Animal Hospital of Statesville
181 Mocksville Hwy, Statesville, NC 28625
(704) 872-3625 Office (704) 872-2490 Fax
Tour
(Under
Construction)
PETS OF THE MONTH
Feline
“GINGER”
“Ginger” is an 8 year old, male neutered cat that was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus in July. He was seen in May for his annual exam. In the annual exams, we perform a blood test that screens for diabetes. At that time his blood sugar was okay. He presented 2 months later for drinking and urinating frequently and weight loss. Ginger lost 2 lbs, going from 24 to 22lbs. Obesity is an important risk factor for diabetes in cats. Diabetes is due to insulin deficiency, which impairs the body’s use of glucose (blood sugar). Insulin helps transport glucose into the cells for use. When there is insulin deficiency, glucose builds up in the body causing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). This also leads to a negative energy balance causing weight loss and sometimes problems with the liver. When the blood sugar gets high enough, it spills into the urine causing increased drinking and urination. When sugar is dumped into the urine, it is common to get a secondary urinary tract infection. Ginger was started on insulin therapy and a prescription diet for diabetes. He has responded very well over the past few months. We will continue to monitor his diabetes every few months, as changes in his medications may be needed. We are also still working on his weight loss. Treating diabetes and giving twice-daily insulin injections is no easy task. Ginger’s owner is very dedicated to his health care and this is why we wanted to honor him as our pet of the month!
Canine
"Chip"
Chip
Underwood is a sweet 8-year-old cocker spaniel.
He is an avid hiker and a joyous companion to his owner.
The Animal Hospital always looks forward to Chip’s annual
wellness visits, as he loves a petting from anyone who will offer.
A few months ago Chip presented with lethargy and loss of appetite
after hiking, which persisted for several days. On presentation he
appeared a little dehydrated. A
mild heart murmur was noted, as well as slightly pale gums and an enlarged
spleen on palpation of his abdomen. Blood
work demonstrated anemia or a low red blood cell count.
An ultrasound was performed on Chip’s abdomen in an attempt to
rule out cancer in the enlarged spleen.
The good news was that no evidence of cancer was detected.
However, all of Chip’s symptoms and laboratory abnormalities were
consistent with a disease known as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.
This syndrome is one in which the body’s own immune system starts
destroying it’s red blood cells resulting in marked anemia.
It is often seen in the cocker spaniel breed, but any breed can be
affected. Sometimes there is
an underlying cause such as infection or cancer, but many times it occurs
for no detectable reason. In
Chip’s case an underlying cause could not be determined. Treatment
entails aggressively suppressing the pet’s immune system.
Therapy can have many side effects and treatment can be prolonged.
Many pets despite best efforts do not respond to treatment. This decreases the pet’s survival odds considerably.
Chip was immediately started on intravenous fluids and
immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids.
We were very disappointed when the anemia worsened despite
treatment. Another
immunosuppressive drug was added on board.
Chip started to eat and feel better and his red blood cells started
to increase in number. What a
relief! Chip has not looked
back since. His red blood
cells have been stable and he is currently being weaned off all of his
immunosuppressive drugs. Chip
comes in often as we closely monitor him for relapse.
He is a delightful patient and we at the Animal Hospital are always
happy to see him and glad of his current victory against a very serious
condition. Chip is proudly named our pet of the month.
