Aspirin, ibuprofen and their ilk: The good, the bad and the ugly

Posted On: December 1, 2023

Categories: ER + Critical Care

We have recently seen 3 cases of acute kidney injury related to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). NSAIDs (pronounced “N-saids”) are widely used and readily available either over-the-counter or by prescriptions for human use. Aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac are some examples of this class of drugs that are commonly […]

Read More

In The News: A Reported Increase in Respiratory Disease in Dogs

Posted On: November 22, 2023

Categories: ER + Critical Care

There has been an increase in reporting of respiratory diseases in dogs. It has primarily been reported in several US states, and a specific new causative agent has yet to be identified.  Contagious respiratory disease in dogs (kennel cough or the canine infectious respiratory disease complex) is common and can be caused by multiple viral […]

Read More

Public Health Agency of Canada Issues Notice re: Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Raw Food Diets (November 2023)

Posted On: November 22, 2023

Categories: ER + Critical Care

The Public Health Agency of Canada has released a public notice regarding an Extensively Drug Resistant (XDR) Salmonella outbreak linked to raw food diets. Feeding pets raw meat diets has always been a controversial issue with strong opinions on both sides. At Canada West, we request that the dog food left with our patients be cooked. […]

Read More

Coyote Attack on Luna The Cat

Posted On: July 8, 2020

Categories: Case reports, ER + Critical Care, In the Media

Luna is a 2-year old cat that was presented to Canada West Veterinary Specialists on June 26, 2020, after being attacked by a coyote.   She was let outside around 4 am along with two other cats in her household. When the two other cats returned, Luna was nowhere to be found. Her owner went outside […]

Read More

Baby It’s Cold Outside! (Antifreeze And Your Pet)

Posted On: January 13, 2020

Categories: ER + Critical Care, Pet Care

This winter has been warmer than previous years, but the deep freeze is now upon us!! Antifreeze is a necessity at this time of year, but it is important to remember to protect our pets and wildlife from exposure to this deadly toxin. Ethylene glycol affects the nervous system and causes severe injury to the […]

Read More

Molly And The Bear Attack

Posted On: August 23, 2019

Categories: Case reports, ER + Critical Care, Neurology

Molly and The Bear Attack In late July on a Whistler trail, Molly and her owner were surprised when they encountered a bear making aggressive noises who then charged towards them. The bear pinned Molly down by her throat. The owner tried to distract the bear to no avail – it disappeared in the bush […]

Read More

Oh Barf: Vomit versus Regurgitation: What’s the difference and what’s the big deal?

Posted On: August 15, 2019

Categories: ER + Critical Care, Internal Medicine

There are many, many reasons why our pets may “bring up” something, and it’s easy to assume that what they are doing is vomiting. But what if we told you that in addition to the reasons to vomit, there are many other reasons why they might regurgitate!  Being able to differentiate between vomiting and regurgitation […]

Read More

Case Report: Raisins, Grapes, Kidneys and Crisco. Hardy Has A Tale To Tell.

Posted On: May 2, 2019

Categories: Case reports, ER + Critical Care, Internal Medicine

Hardy is an aptly-named and lovely 7-month old Bernese Mountain dog who recently arrived at our Emergency Room after eating a large amount of raisins and two pounds of Crisco (vegetable shortening)!  That night his owner discovered more than 50 raisins in his stool along with some paper towel remnants. Blood work was done to […]

Read More

Lily Toxicity in Cats

Posted On: April 1, 2019

Categories: ER + Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Pet Care

Easter is around the corner and we’ve already had two cases of lily toxicity here at Canada West. Now is the time to review how certain species of lilies cause kidney failure in our feline friends. It has been pointed out that every time holidays roll around I’m doom and gloom about the possible hazards. […]

Read More

Case Report:  Naughty Bruce Wayne & The Naproxen Caper

Posted On: March 14, 2019

Categories: Case reports, ER + Critical Care

The mischievous Bruce Wayne recently visited the Canada West Emergency Room under less than ideal circumstances.  Bruce Wayne is a young French bulldog described by his owners as having an extremely quirky personality and a sincere love of eating. He had been found chewing on a new bottle of Naproxen (sold under the brand names […]

Read More

Contact Us

1988 Kootenay Street, Vancouver, B.C. V5M 4Y3
T: 604.473.4882 | F: 604.473.4898

We are located in Greater Vancouver beside the Trans Canada Highway (Highway 1) — one block south of the 1st Avenue exit (EXIT 27) from Highway 1

Directions

EMERGENCY SERVICES:
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

MEDIA INQUIRIES:
For media seeking comments or interviews, please complete the form below
Media Inquiries Form

RECEPTION HOURS:
Monday to Tuesday: 7am – 11pm
Wednesday to Fridat: 7am – 11:30pm
Saturday: 8am – 11:30pm
Sundays/Holidays: 8am – 11pm

Call Us

Careers

We are always on the lookout for veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, veterinarians and board certified specialists.

Check our list of open positions.

Positions