Other Small Animals

How to know when it is the right time

How to know when is the right time to send our pet on its last journey? It is a heart-wrenching choice and a painful moment, sometimes accompanied by a feeling of guilt.

Old age, disease, accidents, lifestyle changes are all reasons that can bring us to consider a pet’s euthanasia. First of all, we can investigate to see if our pet is in pain and see if there is anything we can do to reduce pain, or any treatment possible allowing it to have an acceptable quality of life. When an owner becomes incapacitated, he might consider a close one to take over the pet’s responsibility. A young and healthy animal usually tolerates a change of owner well, as long as the same life conditions are respected. When the animal is old, a health exam and a good discussion on the subject with your veterinarian will help you make a decision.

When you have decided to go ahead with euthanasia, you have to choose whether you want to assist the procedure or not. You can also choose to see your animal right after the euthanasia without being in the room during the intervention. It is important that everyone’s wishes be respected in order to help with the mourning process.

First of all, the veterinarian gives the animal a tranquillizer by injection to relax it and possibly relieve pain if it is suffering. This tranquillizer takes a few minutes to take effect. After this, the veterinarian administers an intravenous injection of a powerful barbiturate which anesthetizes then puts them to sleep definitively. The animal first loses consciousness, stops breathing, then finally the heart stops beating. The animal feels no pain during the euthanasia. It often takes less than a minute, sometimes only a few seconds, between the beginning of the injection and the cardiac arrest. Whether the owner is present or not during the intervention, the veterinarian and technician make sure to reduce the animal’s anxiety by talking to it and caressing it. The body is then manipulated respectfully and kept until it is cremated, or simply wrapped to allow the owner to take it home.

When it comes to the body disposal, there are different choices to meet your needs. You can bring the body home and dispose of it according to the municipal laws. You have the possibility of buying a small cardboard coffin for the return home (Afubox). The group cremation is a choice often made by owners. You can also have the body cremated individually with the return of ashes in an urn (Cremanimo). Cremanimo also offers to assist the cremation, on appointments.

We understand that this is a difficult choice for many reasons. You will be sad for your loss. Time will diminish your sorrow and happy memories remain.

Cremation

The loss of your pet can be painful and the choice of euthanasia is a difficult one to make. Be sure to know that we treat all animals with great respect. This is one of the reasons why we are proud to work with the animal crematorium CREMANIMO. Located in Sherbrooke, this establishment is certified by the Ministère du Développement Durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs. Therefore, this company is in compliance with the province’s environmental standards.

Cremation is a humane, environmental and ecological method of body disposal, and it decreases the spread of diseases and risks of contamination. Several cremation services are available through our hospital:

Group cremation

It is possible to get a free cremation certificate for your animal with a hair piece (Upon request only).

Individual cremation (additional fees)

• Several choices of urns (some are included in the basic price);
• Commemorative plaque included to write your pet’s name and a brief message;
• Cremation certificate included;
• Ashes are returned to the hospital within 3 to 7 days

Assisted cremation (additional fees)

• It is possible to assist your animal’s individual cremation at the crematorium in Sherbrooke.
• Several urn choices (some are included);
• Commemorative plaque included to write your pet’s name and a brief message;
• Cremation certificate included;
• Ashes are given to you the same day

Contact us for more information or visit www.cremanimo.com to read different testimony and get to know Crémanimo.

Coming soon!

Laboratory and parasitology analysis

Our laboratory is equipped with several high technology diagnostic devices. The results are available within a few minutes which allows us to establish the appropriate diagnosis and treatments as soon as possible.

Laboratory analysis available

• ELISA screening tests and immunology
  • 4DX (heartworm, Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis)
  • “Triple Feline” (heartworm, leukemia, feline immunodeficiency)
  • Biliary acids
  • Pancreatic lipase
  • T4 (thyroid gland)
  • Cortisol
  • Parvovirus
  • Giardiose
• Intraocculary pressure (Tonovet)
• Fungal culture
• Diverse analysis under the microscope:
  • Cytology (mass, ears, gingival, cutaneous lesions)
  • Faecal smear
  • Coprology
  • Urinary sediment
  • Cutaneous scraping

External laboratories

• Idexx Laboratories (histopathology, Qc6 quantitative antibody tests, etc.)
• Spectrum Group (Allergy tests)

When are laboratory analysis needed?

1. Pre-anesthetic tests allow us to know if your animal can properly metabolize and eliminate the anesthetic substance administered to him during surgery. These tests confirm that your animal’s organs work well and do not suffer latent infections. These tests also reduce the risk of potential complications and can be used in the future as a reference point.
2. Combined with an annual exam by a veterinarian, laboratory tests help us make sure your animal is healthy, especially when it reaches a certain age. Also, these tests help us find out if a new animal is healthy.
3. To follow up on a pathological condition (hyperthyroidism, renal insufficiency, urinary problems, diabetes, etc.)
4. As means of diagnosis of a sick animal.
5. The coprology (stool test) allows us to detect parasites that might be transmissible to humans in some cases (zoonosis). Results allow the veterinarian to establish the proper treatment plan with the appropriate medication (deworming).

We are now equipped with a class IV laser; a new therapeutic tool for animals.

What is laser therapy?

Class IV lasers deliver specific red and near-infrared wavelengths of laser light to induce a therapeutic effect within the body.
Laser therapy is a drug free, surgery-free solution that increases circulation, reduces inflammation and swelling, reduces pain and enhances tissue repair.
Laser therapy has been used in Europe since the 1970s by therapists, nurses and doctors. Laser therapy has been cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2002 and has been used by practitioners worldwide for humans and animals.

How does laser therapy work?

The application of laser energy promotes increased circulation by drawing oxygen and nutrients to the affected area. This creates an optimal healing environment reducing inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, pain is relieved and function is restored. During treatment, infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level. Increased metabolic activity within the cell stimulates the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane initiating increased production of cellular energy. This leads to a cascade of beneficial events promoting the acceleration of the healing process and reduced pain.

Which conditions can be treated by laser therapy?

In veterinary medicine, the therapeutic laser is used after surgery and dentistry, for wound treatment or musculo-skeletal problems. Numerous studies show that laser therapy can help with:

• Joint pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Arthrosis
• Tendinopathies
• Edema and congestion
• Ligament sprains
• Muscle strains
• Puncture wounds
• Post-traumatic injuries
• Post-surgical pain
• Neck and back pain
• Hip dysplasia
• Burns
• Chronic wounds
• Rehabilitation
• Post-orthopedic surgical recovery
• Ear infections

How long is each treatment?

A treatment takes on average between 3 and 8 minutes, depending on the area to be treated.

How many treatments does it take?

This depends on the nature of the condition being treated. For some acute conditions, 1 to 2 treatments may be sufficient and the animal often feels improvement after the first treatment. Those of more chronic nature may require 5 to 8 treatments. Some condition may require ongoing periodic care to control pain. Each treatment of laser therapy is cumulative in nature. The length and frequency of treatments vary with the animal’s condition. Your veterinarian will recommend a treatment plan specific to your animal’s condition.

Does laser therapy hurt? What does a treatment feel like?

There is no patient sedation or restraint required and the experience is usually pleasant and comforting for the animal. There is little or no sensation during treatment. Occasionally the patient feels a mild, soothing warmth or tingling. Areas of pain or inflammation may be sensitive briefly before pain reduction.

Has the efficiency of laser therapy been proven through scientific research?

Yes, the effects of laser therapy have been proven by many published studies. Scientific studies show how laser therapy can help in different clinical cases.

Are there any side effects or associated risks?

In more than 20 years of use by healthcare providers all over the world, very few side effects have been reported. Occasionally, some old injuries or pain syndromes may feel aggravated for a few days, as the healing response is more active after treatment.

 

Coming soon!

Coming soon!

Although radiography remains the main tool in veterinary medical imaging, the ultrasound has become an indispensable one. Here are the services offered by the hospital:

• Early pregnancy diagnostic (20–30 days after last breeding)
• Abdominal exploration (tumours, bleeding, etc.)
• Evaluation of the reproductive system (uterus and prostate)
• Evaluation of the urinary system (kidneys and bladder)
• Evaluation of the spleen, the liver and the biliary system
• Evaluation of the digestive system
• Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration
• Ultrasound-guided biopsy
• Ultrasound-guided cystocenthesis