Fantastic Beasts Veterinary Services Nanaimo

06/18/2026

Neutering — or castration — is the surgical removal of the testicles. It is one of the most commonly performed veterinary procedures and, for most healthy males, involves a straightforward recovery of just a few days.

Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer entirely. It also significantly reduces the risk of prostate disease, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition where the prostate gradually enlarges under the influence of testosterone and can cause difficulty urinating and defecating. BPH affects the majority of intact male dogs by middle age.

In cats, neutering dramatically reduces the risk of certain infectious diseases. Intact male cats roam, fight, and bite — behaviours that directly drive the spread of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), a serious and lifelong disease with no cure. Neutering curbs these behaviours and helps protect your cat and others in the community.

Additional benefits of neutering include:
- Significant reduction in roaming behaviour — and the injuries, accidents, and lost pets that come with it
- Reduced inter-male aggression and fighting
- Elimination of urine marking and spraying in cats — a particularly strong motivator for many owners
- Reduced mounting and hormone-driven behaviours
- Elimination of the urge to escape in search of a mate

The ideal age for neutering depends on your pet's species, breed, and size. For cats, neutering is generally recommended around 6-8 months of age. For dogs — especially medium to large breeds — we may recommend waiting until closer to physical and hormonal maturity, as emerging research suggests that s*x hormones play a role in musculoskeletal development. This is a conversation worth having with us, as the right timing is individual to your pet.

Neutering reduces hormonally driven behaviours — it does not alter your pet's fundamental character, playfulness, or affection toward you.

While neutered pets can have a slightly lower metabolic rate, appropriate diet and exercise are all that is needed to keep your pet at a healthy weight.

Every year, thousands of animals enter shelters across Canada because of unplanned litters. Neutering your male pet means he cannot contribute to that number — and that matters.

If you have questions about neutering your dog or cat — the timing, what to expect, or anything else — we are always happy to chat, give us a call to book your appointment. Your pet's health is our priority, and no question is too small.

06/16/2026

06/15/2026

Spaying your female dog or cat is one of the single most important decisions you can make for her long-term health — and it goes far beyond preventing unwanted litters.

Spaying — or an ovariohysterectomy — is the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries. It is a routine procedure performed under general anesthesia, and for most healthy animals, recovery is smooth and straightforward.

The health benefits are significant.

Spaying before the first or second heat cycle dramatically reduces the risk of mammary (breast) cancer — one of the most common cancers in female dogs and cats. In dogs, mammary tumours are malignant in approximately 50% of cases. In cats, that number climbs to around 85-90%. Spaying early is one of the most effective things you can do to protect your pet from this disease.

Spaying also completely eliminates the risk of pyometra — a life-threatening infection of the uterus that is unfortunately very common in unspayed females. Pyometra is a surgical emergency that requires immediate intervention and carries a real risk of death if not treated promptly. It is entirely preventable through spaying.

Additional benefits of spaying include:
- Elimination of estrus (heat) cycles — no more yowling, restlessness, or attracting unwanted male attention
- Reduced risk of ovarian cysts and uterine infections
- Decreased roaming behaviour driven by hormonal urges

Timing can vary depending on the species, breed, and size of your pet. For cats, spaying is generally recommended around 6-8 months of age. For dogs, the conversation is more nuanced — particularly for larger breeds, where we may recommend waiting until closer to physical maturity. This is something we are always happy to discuss with you individually, because the best decision is one that is tailored to your specific pet.

Companion animal overpopulation is a very real issue. Shelters across Canada are stretched beyond capacity, and many healthy animals never find homes. Spaying is one of the most direct ways each of us can help address this problem.

If you have questions about spaying — the timing, the procedure, recovery, or anything else — we are always here to have that conversation with you. There are no silly questions when it comes to your pet's health. Give us a call at (778) 716-8387 to book an appointment.

06/14/2026

Found a lump on your pet? Here's what to watch for.

It's surprisingly common to discover a new bump or mass on your dog or cat — and while many turn out to be benign, it's always worth having one checked out. Early detection really does make a difference.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿:
• Size — is it larger than 1 cm, or growing quickly?
• Shape — irregular edges or an uneven surface?
• Texture — firm, hard, or fixed to the tissue underneath?
• Skin changes — ulceration, redness, discharge, or hair loss over the area?
• Location — masses near the mammary glands, lymph nodes, or mouth deserve prompt attention
• Your pet's behaviour — are they licking, scratching, or seeming bothered by it?
• Other changes — unexplained weight loss, decreased appetite, or lethargy alongside a new lump

𝗔 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗯: if a lump is new, changing, or you're unsure — have it assessed. We can often perform a simple needle sample right in the clinic to get answers quickly.

Don't wait and wonder. Book an appointment with us and let's take a look together.

778-617-8387

06/13/2026

Found a lump on your pet? Here's what to watch for.

It's surprisingly common to discover a new bump or mass on your dog or cat — and while many turn out to be benign, it's always worth having one checked out. Early detection really does make a difference.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿:
• Size — is it larger than 1 cm, or growing quickly?
• Shape — irregular edges or an uneven surface?
• Texture — firm, hard, or fixed to the tissue underneath?
• Skin changes — ulceration, redness, discharge, or hair loss over the area?
• Location — masses near the mammary glands, lymph nodes, or mouth deserve prompt attention
• Your pet's behaviour — are they licking, scratching, or seeming bothered by it?
• Other changes — unexplained weight loss, decreased appetite, or lethargy alongside a new lump

𝗔 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗯: if a lump is new, changing, or you're unsure — have it assessed.

Don't wait and wonder. Book an appointment with us and let's take a look together.

Nanaimo, BC
778-617-8387

Exceptional care for extraordinary companions We believe every animal deserves a champion. Whether they come bounding through our front doors or arrive from a rescue, we treat every patient with compassion, skill, and respect. From routine care to second chances, we’re here for all beasts, great a...

06/13/2026

Your pet looks healthy — why do we recommending bloodwork?

The answer is simple: pets are experts at hiding illness. By the time symptoms appear on the outside, disease has often been quietly progressing on the inside for months — sometimes years. Routine bloodwork lets us see what's happening beneath the surface, long before your pet shows any signs of being unwell.

A routine blood panel typically includes two key components:

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) — this evaluates the cells circulating in the blood:

Red blood cells — checks for anemia or dehydration
White blood cells — can indicate infection, inflammation, or immune disorders
Platelets — assesses the blood's ability to clot properly

A Biochemistry Panel — this assesses organ function and body chemistry:

Kidney values (BUN, creatinine, SDMA) — critical for detecting early kidney disease, especially in cats
Liver enzymes (ALT, ALP) — can flag liver disease, toxin exposure, or certain cancers
Blood glucose — screens for diabetes, which is increasingly common in both dogs and cats
Protein levels — help assess nutrition, liver function, and gut health
Electrolytes — imbalances can point to hormonal conditions like Addison's disease
Thyroid levels — essential for detecting hyperthyroidism in older cats, one of the most common feline conditions

Why does it matter to run bloodwork even when my pet seems fine?

Many serious conditions — kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease, and thyroid disorders — are far more manageable when caught early. For example, kidney disease in cats can be identified through bloodwork before up to 75% of kidney function is already lost. Early detection means earlier treatment, better quality of life, and in many cases, more time with your pet.

Routine bloodwork also establishes a personal baseline for your pet. What's normal for one animal may be different for another, and having a record of your pet's individual values over time makes it much easier for your vet to spot meaningful changes.

When should pets have bloodwork done?

As a young adult baseline (typically 1–3 years of age)
Annually for middle-aged pets
Every 6 months for senior pets (cats and dogs over 7–8 years)
Before any anesthetic procedure
Whenever your pet seems "off" — even subtly
When starting or monitoring long-term medications

Think of routine bloodwork the same way you think about your own annual check-up — it's not about finding something wrong, it's about making sure everything is right. And if something isn't, catching it early makes all the difference.

Ask us about adding a blood panel to your pet's next wellness visit — it could be one of the most important things you do for them this year.

(778) 716-8387

06/11/2026

Let's talk about something we don't discuss enough — your pet's breath.

We've all heard the term "dog breath" used as a joke, but here's the truth: bad breath in dogs and cats is NOT normal. It is not just a quirky pet trait to laugh off. Halitosis — the medical term for persistently bad breath — is one of the earliest and most telling signs of periodontal disease, and it deserves your attention.

Periodontal disease is an infection and inflammation of the structures that support the teeth — the gums, ligaments, and bone. It begins when plaque (a film of bacteria) builds up on the teeth and hardens into tartar. Over time, bacteria work their way below the gumline, triggering the immune system and causing progressive destruction of the tissue and bone holding the teeth in place.

By age 3, the majority of dogs and cats already show some signs of periodontal disease — making it the most common health condition seen in our pets.

And it doesn't stop at the mouth.

Research has shown that the chronic bacterial load from periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to damage in the kidneys, liver, and heart. What starts as "just bad breath" can have serious, whole-body consequences if left untreated.

Signs your pet may have periodontal disease:
- Bad breath that doesn't go away
- Yellow or brown buildup on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Loose or missing teeth
- Dropping food or reluctance to chew
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at the mouth

If your pet's breath is making you turn your head, don't brush it off — book a dental check-up today. Your pet will thank you for it!
(778) 716-8387

06/08/2026

Have you ever heard of FORLs? If you have a cat, this is something every owner should know about.

FORL stands for Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesion — a mouthful of a name for one of the most common and painful dental conditions seen in cats. In fact, studies suggest that up to 75% of cats over the age of 5 may be affected!

FORLs occur when the cells responsible for breaking down old tooth tissue (called odontoclasts) mistakenly begin attacking the cat's own healthy teeth. This causes the tooth structure to erode from the inside out, starting at or below the gumline. Over time, the tooth becomes severely weakened, and the nerve becomes exposed — causing significant pain.

The tricky part? Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, so many owners have no idea their cat is suffering.

Watch for these subtle signs:
- Dropping food or chewing on one side of the mouth
- Excessive drooling or bloody saliva
- Chattering or jaw spasms when the mouth is touched
- Decreased appetite or weight loss
- Pawing at the mouth
- Reluctance to be touched around the face

Because FORLs often start below the gumline, they can be invisible to the naked eye — dental X-rays are essential for diagnosis. This is one of the key reasons we recommend regular dental exams and professional cleanings for your cat.

Treatment typically involves extraction of the affected tooth, which brings cats significant relief. Many owners are amazed at how much brighter and more playful their cat becomes after treatment — a sign of just how much pain they were silently carrying.

Regular vet check-ups are the best way to catch FORLs early. Give us a call to schedule your cat in for a dental exam. (778) 716-8387.