgent care veterinary services on the North Shore with wait times that are less than 2 hours on average. We accept emergencies, "walk-in" urgent cases, direct transfers, and referrals from family veterinarians.
If your pet has an emergency and is in need of care, please call us at (604) 973-1247 or visit us at 2580 Capilano Road in North Vancouver.
Learn more about our ER services here: https://bit.ly/3ZXHFHB.
Tails of Triumph‼️ 🐾
Meet Yoda, a 5-year-old cat who came to Mountainside when his owner noticed scabs and itching on his ears. As we began to investigate what was causing these symptoms, we discovered that the answer was not a simple one. As Yoda’s skin began to worsen, many diagnostics were performed to discover the cause including fungal cultures, allergy testing and more. Finally, skin biopsies revealed that Yoda had a rare autoimmune disease called Pemphigus Foliaceous.
Autoimmune diseases are extremely rare in cats and occur when the immune system begins to attack itself by mistake. Although they can’t be cured, there are treatment options available for this disease. Yoda started on prednisolone to help suppress his immune system, and he was finally on his way to recovery.
Yoda has had significant improvement in his skin. However, when the medication was tapered, the symptoms reoccurred, so Yoda will have to remain on prednisolone long term.
Chronic illnesses can be difficult diagnoses to receive, but with proper care, they can be managed well, and your pet can live a happy life!
You may enjoy a good scare on Halloween, but not when it’s caused by a pet emergency. Spooky decorations, trick-or-treaters, and creepy costumes are part of the festivities, but they can quickly turn your Halloween fun into a nightmare.🎃 🐾
Check out our latest blog post for four tips to keep your pet safe.
https://www.mountainside24er.ca/news/halloween-safety-tips-for-your-pet
Mountainside 24/7 Animal Emergency Community animal hospital offering 24 hour emergency animal veterinary services
From the moment your pet is brought into Mountainside 24/7 Animal Emergency, our veterinary technicians are actively working on creating a safe and calming environment. Our technicians always go above and beyond to ensure our pet patients are comfortable, loved, and get back to feeling their best selves as quickly as possible.
Veterinary technicians are guided by their passion for animals and their well-being and are some of the kindest and most caring individuals you will meet.
Thank you again to our tech teams for their hard work, passion, and dedication. Without you, we would not be able to deliver the caliber of care that we do!
This month we celebrate ! This week, we set aside to recognize and celebrate these important team members who perform a vital role in the health and well-being of our pets. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to recognize technicians’ tremendous contributions at Mountainside 24/7 Animal Emergency and in the veterinary community. ♥🩺
Here are a few facts you may not know about the veterinary technician role (it would be impossible to list them all!):
☑️ Veterinary technicians handle many of the same responsibilities that nurses and other professionals perform for physicians in human medicine. Like veterinarians, veterinary technicians are trained to work with several species of animals.
☑️ Veterinary technicians are trained to: take and record vital signs, obtain and record patient case histories, perform laboratory tests, take and develop radiographs (x-rays), draw blood, collect stool samples, sterilize equipment and exam rooms, administer medications, injections, IV fluids and anesthesia, assist in dental cleanings, remove sutures, clean wounds, and change dressings.
☑️ In addition to direct contact with patients, veterinary technicians also work closely with our clients to communicate patient history, vital signs, test results, at-home care instructions, and much more!
We already know our vet techs are superheroes who go above and beyond for the wellbeing of animals. But did you know it could be hardwired into their DNA?!
According to a study, one gene in particular has been shown to be the connection in people who have a ""greater-than-average"" compassion for animals! We wouldn't be surprised if our entire vet staff were truly born to do what they do. ♥🩺🐈🐕♥
Today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day! Although we love the different shapes and sizes of our pet patients, obesity can lead to many serious health issues including diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, decreased life expectancy, and cancer.
If you are concerned about your pet's weight, we recommend speaking with your primary care veterinarian to determine the most appropriate plan for diet and exercise.
Check out this resource from AVMA for more information about speaking to your veterinarian about your pet's weight: https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/your-pets-healthy-weight
Tails of Triumph‼️ 🐾
The handsome Anakin arrived at Mountainside when his concerned owner observed a concerning drop in his weight, despite being ravenous as well as some inappropriate urination. During his examination, the doctor observed that Anakin was slightly underweight, sparking concerns of potential renal disease, neoplasia, or diabetes.
Determined to unravel the mystery behind Anakin's weight loss, his owner opted for comprehensive diagnostics. We began with a blood glucose test, which returned results higher than the norm. Subsequent tests revealed various abnormalities, with Anakin's glucose and fructosamine levels significantly elevated. Based on these findings, Anakin received a diabetes diagnosis.
In order to closely monitor his glucose levels, Anakin was equipped with a state-of-the-art blood glucose monitor that can remain attached to his body for up to 14 days. This invaluable tool allowed us to maintain a vigilant watch on his glucose levels, and insulin was administered daily as needed. Anakin’s owner also switched his food from one that was 24% carbohydrates to one with less than 10%.
We're overjoyed to share that Anakin's reliance on insulin was short-lived. Nearly two months later, he has achieved remission from diabetes. Although ongoing monitoring every 6 months remains essential, we're thrilled to see him back in good health!
Cats are the only species that are able to achieve remission from diabetes. To be considered in remission, cats need to go 14 days without insulin and have 90% of their blood glucose tests come back normal. Luckily with a change in diet, Anakin was able to achieve this accomplishment!
If you suspect your cat may be showing signs of diabetes such as a ravenous appetite, increased urine output and water intake, or weight loss contact your veterinarian or visit your nearest emergency animal hospital.
October 10th is World Mental Health Day, raising public awareness of mental health issues around the globe through education and advocacy. 🧠🌎
Far from being all puppies and kittens, veterinarians face long hours, staffing shortages, financial pressures, and other challenges associated with providing medical care to so many pets in need, all of which take a mental toll.
Let's remember to show kindness and patience towards your veterinarian and hospital staff the next time you visit. ♥
NOMV Crisis Numbers: https://www.nomv.org/crisis-numbers/
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2580 Capilano Road
North Vancouver, BC
V7R4H2
231 East 15th Street
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