Sandy Wood, a twelve year old spayed female mixed breed dog was presented to our office with a common complaint of anorexia (loss of appetite) of several days duration. Physical exam findings and preliminary bloodwork results were within normal limits and did not reveal any significant abnormalities. After several empirical medication trials and x-rays, it appeared that Sandy had some form of intra abdominal mass, tumor or foreign body. The Wood family decided to proceed to surgery and determine the nature of the problem. At surgery, it was found to be a mass at the iliocecocolic junction. This is the place in the intestinal tract where the small and large intestine come together. Dr. Billeter performed a resection and anastamosis (removal of the diseased portion and reattachment of the ends of the intestine) at the site and removed a nearby lymph node for biopsy. Sandy made a remarkable recovery and as of October eighth had regained her appetite and was feeling much better. The biopsy results unfortunately revealed a form of cancer that had apparently infiltrated her lymphatic system. Sandy is currently scheduled to have a consultation with the internal medicine department of the Veterinary Referral and Critical Care office located in Goochland.
This case illustrates the complexity of many presenting animals that we see at Hanover Animal Hospital. Although the vast majority of anorexic animals we see do not have cancer, it must always be on a list of differential diagnoses we must consider when we work up our patients. In addition, it was through close interaction and collaboration between Dr. Billeter and Dr Tyson that we were able to work through Sandys problem and help both her and her family.
I would like to thank the Wood family for allowing me to share Sandys story with everyone. I will be posting updates about her status in the future.

posted by Dr. Billeter @ 8:44 PM |