Welcome to AFP's Veterinary Education Section
"Case of the Month" with Dr. Jan Bellows
July 2008
Poodle Predicament
A 16 year old Poodle named Chrissy was presented for an Oral Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention visit, (an ATP visit). Other than halitosis there were no other signs of disease. As part of the pre anesthetic evaluation, digital chest and abdomen films were exposed using the AFP Imaging Digital VetTek CCD system.
On the abdomen film a tubular structure was observed just cranial to the urinary bladder. An ultrasound confirmed that the abnormal structure was an enlarged fluid-filled uterus. There was also a large cyst on one of the ovaries. Blood testing was normal other than slightly elevated white blood cell count.
The dog was taken to surgery where an infected uterus and cystic ovary were removed.
In this case digital films of her abdomen before surgery identified an abnormality what could have had dire consequences if not surgically removed.
Success!
June 2008
George the Old English Bulldog 
George, a 14 month old English bulldog, came to Hometown Animal Hospital in Weston, when his owners noticed he became lethargic with decreased appetite. When George went outside to urinate, he would position himself for prolonged periods and strain. At times, his owners would even notice a small amount of blood in the urine.
Dogs with these signs sometimes have urinary tract infections, kidney disease, or urinary bladder stones. Drs. Bellows and Klarsfeld performed tests which confirmed a rare type of urinary bladder stones called cystine. The cause of this malady is a genetic defect common in Bulldogs.
Cystine bladder stones occasionally can be treated by changing the diet to create a elevated urine ph which dissolves the stones over time. George was running out of time, due to obstruction of the urinary system by the stones causing his discomfort. He needed surgery to manually remove the stones to get him feeling better and out of pain.
During surgery Drs. Bellows and Klarsfeld encountered a urethra that was literally packed with stones. This was the cause of the discomfort and blood in George's urine. Four hours later approximately 300 stones were extracted. The surgery was a success. George is free of pain, urinating normally, and has his appetite back. He will need a specialized diet to help control future stone formation. Every one is happy again!
George and family are happy again!
Dr. Bellows and Klarsfeld practice at Hometown Animal Hospital and Dental Clinic, 17100 Royal Palm Blvd., Weston, Florida, 954-349-5800. Hometown Animal Hospital is one of the top 25% animal hospitals in the country, (the only one in Weston), and has been awarded American Animal Hospital Association Member Hospital status.