Shelter Island Veterinary Hospital

07/10/2023

This is a good example why dental X-rays should be done every patient. I'm happy this dog finally can have a life without pain.

06/14/2023

What’s that bump? Oh no – a tick! Sound familiar? It happens to everyone at some point. Take care of your pets and try to prevent fleas & ticks before they strike. Book an appointment today.

05/21/2023

We are lucky that heartworm disease is very uncommon in San Diego county, but Heartworms are not the only reason that your pet should be on monthly prevention.

Roundworms are among the most common parasites that infect dogs. Learn more about their life cycle, diagnosis, and treatment: https://bit.ly/3P9vK24

05/21/2023

Did you know cats get arthritis too? Come see us...we can help with Solensia, a once a month injection helping our older kitties pounce again!

Although arthritis symptoms can differ from cats to dogs, there are some common things you can look out for:
• Limping
• Swollen joints
• Loss of appetite
• Unusual weight gain
• Accidents in the house
• Unwillingness to jump, play, or climb stairs

If you notice your pet exhibiting these behaviors, call your vet's office and ask if you should make an appointment! Find an AAHA-accredited hospital here: http://ow.ly/G1zX50Orcsm

05/19/2023

Dangers of foxtails: How it could hurt, kill your pet

Be wary! Make sure you are checking between your dogs toes if you have fox tails in your yard or around your neighborhood. If your dog comes in sneezing, like a machine gun or if they get one in their eye, we are available for urgent appointments. Have a great weekend!

San Diego vet clinics and animal hospitals are busy removing foxtails from dogs and it can be a painful and pricey visit.

04/20/2023

It’s hard to believe that one little mosquito bite can ultimately cause heart failure. But you can take measures to prevent heartworm disease and its effects. Annual testing for heartworm is a must for all pets. Call today to book an appointment.

04/14/2023

“Does my pet need a heartworm preventative?” The answer is YES. One in 100 dogs gets heartworm every year. It can cause serious organ damage and even death. Call today to schedule a test. It can save both of your hearts.

04/09/2023

If you get any Lillies - be sure to remove them from the bouquet. Putting them where "the cat can't reach them" is not a good idea as a leaf or even pollen can still kill your cat. Lillies are beautiful but very very toxic to kitties!

Lethal lilies 💐☠️ This Easter (and always), skip the Easter lilies if you have a cat! The petals, pollen, leaves, stem, & vase water of many varieties of lily flowers are all extremely toxic and can cause severe kidney failure in very small amounts. Opt for a nice bouquet of cat-safe Easter Sunflowers or Baby’s Breath instead! 🌻

04/06/2023

It’s Heartworm Awareness Month, protect your pet from this painful and often fatal disease. Call today to schedule a test. Your pet’s heart should be full of love, not worms.

03/25/2023

With Easter coming (and of course anytime you have flowers) be EXTREMELY cautious with Lillies. Some are more toxic than others, but it's a good general rule to not have lillies in the house if you have cats.

Lily toxicity can be fatal to cats. Check out our infographic about the dangers of lilies at http://bit.ly/42Ba7Qq.

03/19/2023

The U.S. Has a New Favorite Dog Breed—and It’s Controversial — TIME

https://apple.news/AdkTzKVwAS8C9P7W-jpy0uA

A new dog breed has waddled its way into Americans’ hearts—but not without some controversy.

03/09/2023

Yes!!

09/18/2021

Dog missing in Point Loma.

07/05/2021

One of rescue partners has kittens! Lots of kittens. What’s better than a new kitten?? Two! 💗

06/26/2021

Feeling appreciated 💕💕💕 Thank you Whiskers Without Borders for the awesome socks!!

06/23/2021

PSA to pet owners: NOW is the appropriate time to request sedation for 4th of July. Please do not wait til 7/3.

06/12/2021

This sweet boy needs a home 💙

For some reason sweet Mini hasn't had any interest what so ever. This sweet boy came to us about 2 months ago weighing only 0.60 pounds. He was half the size of his siblings and needed extra care. He crashed on us twice and we weren't sure if he was going to make it. But he pulled through and has become the most amazing kitten! This sweet boy is super playful, purrs as soon as you pick him up and loves to cuddle. He deserves an amazing home. Apply today to bring this sweet boy home today!
https://forms.gle/tWcbhZLJn8AhiD4K7

04/27/2021

A great “how to” if your dog has black nails.

04/07/2021

Apparently this patient “will work for belly rubs” 💖💖💖

04/03/2021

It has been just over 1 year since the pandemic forced us to lock our doors and start practicing “curbside” medicine. Around the same time we went curbside, the number of patients we were seeing also nearly doubled overnight, and between being suddenly understaffed, navigating a new way of practicing medicine, and trying to protect ourselves from the virus, it has been a tough year for everyone.

We appreciate our clients who have been patient with us, and those who were grateful for the precautions we took to protect our staff and our community. We have continued to give our all to our patients despite the obstacles being thrown at us.

Unfortunately over the last year, we have also seen a dramatic increase in abusive behavior toward our staff. We have been threatened, screamed at, and called names. We have also been cyberbullied over wait times, our COVID safety measures, or for simply trying to do our jobs while protecting ourselves and others.

A year into COVID, we are still busier than we have ever been, and due to a nationwide shortage of veterinary professionals we remain understaffed. You may have noticed that all veterinary hospitals are extremely busy right now. We have. 2-3 week for appointments, and overflow is going to our local ER hospitals, creating several-hour waits that were unheard-of pre-COVID. This is the reality of veterinary medicine all over the country right now; an abundance of pets who need care, and a scarcity of professionals to provide that care. We have and will continue to provide the best possible care for all patients, because in the end we love our patients and we love veterinary medicine.

Our doctor and support staff are working long shifts and our doctor (me!) frequently gets no breaks because the patients don’t stop arriving. Please remember my staff and I are human; we are mothers, sisters, daughters, sons, friends, pet owners and caregivers just like you. If you can be anything right now, BE KIND. Someone didn’t smile at you? Don’t go running to social media. 1) we are wearing masks so how do you even know? And 2) maybe someone else was just terribly rude to them. Maybe just be kind and say “thank you” or “I appreciate you!”

So as we enter this second year of COVID-related “new normals”, we ask that you please be patient with us, we can only do so much. “Critical” patients WILL be given priority. If your healthy pet’s lab work is normal, you may need to wait a few days for results. In these busy times, healthy patients may need to wait longer before they are seen by a doctor. We make every effort to see each patient as soon as possible after you arrive, but if a sick pet comes in, they will receive priority care.

Bring a book, make sure you have your phone charger, and anything else you might need to pass time, because there will likely be a wait. Be “ok” with dropping your pet off if we need more time. We understand that waiting is frustrating, and we don’t like it either. But again, we can only do so much.

We have a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for abuse of our staff. Please understand that if you verbally abuse our staff in any way, we will refuse to provide care for your pet and you will be banned from our hospital permanently. If you physically abuse or threaten any of our staff members, we will call the police, and we will press charges. Be patient, be civil, and be kind. We are saving pets’ lives. If you decide to post something negative on social media, expect to be handed a copy of your records. Don’t post a 1-star review and then call for a follow up. You are welcome to find somewhere that meets your needs better.

If you are kind, if you are patient, we hope you know you are appreciated. Helping you and your pet’s is our passion. It’s why we are here.

12/22/2020

Vets Warn of Sudden Rise of Pet Illness Spreading in San Diego

Has your dig been vaccinated for lepto? Call and we will get him/her on the schedule. Protect your pet and yourself.

Veterinarians in San Diego are seeing more and more cases of a bacterial illness in dogs called leptospirosis. The rise doesn’t qualify as an outbreak just yet, but the illness is spreading quickly at local dog parks and boarding facilities. In San Diego, our pets can have it pretty good at parks,...

12/18/2020

Dangerous Bacteria Outbreak Reported in Local Dogs

https://www.countynewscenter.com/dangerous-bacteria-outbreak-reported-in-local-dogs/

If your pet needs to be vaccinated for Leptospirosis, please call us to make an appointment!

An outbreak of leptospirosis, a contagious bacterial disease, has been reported in dogs in the region, the County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) announced today.

10/10/2020

This is a wonderful group we work with who takes little ones that no one else wants. Even though we give them a really big discount, it adds up. Please consider donating, or head over to their page and check out all the pets they have available! 💖

10/06/2020

Have you been getting bitten by mosquitoes lately? I've lived here for 22 years and have NEVER been bitten as much as I have this week. If YOU are getting bitten, so are your pets. Dirofilaria Immitis is the fancy name for HEARTWORMS in dogs. Please make sure your dog is on heartworm prevention.

Asian Tiger Mosquitoes...

This mosquito has become a significant pest in many communities because it closely associates with humans (rather than living in wetlands), and typically flies and feeds in the daytime in addition to at dusk and dawn. The insect is called a tiger mosquito for its striped appearance, which resembles that of the tiger. Ae. albopictus is an epidemiologically important vector for the transmission of many viral pathogens, including the yellow fever virus, dengue fever, and Chikungunya fever, as well as several filarial nematodes such as Dirofilaria immitis. Aedes albopictus is capable of hosting the Zika virus and is considered a potential vector for Zika transmission among humans.

03/18/2020

Vaccine aims to nip FIP in the bud

You may not be aware that there is an experimental CURE for FIP. This disease used to be 100% fatal. We have successfully treated several patients!! What's even better than a cure though?? An effective vaccination! Read here to learn more!

Researchers from Colorado State University want to stop feline enteric coronavirus before it has a chance to mutate into feline infectious peritonitis.

03/15/2020

SIVH Guidelines in light of COVID-19

The health and safety of our clients and team members is always a top priority. To limit the spread of the new coronavirus, please follow these guidelines when visiting our hospital. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

* Wash your hands with soap and water prior to visiting our hospital.
* Use provided hand sanitizer upon arriving and leaving.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
* Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze, using a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
* Keep a safe social distance (6 feet) between yourself and others when possible.
* Avoid shaking hands. (fist bump, elbow bump or curtsy will do just fine.)
* If you are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus disease, i.e. have fever, cough, or shortness of breath, CONTACT US to discuss your appointment, so that we can discuss how to best proceed. You should attempt to find someone else to bring your pet to our hospital to receive care. If you cannot, you will be asked to stay in your car and we will come out to get your pet and communicate with your over the phone.

Drop off fees will be waived in these cases.

We Appreciate You!!
Dr. Darnell

03/15/2020

Resources Available To Address COVID-19

From the AVMA:

Infectious disease experts and multiple international and domestic human and animal health organizations agree there is no evidence at this point to indicate that pets become ill with COVID-19 or that they spread it to other animals, including people.

Out of an abundance of caution, it is recommended that those ill with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. Have another member of your household take care of walking, feeding, and playing with your pet. If you have a service animal or you must care for your pet, then wear a facemask; don’t share food, kiss, or hug them; and wash your hands before and after any contact with them.

https://www.bovinevetonline.com/article/resources-available-address-covid-19

AVMA and other organizations are stepping up to fill the information void for veterinarians.

03/14/2020

Covid-19 Update: The hospital is open and will be open our usual business hours to care for your pets. Our staff members will be taking extra care to wipe all surfaces with disinfectants more frequently. IF YOU ARE ILL and your pet needs care, we will offer phone consultation and video conferencing if needed. We will also be offering drop off exams (at no addtional costs). Please know that we are not only concerned about our patients, but we are concerned about our employees and communities. Since this is an unprecedented situation, please be patient with us.

02/27/2020

What Is Glioblastoma? How Scientists Are Working To Cure This Aggressive Form Of Cancer

This is the type of cancer my dad passed away from. It's terrible. Interesting to see dogs get it too and that this may help them develop a cure :o)

https://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2020/02/24/johns-hopkins-cancer-research-dogs-glioblastoma/

Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of cancer that occurs in the brain and spinal cord

01/31/2020

Did you know Shelter Island Veterinary Hospital is a tiny little Mecca of dentistry for pets here in Point Loma?

Our dental suite include a new state of the art dental machine and a new specialized dental scaler that works more efficiently with less trauma to the tooth and gums. But, there is more!

We already take dental x-rays routinely during dental procedures. Just like when you go to the dentist for a cleaning and x-rays.But did you know why? Because it’s the best way of finding out what is going on UNDER the gums. We can see broken teeth, dead teeth, infected teeth, pockets of bone loss, retained tooth roots and also resorptive lesions in cats (which are incredibly painful). Did you know many of these teeth look COMPLETELY NORMAL on the surface?! And, if you need dental x-rays, imagine how much more important they are in our pets who don't brush and floss daily.

Now, most exciting piece of equipment we have just added, and we are among some of the first vets in Southern California to have this - is a small machine called the “Vet-Tome”. This amazing machine is designed to make removing teeth easier, faster and most importantly - less traumatic and painful for our patients.

The old fashioned way to remove a big tooth was to cut the adjacent gums, remove the bone around the tooth, and then manually and slowly loosen the tooth using dental elevators. Whilst this is a tried and true method - it unavoidably causes traumatic to the surrounding gum, teeth and bone. Also - in some instances it can take 40 minutes or more to remove a single tooth (especially in large dogs).

With the Vet-Tome there is less (if any) removal of bone or cutting of the gums, and teeth can be easily removed within 1-2 minutes with significantly less trauma. This leads to faster healing and more comfort for our patients. Needless to say we are VERY excited about it. The benefits are massive.

This means Shelter Island Veterinary patients are receiving the same level of dental care that you receive.

If your pet has a smelly mouth, or they have trouble picking up or chewing their food, or even if they occasionally cry when eating their food - let us take a look at your pet’s mouth. Pets hide toothaches very very well! Every pet deserves a life free from pain.

❤️❤️❤️

01/30/2020

What is your pet's favorite holiday?

These are pet holidays you won’t want to miss.

01/28/2020

Asian Tiger Mosquitoes Facts & Info: Tiger Mosquito Bites

More information on those nasty Asian Tiger Mosquitoes...did you know they bite during the DAY?!?

https://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/mosquitoes/asian-tiger-mosquitoes/

01/28/2020

Heartworm disease is on the rise in San Diego. There are new mosquitoes that can reproduce in only a tiny bit of water (think flower pot). Is your dog protected?

Heartworm disease can affect our pets at any time, even during winter months, which is why it is important to continue preventive treatment year-round: http://bit.ly/2Dv5POw

10/28/2019

“Fang” he may end up being a foster fail.

10/07/2019

This beautiful girl is ready for her purr-ever family. She has Megaesophagus but it is really easy to manage. Call us if you are interested! 619-222-0597

09/19/2019

Remember Pandora? We raised $1700 to cover the expenses for her medical condition. As it turns out, she has a condition called megaesophagus and there is no treatment for her. The good news is, her esophagus actually works pretty well, but the muscle layer is extremely thin which makes it weak. So, she eats blenderized food. That’s it, and we have to be careful she doesn’t eat anything silly that could get stuck. Right now, we are beginning the process of looking for a home for her. She is approximately four months old, she weighs slightly less than 4 pounds, we think she’s a ragdoll mix of sorts. She loves to purr! She’s not a great lap cat, but she loves to sleep in bed with us. She does not mind small respectful dogs, she has been raised around kids and other cats. Give us a call at the office at 619–2 22–0597, or stop by if you want to learn more about her.

09/11/2019

Paws Off Xylitol; It's Dangerous for Dogs

Gum, peanut butter, some otc medications...be aware!

This sugar substitute, found in some human foods and dental products, can be poisonous to your dog.

09/02/2019

The Rescue House is loaded with kitties right now. If you be a foster, check out their website to volunteer! If you can’t, you can still help by donating some items from their wish list 💖

We don't ask often but we are ALWAYS in need!
Our foster homes are full, full, FULL and we are saving so many cats and kittens this year. This makes us happy and it also challenges us to keep up with the supplies that are needed to be successful in our efforts.
Please help us help these precious souls. We appreciate every effort, big or small and have made it convenient with our Amazon wishlist - https://tinyurl.com/y4e3ngx9

Thank you in advance! You are meow-velous!

09/02/2019

The beautiful girl is looking for a home. Ok with small dogs, doesn’t like other cats though.

08/20/2019

More information on grain free diets and heart disease.

Starting in 2013, veterinary cardiologists noticed a rise in DCM cases in dog breeds not usually genetically predisposed. The commonality amongst these cases was the consumption of a grain free diet. This was also a time where grain free diets were reaching heightened popularity.

To learn more about grain free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, read our blog from our Nutritionist and Cardiologist at Mass Vet: http://bit.ly/2KxXCiq