Sunday November 17, 2019

News

EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE

Clinical Case Studies

  • Clinical Case Challenge: Emergency and Critical Care (Dog) Labrador Collapses: What’s Your Diagnosis? History: An eight-year-old, spayed female Labrador retriever presented for evaluation of acute onset of diarrhea and collapse. The owner reported that the dog was completely normal until 3 hours prior to presentation when the dog developed profuse bloody diarrhea.  There was no history of toxin exposure, and current medications included prednisone 1 ...

Success Stories

  • A Close Call When a minor injury led to a life-threatening infection for Rocky, the Foster Hospital saved the day.
  • A Miracle for Moose Dialysis helps a puppy survive eating grapes.
  • A Visit to Tufts’ Foster Hospital Even though you may assume that a teaching hospital is a very hectic place, a lot of effort is devoted to providing a stress-free environment for cats. Here’s how.
  • Compassion, Expert Care and Patience Combine for Happy Ending After eating dirt, Belle, a five-year-old miniature schnauzer felt sick and weak. She was examined by her family veterinarian and blood tests showed a low red blood cell count. Belle’s veterinarian referred her to Foster Hospital for Small Animals at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center where Dr. Alex Lynch diagnosed Belle with red cell aplasia ...
  • Dog’s Recovery at Tufts Highlights Need for Genetic Testing, Owner Vigilance GRAFTON, Mass. (October 20, 2015) — The remarkable recovery of a dog nursed back to health from the brink of death by Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University highlights the value of a simple genetic test that can help owners determine if their pets are vulnerable to what in most cases is a ...
  • The miraculous story of Kris Pellerin Kris, a coonhound was brought back to life, thanks to the care, teamwork and timing of staff at Foster Hospital for Small Animals at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Today he is alive, well and deeply cherished by his grateful family.
  • Quick Action and Teamwork Lead to Happy Ending Background When Oliver, a 4-1/2-month-old golden retriever puppy arrived at Foster Hospital for Small Animals at Cummings School of Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, he had been vomiting for two days after breaking into the trash can. “You could tell he wanted to lie down, but couldn’t; he was stretching out his neck looking very ...
  • Hermione’s Courageous Story Hermione arrived in the Tufts Foster Hospital for Small Animals at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center’s emergency room on Thanksgiving evening after having been in a house fire that had destroyed her home and tragically claimed the life of the other cat in the household, Luna. Hermione had burns covering the bottoms of all four ...
  • Oliver’s Story Quick Action and Teamwork Lead to Happy Ending For Oliver, it was the quick action by the Foster Hospital for Small Animals’ emergency services team at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts, as well as their effective collaboration with the other specialists, that resulted in a happy ending for this very sad puppy. For the Alward ...
  • Nine Lives: Fact or Fiction Barley’s Story of Survival Barley reclaimed one of his nine lives late one night in the Tufts emergency room. The 6-year-old cat arrived at the Foster Hospital in pretty serious shape: whimpering in pain, not eating or drinking, unable to walk without a wobble. His owners, Daniel Plante and Elizabeth Hughes of Worcester, Mass., were plenty worried. Barley’s ...
  • Resurrection Barley reclaimed one of his nine lives late one night in the Tufts emergency room. The 6-year-old cat arrived at the Foster Hospital in pretty serious shape: whimpering in pain, not eating or drinking, unable to walk without a wobble. His owners, Daniel plante and Elizabeth Hughes of Worcester, Mass., were plenty worried. Barley’s rock-hard bladder made ...
  • Beating the odds: Honey’s inspirational story of survival Cindy acted fast! The condition commonly referred to as “twisted stomach” can cause a rapid onset of clinical signs and in many cases death may result. This is a story of beating the odds.

Research

At Your Service

  • Meet the Emergency & Critical Care Team at Tufts Foster Hospital for Small Animals At the Emergency Service and Intensive Care Unit at Foster Hospital for Small Animals, we provide compassionate care for critically ill dogs and cats 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on a walk-in basis. Overseen by faculty members who are board certified by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, the ...

Client Education

  • Don’t Feed Snacks to the Ducks and Geese! Mix up animal love, compassion, expert veterinary care, and fortuitous events and that is what contributed to this story’s happy ending and a valuable and cautionary lesson. For people who think feeding bread and crackers to the ducks and geese is a nice ritual to interact with wild animals, it’s important to know that eating ...
  • Ever Wonder: How Does Anesthesia Work? There’s local and general—and they work very differently The Tufts video series Ever Wonder features faculty and other experts answering questions for the curious about all manner of topics—from how we forget to what are tumors. You can view the series at http://everwonder.tufts.edu, and submit your own questions, too. Source: https://now.tufts.edu/articles/ever-wonder-how-does-anesthesia-work
  • Is scruffing the best way to handle an upset cat? Veterinary behaviorist Stephanie Borns-Weil, V07, and emergency/critical care veterinary technician Michelle Damon from the Foster Hospital for Small Animals, respond Many of us were taught that “scruffing” a cat—or grabbing the animal by the loose skin at the back of the neck—is not only an effective mode of restraint, but also causes cats to relax. The ...
  • Ask the Expert: Are essential oils dangerous to pets? Essential oils can be very dangerous for pets, particularly in their 100 percent concentrated form.
  • Are essential oils dangerous to pets? Essential oils can be very dangerous for pets, particularly in their 100 percent concentrated form. And with essential oils’ growing popularity and the use of diffusors and warmers, which release the oils into a home’s air, pets’ risk of exposure increases. Birds are especially sensitive and should never be exposed to essential oils.
  • When Dogs Meet Edibles As marijuana becomes legal in many parts of the U.S., here’s what you need to know about keeping your dog safe.
  • A Miracle for Moose Dialysis helps a puppy survive eating grapes.
  • A Reminder About Heat The sun is shining and it’s a great time to head outside with your pet. Or is it? Hot weather poses special considerations for pet owners and it’s important to exercise caution to keep pets safe when the temps start to spike. Veterinarians at the Foster Hospital for Small Animals at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center ...
  • Not Just for Humans Anymore When Rex initially collapsed, his owners were concerned that either cancer had recurred or arthritis in his shoulder was to blame. Diagnostic testing revealed that it was neither cancer nor arthritis.
  • Dog on her Way to Recovery after Spinal Stroke When Blitzen, a 9-year-old Border Collie/Australian Shepherd, returned to her house from outside dragging her hind legs, her owner immediately sought medical help from Foster Hospital.
  • Preventing Prescription Drug Abuse: Medication Safety for Pet Owners Pet medications, just like human medications, carry potential risks for accidental use or intentional abuse. Take steps to ensure that your pet’s medication is safe, secure, and only being used as prescribed. – Lock all pet medications in a safe or lock box. – Store medication in its original container. – Always secure the safety cap. – Store pet and ...
  • Dear Doctor: Toxic Plants and Outdoor Cats A reader worries that her new garden might be dangerous to the stray/feral cats in her neighborhood, but her fears are largely unfounded.
  • Bad Medicine Beware: Some of the drugs you take for your own health are hazardous to your pets.
  • Feline Hazards Heat Up in Summer Tips from Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine for keeping your cat safe and happy Keeping your kitty out of mischief is a daily duty, but owners have to be extra vigilant during the summer, when threats to your cat’s well-being generally rise with the temperature, says Michael Stone, a veterinarian who specializes in small animal care ...
  • Canine Bloat is Life Threatening Elizabeth Rozanski says Canine Bloat can be very dangerous for dogs. Penobscot Bay Pilot (Maine) March 7, 2016 Read the full article at: http://www.penbaypilot.com/affiliate-post/canine-bloat-life-threatening/24997?source=featuredafp1
  • Can my dog’s run-in with a skunk cause worse problems than the odor? Elizabeth Rozanski, an emergency and critical care vet at the Foster Hospital for Small Animals, responds Skunks are very common throughout much of the United States. Their scent glands, located near the tail, serve as the primary defense for these nocturnal animals. Although online sources associate “skunking” with a variety of alarming health problems, these ...
  • Ask the Vet: A Stinky Situation What we should an owner do when a dog or cat has a run-in with a skunk?
  • Keeping Your Pets Safe at Cookouts We consulted with Deborah E. Linder, DVM, DACVN, of the Tufts Obesity Clinic for Animals regarding steps owners can take to keep their pets safe. As the better weather approaches and you begin planning for a backyard celebration or barbeque, we recommend the following tips: Keep your pets inside (especially cats). Between the risks associated with heat, firework noise and ...
  • Should I be worried about the recent outbreak of dog flu? To prevent the spread of the disease, owners in the area of the current epidemic should temporarily avoid taking their pet to dog parks, doggie daycare or other areas where pets congregate.
  • Preventing Everyday Pet Accidents Unfortunately, accidents happen and for even the most careful and dedicated pet owners, sometimes there’s nothing you can do to prevent them. Knowing who to call in the event of an emergency will ensure your pet receives the best possible care. What’s also important to know is that there are some steps you can take ...
  • CSI: Animal Abuse “Often an animal is a much more effective way for an abuser to control the people in their household than threatening them directly,” says Nida Intarapanich, who received the national Merial Veterinary Scholar award for her work.
  • Common Household Dangers to Your Pets We have all been there, experienced the sinking feeling that accompanies the moment we realize our beloved family pet ingests a potentially dangerous toxin. Some common toxins include: chocolate, xylitol, (a sugar alternative), human medications, certain plants, rodenticides and antifreeze. You should always seek veterinary care if you suspect your pet has ...
  • Spring Has Sprung: Tips to Keep Your Pets Healthy and Happy Download Flyer It is now officially spring and that time of year when we come out of hibernation, open our doors and windows and spend more and more time outside with friends, family and our pets. As a responsible pet owner, you can take a few simple steps to keep your pet healthy and happy. Your pet ...
  • In Case of an Emergency: Veterinary Basics for First Responders As the only certified Trauma Center in New England, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University is well equipped to handle incoming emergencies for animals. The institution has recently begun offering informational training sessions for local emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and first responders on how to care for animals in emergency situations. Heat stroke, exposure ...
  • Holiday Safety For Your Pet For many, holidays are a time of cheer, however, for your pet it can be a dangerous time. Here are some tips on keeping your pet safe during this joyous time! Plant dangers: holly, mistletoe and poinsettia plants are poisonous to cats and dogs. Avoid all chocolate for your pets; ingredients in chocolate are toxic to dogs, and ...
  • Quick Action and Teamwork Lead to Happy Ending Background When Oliver, a 4-1/2-month-old golden retriever puppy arrived at Foster Hospital for Small Animals at Cummings School of Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, he had been vomiting for two days after breaking into the trash can. “You could tell he wanted to lie down, but couldn’t; he was stretching out his neck looking very ...
  • Take a Pulse on your Pet’s Health Care Needs With fall upon us and the kids back to school, use this time to take a pulse on your pet’s health care needs. Vaccinations Are your pet’s vaccines up-to-date? If you have children, you know the importance of maintaining a vaccination record. Just like for humans, pets need vaccinations and they sometimes require a booster to ...
  • Risks to your Pet This Fall The cool, crisp morning air, the beautiful autumn foliage and a shift from the hot temps of summer days are all signs that fall is around the corner. While both you and your pet may be jumping for joy to finally take a break from the hot and humid weather of summer, the coming season ...
  • Take Shade: Preventing Heat-Related Illness Dogs and Heat-Related Illness With their fur-covered bodies, dogs release heat by panting and at extreme temperatures are not able to release heat quickly enough to cool off. Some dogs are more prone to heat exhaustion and stroke, such as pups and older dogs, as well as dogs who are overweight, sick or recovering from illness. ...
  • Summer Water Safety for your Pet Dogs and Water Safety Many breeds of dogs are natural born swimmers, while others, like the pug or bulldog, are not and will need to be watched more closely. Also, puppies are generally not good swimmers and should be kept away from water and older dogs may have health issues not conducive to swimming. Pool Safety While ...
  • Watch Out for Potentially Dangerous Summer Poisons Help keep your pet safe by keeping these poisons, some of which you may not think of, out of reach and touch. Fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides Anything that you spray or spread on your property becomes free rein for your pet to come in contact with. These products are loaded with chemicals that can be toxic to ...
  • Be Prepared: Create Your Own Pet Home Health Care Kit While veterinary emergencies don’t happen every day, it is important to recognize that accidents do happen.  Whether you are close to home, traveling or on the road, making sure you have the appropriate supplies can help you treat your beloved pet companion prior to getting them in to see a veterinarian or when a veterinarian’s ...
  • Meet the Emergency & Critical Care Team at Tufts Foster Hospital for Small Animals At the Emergency Service and Intensive Care Unit at Foster Hospital for Small Animals, we provide compassionate care for critically ill dogs and cats 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on a walk-in basis. Overseen by faculty members who are board certified by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, the ...
  • Car heat dangers: Knowing the facts can save your pet’s life On a welcome spring day, with the temperature no more than 70 degrees, a dog owner heads out on errands with his dog. The first stop the home supply store, no dogs allowed. He leaves his dog in the car. There is a line and a 20 minute wait. The likely temperature inside the car ...
  • How to know when to bring your family pet to the ER We field a lot of questions about when to bring an animal to the emergency room. “Trust your instincts and don’t delay in bringing your pet in,” answers Dr. Claire Sharp of Tufts Foster Hospital for Small Animals. “In general, if you’re worried your pet needs to be seen, your pet needs to be seen.” Beyond obvious ...
  • Tufts Foster Hospital Named New England’s Only Level 1Trauma Center for Small Animals The last thing pet owners want to picture is their family pet suffering. What if your pet needs an ultrasound at 3 a.m. or an anesthesiologist immediately? You might not know where to turn—until now. Recognizing the need for an animal-equivalent of a human trauma center, the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care has ...
  • Our client’s “point of view” Blue received wonderful, compassionate care.  He was very ill when he arrived at the hospital, yet was able to come home feeling much better 4 days later. He had an unusual array of symptoms and the staff patiently explained diagnostic procedures and choices along the way. Dr. Rentko helped ensure that everything went smoothly and ...
  • Ten Summer Tips for Pet Owners Keeping pets safe while still having fun
  • Giving Pills to Your Pet Having Trouble Giving Pills to Your Pet? Watch this series of videos for tips and tricks
  • Exercise a Bit of Caution to Have a Fun, Safe July 4 with Your Dog Common holiday trappings can prove harmful to your dog
  • Tufts Veterinarians Remind Public: Kitties and Lillies Don’t Mix Flowers Can Be Toxic to Cats, May Cause Kidney Failure

Stories

  • A Better Way to Screen Cats for Heart Disease Training local veterinarians to use ultrasound to screen cats for heart disease could lead to earlier detection, veterinary cardiologists at Cummings School find
  • Dog Recovering After Eating 39 Pieces Of Gum Boston.cbslocal.com A local family brought their dog to Foster Hospital for Small Animals after she accidentally ingested over three dozen pieces of sugar-free gum containing Xylitol. In this story, Dr. Elizabeth Rozanski comments on how xylitol poisoning in dogs is becoming more common and what symptoms can be associated. Read full article here: https://boston.cbslocal.com/2019/09/26/dog-recovering-eating-39-pieces-of-gum-xylitol/
  • Keeping Your Dog Safe from Toxic Blue-Green Algae What to do if you think your dog has been exposed to deadly cyanobacteria
  • Helping Police Dogs Injured in the Line of Duty After years of treating military working dogs, a Tufts emergency care veterinarian is trying to ensure that police K-9s receive the same lifesaving care When Sean Majoy, V06, VG13, served on active duty in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps from 2006 to 2017, one of his jobs as an active Army veterinarian was caring for military ...
  • Inspiring Path to Becoming a Veterinarian Getting to and through veterinary school wasn’t easy or simple for class speaker Cindy Cesar, but her mission was always clear
  • Susan Pawlak-Seaman: For beloved pup, a new leash on life SouthCoast Today A dog named Kandee was seen at Foster Hospital for a heart condition in March 2017. In this article, over a year after undergoing surgery for placement of a pacemaker, she is doing very well. Her family reflects back on the experience and expresses their gratitude to Tufts, in particular cardiology resident Dr. Emily ...
  • No Excuse to Hibernate Jonathan Babyak, V09, an emergency veterinarian at Tufts, provides some winter dog-walking tips.
  • With legalization of marijuana comes danger for pets Elizabeth Rozanski is quoted in this article about the danger of exposing pets to marijuana.
  • Using Pet-Safe Pest Control At some point, you may need to eradicate insects or rodents from your home. Learn how to do it while keeping the safety and health of your pets in mind.
  • Consider taking CPR class for your pet Elizabeth Rozanski suggests helpful first-aid techniques that can be used with pets to provide important information to a veterinarian.
  • Flat on Their Faces Tips for helping your short-snouted dog avoid heat stress
  • Where the Heart Is Anne and Travis Engen, pictured with their corgis Sally and Owen, support the renovation of the Foster Hospital at Cummings School. The hospital provides comprehensive care, including cancer treatment and emergency surgery.
  • Mansfield PD: Man Left Dog In Hot Car While Attending Vans Warped Tour Concert A dog left in car was taken to Tufts Veterinary Emergency Treatment for care of heatstroke and shock.
  • Dog Collapses After Nearly 4 Hours in Hot Car at Xfinity Center; Owner Charged A dog left in car was taken to Tufts Veterinary Emergency Treatment for care of heatstroke and shock.
  • Pet Safety Tip: Keep cats away from Easter lilies Emergency Room veterinarians at the Foster Hospital for Small Animals at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University are warning pet owners that Easter lilies can cause kidney failure – and often death – in otherwise healthy cats. Tiger lilies, Japanese Show lilies and various day lilies can also harm cats in the ...
  • When Minutes Count Tufts’ Foster Hospital receives national designation as level 1 trauma center
  • Tufts Small Animal Hospital Approved as a Veterinary Trauma Center The American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) has approved the Tufts Foster Hospital for Small Animals (FHSA) at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine to be provisionally designated as a Veterinary Trauma Center in a new initiative designed to improve treatment outcomes of animal trauma cases. FHSA is one of nine hospitals ...
  • Inside the ER Their stories are heartwarming and heartbreaking, and more than 10,000 of them play out in the emergency room of the Foster Hospital every year