Some Of The Interesting Cases Our Staff Has
Had The Privilege of Diagnosing and Treating
Please note: Some cases may contain graphic photos.
GI Foreign Bodies (canine and feline cases):
5-month-old, male, canine (Rhodesian Ridgeback)
History: Indoor puppy. Puppy presented lethargic, anorexic, vomiting for 72 hours, reduced stool production 48 hours prior, no stool production for 24 hours.
Clinical Exam: Puppy depressed. Notable weight loss; dehydrated. Palpable mass in mid-abdomen, abdomen painful upon palpation.
Diagnostic Findings: CBC results normal, except for elevated PCV; blood chemistry results showed no significant findings. Mass in abdomen not visible but suspecious gas pattern was noted radiograph.
Diagnosis: GI Foreign Body
Treatment: IV fluids started, patient placed under general anesthesia & vitals moitored, surgical site preped, GI tract examined from stomach to colon, location of foreign body easily identified and a egg-shaped/sized cloth object removed, GI tract fully examined and appears healthy (no resection necessary), abdominal incision closed, patient placed in hospital recovery cage. After 24 hours of post-op moitoring, IV fluid therapy to correct dehydration, IV antibiotics and pain medication, patient released with prescription antibiotics and pain medication, as well as a soft, easy-to-digest bland diet for 5 days.
Patient Recommendations: Restrict access to toys/objects small enough to consume; monitor appetite and behavior/activity level. Use e-collar if puppy is licking at area to prevent self-trauma to incision site. Continue to keep puppy under strict confinement (leash walk to potty, cage rest, no running/jumping/rough play) to prevent dehissance of incision site as it heals for 7 days; recheck incision site with vet in 3 days; surgical staples to be removed in 7-10 days. Bland diet should be contined for 3-5 days, then a slow transition to puppy's regular diet over the following 3-5 days. Have puppy rechecked immediately if relaps of previous symptoms: lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea or lack of stool, abdominal pain.
Clinical Exam: Puppy depressed. Notable weight loss; dehydrated. Palpable mass in mid-abdomen, abdomen painful upon palpation.
Diagnostic Findings: CBC results normal, except for elevated PCV; blood chemistry results showed no significant findings. Mass in abdomen not visible but suspecious gas pattern was noted radiograph.
Diagnosis: GI Foreign Body
Treatment: IV fluids started, patient placed under general anesthesia & vitals moitored, surgical site preped, GI tract examined from stomach to colon, location of foreign body easily identified and a egg-shaped/sized cloth object removed, GI tract fully examined and appears healthy (no resection necessary), abdominal incision closed, patient placed in hospital recovery cage. After 24 hours of post-op moitoring, IV fluid therapy to correct dehydration, IV antibiotics and pain medication, patient released with prescription antibiotics and pain medication, as well as a soft, easy-to-digest bland diet for 5 days.
Patient Recommendations: Restrict access to toys/objects small enough to consume; monitor appetite and behavior/activity level. Use e-collar if puppy is licking at area to prevent self-trauma to incision site. Continue to keep puppy under strict confinement (leash walk to potty, cage rest, no running/jumping/rough play) to prevent dehissance of incision site as it heals for 7 days; recheck incision site with vet in 3 days; surgical staples to be removed in 7-10 days. Bland diet should be contined for 3-5 days, then a slow transition to puppy's regular diet over the following 3-5 days. Have puppy rechecked immediately if relaps of previous symptoms: lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea or lack of stool, abdominal pain.
5-year-old, female, domestic shorthair feline
History: Indoor-only cat. See playing with spool of sewing thread. Cat now, lethargic, anorexic, vomiting.
Clinical Exam: Cat mildly depressed, dehydrated, no palpable mass abdomen.
Diagnostic Findings: CBC results normal, except for elevated PCV; blood chemistry results showed no significant findings. Suspecious "pleating"/"accordion"/"fan" GI pattern associated with linear foreign body obstruction was noted radiograph.
Diagnosis: Linear GI Foreign Body
Treatment: IV fluids started, patient placed under general anesthesia & vitals moitored, surgical site preped, GI tract examined from stomach to colon, several sites along small intestines determined to contain foreign material, material removed vial multiple enterotomy sites, GI tract fully re-examined and appears healthy (no resections necessary), abdominal incision closed, patient placed in hospital recovery cage. After 24 hours of post-op moitoring, IV fluid therapy to correct dehydration, IV antibiotics and pain medication, patient released with prescription antibiotics and pain medication, as well as a soft, easy-to-digest bland diet for 5 days.
Patient Recommendations: Restrict access to string, thread, ribbon, dental floss, etc.; monitor appetite and behavior/activity level. Keep e-collar on cat until surgical staples are removed (cats are notorious over-groomers of wounds and surgical sites and can cause detrimental self-trauma requiring additional surgery to correct). Continue to keep cat as well activity-restriced as possible (restrict to large dog kennel if cat is running or jumping too much) to prevent dehissance of incision site as it heals for 5-7 days; recheck incision site with vet in 3 days; surgical staples to be removed in 7-10 days. Bland diet should be contined for 3-5 days, then a slow transition to cat's regular diet over the following 3-5 days. Have cat rechecked immediately if relaps of previous symptoms: lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea or lack of stool, abdominal pain, reluctancy to jump up onto objects.
Clinical Exam: Cat mildly depressed, dehydrated, no palpable mass abdomen.
Diagnostic Findings: CBC results normal, except for elevated PCV; blood chemistry results showed no significant findings. Suspecious "pleating"/"accordion"/"fan" GI pattern associated with linear foreign body obstruction was noted radiograph.
Diagnosis: Linear GI Foreign Body
Treatment: IV fluids started, patient placed under general anesthesia & vitals moitored, surgical site preped, GI tract examined from stomach to colon, several sites along small intestines determined to contain foreign material, material removed vial multiple enterotomy sites, GI tract fully re-examined and appears healthy (no resections necessary), abdominal incision closed, patient placed in hospital recovery cage. After 24 hours of post-op moitoring, IV fluid therapy to correct dehydration, IV antibiotics and pain medication, patient released with prescription antibiotics and pain medication, as well as a soft, easy-to-digest bland diet for 5 days.
Patient Recommendations: Restrict access to string, thread, ribbon, dental floss, etc.; monitor appetite and behavior/activity level. Keep e-collar on cat until surgical staples are removed (cats are notorious over-groomers of wounds and surgical sites and can cause detrimental self-trauma requiring additional surgery to correct). Continue to keep cat as well activity-restriced as possible (restrict to large dog kennel if cat is running or jumping too much) to prevent dehissance of incision site as it heals for 5-7 days; recheck incision site with vet in 3 days; surgical staples to be removed in 7-10 days. Bland diet should be contined for 3-5 days, then a slow transition to cat's regular diet over the following 3-5 days. Have cat rechecked immediately if relaps of previous symptoms: lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea or lack of stool, abdominal pain, reluctancy to jump up onto objects.
GI Foreign Bodies
Client Education:
Foreign Body Obstructions: GI foreign body obstructions can happen to any pet. Consumption of inanimate objects can be due to many reasons, such as GI upset (some animals consume unusual items when nauseated), boardum or anxiety (this most commonly happens to unkenneled pets who experience seperation anxiety or storm phobia while the owner is away from home), damage to a toy (for example, cloth tug toys can be easily consumed once they have become damaged and begin to unravel), or because they appear appealing or consumable (often this can happen when toys or other objects have food on them, such as children's clothes or toys or when a dog raids the garbage can).
Many owners encourage cats to play with string-like objects, but this can come at a price. Cats have a particularly difficult time when playing with objects such as sewing thread, ribbon, yarn, dental floss, holiday tinsel, and rubberbands because of naturally-occuring barbs on their tongue. The barbs on a cat's tongue point backwards into the back of the mouth to allow them additional assistance in holding onto prey, but this is a double-edged sword, when it comes to string-like objects. Once these types of objects enter the oral cavity, the barbs act like velcro, gripping onto the surface of the item. This often renders the cat unable to expell the item from the oral cavity and consequently, they must swallow it. Another thing to remember is sewing thread can also be attached to a needle, which can puncture your cat's esophagus, intestinal tract or internal organs.
To avoid these problems, keep all string-like items safely stored out of the reach of your cat and don't use tinsel to decorate your Christmas tree, inspect your pet's toys regularly and only allow access to easily-damaged toys under direct supervision, kennel easily stressed or scared animals when you're away from home, restrict access to children's rooms and toys and to tempting items such as trash cans.
Foreign Body Obstructions: GI foreign body obstructions can happen to any pet. Consumption of inanimate objects can be due to many reasons, such as GI upset (some animals consume unusual items when nauseated), boardum or anxiety (this most commonly happens to unkenneled pets who experience seperation anxiety or storm phobia while the owner is away from home), damage to a toy (for example, cloth tug toys can be easily consumed once they have become damaged and begin to unravel), or because they appear appealing or consumable (often this can happen when toys or other objects have food on them, such as children's clothes or toys or when a dog raids the garbage can).
Many owners encourage cats to play with string-like objects, but this can come at a price. Cats have a particularly difficult time when playing with objects such as sewing thread, ribbon, yarn, dental floss, holiday tinsel, and rubberbands because of naturally-occuring barbs on their tongue. The barbs on a cat's tongue point backwards into the back of the mouth to allow them additional assistance in holding onto prey, but this is a double-edged sword, when it comes to string-like objects. Once these types of objects enter the oral cavity, the barbs act like velcro, gripping onto the surface of the item. This often renders the cat unable to expell the item from the oral cavity and consequently, they must swallow it. Another thing to remember is sewing thread can also be attached to a needle, which can puncture your cat's esophagus, intestinal tract or internal organs.
To avoid these problems, keep all string-like items safely stored out of the reach of your cat and don't use tinsel to decorate your Christmas tree, inspect your pet's toys regularly and only allow access to easily-damaged toys under direct supervision, kennel easily stressed or scared animals when you're away from home, restrict access to children's rooms and toys and to tempting items such as trash cans.
Cat Bite Abscesses
2-year-old, 10.6# (4.8kg), neutered male, domestic shorthair, indoor feline
History: Indoor-only cat, known to fight with feline housemate. Cat presented lethargic, anorexic and hyperthermic for past 48 hours.
Clinical Exam: Cat depressed; rectal temperature 103.9 F, lymphadenopathy noted. Notable area of swelling around right side of jaw/cheek .
Diagnostic Findings: CBC results included elevated white cell count and increased PCV; blood chemistry results showed no significant findings; Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) tested negative, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) tested negative.
Diagnosis: Cat Bite Abscess
Treatment: Sedation, clip & clean wound, lanced wound (expanded current wound opening), flushed wound, Penrose drain placed, administered injectable antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain reliever and subcutaneous fluids, reversed sedation, released patient with prescription antibiotics and pain medication.
Patient Recommendations: Restrict access to wound through use of buster collar; monitor appetite and behavior/activity level. Continue to keep cat strictly indoors to prevent contamination of current wound as it heals, restrict interactions between housemates to prevent grooming of wound by other cat. Housemate should be tested for FeLV and FIV to ensure negative status, and this patient should be kept separate from other cat in home until housemate's FeLV/FIV disease status is known.
Client Education:
Cat Bites: Bite wounds are a major cause of injuries, especially in free-roaming animals. Cat bites tend to be small, penetrating wounds that frequently become infected and must be treated as an abscess with culture, debridement, antibiotics, and drainage. Dog bites have a more varied presentation. Because of the slashing nature of dog bite injuries, the major tissue damage is usually found beneath the surface of the wound. While only small puncture marks or bruising may be evident on the surface, ribs may be broken or internal organs seriously damaged. The animal should be thoroughly examined and stabilized before definitive wound care is begun. The wound should be surgically extended as far as necessary to allow a thorough examination and determination of its extent before a decision on the repair can be made. After a proper assessment, debridement can be performed. Complete wound closure is usually not recommended because the sites are usually contaminated. Closure can be accomplished with drains, as a delayed closure, or by second intention depending on the extent of the injury.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): FIV is contracted through close cat-to-cat contact: fighting, mating, grooming and once contracted is fatal. Infected cats should be confined indoors to prevent spread of FIV infection to other cats in the neighborhood and to reduce their exposure to infectious agents carried by other animals. FIV-infected cats should be spayed or neutered. They should be fed nutritionally complete and balanced diets. Uncooked food, such as raw meat and eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products should not be fed to FIV-infected cats because the risk of food-borne bacterial and parasitic infections is much higher in immunosuppressed cats. Wellness visits for FIV-infected cats should be scheduled with your veterinarian at least every six months. Although a detailed physical examination of all body systems will be performed, your veterinarian will pay special attention to the health of the gums, eyes, skin, and lymph nodes. Your cat's weight will be measured accurately and recorded, because weight loss is often the first sign of deterioration. A complete blood count, serum biochemical analysis, and a urine analysis should be performed annually. Vigilance and close monitoring of the health and behavior of FIV-infected cats is even more important than it is for uninfected cats. Alert your veterinarian to any changes in your cat's health as soon as possible.
Clinical Exam: Cat depressed; rectal temperature 103.9 F, lymphadenopathy noted. Notable area of swelling around right side of jaw/cheek .
Diagnostic Findings: CBC results included elevated white cell count and increased PCV; blood chemistry results showed no significant findings; Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) tested negative, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) tested negative.
Diagnosis: Cat Bite Abscess
Treatment: Sedation, clip & clean wound, lanced wound (expanded current wound opening), flushed wound, Penrose drain placed, administered injectable antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain reliever and subcutaneous fluids, reversed sedation, released patient with prescription antibiotics and pain medication.
Patient Recommendations: Restrict access to wound through use of buster collar; monitor appetite and behavior/activity level. Continue to keep cat strictly indoors to prevent contamination of current wound as it heals, restrict interactions between housemates to prevent grooming of wound by other cat. Housemate should be tested for FeLV and FIV to ensure negative status, and this patient should be kept separate from other cat in home until housemate's FeLV/FIV disease status is known.
Client Education:
Cat Bites: Bite wounds are a major cause of injuries, especially in free-roaming animals. Cat bites tend to be small, penetrating wounds that frequently become infected and must be treated as an abscess with culture, debridement, antibiotics, and drainage. Dog bites have a more varied presentation. Because of the slashing nature of dog bite injuries, the major tissue damage is usually found beneath the surface of the wound. While only small puncture marks or bruising may be evident on the surface, ribs may be broken or internal organs seriously damaged. The animal should be thoroughly examined and stabilized before definitive wound care is begun. The wound should be surgically extended as far as necessary to allow a thorough examination and determination of its extent before a decision on the repair can be made. After a proper assessment, debridement can be performed. Complete wound closure is usually not recommended because the sites are usually contaminated. Closure can be accomplished with drains, as a delayed closure, or by second intention depending on the extent of the injury.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): FIV is contracted through close cat-to-cat contact: fighting, mating, grooming and once contracted is fatal. Infected cats should be confined indoors to prevent spread of FIV infection to other cats in the neighborhood and to reduce their exposure to infectious agents carried by other animals. FIV-infected cats should be spayed or neutered. They should be fed nutritionally complete and balanced diets. Uncooked food, such as raw meat and eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products should not be fed to FIV-infected cats because the risk of food-borne bacterial and parasitic infections is much higher in immunosuppressed cats. Wellness visits for FIV-infected cats should be scheduled with your veterinarian at least every six months. Although a detailed physical examination of all body systems will be performed, your veterinarian will pay special attention to the health of the gums, eyes, skin, and lymph nodes. Your cat's weight will be measured accurately and recorded, because weight loss is often the first sign of deterioration. A complete blood count, serum biochemical analysis, and a urine analysis should be performed annually. Vigilance and close monitoring of the health and behavior of FIV-infected cats is even more important than it is for uninfected cats. Alert your veterinarian to any changes in your cat's health as soon as possible.
Pyometra (Open)
7-year old, 53# (24.1kg), female (intact), Collie-Shepherd-mix
History: Dog presented with a history of lethargy, depression, and anorexia for approximately 48 hours; last estrus cycle was 3-4 weeks ago.
Clinical Exam: Patient depressed and panting; rectal temperature was 102.7 F; odiferous vaginovulvular discharge.
Diagnostic Findings: CBC results included leukocytosis (19,300) with neutrophilia (14,475) and mild left shift (Bands=1,351). Hypoglycemia (45mg/dl) was also detected on blood analysis. Abdominal radiographs revealed the presence of a multilobular mid/caudal abdominal mass.
Diagnosis: Pyometra (Open).
Treatment: Pre-operative stabilization, general anesthesia, ovariohysterectomy, 24-hour post-operative hospitalization, released patient with prescription antibiotics and pain medication.
Patient Recommendations: Exercise restriction, monitor appetite and behavior. If not intended for breeding purposes, bitch should be spayed before their first heat cycle; if used for breeding, bitch should be spayed after final litter is weaned.
Client Education:
Pyometra: Pyometra, a serious infection of the uterus, is a well-recognized disease of female dogs. Pyometra often results from the animal's own bacteria within the genital tract. Escherichia coli is the most common bacteria identified in pyometra. Whenever levels of the reproductive hormone progesterone rise, the uterine lining becomes susceptible to bacterial infection.
Dogs with pyometra commonly have a vaginal discharge, fever, lethargy, and a loss of appetite. Affected dogs are often dehydrated; some may drink and urinate excessively. Some dogs will appear asymptomatic until after vaginal discharge begins. Others will go into shock. Laboratory tests often show dehydration-related abnormalities of electrolyte balance and kidney function. Changes in the white blood cell count are common. Most patients are diagnosed using history, clinical signs, physical examination, and abdominal x-rays. Pyometra requires prompt treatment. Antibiotics to fight the infection, and intravenous fluids to correct dehydration-related abnormalities, are routinely administered. Supportive therapy is given to correct other organ system dysfunction and to stabilize the patient. Surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries is the preferred treatment.
Clinical Exam: Patient depressed and panting; rectal temperature was 102.7 F; odiferous vaginovulvular discharge.
Diagnostic Findings: CBC results included leukocytosis (19,300) with neutrophilia (14,475) and mild left shift (Bands=1,351). Hypoglycemia (45mg/dl) was also detected on blood analysis. Abdominal radiographs revealed the presence of a multilobular mid/caudal abdominal mass.
Diagnosis: Pyometra (Open).
Treatment: Pre-operative stabilization, general anesthesia, ovariohysterectomy, 24-hour post-operative hospitalization, released patient with prescription antibiotics and pain medication.
Patient Recommendations: Exercise restriction, monitor appetite and behavior. If not intended for breeding purposes, bitch should be spayed before their first heat cycle; if used for breeding, bitch should be spayed after final litter is weaned.
Client Education:
Pyometra: Pyometra, a serious infection of the uterus, is a well-recognized disease of female dogs. Pyometra often results from the animal's own bacteria within the genital tract. Escherichia coli is the most common bacteria identified in pyometra. Whenever levels of the reproductive hormone progesterone rise, the uterine lining becomes susceptible to bacterial infection.
Dogs with pyometra commonly have a vaginal discharge, fever, lethargy, and a loss of appetite. Affected dogs are often dehydrated; some may drink and urinate excessively. Some dogs will appear asymptomatic until after vaginal discharge begins. Others will go into shock. Laboratory tests often show dehydration-related abnormalities of electrolyte balance and kidney function. Changes in the white blood cell count are common. Most patients are diagnosed using history, clinical signs, physical examination, and abdominal x-rays. Pyometra requires prompt treatment. Antibiotics to fight the infection, and intravenous fluids to correct dehydration-related abnormalities, are routinely administered. Supportive therapy is given to correct other organ system dysfunction and to stabilize the patient. Surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries is the preferred treatment.
