Samantha Clay is a very happy (and a little goofy
according to her owners) eight year old, springer spaniel, who loves to
spend her days outside in the yard stalking wildlife. Much to her owner’s
dismay, Samantha even caught a squirrel the other day. It’s hard to believe
that just less than two years ago Samantha was so gravely ill that we didn’t
think she would survive. Thanks to the Clay’s dedication and love for her,
and Dr. Ann Hill's care, she is completely healthy now.
In the winter of 1999, Samantha developed vomiting,
diarrhea and was very lethargic and not eating. As part of a work up for her
illness, blood tests showed that her blood protein levels were dangerously
low. X-rays confirmed what we suspected; fluid was forming in her abdomen.
This condition is called ascites and is a sign of many very serious
diseases. In Samantha’s case, the fluid accumulation was caused by the very
low blood protein level. After seeing an internal medicine specialist and
having intestinal biopsies done here with an endoscope, we determined that
Samantha had a very severe form of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammatory
bowel disease occurs in middle aged and older dogs. The immune system causes
the lining of the intestine to change so that normal digestion and
absorption of nutrients cannot occur. It is usually treated with special
diets, anti -inflammatory drugs, and immune suppressing drugs
Samantha was given prednisone (a steroid), diuretics to
drain the fluid in her abdomen, and she was started on a prescription diet.
As we waited for the medication to work, she got worse. Fluid was forming in
her legs and chest and she was having trouble breathing. She was
hospitalized several times to drain fluid from her belly and to give her
special IV fluids to prevent more fluid from leaking out of her blood
vessels.
Finally, six weeks after she first became ill, Samantha
was feeling better and doing all the things used to do. She was on
prednisone for seven months before it could be discontinued.
Today, Samantha only takes one anti-inflammatory drug
daily and eats a special diet. She has no symptoms from her disease and
lives a life any dog would be envious of.
