Case of the Month: Felicity

Felicity was a patient who's owner called on Emergency one evening with concerns of vomiting and trembling. She was stable overnight, but the next morning, on presentation was weak, low body temperature, not eating and had severe dehydration. Laboratory tests showed a severe electrolyte disturbance, which led us to test for an adrenal gland disorder called "Addison's Disease". 

BEFORE

People and animals can suffer from this adrenal deficiency (JFK had it) and causes disturbances in fluid and electrolyte balance leading to severe dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea and depression. The treatment of IV fluids, steroids and electrolyte stabilizing hormones caused a complete reversal of symptoms

AFTER

We're so happy Felicity is back to normal.

AAHA Certified

We are proud to be certified by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) again. We passed our AAHA Inspection!

Meet Faye!

Here is Faye being greeted by the techs and doctors of Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital during her recent wellness exam.

Faye was adopted 3 months ago from a shelter by a wonderful, loving family. Faye is 9 years old and her health was a bit unclear, but this family was willing to give her a chance. Shortly after being in her new home Faye showed signs of depression, lack of responsiveness and eventually mild seizures.

After some tests Faye was thought to have a tumor in her pancreas (an insulinoma). Dr. DeBitetto ( in the photo) confirmed the diagnosis by finding the tumor on abdominal ultrasound. With a guarded prognosis and a difficult and expensive surgery option, Quarry Ridge stepped up and adopted Faye. We spoke to our surgical specialist, Dr. Pacchiana, and reviewed our options. Dr. Pacchiana generously donated his surgical services and successfully operated on Faye.

With such wonderful clientele, we were able to find another family willing to adopt Faye. Faye is now happily living with her new housemate "Lightning" in the Curran household. Although Faye is not cured, she is expected to enjoy extended quality time in her new home.

We are proud and happy to have played a part in Faye's diagnosis, treatment and placement. She came to us though loving, caring owners, passed through our hospital and then ended up in another wonderful home.
Faye brings smiles to all our faces.

Pets as Christmas Presents

Sometimes it may seem like a cute idea to give someone a pet as a Christmas present, but it’s important to give that some extra thought before you do it. Most pets that are given up lose their home because their owner loses interest in them or is unprepared for the responsibility of pet ownership. This is a huge problem seen among pet owners who receive their pets as “gifts.” Children especially are given the mistaken idea that pets are all fun and games, but they are not fully ready to take on the responsibility of feeding, walking, cleaning, and training their pet.

Instead of giving pets as presents, we recommend getting acclimated to the idea of bringing a new pet into your home. Bringing your children to volunteer at an animal shelter or babysitting the pet of a friend or family member can help. Children and potential pet owners (no matter their age!) need to be reminded that pets aren’t just cute; they are also hungry, need to exercise, and need to use the bathroom. They can be messy when they aren’t fully trained, and the training process can be difficult too.

Please, don’t adopt until everyone in your family is READY. 

Garbage and Pets

If your pet’s nose goes in the trash on a regular basis, be extra careful during the holidays! The trash will be extra interesting when filled with holiday scraps, but it will also be more dangerous. Keep those garbage can lids on tight!

PAWS FOR A CAUSE

Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital team members volunteered to walk to raise money for Ridgefield Organization Animal Rescue (ROAR). They also volunteered with CT State Animal Response Team (CTSTART). CTSTART helps animals during times of emergency. We have such an amazing team and we love working with the community to raise awareness about organizations that are important to us!

What is a hotspot?

Question

My dog was recently diagnosed with a "hotspot." Can you tell me more about this skin condition?

Answer

“Hotspot” is a general term used to describe the angry reaction that your pet’s skin is displaying. It may also be referred to as “acute moist dermatitis.”
Hotspots have many causes, but are usually the result of self trauma and subsequent infection that occurs as your pet tries to relieve himself from a pain or itch. An underlying allergy is most often the cause of the pain or itch. Some breeds are more prone to seasonal allergies, so you may see hotspots at the same time each year.
There are three types of allergies that may lead to hotspots:

• Inhaled allergy (pollens, dust, molds)
• Insect allergy (fleas, bee sting, spider bite)
• Ingested allergy (food)

Please discuss treatment options, which may include thorough cleaning, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents, with your veterinarian.
For more information, see Library Articles Skin Problems in Pets, Allergies and Spring Allergies.

Originally published on Healthy Pet.