Patient of the Week
December 21st thru 25th, 2009
We had a two way tie this week,
each patient receiving 8 votes,
so the winners are. . . .
PATIENT SUMMARY:

First up: Amber a 14 year old, 12.9 lb, female spayed Shih Tzu. Amber was brought to us after an acute onset of rear limb paresis.
She had been treated at the animal emergency clinic in North Little Rock over the weekend. Her veterinarian, Dr. Peck of Doubletree Veterinary Clinic, referred her to Azzore for further treatment. When she arrived, she was diagnosed with Grade IV rear limb paresis.
TREATMENT:
Cerebrospinal centesis: Spinal fluid to be sent to the lab was collected before injection of the contrast medium.
Myelogram: The picture above is a nice xray of Amber’s spine taken during the myelogram. Multiple sights of cord elevation and column thinning were identified due to what appears to be chronic disc disease. Column is absent over T11-12 with suggestion of lesion on left side. Amber’s prognosis is guarded, but her family wants us to proceed with a hemilaminectomy.
Hemilaminectomy: Chronic disc material was removed from T11-13.
So, how is Amber now? Mom reports that she’s up and walking and they will be here for a recheck appointment this Thursday!
PATIENT SUMMARY:
Next we have Hoot, a 2 year, 9 month old, 45 pound Blue Heeler. Hoot suffered some sort of unknown trauma which resulted in, believe it or not, yet another humeral fracture — this time a comminuted distal diaphyseal fracture of the right humerus.
TREATMENT:
Dr. Dew’s used a mini lateral approach on this one for alignment purposes. Pins were placed and stabilized with a 1″ acrylic side bar. Hoot has an excellent chance of good recovery as long as exercise restrictions are carefully followed. That means no off-leash activity, and no running, jumping or playing for the next three months. These implants are designed to maximize the opportunity for successful bone healing and return to function. BUT, they aren’t as strong as normal bone and tissue. So, until the bone has healed, exercise restriction is mandatory to prevent catastrophic failure of the fixation hardware.
Congratulations Amber & Hoot!