Dixie

Dixie, a 2-year old German Shepherd, presented to our Internal Medicine service with a history of on and off again diarrhea since being adopted at 4 months of age. Before coming to UVS, her diarrhea had gotten much worse and she had lost approximately 50 percent of her body weight, weighing only 37 pounds. We performed an ultrasound and other diagnostic tests, and Dixie tested positive for a condition called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This is a congenital condition where the pancreas atrophies and stops producing digestive enzymes. Although Dixie was eating well, she could not absorb nutrients from her diet. We prescribed pancreatic enzymes and at her next visit, she had solid stool for the first time in her life and had gained 20 pounds. Dixie is now looking and feeling great!

Zack

Zack is an adorable Golden Retriever who has a long history with Upstate Veterinary Specialists. In 2000, he was being treated for severe skin allergies and shortly thereafter, developed chronic diarrhea and vomiting. Due to the prolonged nature of his illness, intestinal biopsies were obtained through exploratory surgery, and Zack was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease. In 2003, he was diagnosed with liver disease during an ultrasound procedure and has been treated medically since then. Now 10 years old, Zack is still going strong and is a fun-loving dog who loves to greet everyone he sees!

Spots

Just before his 5th birthday, Spots happily treed a squirrel in the yard. Soon afterward, he began shaking and acting unusual. We immediately sought help from our family veterinarian, who began a series of tests and various medications. Spots' appetite decreased rapidly and his weight progressively decreased. During one weekend, we took him to a local emergency clinic, where x-rays proved negative. That Sunday, Spots stopped eating and drinking entirely. First thing Monday morning, we called our vet to ask if he could recommend a specialist. He made an appointment at UVS for Spots to be seen right away. Within the first minute of entering the exam room, the specialist said, "Spots could have Addison's disease." We left Spots at UVS for 5 days, where he was diagnosed with Addison's, treated, and regulated on the proper medications. That was 15 months ago, and now our wonderful little dog has regained his weight plus some. He is a happy, healthy, playful dog once again. Spots has returned to the obedience ring, where he recently earned his Utility Dog Excellence title! We cannot say enough positive things about UVS - they are knowledgeable, professional, and very compassionate. - The Lewandowski family

James

James, a 2-year old, domestic short hair, presented to UVS as an emergency due to severe urinary obstruction. With further evaluation by our specialists and the use of ultrasound, digital radiography, and sophisticated lab diagnostics, it was discovered that James was in acute renal failure as well as having an increased heart and respiratory rate, inability to maintain his body temperature, fluid in his chest cavity, poor responsiveness, and pupils that were fixed and dilated. With all that was going on with James, his prognosis looked poor, but his owners elected to give him a chance to recover. James was aggressively treated with fluids, antibiotics, steroids, and a plasma transfusion. Later in the day, James' sight started to return, and he looked remarkably better. Three days later, he was able to return home. Recently we saw James for a follow-up appointment, and he looked great. He is definitely a miracle kitty!

Guiness

Guiness is a 4-year old, Pomeranian that presented to UVS with a painful abdomen. After performing an abdominal ultrasound on Guiness, it was discovered that he had gall bladder disease and his gall bladder had ruptured. He had also developed peritonitis that was secondary to his gall bladder rupturing. Guiness was taken to surgery to remove his gall bladder and recovered well after a few days of hospitalization. As with many patients at UVS, Guiness benefited from having specialists from both Internal Medicine and Surgery to care for him.