Because of the shorter lifespan of our pets, we stress the importance of an annual physical examination. Thorough check-ups and preventive care can help alleviate serious health problems. We offer a wide range of veterinary services to keep your companions feeling their best.

Services | Cancer Treatment and Management

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services:  Our hospital is equipped to provide diagnostic and therapeutic services to care for your pets' complete health care needs.

Internal Medicine Consults:  We offer in-hospital referrals to an internal medicine specialist who performs ultrasounds and helps us with the diagnosis of more complicated cases.  We perform our own in-house endoscopy and video-otoscopy.

Radiology:  Our on-site, modern X-ray equipment provides high quality radiographs to aid in the quick diagnosis of many disorders.

That spherical object in the x-ray (mid-abdomen) is a tumor. It was successfully removed.  The patient recovered fully and is doing exceptionally well (though, as you can see, we're now keeping an eye on his liver!).

Electrocardiography Services:  We provide ECG services on-site as well as consultations with cardiology specialists.
   

Surgical Services:  Our state-of-the-art surgical suite provides for the performance of a wide variety of surgical procedures.
   
Anesthesia:  We utilize the safest available anesthetics to provide an extra margin of safety, especially for our older or high-risk patients. Using the most modern equipment, the patient's vital signs are monitored during all anesthetic procedures.

Dentistry:  Our dental services include teeth cleaning and polishing, tooth extractions and minor oral surgery.
   
Laboratory:  Our in-house laboratory facilities provide for emergency blood gas and electrolyte testing, urine analysis, parasite testing, feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency testing. We also utilize commercial veterinary laboratories for specialized diagnostics and consultations.
    
Permanent identification: We offer tattooing and microchip identification.
    
Pharmacy:  We maintain a complete inventory of pharmaceuticals, vitamins, shampoos, flea and tick control products and heartworm preventatives to meet the needs of your pet. We also carry a full line of prescription diets.
   
Individualized Flea Control Programs:  We develop programs for the specific needs of your pet and your own particular environmental situation. We will review with you the best ways to control fleas in your house, in your yard and on your pet.

 Pesky little critters (did you know they also cause tapeworm infestation)

Dietary Counseling:  We will provide guidance regarding your pet's nutritional needs for each life stage, including dietary requirements for growth, weight maintenance and performance.
   

Behavioral Counseling:  We can provide advice regarding the correction of problems such as excessive barking, chewing, spraying, scratching, digging, house soiling and aggression.

     

A fine example of the condition known as "polydipsia" (excessive drinking!)

Emergency Care:  Please call our pager 604 806 2244 for after-hour emergencies.

Cancer Treatment and Management:

At Bowen Veterinary Services we have a comprehensive cancer treatment program. We utilize the latest in chemotherapeutics and complementary therapies (which have well documented anecdotal results). In particular we have had wonderful success with lymphoma, salivary adenocarcinoma, malignant histiocystosis and moderation of squamous cell carcinomas. Unlike us, dogs and cats do not appear to suffer the nausea and discomfort associated with chemotherapy. With proper care and monitoring, the majority of patients take their chemotherapeutics easily and have an enhanced quality of life.

The primary purpose of cancer treatment is to prolong life in a happy and comfortable manner. Our patients do not act as if they are ill and enjoy great quality of life for much longer that they would without treatment. A life expectancy of two to three months following diagnosis can often be increased to two or three years with proper care and monitoring.

Mainland Clients (North and West Vancouver)

A number of our cancer patients travel to the Island for their therapies and treatments. Bowen Island provides a quiet and peaceful environment with wonderful accommodation, restaurants, a fitness facility, hiking trails and secluded beaches. All this is just a 20 minute ferry ride from West Vancouver. A treatment can be scheduled for a Friday or Saturday and you can spend the weekend on the Island with your pet in a calm and revitalizing manner.

If your pet is unwell or has been recently diagnosed with cancer we invite you to give us a call, spend a day over here to learn about his or her condition and what is available for treatment.

Click here for the Bowen Island Ferry Schedule.

Services | Cancer Treatment and Management