Animal Emergency Room

Above and Beyond

2011-09-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

Please join the Animal Emergency Room (AER) in recognizing Dr. Elissa Jackson for going above and beyond the call of duty. Thanks for all that you do Elissa.

Elissa was returning home from a relaxing weekend on the beach this past April, when she came upon a terrible car accident. The scene involved a car that was flipped over a short distance off of the highway on I-37 between San Antonio and Corpus Christi. After stopping to render aid, Elissa became focused on the family’s dog “Pepper”, which was involved in the wreck. As the owners were being treated and prepared for transport, Elissa assured them that she would take care of their companion so that they could focus on their own medical needs.

The pet owners were then airlifted out for medical attention and Elissa headed to San Antonio to begin providing treatment for “Pepper”. Elissa came to the AER, where she works regular relief shifts, to begin the involved treatment the dog required. Upon arrival, Pepper was immediately treated for shock and pain while receiving a complete work-up, including blood tests and x-rays. As Pepper stabilized, her work up revealed that she suffered primarily from lacerations, presumably from glass. Pepper’s surgery the next day went smoothly and she remained at the AER for 3 days.

Fortunately this story does have a happy ending. Both Pepper, and her human companions were discharged from there respective hospitals several days later and were reunited at home. To date, both Pepper and her owners have recovered from this horrific occurrence.

Elissa selflessly accepted both medical and financial responsibility for Pepper with no expectation of repayment from the owners.

Ivan

2011-08-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

The Animal Emergency Room had the pleasure of meeting Ivan early in August. He was presented suffering from complications with diabetes, a condition that Ivan has battled for several years. Ivan was treated aggressively through out the night and transferred to a day practice Monday morning. Later in the week, we came to learn that our new friend was unable to recover from his condition. Although we only knew Ivan for a short period of time, he touched our hearts. Our condolences go out to the Perillo family as we share these pictures and memories in honor of Ivan.

As well, I have included these kind words from the Perillo family:

"Thank you for the care and compassion you showed to us, our family, and above all, our Ivan during his final illness. It was a challenging time, made easier because of your commitment toward his recovery and your support and honesty when it was time to say good-bye.

We wanted to share some photos gathered for our family as a memorial of our boy. You cannot imagine what a great cat he was when we adopted Addie, who is 3 years. They were inseparable and had so much to teach us as they played together, cared for one another, and wrestled without ever a scratch or bite. They showed us how a stranger was welcomed and became a loved member of the family. When Addie came into to tell Ivan good-bye, she was hissing. At first we thought she was hissing at Ivan. Later, we realized, she was probably hissing to protect him.

We, and Addie, have been grieving. Thankfully we have one another to ease our pain and share our unconditional affection for Ivan. While we believe his death was premature in some ways, we know he had tolerated many shots and pills in the four years he had diabetes. His patience never wavered and he always had time to spend with his best friend ever, Addie.

Thank you all so much. May God continue to guide and bless you for the work you do, the acceptance you offer frantic owners, and suffering pets. Thank you for sharing your gifts with these little ones who cannot thank you without their human family. Thank you, so very much,

The Perillo Family

Meet Honey

2011-03-23T15:26:00.000-07:00

Honey, a 3 month old English Bulldog, is a rambunctious puppy who loved to play and explore her environment. Unfortunately, Honey decided to explore her owner’s Sago Palm houseplant and chew on its leaves. Sago Palm is considered very toxic for animals, despite being a common household plant.

Sago palm is an ornamental houseplant. The principle toxin of the plant is Cycasin, which causes GI upset and irreversible damage to the liver (a condition called cirrhosis of the liver). Signs of toxicity develop in 12 hours after ingestion. Pets typically demonstrate gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and abdominal discomfort. Since the liver is responsible for clotting pathways, the toxin can further inhibit these pathways and cause the dog to bleed within the body. The prognosis for cycad poisoning is generally poor.

In Honey’s case, she was brought by her owner to the Animal Emergency Room for emergency treatment. Honey’s bloodwork revealed abnormally high liver values. Honey was hospitalized and treated for Sago Palm Toxicity. Treatment involved 24 hour care with intravenous fluid therapy, controlling the gastrointestinal upset with medication, and providing liver support supplements. After two days of hospitalization, Honey was no longer vomiting and began eating on her own. She was discharged to the care of her owner. Upon follow-up with Honey’s regular veterinarian, her recheck bloodwork revealed the liver values improving. Honey was reported to have been doing well ever since.

SPAYDAY 2011, February 22

2011-02-12T08:11:00.000-08:00

Spay Day is an annual campaign of The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International to inspire people to save animal lives by spaying or neutering pets and feral cats.

SPAYDAY is the first and only international day of action to promote the spaying or neutering of pets. During SPAYDAY, veterinarians and their staff, animal welfare professionals, business owners and citizens join forces to provide spay/neuter services and to promote spay/neuter as an effective and humane means of decreasing the euthanasia of homeless animals in shelters.

SPAYDAY takes place each year on the last Tuesday of February, with events in honor of Spay Day happening throughout the month of February. During SPAYDAY's first 15 years, participants spayed or neutered more than 1,457,000 animals! When you consider that an unspayed cat can give birth to 18 kittens each year and an unspayed dog can give birth to 20 puppies each year, and that the average cost for shelters to handle each homeless animal is $176, it's clear that SPAYDAY participants have, potentially, prevented millions of surplus births and saved millions of taxpayers' dollars.

The AER will be participating in SPAYDAY 2011 on February 22. We will be spaying and neutering a limited number of animals so please contact us to reserve a spot or pass along our contact information to someone in need. Basic procedures will be done at no cost; however, participants are encouraged to make a donation that will donated to an appropriate rescue organization.

Please call with any questions and/or to reserve a spot starting Monday February 14:

Animal Emergency Room: (210) 737-7380

AnimalER@AnimalER.net

More information can be found at the SPAYDAY 2011 link below:

https://spaydayportal.humanesociety.org/home.aspx

In memory of Peanut

2011-01-27T11:00:00.000-08:00

Peanut was presented in early January by Animal Care Services(ACS) to the Animal Emergency Room(AER) with burns over an unknown portion of his body. Upon initial presentation, pain control was the primary focus. Once pain medication was on board, and peanut was able to appreciate some relief, he could be examined and his injuries further evaluated.

The primary concerns when treating burn victims are pain control, severity of tissue damage, infection, maintaining body temperature, and organ failure. Many times the severity of these concerns are not initially known.

Approximately 12 hours after presentation, with the use of general anesthetic, Peanut was assessed to have burns over almost 30% of his body, as well as some level of injury to both eyes. This number can increase over time as additional tissue damage becomes apparent. In addition, wound care protocols were started, and Peanut’s blood work was showing both kidney and liver involvement

24 hours after presentation to the Animal Emergency Room, collaborations between the ACS veterinary staff and the AER veterinary staff determined that Peanut’s injuries were beyond what was determined as humane to continue treatment and his suffering was ended.

My thanks goes out to all of those that have offered help. As well, thank you to all who have offered monetary assistance for Peanut. Those wishing to make donations can contact ACS at (210) 207-6665. Donations will be applied towards the payment of Peanut’s medical treatment, and any additional funds will be saved to use in the unfortunate event another one of San Antonio’s animal friends is in need.

Meet Chumina

2011-01-14T07:35:00.000-08:00

Animal Emergency Room, A “Feel Good” Blog Case to start off the new year

Patient: Chumina (No picture available)

Medical problems: Head Trauma / Jaw Fracture

Medical Terms of interest: nystagmus, ataxic, HBC

CASE:

Chumina is a 1 year old female, 52 lb, some type of Whippet cross, presented to AER the night of Thursday Nov 4^th after being hit by a car (HBC in veterinary terminology).

When presented Chumina had the following neurological signs: ATAXIA - decreased ability to ambulate normally, NYSTAGMUS – rhythmic, involuntary movement of the eyes, decreased mentation, fixed pupils (not responsive to light or dark) and obvious trauma to the head – scrapes and bruises. All these support a diagnosis of head trauma.

Additionally exam and radiographs confirmed fracture to the left lower jaw. This is a significant complication from a management standpoint because it possible could limit the ability of the owner to give oral medications and manage the case at home.

TREATMENT:

Initial treatment was IV fluids, hyperosmotics – drugs that pull fluid out of tissues – in this case we were treating brain swelling, antibiotics and aggressive pain medications. The primary goal was to stabilize this patient and provide pain relief.

Overnight Chumina regressed into being mostly non responsive. This was frustrating for us because she was not stabilizing. By re evalauting Chumina’s condition, and current status, the original treatment plan was modified to fit her current status, as well as fit the treatment budget.

Nice ending to this story, during the day, overnight, and next day, she progressed nicely – i.e. stages: (1.) started to hold her head up, brief periods of being aware of her surroundings, (2) improving neurological signs – i.e. pupils became responsive and nystagmus progressively resolved over 24 hours, (3) being awake for periods of time, was able to be carried outside and able to stand and urinate by herself, (4) started eating and taking oral medications, thankfully the broken jaw was stable enough without surgery. When released Chumina was comfortable, fully aware, eating well, on oral medications and able to walk for short periods with support.

What made this case especially nice is that as she became more responsive it became apparent that Chumina was truly a sweetheart, holding her head up, licking our hands, wagging her tail and progressively becoming more warm and friendly as we got to know her. A true joy to treat and work with.

RESOLUTION:

Talked to the owner after two days and Chumina was doing very well – still eating, comfortable and was now able to walk outside for limited distances on her own. To date, the owner shares that Chumina is 100%. A happy ending for all!

Meet "Mara"

2010-12-10T11:28:00.000-08:00

“Mara”

“Mara,” a 2-3 month old, female, intact Pit Bull presented to the Animal Emergency Room by the City of San Antonio’s Animal Care Services (ACS) for examination. She exhibited generalized skin disease, leaving her essentially no hair, and had one episode of diarrhea. No history was available on “Mara”; however, she was assumed to be a stray. Upon presentation to he AER, Denise developed an immediate attachment to her leading enrollment into a foster program.

On physical examination, other than the skin condition, “Mara” appeared to be healthy. Mara received a variety of tests, which concluded that she had Demodex canis (a mange mite), a generalized skin infection, and intestinal parasites. Fortunately, all things that should respond well to a nursing care, proper nutrition, and a good home.

The opening treatment regimen included daily ivermectin administration, systemic antibiotics for secondary pyoderma, follicular flushing with daily ketoconazole/chlorhexidine shampoo baths for secondary bacterial dermatitis, diphenhydramine as needed for pruritis, topical therapy for control of otitis externa, and administration of parasiticides.

Mara’s clinical improvement was evident by one month into treatment with development of new healthy follicular hair growth on the face. Within two months of treatment, there was new hair growth covering 98% of her body. To date, “Mara” has been adopted by Denise who continues to provide her with the happy, healthy home that she deserves.

Meet Churchill

2010-11-12T10:37:00.000-08:00

Presenting Complaint

On Sunday, September 13, 2009, “Churchill”, a 2 year old male intact Bulldog, was a presented to the AER with 2^nd and 3^rd degree burns. “Churchill” was surrendered to and presented by Animal Care Services (ACS) utilizing the AER for after-hours emergency care.

History

Reports indicated that cologne was spilled on the patient and he was then ignited.

Assessment

“Churchill” was presented in such great pain, he was too defensive to remove from the ACS vehicle and/or handle. His injuries consisted of burns, reportedly caused by an accelerant

Diagnostics

Diagnostics were an important part of “Churchill’s” treatment and recovery used to evaluate both declines and progressions. We repeatedly utilized hematology analysis, complete serum chemistry analysis, electrolyte analysis, blood gas analysis, and clotting profiles.

Treatment

Upon presentation to shift veterinarian Dr. Alicia Gonzalez, aggressive pain killers were administered for pain control and sedation. Upon examination, “Churchill” had singed hair over 85% of his body with burns over 50% of his body, with 10-20% of the burns assessed as 3^rd degree. Dr. Gonzalez proceeded to stabilize “Churchill” with pain control, NSAIDs, IV fluid therapy, prophylactic antibiotics, and aggressive wound care. Frequent reassessment was necessary to reevaluate the severity of the dermal damage which would not become fully apparent for several days. “Churchill” was also monitored for smoke inhalation, sepsis, pneumonia, anemia, hypo-albuminemia, DIC, and multi-organ failure

By day 2-3, “Churchill’s” blood work was showing multiple organ failure and pain control was increased to a constant rate of infusion (CRI). Physically, “Churchill’s” condition was largely unchanged, and the patient’s guarded prognosis and treatment plan were discussed with the ACS veterinary staff, the acting guardian of the patient. The owners were presented with a recommended treatment plan for intensive care, as well as the expenses for prolonged care, a list of potential complications, and or considerations for the general welfare of the patient, which included a guarded prognosis. In a severely burned dog, these factors (in addition to the lack of a guarantee for survival) will often lead owners to humanely euthanize a pet rather than risk failure of treatment; however, thanks to an outpouring of community support and donations, a “shelter discount” from AER, and the caring of some key people involved in the case, the decision was made to pursue treatment.

By day 4, Churchill's condition continued to decline with the presence of bleeding issues and nutrition issues. In addition, wound care was upgraded from topical application to twice daily sedation and deep skin scrubbing using a combination of Technical surgical scrub and Malaseb Shampoo.

Over the next 3 weeks, “Churchill” remained at AER for 24-hour intensive care, continuing to receive daily wound care (initially twice daily with sedation until the level of debridement was minimal as he was gradually transitioned to once daily without sedation) and general supportive care. Early in his treatment, he developed acute renal failure and liver dysfunction, but it was caught early and managed aggressively to achieve resolution by the end of the third week.

Day 9 of treatment marked several milestones in “Churchill’s” treatment. The patient began eating on his own which eventually allowed the discontinuation of IV feeding. In addition, day 9 marked the end of aggressive wound care that required general anesthesia and we began the gradual process of weaning him off the CRI pain medication administration. His dermal wounds were healing appropriately, and surgical resection was not needed.

After 24 days of treatment, “Churchill” was ready to leave the intensive care environment; however, still in need of daily wound care and the management of multiple topical and oral medications. Ultimately, he was fostered by two AER employees who had the expertise and skill to care for him while living in a home environment.

At this point, “Churchill” resided under the foster care of Karen, an AER employee; however, a short time later Karen adopted Churchill. Remarkably, the burns have healed with no excessive scarring or cheloid formation and “Churchill” continues to return to life as a happy and healthy young dog with no apparent long-term effects.

A thank you goes out to Karen as well for continuing to provide Churchill

with the loving home he deserves.

Zack

2010-10-29T06:19:00.000-07:00

Zack was presented to the Animal Emergency Room on 10/12/10 with the complaint of loss of appetite, lethargy, and vomiting with the appearance of blood. Upon examination and investigation, it was determined that Zack had a liver issue, anemia, and a bleeding issue. Zack was hospitalized and treated aggressively with fluid therapy, a blood transfusion, and a variety of medications. Zack is suspected to suffer from an autoimmune disease.

This story has a happy ending. After 4 days of treatment, Zack was discharged and continues to do well. Follow Zack's future progress.

A Letter From the Owner

" I will never forget that day, 10-12-10. Two days after the first birthday or our Miniature Schnauzer Zack. He is a friendly, smart, and very loving doggie. That day, 10-12-10, around 10pm he urinated a large amount of pure blood. I have been a RN for 37 years and have never seen anyone loose that much blood in such a short period. After that episode, I immediately took him to the Animal Emergency Room on Fredericksburg Rd. The initial exam and lab studies showed high liver values and poor blood clotting. He became weak and critically ill. Over the next two days, he received a blood transfusion, started multiple medications, and received x-rays. He slowly became more active, bleeding decreased, and he regained his appetite. Today he is recovering on 4 medications. The exact cause of illness is unknown. It was not pancreatic related, the doctors suspect possible toxicity or auto immune disease. I have to give a million thanks and best wishes to the wonderful vets and hospital personnel. They were very interested and participated eagerly in the care of my Zack."