Starting April 11, Hôpital vétérinaire du Nord is extending its hours to include Sundays in order to better meet the needs of families and their companions. The hospital will now be open 7 days a week.

On Sundays, the hospital will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to welcome animals and their families, particularly for certain urgent cases. Appointment slots will also be available for follow-up visits.

This extended schedule aims to make services more accessible while continuing to provide ongoing care for dogs and cats.

For the full schedule or to schedule an appointment, visit the website of Hôpital vétérinaire du Nord.

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Between the Flair & cie Academies, the ParFLAIRe le comportement workshops, the training sessions dedicated to social media, and the large corporate culture gatherings, these activities created valuable interactions.

These meetings help our practices continue to evolve while supporting our shared vision: to be recognized for the positive impact we leave in the lives of families by caring with heart and expertise for the health and well-being of their animals, a daily source of happiness.

Here is a glimpse of our start to the year in pictures.

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On a day off, I went to the movies. There were maybe twenty people in the theatre. Since I don’t like noise very much, I brought my earplugs, just enough to muffle the sound without completely isolating myself. A few rows behind me, a couple started talking. Loudly, and often. At first, I didn’t say anything. Then I gave them a look. Then a “shhh.” Then another one, more insistent. The usual escalation. A man sitting not far from me also tried a “shush.”

But nothing worked. They commented on the movie as if they were in their living room. They made predictions about how the story would unfold, talked about the actors, and shared their impressions out loud.

Honestly, they talked every five minutes. Exasperated, I turned around and saw that they were a very elderly couple. I thought maybe they didn’t hear very well and that I could make an extra effort.

Actually, it was nice to see two older people still enjoying going out together. But they kept talking! But they kept talking. At the end, during the credits, I turned toward them with an annoyed look. The man who had also tried to silence them earlier stared at them too.

The old man looked at us. He gave us a thumbs up, with a mocking expression on his face. At the time, it really annoyed me. Then I wondered if maybe I had overreacted. I felt like the grumpy person in the theatre. I could have taken a breath, let it go, or moved to another seat.

But it’s not always easy to stop impatience from getting the better of us.

Then I thought of Coby, my big black furry dog. He probably would have sighed heavily and simply found a new spot. And he probably would have been right.

On my way home, I thought that maybe we should take inspiration from animals more often. Focus on kindness rather than impatience. Stay calm and move on. It might make us better people.

What about you? Are you the type to talk in a movie theatre or stay quiet?

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Our pets, especially cats, appear to be more sensitive to the toxicity of certain essential oils. Symptoms of poisoning vary depending on the route of exposure, whether respiratory, dermal, or oral when an animal licks oil from its fur. The most common signs include gastrointestinal, neurological and respiratory issues, as well as skin irritation.

Because cats groom themselves frequently, they are often more affected. Essential oils are lipophilic, meaning they are easily absorbed through the skin, respiratory tract and digestive system. These substances can quickly penetrate muscle and fatty tissues, including nerve tissue.

Studies still limited

Unfortunately, research on the mechanisms behind essential oil poisoning in animals is still limited. Toxicological studies often focus on individual components rather than the combined effects of multiple compounds. As a result, there are still gaps in our understanding of how these substances affect animal health.

However, we do know that essential oils can be readily absorbed through the skin, respiratory tract and digestive system, and that their elimination may take longer in some animals due to their specific metabolism. In addition, their use as an alternative to certain treatments can increase the risk of poisoning. This can occur, for example, when essential oils are used as alternatives to flea treatments, which can increase exposure and therefore the risk of toxicity.

In summary, although essential oils may seem harmless because of their natural origin, they can pose risks to our pets. Research has not yet fully clarified their mechanisms of action and toxic effects in animals, but further studies will hopefully provide a better understanding in the future.

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When should you consult a veterinarian?

If the lump is the size of a pea (about 7 mm or ¼ inch) or smaller and has been present for less than a month, it is generally reasonable to monitor it.
However, it is important to consult your veterinarian if:

• the lump is still present after a month;
• it is growing rapidly;
• it changes shape, appearance, or colour;
• it oozes or bleeds;
• it seems to bother your pet (itching, excessive licking, pain, etc.).

Does a lump necessarily mean cancer?

Finding a lump can be a source of anxiety, but it is important to remember that a lump does not automatically mean cancer. Conversely, it is impossible to determine the nature of a lump simply by looking at it or feeling it.

Fortunately, there are simple and minimally invasive tests that can identify the type of lump and help guide appropriate treatment.

Diagnostic tests: how can a lump be identified?

The first recommended test is often a fine needle aspiration. Using a small needle, cells are taken directly from the lump. This test is quick, usually painless, and does not require anesthesia. The samples are sent to a laboratory for cytology, where a pathologist examines the cells under a microscope.

Results are usually available within a few days. They provide a diagnosis in about 70% of cases, including identifying the type of mass, not just whether it is benign or cancerous.

When cytology does not provide enough information, a biopsy may be recommended. A small fragment of the mass is then removed under anesthesia or deep sedation. Results are usually available within a week and provide the most complete level of information.

Depending on the situation, additional tests may be recommended to assess your pet’s overall health and, in the case of cancer, to check whether it has spread (metastases). These tests may include:

• a blood test;
• a urine test;
• medical imaging (X-rays, ultrasound, and/or CT scan);
• a fine needle aspiration of the lymph nodes.

Treatment: does a mass always need surgery?

Once a diagnosis has been made, the veterinarian will recommend the most appropriate treatment. Surgery is often the first option, especially when the mass can be completely removed.

• For benign masses, it may be sufficient to remove only the mass itself.
• For malignant masses, it is often necessary to remove additional tissue around and beneath the mass to maximize the chances of eliminating all cancer cells.

However, surgery is not always the only option.

• For some small benign masses, alternative treatments such as cryotherapy (freezing the mass) may be considered.
• In some cases, simple monitoring is recommended, especially if the mass is benign, stable, does not affect the animal’s health, and does not cause discomfort. Some masses may even regress spontaneously without intervention.
• For cancerous masses, additional treatments may sometimes be necessary, either alone or in combination with surgery. These may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or specific medications.

In conclusion, discovering a lump on your pet can be worrying, but a prompt and appropriate evaluation allows for an accurate diagnosis and the best possible treatment. If you are unsure, never hesitate to consult your veterinarian!

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We extend our congratulations to those who were successful, as well as our full support to those who will be retaking this important exam.

Our team is proud of its donation in support of exam retakes.

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Construction work on the new facility is progressing well. However, as the building requires more work than initially anticipated, the official opening has been delayed by a few weeks. The exact date will be announced as soon as it is confirmed.

In the meantime, the pop-up clinic will allow dogs and cats in the area to receive basic care and be treated for minor emergencies. A selection of products and pet food will also be available on site.

At-home care services remain available, depending on your needs.

Appointments

• 579-304-0331

• infocvmh@flairetcie.com

The team will keep you informed of the next steps and looks forward to welcoming you.

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Here are the three main reasons why I wanted to become a veterinarian. I believe they also explain why I’ve been successful both professionally and personally. Because after twelve years of practice, I still love my job. Whenever a young person is interested in becoming a companion animal veterinarian, I share my original motivations with them. It’s important to truly understand what you’re getting into before committing fully.

1) I love science

I love biology, math, and chemistry. I don’t love physics, but I still had to push myself to study it and earn good grades to reach my goals. Learning how the body works, how it can suffer from certain conditions, and how it can be repaired through medicine is incredibly fascinating. Modern medicine is amazing, and what we are able to do today as veterinarians leaves me in awe.

That said, it’s important to know that becoming a veterinarian requires a tremendous amount of studying. You must memorize many scientific concepts before being able to practice and help patients. Even after being accepted into veterinary school, you continue learning basic principles that initially seem far removed from the profession itself. But with determination, you get there—and it’s incredibly rewarding.

2) I love people

Veterinarians work closely with their colleagues and team members every day, but also with pet owners. I love building relationships with them and supporting them through both good and difficult times, using a professional and compassionate approach. I love watching their children grow up and come see me with their very first pet. The trust and bond that can develop are almost as incredible as the medicine we get to practice.

As a small animal veterinarian, I must never forget the person on the other side of the exam table or at the end of the leash. And the best way to help an animal is to work as a team with their human.

3) I love animals

This may seem obvious, but it deserves reflection. I love healthy, cute, friendly animals. I also love those with skin problems, kidney disease, or terrible breath. In fact, as a veterinarian, I am the voice of all animals. Since they can’t speak, I sometimes have to “translate” their needs so their families can better understand them. I also love and know animals well enough to help them—and their families—let go when the time comes.

The truth is, I don’t always see puppies and kittens just starting their lives. Watching my patients grow and change through every stage of their lives can bring many challenges. But it is truly rewarding.

In short, I love my profession. It’s a beautiful career with so many possibilities, but it requires perseverance and determination. That’s important to know. Once in the field, daily life is filled with wonderful stories, but also with challenges. All of these aspects of the veterinary profession are important to consider before choosing to practice veterinary medicine. As for me, I wouldn’t change careers for anything in the world. It fulfills me completely. I chose it for the right reasons and followed my heart. Working with animals and their humans is a daily joy.

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What is an ear hematoma?

An ear hematoma, or aural hematoma, is a condition caused by broken blood vessels within the ear flap, causing the ear flap to swell like a balloon. Most often these small blood vessels break due to vigorous headshaking. The extra weight of the fluid-filled ear flap can cause pain and discomfort and can lead to permanent damage to the cartilage of the ear. Both cats and dogs can be affected by this condition, and the ear flap can be partially or fully filled with fluid. Depending on the size and location of the hematoma, not all cases need direct veterinary treatment. However, more often than not, one or more interventions are needed to treat a hematoma, therefore a veterinary consultation is always recommended.

When should we treat or repair a hematoma?

• If an ear infection cannot be treated because the hematoma is so large that it blocks the ear canal. Ear infections are often the predisposing cause of hematomas because they are itchy and cause headshaking, especially in dogs. 
• If the hematoma risks narrowing the ear canal. Scar tissue in the wrong place can cause the canal to narrow, promoting infections and making cleaning difficult. This problem particularly affects cats and small dogs.
• For cosmetic reasons. An untreated hematoma can lead to a wrinkled or deformed ear flap (commonly referred to as a “cauliflower ear”). For owners that are concerned with the look of the ear flap, surgical intervention is usually needed to decrease the chances of scarring.
• If there is significant pain and discomfort caused by the hematoma.

What are the available treatment options?

• Aspiration: fluid is removed with a needle and syringe. This procedure can be done quickly and is usually inexpensive. However, fluid can easily leak into the empty space left behind, which means the fix is often only temporary. Repeated attempts may be needed, and infections can occur from multiple needle insertions.
• Teat cannula: a draining device is inserted into the ear flap to allow draining of fluid over time. Teat cannulas are usually used in bovine medicine to treat udder inflammation and infections. They can also be used in small animal medicine if the ear flap is thick enough to allow insertion of the cannula. The treatment is usually successful; however, the animal must tolerate the device for potentially several weeks. Additionally, the drained fluids can be messy.
• Surgical correction: the hematoma is drained and then the ear flap is sutured in multiple areas to prevent fluid from reaccumulating. A bandage may be applied after surgery and sutures are left in place for several weeks to allow healing. This method is more often used for cats, as their ear is more prone to scarring leading to a narrowed ear canal. 

In conclusion, ear hematomas are relatively common in dogs and cats. They arise from vigorous headshaking often secondary to ear infections. A veterinary consultation will help determine which treatment option is best for your pet. 

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Dr. Julie-Anne Gervais, a surgeon at the hospital, performs a wide range of procedures, including foreign body removal, cystotomy, splenectomy, pyometra surgery, and other complex and emergency surgeries.

Supported by a qualified and attentive veterinary team, Dr. Gervais ensures that care is thorough, safe, and tailored to each situation, in an environment where professionalism and compassion are top priorities.

To learn more about surgical services or to find out how to contact Hôpital vétérinaire du Nord, click here visit the hospital’s page here.

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