Pet of the Month Archive

On June 20, the biopsy results came back and the news was devastating: the mass was a Squamous Cell Carcinoma. This type of cancer is the most common oral cancer in cats and second most common in dogs. It is most often seen in older dogs and cats (average 10 years of age in both species) and the incidence of the cancer spreading with this type of cancer is high. Survival rate is poor; once diagnosed, most patients, even with treatment, only live for a few months.

Maddy’s dedicated owners wanted to do everything possible to help their beloved girl. On July 7, Maddy underwent surgery at the Veterinary Emergency Clinic to decrease the size of the mass. She also began chemotherapy treatment.

Currently, Maddy is only taking medication to help manage discomfort associated with related bone pain. It has now been 17 months since her initial diagnosis: she has far outlived the odds. Today, she continues to enjoy life with the Korn family.
We know that every day is precious. No one knows what tomorrow will bring, and Maddy is a perfect example of not taking time for granted; we never know how much of it remains to go for that last walk, that last treat, that last belly rub.

On September 22, 2006, Orangie’s abdomen was explored. Surgeons looked for any foreign bodies, tumours, blockages (bowels); nothing was obvious. It was decided that biopsies would be taken of his pancreas, stomach and intestine and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Although organs can appear normal, tissue analysis can give a different story.

Unfortunately (but fortunately for Orangie), the biopsy results came back normal, which left us with the remaining unanswered question: “Why is Orangie still vomiting?”

Over the next few days, Orangie occasionally vomited and still refused to eat on his own. Force-feedings were somewhat successful but we were unable to fulfill his nutritional requirements this way and glucose was added to his intravenous fluids. One day, like a light switch, Orangie decided it was time to eat! At first, it was only a few pieces of food, and so we continued to force-feed. A few pieces became several pieces and these eventually became lots of pieces and we were finally able to send him home.

Orangie went home on October 2, 2oo6. During his stay with us, his loving personality never wavered. He purred and purred and a purring cat is difficult to force-feed!!! Did we eventually find a reason for his vomiting?? No. Why did he stop eating?? Not sure.

Unfortunately, our four-legged companions can’t tell us what’s bothering them; if they could, we’d be able to solve such mysteries. The only thing we do know is that Orangie is now doing well. He’s gaining back the lost weight and continues to eat at home where he is loved by the Jones family. Although we counted on his daily head butts and purrs, we are grateful to have him home.

Within a few days, a contrast x-ray was taken where a dye is injected into the bladder and urethra to see if the structures and vessels are healthy. Unfortunately for Benji, there was too much damage to his tissues and a Perineal Urethrostomy (surgical removal of the penis) was performed. At the same time, his cystotomy bag was removed and he was able to urinate from his new urinary opening upon recovery from his surgery.

To say that Benji has had a difficult journey is to say the least. A more forgiving creature you could not find. During his extended stays at the hospital, Benji’s loving and patient demeanor never waivered. He tolerated countless needles, urine collections, x-rays, bandage changes, medications and baths and rewarded us with purrs and head-butts. We have all fallen in love with this adorable cat and miss having him around.

He continues to have his urine checked regularly for signs of infection or FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease). He is on a special diet now for the remainder of his life to help prevent this condition (HILL’S Prescription Diets). We wish him a long, long healthy life filled with catnip dreams.

In order to know Becky, one must first meet Murphy.

Murphy was welcomed into the Warsh family at the age of 7 months. Having returned to the breeder for a grooming lesson, Cindy (the mom) noticed that Murphy quickly reunited with one of the breeder’s dogs, Becky. Turns out, they had been inseparable while there! Needless to say, Becky and Murphy left together that day and the two best friends have been creating havoc eversince.

Becky was born September 13, 1991. Aside from her spay and an abdominal exploratory to remove gravel from her stomach (!!!), Becky has been the picture of health. Unfortunately, the spring of 2004 brought the Warsh family devastating news: Becky was diagnosed with a transitional cell carcinoma, a cancerous tumour in her bladder. Becky underwent surgery to remove the tumour and two months of chemotherapy. Treatment was successful and she has been cancer-free for over two years. In October 2005, Becky was diagnosed for the first time with pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Becky has suffered through a few episodes since; for fellow owners whose animals have suffered through bouts of pancreatitis, we know that you can relate to this!!

Well, it’s another story of: “Why is my cat vomiting?”.

Orangie was brought to us on September 19, 2006 for vomiting and anorexia. Blood was drawn and sent to the laboratory and subcutaneous fluids were administered for dehydration; Orangie then spent the night with us to monitor his appetite. His blood results were normal, yet he continued to vomit and refused to eat.

**Cats are very susceptible to anorexia: just a few days of not eating can cause liver damage**

Orangie was placed on intravenous fluids and various anti-emetics (to control nausea) were given to stop the vomiting; nothing worked. Radiographs were taken which showed a thickened stomach and intestine, but no foreign bodies (string, toy, etc) or masses were seen. Orangie continued to vomit and not eat and lose weight: his condition was deteriorating. The next option was exploratory surgery.

How to begin recounting the story of Ben Hocking- We first met him in early May of this year when he was transferred from the Ontario Veterinary College into our care. What a journey it’s been.

On May 5, 2006, Benji was presented to the OVC with a history of inability to urinate for 2 days. Attempts to pass a urinary catheter at his regular veterinary hospital had been unsuccessful. The doctors at the OVC were also unable to pass a urinary catheter due to a tear in his urethra; he was admitted into his first surgery where a cystotomy was performed to remove small stones from his bladder. The doctors attempted again to insert a urinary catheter but were unsuccessful and Benji had to be rushed back into surgery in order to place a cystotomy tube (leading from his bladder to a urinary bag outside his body). At this point, Benji was in critical condition as his body was having difficulty maintaining its red blood cells and his breathing was laboured due to fluid buildup in his lungs. Various medications were given in order to decrease this fluid; when his condition was more stable, he was transferred here to continue his care and recovery.

Unfortunately, poor Becky’s health history doesn’t end there. This past May, she was diagnosed with chronic renal failure. Not only does Becky need a low fat diet to help manage her pancreatitis, she also needs a low protein diet to protect her kidneys.

Becky also regularly has subcutaneous fluids administered; this involves injecting fluid just under the skin. In this way, fluid is flushed through her system, helping to control the rise of kidney enzymes. Cindy (the mom) has skillfully mastered this technique and is able to manage the fluids at home. Most recently, Becky had dental work in order to extract four decaying teeth. Needless to say, Becky is a regular here at Smith Veterinary Hospital! If her mom had her way, we’d never see her again! We love her just the same.

Becky and Murphy are adored by the Warsh family, with Cindy, the mom and Elliott, the bank. Evan and Lani have grown up with both girls and the best time of year is when they both return from school.

It’s certainly a life of luxury for these girls; they couldn’t have possibly asked for more devoted and loving owners. Although we see much more of Becky, there is no doubt as to how well behaved and gentle both girls are - a true testament to the Warsh family dedication.

December’s Pet of the Month is another example of a strong will to live. Maddy’s story begins in June 2005. She was presented to us with episodes of coughing, choking and wheezing and having difficulty swallowing her meals.

Bloodwork was ordered and Maddy was brought in to have radiographs taken of her throat. Her blood results were essentially normal and her xrays did not show anything obvious. At this point, doctors were unable to determine the source of the choking and it was recommended to sedate Maddy in order to perform a full and proper examination of her throat.

On June 15, Maddy was admitted for a general anesthetic.

In the back of her throat, a nickel-sized mass was discovered situated just to the side of her left tonsil. A biopsy was taken and sent to the laboratory for analysis; Maddy was sent home later that day with an anti-inflammatory drug to control any swelling and to await the results.