Di Di is an 11-year-old mongrel 🐾 who typically enjoys the outdoors with his dear owner. On the 27th of July, he was rushed to the Harvest Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital (HVSEH) Emergency department for vomiting and lethargy. Upon presentation to the ER, immediate care was given by our doctor and nurses as he was in a severe medical condition – he was very weak, dehydrated and in shock (a life threatening condition where the body doesn’t get enough blood flow or perfusion leading to insufficient nutrients and oxygen to the organs of the body).
Di Di was initially brought to our isolation ward to ensure safety of other patients, his owners and staff, while he was monitored for possible leptospirosis until further test results came back. He was stabilized with fluid boluses, oxygen support, pain relief, correction of his electrolyte imbalance, round-the-clock nursing, and placement of nasogastric tube to ensure gastric comfort and prompt nutrition.
As the suspicion of foreign object ingestion became more likely with the laboratory results, our Specialist in Small Animal Surgery Dr. Stephen Martin, ordered a complete abdominal ultrasound. It was then found that there was a likely obstruction in his jejunum (a part of the small intestine), and an abdominal surgery was performed.
During surgery, Dr. Stephen found a corn cob 🌽 in the intestines. Due to the severity of the intestinal tissue at the site of the obstruction, a resection (cutting out of tissue or organ) and anastomosis (surgical connection of two healthy tubular structures like the intestines) were performed.
The story continues as Di Di developed complications 2 days after surgery. He contracted septic peritonitis, a complication that was highly likely to happen due to the severity of his intestinal condition. With Dr. Stephen’s expertise, a further surgical procedure was performed, saving Di Di’s life!
Over the next four days following the operation, Di Di showed incredible strength and determination to recover – supported by the love 💕, dedication and support of his devoted owners. Despite everything he had been through, Di Di was such a sweet dog. He was such a very nice patient and had developed a strong bond with our nurses and doctors. We are thrilled to see his progress from a near-death situation to a happy, barking and eating big baby!
Does your animal exhibit any of the following symptoms❓
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Lethargy
It might be a case of a foreign body❗HVSEH is open 24 hours for your emergency needs. We have surgical specialists, experienced emergency veterinarians, and round-the-clock nursing care to provide the best support for your animal!
