Feline Intestinal Obstruction and Chronic Anemia

Makenzie Wilder, Mizzou

Cases/Abstracts, Honorable Mention

History

 An eight year old spayed feline, who will be named Molly, presented with anorexia of two week duration, lethargy, and lack of bowel movements.  The cat was not current on vaccinations, flea, or heart worm prevention. Molly lived in a home with multiple cats and spent time both inside and outside. 

Presentation

Molly was very lethargic during the exam but purred when palpated. She did not appear tender or agitated upon palpation of the abdomen. Her body conditioning score was one and her temperature was 100.1°F.  Molly was approximately 10% based on the clinical signs:  dry mucous membranes, lack of skin turgor, bilateral weak femoral pulses, and dull eyes which were shrunken in the orbital cavity. Also, her gums were white with a prolonged capillary refill time. Molly was covered in flea feces and fleas especially around the head and tail. 

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Pumpkin's Green Vines

Jenny Rae Jones, University of Georgia

Creative Corner, Winner

As the sun drifts away,

the scarecrows come out to play.

They dance and leap, through fall’s

leaf heaps.

Splendor is the autumn breeze,

flowing through the dying trees.

The full moon shines, on the pumpkin's

green vines.

The foggy forest glows, as the owl's eye shows.

Throughout the night, the scampering paws

and the bat’s flight.

The darkness through the wood,

as the ghosts sing as they should.

A beautiful autumn night, with only a little

fright. 

Pugtato

Thao Vo, University of Wisconsin

Creative Corner, Winner

Self Portrait and Krasiva

Melissa Rothstein, UC Davis

Creative Corner, Winner

"Self Portrait"

"Krasiva"

Ethyl the Exotic Schnauzer

Allison Gedney, Oklahoma State

Foot In Mouth Disease, Honorable Mention

One evening during my first summer at a new small animal veterinary  clinic I answered the phone. After listening to the owners reason for calling I asked for the animals name and typed " Ethyl". This pulled up a Coatimundi listed in our computer system. Naturally it was about 7pm on a Friday night and we closed at 8pm. The owner requested a certain doctor to see her animal before closing however,that doctor was not in. I asked the owner if she wanted to see that specific doctor because of her animal being a "exotic", she replied yes. I put her on hold, walked calmly to the doctors desk and pulled up a picture of a Coatimundi on the computer and explained to her what the owners complaint was. The distressed doctor picked up the phone and talked to client starting off by saying" you know, I am really sorry but I've never even heard of let alone seen one of these before!"  The client paused then asked " you have never seen a dog before?!"  As it turns out I should have typed "Ethel" into the computer to find the correct animal, a miniature schnauzer. The doctor was humiliated, I was humiliated, and I learned the importance of getting a full history including the patients last name.

Sincerely,
Not allowed to work in reception anymore.