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Archive for the ‘Pet of the Month’ Category
Pet of the Month August
by admin on August 6th, 2010
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At ten years old Pebbles was starting to develop arthritis of the left hip and spine. She still loved her runs on the beach for stones, as her name implies, but the strain of these arthritic areas on her good back leg took its toll and resulted in a cruciate ligament rupture. Her ruptured ligament was repaired at the surgery and despite some post-operative pain necessitating powerful painkillers, she has made a strong recovery. Now 3 weeks on she is again straining at the leash when she visits the beach in the hope of a good run. A few more weeks rest and there is every hope you will be up to your favourite tricks Pebbles!
Pebbles
Pet of the Month – July
by admin on August 6th, 2010
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Capstan has always been a very lively friendly dog who loves to chew his toys … and many other things for that matter too! Unfortunately he went a little bit too far recently when his owner found a toy in pieces. Significant pieces were missing and the toy was of a nature that lead us to fear the consequences could be extremely serious if the toy was left in Capstan’s stomach. Unfortunately the toy was of a density that would not show on radiographs so a swift laparotomy was required to check his bowels and remove any unwanted materials. Capstan has made a wonderful recovery. Let’s hope he has learned his lesson!
Pet of the Month – June
by admin on June 17th, 2010
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Last month Stella began to struggle walking upstairs. Her lower back appeared sensitive to pressure and anti-inflammatories were commenced. When, a few days later, Stella exuberantly greeted her owner, she yelped in pain and her hind legs gave way despite being on medication. Lack of response to subsequent treatment led to her being referred to a specialist for a CT scan. The scan revealed an intervertebral disc extrusion. Decompressive surgery was required and she is now making good progress, slowly regaining proper control of her hind legs. Stella has been an absolute star and a real pleasure to look after. We extend her every best wish in her ongoing convalescence.
Pet of the Month May
by admin on May 19th, 2010
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When Bryn started drinking more water and leaving puddles at night little did we think that a complex series of blood tests, urine tests and radiographs would be required to reach a diagnosis. Poor Bryn was found to have a malignant tumour called a lymphoma is his chest cavity. He was referred to national cancer specialists VRCC who confirmed a diagnosis and instituted treatment. He has now been on a complex oral and intravenous chemotherapy regime for the last 3 months and is doing extremely well. He has been the perfect patient and has tolerated all this interference graciously and without complaint.
Pet of the Month April
by admin on May 6th, 2010
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Hugo was a real star and a pleasure to look after. Lack of response to routine treatment for a high temperature and lethargy led us to carry out blood tests and radiographs. When even these failed to explain Hugo’s symptoms a spinal fluid tap and joint fluid taps were performed. The poor lad was found to have immune mediated polyarthritis and associated meningitis. We are pleased to say that high doses of steroids led to a rapid recovery.
Pet of the Month March
by admin on March 19th, 2010
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Like many dogs of her age, ten year old Labrador Molly began to develop lumps. Whilst the majority were found to be benign lipomas, one of Molly’s masses turned out to be a malignant mast cell tumour. This cancer required extensive tissue removal and a skin graft. Molly has required weeks of postoperative care, which we are delighted to say is paying off. She was an exemplary patient, completely cooperative and a pleasure to attend. There is no sign of recurrence to date and Molly has made a tremendous recovery.
Molly the Lab
Pet of the Month – February
by admin on February 22nd, 2010
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Ginger, a delightful eight month old kitten returned home after an absence of three weeks. He had been involved in a road traffic accident evidenced by damaged nails and a broken tail, which sadly needed to be amputated. Despite the loss of his bushy rudder, he made a rapid and full recovery. Lets hope he has learnt from his wanderings to take greater care in future.
Pet of the Month – January
by admin on January 5th, 2010
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Sam, a wire haired dachshund, came to the clinic unable to urinate and struggling to pass motions. Clinical examination showed that Sam’s prostate was enlarged and this was confirmed by radiographs. Further tests showed him to also have a urinary tract infection. After a few days of antibiotics, hormones and regular urinary catheterisation Sam began to be able to pass urine and faeces by himself and made a great recovery. He will need regular monitoring to protect him against a relapse.
Pet of the Month – December
by admin on December 7th, 2009
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When we first saw her, Flopsy had been having difficulty eating her food for a few weeks. She often dropped her food, hardly eating any, and her chin was wet. It was suspected that Flopsy was suffering from overgrown back molar teeth.
This was confirmed under general anaesthetic when we found that she had developed long spurs from her back teeth which were rubbing on and pressing in to her tongue.
The spurs were rasped off and she made a swift return to full health. As rabbit’s teeth grow continually, these spurs will almost certainly return and her owner will be on the look out for any suspicious signs.
Pet of the Month – November
by admin on December 7th, 2009
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Elvis was born in March 06 – one of a litter of 8. At birth he was unable to suckle properly and so had to be bottle fed. It was later discovered that he had facial paralysis which explained this problem.
By 9 months he was unable to stand without swaying side to side and so was sent to Queen Mother Hospital for tests which included a spinal tap, body scan and blood tests. Nothing of significance was found.
Two of Elvis’ brothers were found to be showing the same symptoms and in fact had to be put sleep because the effects were so severe. They were only a year old. When a post mortem was performed on Elvis’ brother it was found that he had a genetic degenerative peripheral neuropathy which is similar to Multiple Sclerosis in humans.
Elvis is now nearly 4 four and has surprised everyone with his ability to cope despite his condition and disabilities. Looking after him is very time consuming and hard work as he needs assistance for most simple activities. Getting up in the night to turn him over, carrying him up stairs, helping him in and out of the house, lifting him in and out of the car, and picking him up when he falls over are just a few of the things his owners do for him.
We cannot know how much longer Elvis will be with us. He has surprised the experts, and although his mobility is very poor and he has trouble getting his legs to do what his brain tells him, his tail is always wagging and he seems very happy. All the time he still enjoys a walk, eats his food and has a quality of life his future remains as positive as he is.
