By: Michelle West DVM
It was a busy day at Shoreline Animal Hospital when Dr. West met Phoebe, a 5 year old pug. She was not feeling well.
Presenting Complaints Weakness Vomiting
History How long ago did it start?30 minutes Vomiting how many times? Once What was in the vomit?Dog food, paper and sticky white globs Could she have gotten into anything? Garbage?no Chemicals?no Plants?no Food?Possibly sugar free gum Objects?Mother’s purse was disturbed Does she go outside unsupervised?no Is she having diarrhea?No
Physical Exam Very quiet- weak Gums moist and pink Heart Rate 80 normal Temperature 101 normal Respirations normal Abdomen not painful Lymph nodes normal
Diagnostic Tests Blood work Blood Glucose (sugar level) 60 below normal Liver Values slightly high Radiographs= x-rays- not done Blood Pressure= not done
XYLITOL TOXICITY
Dextrose Fluids Intravenously to raise blood sugar level and prevent liver damage
Fluid Therapy
Max 1 year old Golden Retriever While Phoebe was getting IV fluids, Max arrived at the hospital with the same presenting complaints Weakness Vomiting
History When did it start? Yesterday How many times did he vomit? 9 What was in the vomit? Yellow liquid Any diarrhea? No Does he go out unsupervised? Yes Could he have gotten into anything? Chemicals No PlantsYes GarbageYes ObjectsYes FoodYes
Physical Exam Mucous membranes pale and dry Heart Rate 160 Very quiet Painful abdomen Lymph Nodes OK Eyes, Ears OK Temp= 102.8
Diagnostic Tests Blood Work Shows dehydration X-rays gas filled loops of intestine large foreign object in intestine
Barium Series
Treatment Antibiotics IV Fluids Pain Medication
SURGERY
Socks Should I try another one?