Sunday, July 21, 2013

Bodie's Blog: Episode One. The Case of the Angry Spleen


Dr.Bodie has graciously decided to help us write some blogs.  Here is the first installment of what's I like to call "Bodie's Blog".

IF YOU THINK YOUR PET HAS SPLENIC TORSION, PLEASE CONTACT US OR YOUR REGULAR VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY. SPLENIC TORSION OR OTHER PROBLEMS INVOLVING THE SPLEEN ARE LIFE THREATENING PROBLEMS THAT HAVE TO BE SEEN BY A VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY.

Background

In twenty five years, I have had the honor to care for and help well over ten thousand dogs, I can remember most if not all of them, but some dogs really stand out in my mind. “Mr G.” was one of them.

"Mr.G" is a dog with a canine black belt. Mr G is a beautiful one hundred twenty pound Alsatian Shepard. Mr G (his name has been changed to protect the innocent) never complains, so when he came in one Saturday morning in a lot of pain, I took notice. One day, Mr. G came in with a life threatening emergency. What doctors call a splenic torsion. That's when the spleen twists on itself and becomes engorged with blood. In a life threatening emergency, you have to do a hundred things right in a very short period of time. No room for any mistakes, no second chances, no "do-overs", no mulligans. Treating life threatening emergencies is not for the faint of heart. One of the first things I learned when dealing with such an emergency, no matter how crazy everything is, with people crying, the one person in the room that has to stay calm is the doctor. Easier said than done. Even "McDreamy" gets more than one take. Mr G, watched my every move. Rather unnerving. One hundred pounds of pure taunt muscle with over thirty teeth and two steely eyes watching my every move. Mr G didn't have to say, "don't mess up doc", he was the strong silent type. After many hours of surgery, after most of the exhausted staff had gone home, it was just me and Mr G. I remember flushing out his I.V. Catheter to prevent it from forming a dangerous blood clot, thinking Mr G was still knocked out. Wrong. I was inches from his face when he woke up, not in the best of moods. The day before, Mr G didn't have a care in the world. Twenty fours later, his life was in my hands. All Mr G knew was that his belly hurt more than anything else in the world, he had just woken up from an incredibly long surgery and even after getting painkillers, he still had to be hurting. So what did Mr G do? Bite my face? No, he gently took my hand in his mouth to politely let me know he had had enough. What a cool dog. The black belt that wouldn't hurt a fly, or good thing for me, a vet. I stayed with Mr G almost the whole night; it was the least I could do. Even weeks later, he was the same stoic rock. Endless rechecks, endless injections and he never complained. The best lessons in life are lessons learned from example and dogs set the bar rather high. In my opinion, it is a lesson for the rest of us to learn. Mr G was just happy to be alive. In his words, enough said.

Splenic torsion occurs when the spleen twists around the abundant blood vessels that go to the spleen. The problem occurs in that the arteries are high blood pressure, but the veins are low blood pressure

which means that the arteries are able to deliver blood to the twisted spleen but the venous return has been occluded. With every heartbeat, the spleen grows larger and larger. Like most visceral organs the spleen doesn’t have a lot of pain fibers in the spleen itself, but has abundant pain fibers in the capsule resulting in tremendous pain for the patient when the blood engorged spleen enlarges.. IF YOU THINK YOUR PET HAS SPLENIC TORSION, PLEASE CONTACT US OR YOUR REGULAR VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY. SPLENIC TORSION OR OTHER PROBLEMS INVOLVING THE SPLEEN ARE LIFE THREATENING PROBLEMS THAT HAVE TO BE SEEN BY A VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY. TIME IS CRITICAL AND OFTEN EMERGENCY SURGERY IS REQUIRED. WITH PROMPT TREATMENT, A PATIENT WITH A SPLENIC TORSION CAN BE SAVED. IN ADDITION, THE CLINICAL SIGNS OF SPLENIC TORSION ARE SIMILAR TO GASTRIC DILATATION VOLVULUS ALSO KNOWN AS BLOAT. BLOAT IS ANOTHER LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY WHERE SECONDS COUNT. IF YOU THINK YOUR PET HAS EITHER OF THESE PROBLEMS, PLEASE CONTACT US OR YOUR REGULAR VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY.

Clinical signs

Patients with splenic torsion present in acute often severe abdominal discomfort or pain. In most cases, abdominal distention is noted. Physical exam finding include evidence of hypovolemic shock (rapid heart rate, rapid respiratory rate, depression, weak pulses, cool extremities, abdominal distension and pain. Radiographs are immediately taken and the engorged spleen can be seen on the radiograph (XRAY): 

Emergency treatment:

After placing an intravenous catheter, a blood transfusion is done because of the large amount of blood trapped or sequestered in the spleen: 

Many thanks to “Buster” aka “Buss Buss”, who is one of my technician’s dogs, for being a universal donor and such a good sport. The deal was that I had to buy Buster a steak dinner.

A large abdominal incision is made and the engorged spleen is exposed

Very carefully as not to rupture the engorged spleen, the spleen is removed from the abdominal cavity:

The spleen is then removed from the patient. All critical patients require constant monitoring and observation is a critical care setting:


One of several monitors used to insure a critical patient’s safety. These numbers didn’t mean much to Mr G, but they did to me, the percent of oxygen saturation is 100% and the pulse rate is 124. Perfect!

Finally, the enlarged spleen is out of the body and a full recovery, like in the case of Mr G is expected.

© 2012 Neil Bodie DVM, member VECCS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

To Your Pets Good Health!
Brittany
Temple City Animal Hospital
626-287-1173
5406 N. Rosemead Blvd.
San Gabriel CA
www.templecityanimalhospital.com

Monday, December 10, 2012

Having a fun and safe Holiday

Holidays are a time for family, friends, loved ones, and pets.  I decided to give you guys a helpful blog about the concerns that may arise during the holiday. 


Indoor Winter Hazards
During the winter, people and their pets tend to spend more time indoors, so it is important to keep the home environment safe for your dog. The following are some common issues to be aware of:
Many types of houseplants can be poisonous to dogs. If eaten, these plants can cause problems such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as other reactions that can be severe or even fatal. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Poison Control Center provides a list of toxic houseplants, as well as dangerous outdoor plants, on its website. It is important to keep all dangerous plants out of your dog’s reach.
Burning candles, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and space heaters create the potential for burns and smoke inhalation. The flickers and warmth of a fire can be an attraction for dogs; because of this, dogs should not be left alone in a room with open flames or hot electric elements. When these items are in use, monitor your dog at all times to keep him from getting burned or possibly starting a house fire.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a threat to dogs as well as people. Furnaces, gas water heaters, and gas/kerosene space heaters should always be evaluated for any leakage. Because dogs tend to be in the house for longer periods of time during the winter, they can be exposed to carbon monoxide leaks for longer, which may cause serious health issues or death. Checking smoke detectors (and purchasing smoke detectors that also detect increases in carbon monoxide)  will help protect your pets and family.
Holiday Season Hazards
We all look forward to the winter holiday season each year, so it is particularly tragic when a family pet is harmed during this time. It is important to pay special attention to safety as you celebrate.
Christmas trees can be very attractive to dogs. Dogs may eat the needles (even from artificial trees) or drink the water at the base of the tree, which can be toxic (especially if it has any sort of preservatives in it).
Electrical wires can be a serious hazard. Dogs that chew on these wires can sustain severe burns to the mouth, injury to the brain and lungs, or death from electrocution. It is best to keep wires out of reach or taped down securely. Also, lights may become hot and are best used only on the upper branches of trees, away from curious canines.
Ornaments are beautiful for people to look at, but dogs may think they’re toys. Fragile, breakable or edible ornaments may be knocked over, and wire hooks can get caught in your dog’s hair, skin, or—if eaten—stomach and intestines. An alternative to wire hooks is to use loops of yarn, ribbon, or lightweight twine. Hang the ornaments out of reach of your dog.
Tinsel can block the intestines if swallowed, requiring emergency surgery. Tinsel also has sharp edges that can cause cuts in the mouth. Angel hair, which is made of spun glass, is also irritating if touched.
Gifts should be checked for small, breakable parts that can be easily swallowed. As with tinsel, string and ribbon can cause intestinal injury or blockage. Monitoring your dog around these items is highly recommended.
Human holiday foods, like chocolate, coffee, macadamia nuts, yeast dough, and alcohol, can all be hazardous to dogs. For example, theobromine, an ingredient in chocolate, can cause seizures and death if eaten by dogs. Caffeine (in coffee and chocolate) can also cause seizures, along with diarrhea, abnormal heart rate/rhythm and death.
We all want our pets to enjoy the winter holidays with us. By taking a few precautions and preventive measures, dogs can be protected from many common winter hazards.
If you have any questions or concerns please call or come in.  And remember to have a great holiday season.

To your pets good health,
Brittany
Temple City Animal Hospital
5406 Rosemead Blvd
San Gabriel CA
626-287-1173
templecityanimalhospital.com




Monday, September 10, 2012

Fleas: The Year Round Menace


FLEA CONTROL!

That’s right, folks! A whole blog about flea control. 

Let’s face it; fleas are everywhere.  These pesky little things aren’t only giving your pets itchy skin, they can also lead to intestinal parasites, which is disgusting! Not only is your pet at risk, but are you too.  If you see a flea, remember: where you see one flea there are hundreds.  A female flea can consume 15 TIMES her own body weight EVERY DAY!  Not only that, she can lay 2,000 EGGS.  Just one flea can multiply to 1,000 fleas on your pet, and in your home, within 21 days.  Not to mention, on average a flea lives 2-3 months. 

The best way to make sure that your pet is safe and clear of fleas is to use a monthly flea control.  At the hospital we have a few to choose from, talk with your doctor to find which one is right for your pet. 

There is an old wives tale going around, people think “my pet doesn’t need monthly flea control year round” or “my pet only needs flea control in the hot months”.  Not true in Southern California! Beautiful Southern California weather is pleasant for you and me, and for fleas. It never gets too hot or too cold for flea’s here in our mild section of the country, unfortunately making this a very hospitable environment.

Year round prevention is recommended regardless of the time of year, including strictly indoor animals.  If you have any questions about the prevention method you’re using, or to make an appointment to discuss flea control for your pets, call us! Or come on in.

To your pets good health,
Brittany
Temple City Animal Hospital
5406 Rosemead Blvd
San Gabriel CA
626-287-1173

Sunday, August 12, 2012

The ugly truth about heartworm


The truth of the matter is: heartworm cases are on the rise. We are seeing more and more in San Gabriel all the time. It's a nasty nasty bug that is transmitted by mosquitoes, even your indoor pets can be at risk.

Another truth is that it is easier to prevent than it is to treat. The treatment is extremely extensive and can even prove fatal to some pets. It can take at least seven months from the time your pet is bitten by a mosquito for the larvae to mature into an adult heartworm. They find themselves spots in the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels and begin to make more little heartworms. It's completely disgusting because an adult heartworm can grow up to 12 INCHES in length and your pet can have up to 250!!!!

Some people feel that just because it's cooler in the winter months, and we don't see as many mosquitoes, that their pets aren't at risk. This is not the case. This is especially true in So Cal where we can proudly say we wear flip flops and shorts; your pet is at risk year round. So lets be honest your pet does need year round protection. Yea yea yea I know... it can be expensive, and sometimes difficult with day to day things, to remember to give them prevention every month. It's worth it in the end to know that your pet is safe.

Okay kids time for our check list:

·   Your pet is at risk YEAR ROUND.
·   Heartworm tests can be done at the hospital and take 15 minutes to run.
·   Annual exams and heartworm tests are a great place to start.
·   Year round prevention!!! Its a once a month pill that is a chewable treat. Or you can go the topical route. 

Either way prevention is the best way to keep your pet safe. If you have any questions about heartworm, prevention, or all of the above, give us a call or come in.

To your pets good health!
Brittany
626-278-1173
5406 Rosemead Blvd.
San Gabriel CA, 91776




Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Do I really need to bring in a fecal sample?

 Many of you may come into the hospital for an exam and/or vaccines and hear us recommend a "Fecal sample to be sent into the lab to be tested".  Some of you may be asking, “is that really necessary?” I sat down with our very own Dr. Rosencrantz and got the low down on this gross but very necessary request.  


(photo courtesy of NASA)
  
    First and foremost: We understand it’s gross to have to put your pet’s poop in a container.  Trust me, I feel the less I have to handle my own pet’s feces the better.  Did you know, even if you may not see any worms in your pets feces it doesn't mean they are safe from internal parasites?  When we send out a sample to the lab they are testing for numerous parasites and worms (gastrointestinal and respiratory). Things like roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm, whipworm, giardia, and coccidia usually cannot be found visually in your pets poo.  The lab can do the job of looking under the microscope for these parasites as adults and as eggs.  
  
    Unfortunately, most of these gross/disgusting things can be transferred to humans. We want to make sure you and your pet lead a healthy, worm-free life.

  Now I know your next question, “What would be some symptoms that I should look for in my pet?!” If your pet has soft stools, diarrhea, or vomiting it is strongly encouraged that you bring them in for an exam, and please bring your fecal sample with you!
  
  Okay so lets make a check list:

   Gastrointestinal worms and parasites cannot always be detected by the human eye
   Annual fecal tests, even without signs or symptoms, are a great way to make sure you and your pet are safe from these nasties
   Annual exams are always recommended when it comes to your pet’s health. Doctors may be able to pick up on small changes that you may not have noticed.  We can make sure your pet’s heart and lungs sound free and clear and that your pet doesn’t have weight gain or loss.  
   When making an appointment for your annual exam remember to bring the fecal sample with you!  We don't mind how stinky it may be, we love sending out fecal samples!  
   Remember to wash your hands if you have been in the lawn or litter box where your pet does business.
    If you are seeing signs that your pet may have parasites, if you have any questions, or if you would like to make an appointment, give us a call.  

To your pets good health!
Brittany
626-278-1173
5406 Rosemead Blvd.
San Gabriel CA, 91776

Monday, July 30, 2012

A new place for animal facts and information

So soon we will be having fun facts, information, or amazing pet stories as told by the Temple City Animal Hospital staff and doctors.  Let us know if you'd like any pet questions asked and answered by the doctors (such as "why do cats purr"  or "why does my dog smell another dogs rear end").  Check out our Facebook www.facebook.com/templecityanimalhospital,  our twitter @TCAnimalDocs, and our website www.templecityanimalhospital.com.  Also remember to keep an eye out for our YouTube webisodes.