Guiseppe
Challenging cases and wonderful owners make veterinary medicine the rewarding profession that it has been for so many years. On August 12th, Ms. Bick brought Guiseppe, her favored 10 year old Italian Spinone, to Zionsville Animal Hospital because Guiseppe "just did not feel right". Dr. Genatiempo quickly realized Guiseppe was somewhat pale, his pulse was elevated and something appeared wrong in his abdomen. Dr. G. ordered abdominal x-rays, blood work and soon suspected an abdominal "mass".
Dr. G. immediately called Michigan Road Animal Hospital to schedule an abdominal ultrasound as soon as possible. Ms. Bick and her family agreed and Guiseppe was rushed to Michigan Road. Dr. Duncan performed the ultrasound, and was able to visualize a splenic mass with no other apparent organ involvement. However, Guiseppe was suffering from a great deal of abdominal bleeding from the mass which was threatening Guiseppe's life. After all the risks were weighed, exploratory surgery--with the hope of splenectomy--was believed to be Guiseppe's only hope for survival. His loving family allowed Dr. Duncan and his staff to go against the odds, in an effort to extend the life of a great family member for a few more months of hopefully, good quality of life.
Guiseppe was immediately prepared for surgery with intravenous catheter, IV fluids, blood expanders, IV antibiotics and a lot of prayer. After approximately one hour of surgery and the loss of nearly two pints of blood due to the bleeding splenic tumor, a very large cancer-ridden spleen was removed. Though critical, Guiseppe fought his way back to consciousness for transport and then overnight monitoring at the Airport Animal Emergency Center. The following morning he came back to Michigan Road in stable, but outstanding condition.
Fourteen days later at suture removal, Guiseppe was back to his old tricks at home. Most importantly he was loving and being loved by his family, the Bick's. We at MRAH and ZAH hope for many months and years of good health and happiness for Guiseppe and his family.
*Note: After a few months of bravely battling cancer, Guiseppe lost his fight on October 9, 2004. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones who are without a doubt, missing him.