Dr. Sy Woon Brings Her Passion For Animals To All Paws Animal Clinic
Dr. Sy Woon, the newest doctor at All Paws Animal Clinic, brings her life-long passion for working with animals all the way from her original home, down under in Australia — complete with the great accent.
“I am Australian, of Malaysian-Chinese descent,” Woon said. “I graduated with my veterinarian degree from the University of Sydney in 2014, which is accredited in the United States.”
Woon also received certification in this country by passing the state licensing exam and a rigorous board examination. “It is a seven-hour test and that ensures I am knowledgeable in all aspects of veterinary medicine and surgery,” she explained.
Just starting work at the clinic about a month ago, Woon is new to the western communities, having moved to South Florida three years ago.
“I’m loving it [here], although I have been working so much that I have only seen a bit of it,” she said. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the area. It has everything I need in a community.”
Since opening 17 years ago, All Paws Animal Clinic has developed into a well-respected veterinary hospital serving the western communities. With a mission statement dedicated to providing “quality care with compassion for your best friend,” the facility provides the latest in medical diagnostics and surgery with warmth and dedication.
Dr. Patricia Forsythe, medical director at All Paws, has been a veterinarian since 1985 and is a member of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. “Everyone on Dr. Patty’s team [as Forsythe prefers to be called] has been so welcoming. A bouquet of flowers greeted me on my desk the first day,” Woon said.
All Paws provides an excellent, modern medical and surgical services facility with everything required to deliver the best quality veterinary treatment.
“The practice has a big-family feel, and everyone is so dedicated and loves animals,” Woon said. “The clients and patients are just great.”
Most recently, Woon was the medical director at the nonprofit Justin Bartlett Animal Hospital. She feels that she has found a home with the best fit at All Paws. “It really aligns with my values,” Woon explained.
Woon’s passionate views about the welfare of animals is one reason that she is also the state representative for the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association.
Working with her favorite category of pets, small animals, Woon said, “I am a dog and cat person,” explaining that she has a special interest in dermatology, dentistry and behavior.
“Dental disease is one of the most common issues with pets,” she explained. “They don’t have a self-cleaning mechanism, and dental disease can affect the important organs — the heart, liver and kidneys.”
Dermatology is another important issue in our area. “Florida is the perfect breeding environment for yeast and bacterial infections,” Woon said. “Many of the different plants and trees here can cause allergies that affect the skin. Just because you can’t see anything doesn’t mean it is not there.”
Woon explained that it is usually the odor and the fact that the animal is constantly scratching that alerts pet owners to a dermatological problem. “There are plenty of medications developed in the past five years that can help make your dogs and cats happier,” she said.
Both dental and dermatological issues can be combated with annual visits to the veterinarian. “Prevention is better than treatment,” Woon stressed.
Woon also works to modify behavior in dogs. “Behavior is the biggest reason pets are surrendered,” Woon said. “A ‘bad dog’ is exhibiting learned behavior, and there are many ways to address and train-out the established behavior. Any dog can be a good dog.”
Woon enjoys being the newest member of the All Paws family.
“I really enjoy working with these great animals… I am proud to share the compassion for the patients,” she said with a distinct accent on caring.
All Paws Animal Clinic is located at 1011 N. State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call (561) 790-9225 or visit www.allpawsanimal.com.
