After hours veterinary care
Bumper was very sick indeed. Bumper had been vomiting all day and seemed to be getting worse rather than better. It is not unusual for a Labrador to get an upset tummy so her loving family didn’t think too much of it initially but as Bumper deteriorated through the afternoon, they thought she should see a veterinarian.
When Dr Rob checked her over, Bumper was very depressed. Bumper’s abdomen was extremely painful on gentle palpation. Dr Rob became very worried when he checked her mucous membranes. The mucous membranes were very dry and tacky due to severe dehydration but the colour gave Dr Rob reason for serious concern.
Instead of a nice healthy pink colour her gums were almost a grey colour and were blanched with very poor perfusion. Dr Rob was suspicious she had pancreatitis but it may have been an intestinal obstruction or peritonitis or even a strangulated bowel. Dr Rob was very worried and recommended a blood test.
Bumper came in to our hospital very sick indeed after vomiting all day. Bloods showed she had very severe pancreatitis. Her Lipase was over 6000 – very high. Dr Rob recommended an ultrasound to have a look at the intestine and in particular the pancreas.
Bumper had an ultrasound which showed her pancreas was “melting”. Dr Rob was very worried and gave a guarded prognosis. Her symptoms, abdominal pain, dehydration and super high pancreatic enzymes made us worry she wasn’t going to make it. Bumper needed immediate emergency care.
Bumper began immediate and aggressive intravenous fluids to rehydrate her and to allow perfusion of the pancreas. Bumper was given plasma, antiemetics and anti-inflammatories. Bumper was in hospital for a few days but had a follow up blood test two days later which showed very pleasing progress. W
e honestly could not believe how well she was doing. We had grave concerns for Bumper but she responded to treatment and she was able to go home. Bumper is on a low fat diet but doing well and living a happy life with her loving family. This was truly a miracle.
Social distancing is easy for pets and people in our spacious waiting areas.