Cookie Holden is a ten year old female,
spayed, mixed breed that presented to Animal
Emergency Center of Decatur for unproductive
vomiting, lethargy, a distended stomach and
restlessness. Dr. Alisha Spivey's exam
revealed a
distended stomach and clinical signs consistent with
shock (dehydration, rapid heart rate, weak pulses, low
blood pressure).
X-rays were taken of her abdomen which revealed a
condition known as Gastric Dilitation and Volvulus, or
more commonly known as "Bloat". This condition
develops when the stomach becomes distended with
food, fluid, or air, causing the stomach to rotate,
causing further distension. The rotation
cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and
emergency surgery is generally needed.
During the surgery, it was noted that the spleen was
ruptured and bleeding, so that organ was removed (a
common complication with bloat). The stomach
was emptied of air and fluid, repositioned
and sutured into place (called gastropexy).
Cookie was hospitalized for the next 3 days. All of her
vital signs were monitored closely, and she was given
pain medication, IV fluids and antibiotics. She was
discharged from The Village Vets, the daytime practice
with whom we share our facilities, and her continued
recovery was monitored by her regular veterinarian at
Dearborn Animal Hospital.
Two months later mom reports that Cookie
is doing fantastic at home, has made a full recovery
and is back to her old self.
