DERMATOLOGY PATIENT OF THE MONTH

"Rouge" Albury

The dermatology service would like to honor Rouge.  Rouge came to see the dermatology service at Veterinary Specialists in November of 2006.  Rouge had a severe skin condition in which various areas of her body had patchy regions of hair loss, erosions, and crusts.  Rouge was not feeling well and had lost considerable amount of weight.  The "BEFORE" picture you see does not do justice to the severity of Rouge's skin condition.  Through various diagnostic tests Rouge was diagnosed with an autoimmune skin condition called Pemphigus foliaceus. 

BEFORE:

Pemphigus foliaceus is a condition in which the body attacks the "glue" that holds the skin cells together.  Loss of this "glue" leads to blister formation.  These blisters can break open and leave open sores in various areas of the body.  Most pets do not feel well when the blisters form.  Some pets lose weight, have fevers, many are extremely itchy (which aggravates the lesions) and many have secondary bacterial infections of the sores.

Rouge was placed on a rigid treatment plan that initially included up to 5 different medications that had to be spaced off properly throughout the day.  Rouge also needed frequent visits and bloodwork done.  Rouge's owners were amazing in properly medicating her and coming to the recheck visits. 

After several months, Rouge's medications were slowly tapered.  And although Rouge will have to stay on one medication to keep her skin condition in remission, she is a very happy dog now.  We admire Rouge for being such a trooper and Rouge's owners who dedicated so much time to her. 

AFTER treatment below:

 

Rouge is well loved by the staff of VSI !

Previous Patients of the Month

The decision was very difficult this time, so we decided to have two.  Congratulations to 'Brandy' and 'Echo' who met in the waiting room and now are forever linked!



'Brandy' Bryant

Why Brandy?

Well just look at that face, if that doesn't do it for you we are unsure if you are alive.  But, to make it here, you have to be more than cute, which Brandy is. Brandy was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation at a young age and her and her wondeful owner have patiently worked with the cardiology service to control her heart rate with various medications which required numerous visits. The folks at Knowles Animal Clinic also played a large part in the treatment process of Brandy, and we are grateful to them for referring Brandy to us for the core of her treatment. Brandy also participated in a fairly novel therapy for atrial fibrillation by volunteering for a synchronized electric cardioversion.  This procedure unfortunately was not successful in her and the decision has been made to keep controlling her heart rate long term.  Brandy is asymptomatic and could care less about her condition which is the way we like it.

Well, here is to you 'Brandy' and to her mom for trusting us and becoming part of our family.




'Echo' Hospital

Why Echo?

Again, look at that face!  However, we almost did not have the opportunity to celebrate 'Echo' as she had sustained refractory tachycardia (V-Tach) that did not respond to treatment at the emergency clinic and another hospital.  Sustained ventricular tachycardia predisposes one to ventricular fibrillation followed by death.  Dr Prosek did not have any better luck initially, but decided to use a drug uncommonly used in veterinary medicine called amiodarone.  By itself, the drug did not work, but 'Echo' with moms permission volunteered for relatively novel procedure, synchronized electric cardioversion of her V-Tach.  The procedure in combination with amiodarone was a success and currently 'Echo' has been in normal sinus rhythm for a few months.  Echo's treatment was such a success that two other patients have benefited from what was learned from her case, and the three cases are currently being written up for publication in a refereed journal. 

We would like to thank Echo for her patience and her parents for trusting us. 

Here is to you ECHO!

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'Metoo' Kunkel

Why Metoo?

Besides the cuteness factor which is obvious in the picture, 'Metoo' and his mommy battled glaucoma with the help of Dr. Tucci (ophthalmologist) and Metoo's great doctors at All Animal Clinic in Key West (Drs. Bramson and Jensen).  'Metoo' endured at least 12-15 trips from Key West to our Homestead office day and night, weekday and weekend, rain and shine.  After medical and surgical treatment there were periods of joy and pain-free time, but eventually 'Metoo' lost vision (mom still thinks a little remains).  This has not stopped 'Metoo' from wearing his eye protection, enjoying life and getting around Key West.

It has been a pleasure for all of us to get to know 'Metoo' and his loving, dedicated mom, who went from client to one of our best friends.  For this, we are all greatful and that much better.

Here is to you METOO!