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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 of Decatur, and her continued recovery was monitored by her regular veterinarian.

Two months later mom reports that Cookie is doing fantastic at home, has made a full recovery and is back to her old self.

Dr. Spivey , one of the veterinarians with Animal Emergency Center of Decatur (AECD), is a Louisiana native and received her Bachelor's degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry at Northwestern State University. She attended Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine where she graduated with honors.

The Village Vets will be closed on Sunday May 10 in honor of Mother's Day, so that we can spend time with and remember all of the wonderful mothers, grandmothers, wives, aunts, sisters, etc. in our lives. We will also close on Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day, to commemorate the U.S. men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while providing military service to their country.

The Animal Emergency Center of Decatur will, as always, be open during these holidays and after hours to provide veterinary care as needed.