VCA Canada Central Saanich Animal Hospital

11/08/2025

Attention Bird Owners: there has been several cases of Avian Influenza in the lower mainland over the past few weeks, and as of today there is a case in Nanaimo.

All bird owners should review the signs of avian influenza, and the best ways to protect your birds. If you have concerns for avian influenza in your birds, please call us and/or the CFIA.

11/05/2025

Why does your senior dog seem to sleep so… loudly?

You might notice twitching, paddling, vocalizing, or even pacing at night. It’s easy to chalk it up to “just getting older,” but there’s more going on beneath the surface.

As dogs age, changes in a part of the brain called 🧠🐶 the PONS 🧠🐶 (a small but important region in the brainstem) can affect how they move, sleep, and respond to the world around them. The pons helps regulate REM sleep and motor control, which means your dog’s sleep might look more active, restless, or even noisy as they get older.

Signs to watch for:
➡️ An increase in twitching or paddling during sleep
➡️ Changes in blinking or balance

How can you support your senior pet when you see the signs?
➡️ Stick to a consistent bedtime routine
➡️ Create a quiet, cozy sleep space
➡️ Offer gentle movement and brain-healthy nutrition

If sleep changes come with mobility or behaviour shifts, call your veterinarian and take a short video of their sleep behavior. This can be incredibly helpful for your veterinary team to assess the signs more accurately.

10/31/2025

🎃 Tonight’s the night! 🎃

Before the doorbell rings, here’s your quick cheat sheet:

🐾 Chocolate, xylitol, glow sticks = Trick
🍎 Apple slices, pumpkin puree and a quiet corner = Treat
🧁 Cupcakes, mini marshmallows = Cute, but dangerous

Keep the candy out of reach, the costumes comfy, and the pets calm. Halloween’s better when everyone feels safe.

10/31/2025

Attention Rabbit Owners!

There is a potential outbreak of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) in the Nanaimo area. We are still waiting on the results of confirmatory testing. RHD is a highly contagious and lethal disease in rabbits. We always recommend vaccinating your rabbit against RHD, especially when there are cases in the area.

🔹Province issues warning to Vancouver Island rabbit owners🔹

The provincial government has issued a warning to rabbit owners on the Island following the discovery of rabbits in the Nanaimo area that may have died from a highly contagious, often deadly rabbit disease (only transmissible between rabbits). More from the Province:

The Province is encouraging rabbit owners in the mid-Vancouver Island area to take extra care after several wild rabbits were found dead in Cedar, showing symptoms of rabbit hemorrhagic disease.

The disease has not yet been confirmed as the cause of death in these rabbits, but testing is underway and results are pending. In past years, rabbit hemorrhagic disease has been detected in feral, commercial and pet rabbits in Parksville, the Comox Valley, Nanaimo, Richmond, Delta and Vancouver.

The disease is a highly contagious and often deadly disease that affects only rabbits. Symptoms can include fever, lethargy, respiratory distress, bleeding from the nose or mouth or sudden death.

The virus spreads through direct contact between rabbits and indirectly through contaminated bedding, food, water, cages, clothing, footwear and vehicle tires. The disease does not pose a risk to people or other animals, including cats and dogs. However, rabbit hemorrhagic disease can be carried short distances on the fur, feet or droppings of other animals.

There is no treatment for this disease. However, a vaccine for domestic rabbits is available in B.C. Owners are encouraged to speak with their veterinarian about immunizing their rabbits.

Owners can also help protect their pets by:

practising good hygiene when handling rabbits or their housing; and
keeping rabbits away from areas where the disease may be present.

If pet owners notice any signs of illness in their rabbits, they are urged to contact their veterinarian immediately with any concerns.

10/31/2025

10/30/2025

🎃 Tomorrow’s the big night 🎃 and today’s the perfect time to make sure feels safe, fun, and welcoming for everyone in our neighbourhoods, including our pets.

Whether you're setting out treats, prepping costumes, or planning your route, a few thoughtful choices can make a world of difference:

🐾 Keep candy out of paw’s reach and have pet-safe snacks nearby
🕯️ Light up walkways for comfort and visibility
🔕 Create a “quiet zone” for pets away from the doorbell and costumes

Here’s to a paws-itively safe and inclusive Halloween for all. 💙

10/30/2025

As a final wrap-up to October (and more importantly ) we wanted to take one more moment to celebrate and honour the incredible Registered Veterinary Technologists who make compassionate care possible every single day at our hospitals. From calming nervous pets to supporting complex procedures, your expertise and heart are woven into every moment of veterinary medicine. Thank you for your dedication, your empathy, and the quiet heroism you bring to our teams and communities. We see you. We appreciate you. 💙

10/29/2025

😻 Happy ! 😻

Today’s the day we celebrate the headbutts, slow blinks, and 3 a.m. zoomies that make life with cats so special.

Our feline friends might act like they run the house (and, let’s be honest, they do), but they still rely on us to keep them healthy and thriving. Here are a few (veterinary approved) ways to return the love today.

😺 Purr-scription for Wellness: Annual checkups aren’t just for dogs! Cats are masters of disguise when it comes to illness. A yearly veterinary visit helps us catch sneaky issues before they become cat-astrophic.

🧼 Litter-ally Important: If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, don’t assume it’s just cattitude. It could be a sign of stress, pain, or urinary trouble. Let’s talk before it gets messy.

🪥 Meowth Maintenance: Dental care isn’t just a human thing. Bad breath, drooling, or pawing at the mouth? Time for a veterinary check!

🎾 Play Hard, Nap Harder: Cats need enrichment too! Puzzle feeders, vertical spaces, and interactive toys help prevent boredom and behavioral issues. Plus, it’s claw-some bonding time.

💊 Don’t DIY the Meds: Human meds can be toxic to cats. Always check with your veterinary team before giving anything. Even if your cat insists they’re a “purr-fessional.”

10/28/2025

We had some lunch-time Halloween fun today carving pumpkins! Do you have a favourite?

10/24/2025

🐾 🐾

Every hospital has those unforgettable cases. The ones that remind us what teamwork, skill, and compassion can achieve. This week, we’re inspired by our colleagues at VCA Canada Vancouver Animal Emergency and Referral Centre who cared for PhenWay, a brave pup whose journey is nothing short of remarkable.

Her story began quietly, with signs that didn’t point to anything urgent. But within 24 hours, her condition took a sudden turn. Bruising deepened. Shock set in. It was a race against time. The emergency team responded swiftly, stabilizing her and transferring her into the hands of a Criticalist for advanced care.

When PhenWay’s body began to heal, new challenges surfaced; a large wound that required ongoing attention. That’s when the surgical team stepped in, guiding her through ten meticulous wound care sessions across thirteen visits. Every phase of her recovery showcased what happens when different specialties unite with one purpose: helping a patient heal.

Through the support of the program, her family never had to face that journey alone. And now, PhenWay is nearly back to her old self. Strong, spirited, and surrounded by love.

Her story is a beautiful example of how collaboration across hospitals, specialties, and communities makes a difference every single day at 💙

10/23/2025

Our team decided to get in the Halloween spirit a week early, and do the Ghost trend! 👻