(310) 530-5511
Plaza Del Amo Animal Hospital is a quality, full-service health provider for the pets of the South Bay and surrounding communities. We are dedicated to providing all aspects of the healing arts to help your pets live a long and healthful life. We believe in adhering to the highest standards of diagnostics, medicine, surgery and therapeutics and as a demonstration of these high standards, we are proud to be accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association. Our hope is not only to provide education to our clients but to inspire all of our doctors, technicians and staff to strive to improve and grow in knowledge and technical skills.
We believe that the human-animal bond is critical to the well being of the pet and the family and constantly endeavor to support this bond by providing high quality care with a personal touch. Our veterinarians are available to provide excellent medical care for dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, rodents, and reptiles.
We welcome you to our hospital and into our family, feel free to look around and learn more about our hospital, our services and about the caring group of people who are a part of Plaza Del Amo Animal Hospital. Please put your paws up and make yourselves at home, and remember to check back often for updates and announcements.
Our extended office hours (7am to 7pm-Monday thru Fri, and 8am to 4pm on Sat) makes it easier to schedule appointments. Any patient that requires extensive 24 hour nursing care is transported to a local emergency clinic. Some critically ill exotic patients are taken home with a doctor for careful monitoring.
FEATURED PRODUCTS OF THE MONTH
Click here to read more about our featured products for the month.
BAILEY THE MIRACLE DOG!
Bailey is a 4 year old black Labrador Retriever who developed a Fibrocartilagenous Embolism suddenly in the spinal cord of her neck. She was unable to walk for about 3 months while she underwent physical therapy at our hospital. After her intensive treatment, she is now able to walk again, although she still walks a little funny, and she is feeling great. Bailey is a very sweet girl but does not get along with other dogs so she will need to be the only dog in the household. In addition, she cannot live in a home with stairs or slippery wooden floors or a home with small children because of her disability. If you or someone you know could find a place in your home and heart for this special girl, please contact the hospital to arrange an introduction.
MAY 2010 CASE OF THE MONTH
Cooper is a 6 month old neutered male Shih Tzu puppy. He had been a healthy puppy aside from an umbilical hernia that had been repaired at the time of his castration surgery when he was 4 months old. He was brought in by his owner for vomiting, not eating well and lethargy for 1 day. Radiographs of Cooper’s abdomen were performed to rule out ingestion of a foreign body because he was known to be a mischievous puppy and had eaten some crayons in the house before. On Cooper’s radiographs, there was a mass of soft tissue seen below the heart pushing it upward and on the other view, the stomach axis was shifted toward the chest cavity. A diaphragmatic hernia was suspected and an ultrasound was performed to evaluate the extent of the hernia. The abdominal ultrasound confirmed the presence of the hernia and found that the soft tissue mass in the chest cavity was actually the spleen. Cooper was then referred to Dr. Edward Leeds and Dr. Young Kim at the Surgical Group for Animals for surgical repair. Dr. Leeds and Dr. Kim successfully removed the spleen from the chest cavity and repaired the hole in the diaphragm. Cooper went on to make a full recovery.
The diaphragm is a muscular wall that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. It is important to have an intact, functional diaphragm as the abdominal contents can slip into the chest cavity causing a hindrance to the function of the respiratory system and the heart as well as the potential for strangulation of the trapped abdominal organs. Cooper’s vomiting in this case was likely because of traction on the stomach which is closely tied to the nearby spleen as it was being pulled into the chest cavity. Left untreated, the spleen could have become twisted cutting off the blood supply resulting in a surgical emergency. Diaphragmatic hernias in dogs can occur because of trauma (i.e. a severe fall, hit by a car, a dog fight, etc), or be a congenital hernia. Cooper’s hernia was determined to be congenital due to an improper closure of the diaphragm before birth.
We would like to extend an extra special THANK YOU to Dr. Edward Leeds, Dr. Young Kim and the entire staff at the Surgical Group for Animals with their generous assistance with this special case.
WE ARE AAHA ACCREDITED
Plaza Del Amo Animal Hospital is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association. This accreditation is obtained by adhering to a rigorous and exhaustive list of medical, surgical and client service standards that stand far above the bare minimums set by the state or federal government. We are proud of our accreditation status as it is another demonstration of our hospital’s sincere desire to consistently provide the finest medical care possible for all of our patients.
To find out more about AAHA and AAHA accreditation, click here.
ALERT - PET FOOD RECALL
Proctor and Gamble has issued a voluntary recall of several varieties of dry pet food because of potential Salmonella contamination. Salmonella are a bacteria which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, dehydration and stomach cramping. There is also a risk to people who handle the potentially contaminated foods. If you have purchased any of the recalled product, please take unopened packages to your local pet food store for reimbursement or exchange. If the product has already been opened, dispose of it safely in the trash and bring your receipt or the empty bag wrapped in a plastic bag to the pet store. To find out more about this recall, click here.
Recalled products include the following:
|
Product Name |
Version |
“Best-By” Dates |
UPC Codes |
|
Iams Veterinary Dry Formulas |
All dry sizes and varieties |
01Jul10 – 01Dec11 |
All UPC Codes |
|
Eukanuba Naturally Wild |
All dry sizes and varieties |
01Jul10 – 01Dec11 |
All UPC Codes |
|
Eukanuba Pure |
All dry sizes and varieties |
01Jul10 – 01Dec11 |
All UPC Codes |
|
Eukanuba Custom Care Sensitive Skin |
All dry sizes |
01Jul10 – 01Dec11 |
All UPC Codes |
Proctor and Gamble has also issued a recall of some canned cat foods that may be deficient in Thiamine (Vitamin B1) which is an essential vitamin of cats. Cats fed solely this product could be at risk of developing a Thiamine deficiency. Signs of a deficiency in cats include loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, salivation and neurological symptoms such as wobbly gait and a downward flexed neck. If you have purchased one of the recalled products, take the unopened packages to your local pet food store for exchange or reimbursement.
To find out more about this recall, click here.
Recalled products include the following:
| Product Name | Date on Bottom of Can |
| Iams ProActive Health canned Cat and Kitten Food - all varieties of 3 oz & 5.5 oz cans | 09/2011 to 06/2012 |
OUTBREAK OF CANINE DISTEMPER IN TORRANCE RACCOONS
The Los Angeles County Public Health Department has recently reported an outbreak of the Canine Distemper Virus in local raccoon populations. The Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) can be transmitted between raccoons and unvaccinated dogs. CDV can cause initial symptoms mimicking an upper respiratory infection, such as coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge, however it usually progresses to more serious symptoms such as pneumonia and eventually neurological symptoms such as tremors or seizures. Because of the high population of raccoons in this area as well as the high mortality rate of this virus, it is strongly recommended that all dogs are vaccinated for CDV. In addition, if you see a raccoon in your yard or around your home, do not try to capture them on your own but contact your local animal control to assist in removing the animals.
Click here to learn more about this outbreak.
DOG TESTS POSITIVE FOR RABIES
Recently a dog in Trinity County (Northern California) tested positive for the Rabies Virus after having bitten at least one person. This dog had never been vaccinated for the Rabies Virus. Tests are still pending in this case, but it is believed that the dog acquired the skunk variant of the Rabies virus. Skunks and raccoons as well as other small wildlife are often carriers of the virus and dogs and cats can acquire the infection when they come into contact with these wild animals. These small wild animals are often found roaming around South Bay neighborhoods especially in the evenings and many pets are at risk of coming into contact with them.
This case highlights the importance of ensuring that all pets, including both cats and dogs, are vaccinated for this potentially fatal virus, both for the animal’s health as well as for the potential human health hazard. For dogs, this vaccination is required by law in order to obtain a license, however for cats, especially indoor cats, many people do not see the need for vaccination against the rabies virus. Unfortunately, due to accident (such as someone leaving a door or window open) or because of a natural disaster (such as a wildfire or earthquake), previously indoor-only cats suddenly find themselves in an outdoor environment and are at risk.
Click here to read more.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS??? TAKE OUR NEW SURVEY!
Do you have questions or comments about our hospital, staff or website? Or do you want to know more about the hospital? Do you have a burning question about a pet or a condition? Just fill out our survey by clicking here. One of our team members will contact you to answer any questions you may have or provide you with any information you may need. Any helpful comments regarding our hospital, staff or website are also greatly appreciated.
NOW YOU CAN ALSO COME VISIT US ON FACEBOOK!
Plaza Del Amo Animal Hospital on Facebook
On our Facebook Fan page, you can post comments, participate in on-going discussions, ask questions and post photos of your pet or just stop by to see what's new!
RABID BAT FOUND IN LONG BEACH HOME
A family in Long Beach is currently undergoing rabies vaccinations and treatment after finding a bat in their house. The bat apparently entered the home through a bathroom window which had been left open at night. The Long Beach Animal Care Services were called and removed the bat and had it tested for the rabies virus. Rabies is a highly contagious virus which attacks the brain and is potentially fatal.
Here are some tips from the Los Angeles County Health Department on how to prevent your risk of exposure to the rabies virus:
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Teach children to never touch unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they seem friendly
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Wash any wound from an animal thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical attention immediately
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Request to have all bats tested for rabies if exposure to people or pets occurs (contact Animal Care Services)
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Prevent bats from entering homes, schools or areas where they might contact people and pets by keeping doors and window closed or covered with screens.
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Be a responsible pet owner by keeping rabies vaccinations current for all pets (both cats and dogs)
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Contact Animal Care Services about any sick or injured stray animal or for information on controlling nuisance wildlife
Cooper after making a full recovery from surgery is looking and feeling great
Lateral abdominal radiograph (above left)
A mass of soft tissue could be seen below the heart pushing it upward that turned out to be the spleen (outlined by white arrows).
Ventrodorsal abdominal radiograph (above)
The axis of the stomach normally runs horizontal, however in Cooper's case the stomach was deviated nearly vertical because of the traction from the nearby spleen (the gas filled stomach is outlined by white arrows)
COOPER'S RADIOGRAPHS
SURGERY PHOTOS
Surgery photo
(top right)
The spleen was found to be halfway in and halfway out of the chest cavity through a relatively large hole in the diaphragm.
Surgery photo
(middle right)
After the spleen was gently removed from the chest cavity, the thoracic organs could be seen through the hole in the diaphragm.
Surgery photo
(bottom right)
The opening in the diaphragm was sutured closed to correct the diaphragmatic hernia.
PLEASE EXCUSE OUR DUST!
Our website is undergoing construction in order to provide you with even more up to date and helpful information. So if you notice it is not on-line, never fear, it will be back on again very soon. Thank you for your understanding!
COME JOIN OUR TEAM
Occasionally we have the opportunity to add to our staff and grow our family here at Plaza Del Amo Animal Hospital. If you or someone you know is interested in working in the veterinary field, watch for our updated website to go live, it will have detailed descriptions of the jobs that are available. In the mean time, we are looking for experienced receptionists and part time kennel attendants. Please come in and fill out an application, mention the website and we will contact you when we hold interviews.
NON-ANESTHETIC DENTAL CLEANINGS NOW AVAILABLE
Because we believe that regular dental care is so vitally important for your pet's overall health, we have now begun offering Non-Anesthetic Dental Cleanings at our hospital once monthly as an addition to our comprehensive dental and oral health services. Most pets have some form of dental disease and without routine proper cleaning and care, periodontal disease, gingivitis, infection and tooth loss can develop. Non-Anesthetic Dental Cleanings are veterinarian supervised and offered as an adjunct to regular anesthetized cleanings to enhance the oral health of your pet. These can be extremely beneficial for regular maintenance of oral health and for oral care of pets who cannot be anesthetized for medical reasons.
Click Here to read more about our Veterinarian Supervised Non-Anesthetic Dental Cleanings.
Call one of our receptionists if you have any questions or to find out more about Non-Anesthetic Dental Cleanings. Space is limited for this once monthly service, so call now to reserve your pet's appointment.
The next date available is THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2010.
USE CAUTION WHEN PETS TRAVEL IN THE CARGO AREA ON AIRLINES
In the last 5 years, there have been approximately 122 dogs that have died while being transported in the cargo area during flights. More than half of these dogs have been brachycephalic or "short-snouted" breeds such as bulldogs, pugs, and boxers. Most often extremes in temperature are cited as the cause of the deaths. Some airlines have started an embargo on allowing certain breeds of dogs to fly during the warmer summer months to prevent such tragedies. Here are some options for those of you who may be flying with your pet this summer:
1. If possible, have your pet fly in the cabin with you - check with your airline to find out what the size limits are for pets in the cabin.
2. Consider Pet Airways, an airline which transports pets in a climate controlled cabin.
3. Look for alternatives such as driving instead of flying.
4. If you must fly and your pet must be in the cargo area, choose flights during the coolest parts of the day or night to avoid the high mid-day temperatures. Make sure to look closely at the temperatures at each stop along the route and try to choose direct flights if possible to avoid lay-overs.
Click here to read about more safety tips from the ASPCA for travelling with your pets.
