Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital of West Toronto

10/22/2025

Now that Thanksgiving has passed and the holiday season is in full swing, our homes are filling up with festive food, décor, and excitement — but also a few hidden hazards for our furry family members.

At Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital of West Toronto, we often see an increase in foreign body ingestion cases around this time of year. From leftover turkey bones to shiny tinsel, curious companions can be quick to swallow something they shouldn’t — and the consequences can be serious.

Read more on what happens when your furry companion eats something they shouldn't and beprepared on what to do next: https://bit.ly/3ITQeiE

10/21/2025

10/17/2025

As Vet Tech Week concludes, we extend our gratitude to our dedicated technicians. Their compassion, skill, and commitment ensure that pets and their families receive the very best care—day or night, holiday or weekend.

10/15/2025

Veterinary Technicians bring specialized knowledge and skills to every case. At Fairfield, our techs perform advanced nursing care, assist with diagnostics, and support our veterinarians in both emergency and specialty cases. Their dedication makes 24/7 emergency care possible.

10/13/2025

This week, we recognize our Veterinary Technicians. They are the advocates, caregivers, and medical professionals who ensure every patient receives the highest level of care. From assisting in surgery to monitoring anesthesia to comforting anxious patients, their expertise is essential to our team.

10/11/2025

Holiday gatherings often mean rich foods and tempting leftovers, but for dogs and cats, these can lead to serious emergencies.

🔸Bones can splinter and cause obstructions
🔸Onions and garlic can damage red blood cells
🔸Fatty foods can trigger pancreatitis

If you suspect your companion has eaten something unsafe, Fairfield Animal Hospital is open 24/7/365 to provide emergency care.

10/09/2025

Myth: Anesthesia is too risky for senior pets.
Fact: With modern techniques and close monitoring, anesthesia can be performed safely in older patients. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork, customized protocols, and vigilant monitoring all reduce risk and improve outcomes.

Delaying needed surgery due to age can sometimes create greater risks than anesthesia itself. Our team is here to ensure every patient receives safe, individualized care.

10/04/2025

Not every health concern requires an immediate trip to the ER—but some situations do. Bring your companion to the emergency hospital right away if you notice:

🔸Difficulty breathing or collapsing
🔸Seizures or sudden weakness
🔸Persistent vomiting or bloating
🔸Major trauma (car accident, fall, bite wound)

For less urgent concerns, your primary care veterinarian is the best first step. Knowing when to act can make all the difference.

09/30/2025

Today, we take a moment to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is an opportunity to reflect on the history and ongoing impact of residential schools, and to recognize the resilience of Indigenous communities across Canada.

While we remain open 24/7 for animal emergencies, we encourage our community to also take time for learning, listening, and supporting reconciliation efforts.

09/25/2025

Not all surgery means a long, painful recovery. Advances in veterinary surgery mean many procedures are less invasive, with faster healing times.

Common myths:
❌ Myth: Orthopedic surgery always leaves dogs with a limp
✔️ Truth: Many return to normal activity with proper care and rehab

❌ Myth: Surgery is always a ‘last resort’
✔️ Truth: In some cases, early surgical intervention leads to better long-term outcomes

If your furry friend may benefit from surgical care, ask your family veterinarian about a referral to VERHWT.