Patient of the Week Candidates

for the week of January 23rd thru January 27th, 2012

Review the patient summaries below then vote for your favorite patient.
The patient with the most votes wins the “Patient of the Week” title.

Then the POTW with the most votes in a month will be dubbed Azzore’s Patient of the Month, and will receive an extra special prize package from the Azzore Staff.

SAMMY is a Labrador retriever. He is 2yrs 8mo old and weighs 61#. His veterinarian is Dr. Scott Griffin at Animal Clinic of Rogers. Sammy had been hit by a car the previous week, and his wounds were stabilized by Dr. Griffin. The injuries were confined to the left rear limb. There was an 8cm long laceration over the stifle that was temporarily closed, as well as wounds over his hock (ankle area). There was also a tibiotarsal luxation with a partial loss of tissue. Dr. Dew stabilized the luxation with an ESF (external stabilization fixator) and we retained Sammy as an inpatient for open wound management. Sammy’s prognosis is fair for uncomplicated soft tissue healing. Exercise restrictions must be followed to maximize the prognosis for uncomplicated healing. A skin graft may be needed in the future to gain haired dermis over the cranial aspect of the hock.

PRECIOUS is a 13yr 1mo old Shih Tzu. She weighs 18.6#. Her veterinarian is Dr. Stacy Brown at Hot Springs Animal Hospital. Precious had a previous diagnosis of left carpal instability. Dr. Dew performed a carpal arthrodesis, and used an ESF (external stabilization fixator) to stabilize the area. A biopsy was also obtained to identify a tumor. Precious has a fair prognosis for uncomplicated osseous healing, and a good prognosis for improved forelimb function. Exercise restrictions and bandage care instructions must be followed to maximize the prognosis for uncomplicated healing.

GARBAGE is an Australian shepherd. She is 10yr 3mo old and weighs 45#. Her veterinarian is Dr. Katie Baeyens at North Hills Animal Clinic. Garbage has been treated for glaucoma since October 2011. It continued to worsen, and Garbage became non-visual in her right eye. Dr. Hodgson performed surgery to place an intraocular prosthesis on the right side. The surgery was routine, and no intraocular tumor was seen on evisceration. Histopathology of the eye will tell us the etiology of the glaucoma, as it is unknown at this point.

DUFFY a West Highland white terrier. He is 10yrs old and weighs 23#. His veterinarian is Dr. Scott Hamm at Atkins Animal Clinic. Duffy came to see Dr. Hodgson because the tissue under his eye was red and swollen. It was irritated, and there was also a small 8mm round red growth. Dr. Hodgson performed a wedge resection surgery to remove the growth, which was sent to the laboratory for identification.

JESSIE is an approximately 4yr 48.6# Mix breed canine. His veterinarian will be Dr. Carondelet Nollner at Greene Animal Hospital. Jessie was found and rescued. He appeared to have been hit by a car. His injuries consisted of left elbow luxation, right scapular (shoulder) fracture, upper and lower canine tooth and incisor fractures, and a gastric foreign body (identified as a nail by radiograph). Dr. Dew performed an endoscopy to remove the nail. He stabilized the scapula with pins and wire, reduced the elbow luxation, and extracted several fractured teeth. Jessie’s prognosis is good for normal osseous and soft tissue healing. For the first 2 weeks, while the bandages are in place, Jessie may require some assistance rising and walking. Exercise restrictions and bandage care instructions must be followed to maximize the prognosis for uncomplicated healing.

SOCKS is a 10mo old 60# Portuguese Water Dog. His veterinarian is Dr. Jennifer Jaycox at Animal Medical Clinic. Socks presented with a history of left rear limb discomfort, side sitting and difficulty rising. Films previously taken at Dr. Jaycox’s office showed left coxofemoral subluxation. Dr. Dew performed a TPO (triple pelvic osteotomy). Socks’ prognosis is good for normal bone healing, improved function and decreased progression of arthritis. Exercise restriction, nursing care and physical therapy instructions must be followed to maximize the prognosis for uncomplicated healing.

GINGER is a Labrador retriever. She is 13yrs old and weighs 104#. Her veterinarian is Dr. Brett Ziegenbalg at Ozark Animal Medical Center. Ginger’s owner and Dr. Ziegenbalg were concerned over progressive stridor. They suspected laryngeal paralysis in addition to her being obese and on a thyroid supplement. Dr. Dew performed an arytenoid tieback. Ginger has a good prognosis for an uncomplicated recovery and improved quality of life. For the first 24 hours the chance of airway edema is present, therefore it is recommended that Ginger be watched at a 24-hour facility.

MIRA is a Collie. She is 6mo old and weighs 40#. Her veterinarian is Dr. Mark Bell at The Pet Clinic. Her co-owner had noted that her forelimb growth and function were abnormal since 12 weeks of age. Radiographs from a Dr. Bossart demonstrated bilateral elbow subluxation, anterior bowing of the radius, and carpal valgus. Dr. Dew performed bilateral high segmental ulnar ostectomies to preserve growth of radius and allow the elbow to normalize. Mira’s prognosis good for normal osseous healing. Exercise restrictions must be followed to maximize the prognosis for uncomplicated healing. The degree of correction will only be able to be judged over the next 1-4 months.

BREE is a Yorkshire terrier. She is 2yrs old and weighs 5.6#. Her veterinarian is Dr. Gwen Reeder at All Animal Health Center. Bree came in for MPL (medial patellar luxation) revision bilaterally. The surgery went well, and Bree’s prognosis is good for healing, improved function and decreased progression of degenerative joint disease (arthritis). Nursing care, physical therapy, exercise restriction and the use of Glycoflex will play critical roles in an uncomplicated recovery and optimization of long term function.

RYLEIGH is a Shar Pei. She is 1yr 1mo old and weighs 40#. Dr. Bob Hale at Briarwood Animal Hospital is her veterinarian. Ryleigh had entropion, which was affecting her eye tissue. Entropion is usually an inherited condition in dogs where the eyelids are misshapen and turn inward to rub on the cornea. Increased tearing and chronic conjunctivitis develop in mild forms of the condition. Dr. Hodgson performed a temporary tacking of the eyelids to help keep them from rolling inward.

CRUCIATE LIGAMENT SURGERIES:

The following patients were all seen for Cranial Cruciate Ligament rupture or tear.
This is similar to a football player’s ACL injury.

There are two surgeries that Dr. Dew uses to repair/correct CCL injuries:
- TTA (tibial tuberosity advancement)
- EFS (external fascial strip)

With either of these surgeries, each of these babies will have strict confinement for the first 2 weeks after surgery, and then gradually increased exercise (controlled with leash) for the next 8-10 weeks after that. Physical therapy and medical therapy, which could include Glycoflex III (joint supplement) and an NSAID called Previcox if not previously on a different NSAID, will play a critical role in the patient’s recovery.

BUCK is an 11yr old 66# Mix breed canine. His veterinarian is Dr. Allison Patchell at Patchell Veterinary Clinic. Buck had an acute onset of right rear lameness, and Dr. Patchell identified a right CCL rupture. His owners decided on a right TTA.

KAIBA is a 8yr old 97.9# Labrador retriever. His veterinarian is Dr. Chris Gentry at Vilonia Animal Clinic. Kaiba had a history of chronic right rear lameness that had become worse over the previous several weeks. Dr. Gentry identified a CCL injury. Kaiba’s owners wished to proceed with a right TTA.

HARRY is a Jack Russell terrier. He is 7yrs old and weighs 19#. His veterinarian is Dr. Eduard Meyer at Berryhill Animal Hospital. Harry had a history of acute onset left rear lameness. Dr. Meyer identified a left CCL injury. Harry was transported from the Memphis area for a left TTA.

MERLIN is a 22#, 10yr 3mo old Westie (West Highland white terrier). His veterinarian is Dr. Theresa Schluterman at Pointer Trail Animal Clinic. Merlin has been doing very well on both rear limbs since August 2009. Back then, he had a left TTA and right MPL (medial patellar luxation) surgery. More recently, he had become lame on his right rear. Dr. Schluterman identified a right CCL injury. Merlin’s owners were pleased with his history and recovery from left TTA surgery, and opted for a right TTA.

Patient of the Week Candidates

for the week of January 16th thru January 20th, 2012

Review the patient summaries below then vote for your favorite patient.
The patient with the most votes wins the “Patient of the Week” title.

Then the POTW with the most votes in a month will be dubbed Azzore’s Patient of the Month, and will receive an extra special prize package from the Azzore Staff.

BELLA is a 4yr old 8.1# Chihuahua. Her veterinarian is Dr. Tena Spencer at Arkansas Animal Care Clinic. Bella had a history of intermittent rear limb lameness. Dr. Spencer identified bilateral MPL (medial patellar luxation). Dr. Dew performed a bilateral TTT procedure for Bella. Her prognosis is good for healing, improved function and decreased progression of degenerative joint disease (arthritis). Nursing care, physical therapy, exercise restriction and the use of Glycoflex will play critical roles in an uncomplicated recovery and optimization of long term function.

JOSIE is a German shepherd. She is 6yr 1mo old and weighs 77#. Dr. Chris Gentry at Vilonia Animal Clinic is her veterinarian. Josie was hit by a car the week prior to coming to see Dr. Dew. Dr. Gentry identified a right acetabular fracture. Dr. Dew stabilized the acetabular fracture with a plate, screws, and pins. Josie’s prognosis is good for normal bone healing, improved function and decreased progression of arthritis. Exercise restriction, nursing care and physical therapy instructions must be followed to maximize the prognosis for uncomplicated healing.

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Patient of the Week Candidates

for the week of January 9th thru January 13th, 2012

Review the patient summaries below then vote for your favorite patient.
The patient with the most votes wins the “Patient of the Week” title.

Then the POTW with the most votes in a month will be dubbed Azzore’s Patient of the Month, and will receive an extra special prize package from the Azzore Staff.

MONIQUE is a 9yr old, 50# Standard Poodle. Her veterinarian is Dr. Floyd Mann at Apple Farm Veterinary Hospital. Monique had a previous diagnosis and debulking of soft tissue sarcoma on her right stifle (knee). That mass was removed 11 months ago. Upon examination by Dr. Dew, the regrown mass is 10cm in diameter and firmly fixed to deep tissues. Having discussed the inability to obtain clean margins and still have a functional limb with Monique’s owner, he opted to proceed with a right rear amputation. Monique’s prognosis is good for soft tissue healing and local control of the tumor. The likelihood of metastatic disease will be better determined after the pathology results are returned.

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Patient of the Week Candidates

for the week of January 3rd thru January 6th, 2012

Review the patient summaries below then vote for your favorite patient.
The patient with the most votes wins the “Patient of the Week” title.

Then the POTW with the most votes in a month will be dubbed Azzore’s Patient of the Month, and will receive an extra special prize package from the Azzore Staff.

SADIE is a 7yr old 17# Dachshund. Her veterinarian is Dr. Kelly Smith at Stanton Animal Hospital. Sadie had an acute onset of back pain which progressed to paraparesis in the rear limbs over 36 hours. Dr. Kelly treated with steroids and recommended myelogram and surgery. Dr. Dew performed a CSF tap and myelogram. The radiographs showed a column thinning from L1-2-3, and an elevation of the spinal cord over L2-3. A Hemilaminectomy surgery was performed to remove the disc material that was affecting the spinal cord. Sadie’s prognosis is good for healing and fair for improved neurologic function. The nervous system is very slow to heal. Improvement can be expected for up to 5 months.

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Patient of the Week Candidates

for the week of December 27th thru December 30th, 2011

Review the patient summaries below then vote for your favorite patient.
The patient with the most votes wins the “Patient of the Week” title.

Then the POTW with the most votes in a month will be dubbed Azzore’s Patient of the Month, and will receive an extra special prize package from the Azzore Staff.

MR GABBY is a 9yr 7mo old Labrador retriever. His veterinarian is Dr. Bob Hale at Briarwood Animal Hospital. Mr. Gabby had a tibia/fibula fracture repair surgery back in December 2006. According to his owner, he uses his left rear limb adequately, but over the past year he had begun to lick at incision site on the left hock (ankle). Treatment with antibiotics had helped reduce the irritation, but not completely. Dr. Dew removed the pin and wire hardware that had been used to stabilize the fracture. Mr. Gabby’s prognosis is good for return to normal and fair for improved function. Exercise restriction for the next 3 weeks will be required to allow the soft tissues to gain strength.

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Patient of the Week Candidates

for the week of December 19th thru December 23th, 2011

Review the patient summaries below then vote for your favorite patient.
The patient with the most votes wins the “Patient of the Week” title.

Then the POTW with the most votes in a month will be dubbed Azzore’s Patient of the Month, and will receive an extra special prize package from the Azzore Staff.

PRECIOUS is a 13yr old 22# Shih Tzu. Her veterinarian is Dr. Stacey Brown at Hot Springs Animal Hospital. Precious had been suffering from a progressive, left forelimb lameness. Dr. Brown identified a soft tissue enlargement of the left carpus. Upon examination by Dr. Dew there was slight discomfort noted on direct palpation of the mass. Minor carpal instability is also noted. Dr. Dew proceeded with a bone biopsy. Precious’ prognosis is good for healing from the biopsy, and the long term prognosis and further treatment will be guided by the biopsy results.

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Patient of the Week Candidates

for the week of December 12th thru December 16th, 2011

Review the patient summaries below then vote for your favorite patient.
The patient with the most votes wins the “Patient of the Week” title.

Then the POTW with the most votes in a month will be dubbed Azzore’s Patient of the Month, and will receive an extra special prize package from the Azzore Staff.

LEXIE is a Karelian Bear Dog. She is 4yrs old and weighs 88#. Her veterinarian is Dr. Marilyn Baeyens at North Hills Animal Clinic. Lexie had left rear lameness since May, but this had recently worsened. Dr. Baeyens identified a left CCL (cranial cruciate ligament) rupture. To repair this, Dr. Dew performed a TTA (tibial tuberosity advancement) procedure. Lexie’s prognosis is good for healing, improved function and decreased progression of degenerative joint disease (arthritis). Nursing care, physical therapy, exercise restriction and the use of Glycoflex will play critical roles in an uncomplicated recovery and optimization of long term function.

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Patient of the Week Candidates

for the week of December 5th thru December 9th, 2011

Review the patient summaries below then vote for your favorite patient.
The patient with the most votes wins the “Patient of the Week” title.

Then the POTW with the most votes in a month will be dubbed Azzore’s Patient of the Month, and will receive an extra special prize package from the Azzore Staff.

NIKKI is an 8yr old 19.1# Dachshund. His veterinarian is Dr. Donald Stanton at Stanton Animal Hospital. Nikki had back discomfort over the previous weekend, but during the exam had acute onset of rear limb paresis. Dr. Stanton suspects a thoracic/lumbar disc. Dr. Dew pulled cerebrospinal fluid and then performed a myelogram which showed column thinning from T13 – L1. Nikki then had a hemilaminectomy to remove the large amount of chronic disc material. Nikki’s prognosis is good for healing and improved neurologic function. A transient worsening of neurologic function can be noted after a myelogram and surgery. This condition will usually resolve to the pre-operative state in 3-10 days.

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Patient of the Week Candidates

for the week of November 28th thru December 2nd, 2011

Review the patient summaries below then vote for your favorite patient.
The patient with the most votes wins the “Patient of the Week” title.

Then the POTW with the most votes in a month will be dubbed Azzore’s Patient of the Month, and will receive an extra special prize package from the Azzore Staff.

EBONY is a 1yr 1mo old 85# German shepherd. Her veterinarian is Dr. James Butler at Rye Hill Veterinary Clinic. Ebony had a history of right forelimb lameness. Dr. Butler’s radiographs showed panosteitis, most pronounced in the right ulna and FCP in the right. Dr. Dew performed a FCP surgery. Ebony’s prognosis is good for healing, improved function and decreased progression of degenerative joint disease (arthritis). Nursing care, physical therapy, exercise restriction and the use of Glycoflex will play critical roles in an uncomplicated recovery and optimization of long term function.

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Patient of the Week Candidates

for the week of November 21th thru November 25th, 2011

Review the patient summaries below then vote for your favorite patient.
The patient with the most votes wins the “Patient of the Week” title.

Then the POTW with the most votes in a month will be dubbed Azzore’s Patient of the Month, and will receive an extra special prize package from the Azzore Staff.

LADY is a 6yr old 27# Cocker Spaniel. Her veterinarian is Dr. Jerry Bridges at Banfield Pet Hospital. Lady had a history of chronic otitis. Upon examination by Dr. Dew, her right ear canal was filled with hypertrophied tissue and significant discharge. Dr. Dew performed a TECA (total ear canal ablation). Lady should recover well from surgery and resolution of the ear disease should be the end result. The chance of complications will be drastically reduced by following discharge instructions and maintaining the E-collar.

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