In general, there are four main categories of pet surgeries:
    •    Soft Tissue
    •    Orthopedics
    •    Neurosurgery
    •    Dental Extractions

An array of in-house surgical services in the above categories are offered at the Lakeshore Animal Hospital ranging from routine to advanced. Most common surgical services performed include:
    •    Spays & Neutering
    •    Dental Extractions
    •    Urinary & Pelvic
    •    Tumour Mass Removal
    •    Knee Surgery
    •    Cleft Palate & Nasal Correction
    •    Eye & Ear
    •    Abdominal | Foreign Body Removals
    •    Skin Grafting

What should I do to prepare my dog/ my cat for surgery?
As pet owners ourselves we understand that any kind of surgery that your pet will undergo – no matter how routine – can be worrying for you and your entire family. But fear not, your veterinarian will make sure that you are well-informed in advance of your pet’s operation. The precautions you will need to take will depend on your pet’s unique case.

How long can pet surgeries take?
The duration of surgery will depend on its complexity and your pet’s unique condition and health status. Surgeries usually take between 2 to 4 hours. In addition, the amount of time it will take for your pet to recover also varies significantly, lasting anywhere from a few days to several months. With less invasive operations like spays/neuters, your pet can actually go home with you that very same day. But more complicated surgeries may require them to board with us afterwards.

Referrals
To ensure that our animal receive the best possible care, we occasionally refer them to specialists to perform more complex procedures when advanced equipment or training would be beneficial.

In veterinary medicine, conditions arise that simply cannot be seen or detected on an external assessment. This is why diagnostics are so important. These tools allow us to see beneath the surface to identify, diagnose and treat a number of medical conditions. Veterinary diagnostics include laboratory assessments and digital radiology (x-rays and ultrasound) to aid in determining the source your pet’s discomfort. Our in-clinic laboratory provides services such as bloodwork, heartworm/Lyme screening, urine and fecal testing and cytology.

Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions affecting cats and dogs today. If left untreated, periodontal and other dental disease can cause chronic pain, infection, and contribute to the damage of vital organs including the heart, liver and kidneys. This may be prevented with a home oral health routine and professional veterinary dental cleanings as needed. For our dental procedures, we offer ultrasonic scaling and polishing, as well as dental x-rays and extractions if required.  
What are the symptoms of dental problems in pets?  Please call us and schedule an appointment if you see that your dog or cat has bleeding, bad breath, swollen gums, difficulty chewing, loose teeth, bumps in their mouth and blood on their toys/water bowls. These are all signs of dental health problems.
Our caregivers are happy to discuss dental preventative care and/or treatment to ensure your pet has a happy healthy mouth.

Rashes, sores, lumps, dandruff, dry skin and even hair loss are some of the most common reasons why pets come to our practice. If you consider that a dog’s skin can make up approximately a quarter of their body weight, this makes perfect sense. If you think your pet is suffering from a dermatological issue, please call us at 905.991.0199 so that the clinic can examine them and get to the root of their skin issues.

What are the signs of skin problems in pets?
Some of the most common indicators of skin problems in pets are dryness, redness, sores, scaling, itching, shedding and hair loss, as well as excessive licking and scratching. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, cat or other pet, please contact us right away.

What types of skin conditions can pets develop?
It depends on their species, age and unique condition. For instance, dogs usually get rashes, hair loss, sores, dandruff, dry skin and lumps. Cats, on the other hand, are more prone to feline acne, mange, abscesses and even stress-induced hair loss. Pocket pets and exotic animals can also develop skin conditions. Feather plucking, for example, is a condition that many birds suffer from.

Why is my pet itching? What are the causes of skin conditions in pets?
Parasites, infections and allergies are the most common reasons for skin problems in pets. Underlying health issues such as lupus, ringworm or a yeast infection can also cause several skin reactions, in addition to their other symptoms.

What kinds of treatments are available to address skin issues in pets?
Once your pet has been diagnosed using visual exams and other tests, if necessary, they can get on the path to good health. Dr. Nabeel may prescribe one or a combination of topical and oral medications. Other treatments for dermatological problems include laser therapy and surgery.

We feel nutrition plays a vital role in the health and well being of your pet. That is why we offer a wide variety of veterinary diets for all life stages and disease conditions. The facility carries a variety of food options onsite or by special order.  
For overweight patients, we offer a free weight loss program which includes monthly weigh ins and consultations with our knowledgeable friendly technicians. Our technicians will provide a prescription weight loss diet program to meet your pet’s specific nutritional needs. Weight management will reduce the risk of your pet developing many medical issues such as osteoarthritis, diabetes, heart and respiratory disease, and cruciate ligament injury, and help your pet live a longer, healthier life.

For us here at Lakeshore Animal Hospital, our pets are more than just loyal companions, they really are members of our family. We understand the impossible position that you now find yourself in as your pet enters the ending of their life. Please rest assured that our team will be with you every step of the way. Do not think twice about reaching out to us with any of your questions about our euthanasia services.

When is the right time for euthanasia?
The choice will always be up to you and your loved ones. Dr. Nabeel will explain to you all of the options that you have at hand, and if euthanasia is a viable one for your pet’s case.

When is pet euthanasia usually recommended?
Usually, a discussion about euthanasia may take place if your pet is suffering from a terminal illness or chronic pain that is no longer responsive to treatment. If your pet, for example, no longer has control of their bodily functions, or can no longer eat, drink or move around properly, it may be time to consider euthanasia.

What happens during a pet euthanasia? Is it painful?
The process is 100% pain-free for your pet. They will feel like they are falling to sleep. The euthanasia drug is administered via injection. Once your pet has been injected, they will gradually lose consciousness. Then, the medication will cause their organs to fail.

Can I stay with my pet during their euthanasia?
Absolutely. You can stay with your pet throughout the entire procedure, so that you can properly say your goodbyes. Our unique ‘living room’ environment makes for an intimate setting for your last pet moments.

At Lakeshore Animal Hospital we typically see our cherished patients on an appointment basis. However, we can treat walk-in or emergency cases during our operational hours.  If your pet needs urgent medical care, and our practice is closed, please contact Niagara Veterinary Emergency Clinic | 905.641.3185 or Oakville Lakeshore Animal Hospital | 289.949.1263.

Dr. Nabeel is a veterinarian specializing in big cat/large animal medicine, which is not typically treated by standard small animal vets.  Big cats have unique needs, requiring expertise in their anatomy, physiology, and potential diseases.  Please call 905.353.0005 for more information and to speak with Dr. Nabeel directly.

Getting your pet started on a proper vaccination program early will help keep them healthy for life. As the immunity their mother provided them starts to wane, it is important to time the vaccines properly, so their own immune system is prepared to protect them from exposure to diseases.

Vaccines help protect against common infectious diseases seen in cats and dogs. They stimulate the body’s immune system to attack and ‘remember’ the infectious organism so your pet can fight against the infection again in the future (if necessary). Without vaccines, many cats will become seriously ill due to a virus in their body that they are unable to fight off on their own effectively. The use of vaccines has prevented death and diseases in millions of pets. Vaccines also protect people from diseases, such as rabies, that can be transmitted from pets to humans.

Deworming is an important part of your pet’s preventative health care program. Intestinal parasites can occur in both cats and dogs, especially when they venture outdoors. Parasites can deprive your pet of essential nutrients and cause digestive upset. Some can also be transmissible to other animals and humans. Our veterinarians will talk with you about your pet’s risk level for parasitism and set up a schedule for deworming that is tailored to your pet’s needs.

One aspect of responsible pet ownership is having your pet spayed or neutered. Not only are you helping to control pet overpopulation, but spaying and neutering can also help eliminate or significantly reduce the risk of developing certain health and behaviour issues.

Having your pet microchipped is highly recommended for a multitude of reasons, such as if your dog happened to break free from their collar or if your cat slipped out the front door. If found, a permanent form of identification for your pet will help ensure they make their way back to you. We can complete a microchip service at any time. However, it is most common to do this during the spay or neutering procedure.

It is important to take your pet in for their annual exam to be prescribed a flea and tick prevention medication to protect them from dangerous parasites. It is especially important from the spring to fall season and for pets who travel often. Call us to discuss the importance of year-round parasite prevention.

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