03/06/2024
HVC LAST CHANCE CLUB ..... BISCUIT WUELFING
Biscuit, an 8 year old dapple Dachshund, has been a 'girl in trouble' since May 20th. She was taken to a local "chain veterinary clinic" where she has had a 'pet insurance plan' for years for help. She was weak, problems walking, not eating and a change in mentation - at times she seemed "zoned out".
Exam was undiagnostic: a temperature was not taken and owner-requested lab blood work was not performed because "she was normal in April" when she had a yearly check-up. "She's a Doxie - it could be her back." prompted prescriptions of an NSAID and gabapentin ( the most popular "go to" for patients lately).
Three days later, no response and she was worse now with some circling and head pressing. Another appointment with a second clinic in the "chain". This time ear problems were considered and antibiotic was started along with the NSAID. Biscuit had some response to two days of meds but no dramatic improvement. HVC Last Chance Club had an S.O.S. e-mail from Momma Olivia, who had come to the clinic several times in the past as a rescue foster. "Get me the records and sure I'll see Biscuit ..... she's a Doxie!"
LCC exam was on the May 26 and Biscuit was responding to the antibiotic - able to interact with people and walk at the clinic. Exam showed no evidence of neuro deficits or ear problems BUT her mouth had a severe oral issue going on on her right side - three actively infected teeth - that were never actually noted except
for a Grade 4/4 tartar entry at the previous two clinics. Momma Olivia had been trying to schedule a dentistry for awhile but the clinic wanted to change the insurance plan first, Could Biscuit have gone 'septic' due to her oral issues and had a generalized crisis on May 20th??
Sounded the most logical to me. Biscuit had "mentation" changes and 'THAT' was the most important to me. It puts her problem IN THE BRAIN. What can affect the brain? Infection, inflammation, vascular events, seizures, hypoxia, meds, drugs, trauma and probably a few more situations I can't think of now BUT it covered the bases and then there was my beloved Mickey - a Doxie boy whom the County Dog Shelter dropped off at the clinic at 5PM saying "We think he's dying and we don't wan to leave him alone in his kennel." Yes, Mickey was moribund but IV fluids and antibiotic were started and next morning he went to surgery to have his truly 'rotten' mouth cleaned up. Mickey recovered and was my boy for the next five years. He was dying from infection and he 'looked' just like how Biscuit 'sounded'.
Biscuit continues to stabilize with the Clavamox and she is scheduled for surgery this Thursday. Girl in progress.
HVCLCC SUPPORTER HAZEL HAMMOND and HVCLCC provided all care.
