HUMPHREY: Airedale age 1.3 years
Humphrey a young Airedale, just a few months over a year old, presented to RVC on a Tuesday evening lethargic, quieter in demeanour, yet more vocal than normal and was admitted for blood test, iv fluids and pain relief.
The following morning the RVC small animal team conducted further tests including bloods and x-rays, and administered IV fluids and pain relief.
The x-ray showed large gas dilated loops of bowel, the vet in charge of Humphrey spoke to his family, and it was decided the surgical team would perform an abdominal exploratory. Humphrey was placed under general anaesthetic, his abdomen was opened and the team began exploring to find the cause of the gas dilated loops of bowel. A plastic bread tag was found, however along with removing this, the surgeon also had remove 15cm of damaged small intestine.
Due to him being so unwell, a large amount of free fluid had built up in his abdomen, so a drain was put in place to allow fluid to escape over the next few days, and help speed up his recovery. A feeding tube was also put in place, so he could be fed his nutritional requirements throughout his recovery, until he felt up to eating on his own.
Humphrey was very sick and required round-the-clock attention, so he was transferred to the Christchurch after hours vet clinic for a couple of nights, he was then returned to RVC for on- going care, love, cuddles, and tests for the week.
At the end of the week, we were not completely satisfied with his recovery, so he spent the weekend at the afterhours clinic, again returning to RVC on Monday morning for ongoing care, Humphrey then started showing great progress and was discharged to his family later in the week. He returned the following week for a check up, despite all he had been through, he was still happy to see us and loved our cuddles.
Throughout his treatment and hospital stay Humphrey was very brave, a loving dog who never once got sick of us poking and prodding and all the attention, he was always very happy to see us.
It’s been a long road to recovery for Humphrey, he luckily has amazing care, support and time from his family. The small animal team at RVC loved having Humphrey in the hospital he’s such a gentle big boy and was never phased with his treatment. We wish Humphrey and his family all the best and fingers crossed he doesn’t eat anything he shouldn’t again!