Billy – Pet of the Month

Billy, a 2 year old Doberman presented very unwell, with vomiting, diarrhoea and weight loss at our Midland Hospital last month. He was not eating and very dehydrated. After examination in consult by Dr. Shipham it was thought Billy may have an obstruction in his intestines.  This was confirmed on ultrasound which was able to be done on the same day along with blood testing, which revealed the extent of Billy’s dehydration and the stress on other organs.  Billy needed surgery as soon as possible to remove the foreign body but he was not in a great state for anaesthetic, and the risk was high. He was placed on intravenous fluids, given antibiotics, and was warmed with a “bear hugger” for 4 hours to prepare him for surgery.  A section of bowel incorporating not one but two obstructions had to be removed and re-joined. The foreign body causing the obstructions were 2 corn cobs – potentially lethal when dogs scavenge them from bins, compost or off someone’s dinner plate. Billy stayed in hospital another 5 days after surgery, still quite unwell for the first 3 days before starting to eat on his own. Billy has been doing quite well after going home and I’m sure will not be allowed to go near corn cobs again. Well done to the team at Midland Veterinary Hospital and well done Billy for putting up a great fight!