SAM’S CORNER
Santa’s Coming to Petersen Pet Hospital! Paws and Pics
It’s that time of year again … and we can’t wait!
Petersen Pet Hospital is thrilled to announce that we’re hosting our third annual “Pet Photos with Santa” event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16, to celebrate the holidays with our clients and their beloved pets. Any client with a pet is welcome to come and have their animal companion’s photo taken with Santa! No appointment for photos is necessary. Refreshments and treats for pets and humans will be available, and all attendees (four-legged or otherwise) are encouraged to dress up in their best holiday outfits! “Pet Photos with Santa” has become our most anticipated event. Santa does a great job working with pets, and our photographer is excellent at getting his subjects to look at the camera, creating an unforgettable picture. Did we mention that all pets are welcome? We’ve had every pet from dogs and cats to turtles, birds, and ferrets visit us on our special day … and we’re excited to greet you and them! To participate in this fun-filled gathering, please bring a new cat or dog toy, or unopened dog or cat food or treats, as a donation to support animals in our local community.
Marley is an energetic Labrador retriever. Last summer, his owner’s daughter contacted us because he was very lethargic, hadn’t eaten for a few days, and had an episode of vomiting. We performed an urgent exam and noted a moderate fever of 104.5 F, dehydration, and lethargy. Our team took radiographs and collected blood to check liver and kidney function, review his red and white blood cell counts, and test for heartworm disease, Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma. His bloodwork revealed low platelets (cells that help with blood clotting), and he tested positive for Anaplasma. Anaplasma is a tick-borne disease that can cause platelet destruction. Other common symptoms include lethargy, decreased appetite, and fever. Marley’s radiographs revealed an enlarged spleen, which can also be seen with anaplasmosis. He was administered subcutaneous fluids and was started on doxycycline (an antibiotic), prednisone (a steroid), and cerenia for nausea (since doxycycline can worsen an upset stomach). At his recheck two weeks later, he felt a little better and ate normally but still lacked energy. He was also having increased urination (a possible side effect of prednisone). Additionally, he had a small wound of unknown origin on his back, which was cleaned and treated. Blood was drawn to recheck his platelet levels, which were improving and almost up to normal. Since he was having some side effects from the prednisone, the dose was tapered with a plan to recheck the platelets in another two weeks to ensure they were still improving. Five days later, Marley returned to Petersen Pet Hospital with multiple sores on his back and difficulty urinating. Dr. Young and her team performed repeat radiographs and collected urine and samples from the skin lesions for further testing. It was determined that he wasn’t entirely voiding his bladder, so a catheter was placed. His skin lesions were cleaned, and he was started on topical antibiotics and pain medication. Marley’s urine test showed no infection, but his skin worsened over the next few days. He was referred to specialists at Blue Pearl Des Moines for hospitalization and additional testing, including a CT and further bloodwork. Eventually, it was revealed that Marley had a Bartonella infection, which is spread by ticks. He was started on a combination of antibiotics to treat the Anaplasma and Bartonella and medication to help him be able to void his bladder. After a five-day hospital stay, Marley was doing well enough to go home and continue follow-up care with us. At every follow-up visit, Marley’s skin continued to improve, and he could urinate normally as his medications to help with voiding were tapered. After completing the antibiotics, his skin was fully healed at his most recent follow-up, and his hair was growing back. During one appointment, he was energetic, running around the room and doing tricks for treats, like a new dog! —Dr. Justina Conrad TICKS, TESTS, AND TRIUMPH Marley’s Mystery
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