Subway’s FELINE FEELINGS
Hello, readers! I’m excited to return to my writer’s chair for another newsletter. Although not every cat has my amazing ability to type in perfect English, we all have interesting ways of communicating with the humans in our lives. One of the main ways we interact with you is through vocalization. When we meow, we could be saying “Hello!” “Feed me!” or “Pay attention to me!” When we purr, it often means that we’re content; however, it could also be a way to soothe ourselves when we’re sick or anxious. When you hear us let out a little chirp, it could mean we’re greeting you or want you to follow us. Our tails can tell humans a lot about us as well. When they’re upright and high, it often means we’re friendly or just curious about what’s going on. When our tails are low or tucked in, we’re fearful. If our tails are thrashing rapidly, it’s a good sign we’re agitated or annoyed and shouldn’t be bothered until we calm down.
Kinnick’s Tense Tummy Tale Kinnick is a 9-year-old white Siberian husky who was presented to Dr. Conrad and her team this summer after not eating for three days. He A ‘PLICATION’ PREDICAMENT
Now, let’s talk about our ears. If they’re facing forward, we’re showing interest in something. If they’re flat, we’re usually angry and shouldn’t be touched or played with at that time. If they’re pointed backward, we’re telling you we’re stressed out or afraid of something.
was also lethargic, acting as if he were uncomfortable, and would vomit any time he drank water. He has a history of eating socks and towels, so Dr. Conrad promptly recommended bloodwork and X-rays. The X-rays showed that his intestines were dilated with gas in irregular shapes. These images suggested that Kinnick was experiencing “plication,” a condition in which the intestines start to fold up like an accordion — a hallmark sign of a linear foreign body.
Kinnick was hospitalized and put on IV fluids and supportive care until my team and I took over the next morning. I performed an exploratory laparotomy to remove the foreign material, which had started in his stomach and extended down throughout most of his small intestine. His intestines were all bunched up. I made four incisions into his intestines and another in his stomach to entirely remove the foreign material, which was most likely a torn-up towel. Kinnick did well during surgery and was hospitalized for another night. Over several days, he continued improving and soon returned to his usual self. I was happy to see him back two weeks after surgery to remove his skin staples. He was a wonderful patient!
Ensuring he received the best care was a team effort, and everyone at Petersen Pet Hospital is glad to see him doing well!
—Dr. Krystal Knutson
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