Bravery Award September 2024 – Sharpie the English Bull Terrier

by | Oct 15, 2024

Sharpie the English Bull TerrierIt’s not unusual for Sharpie to skip her breakfast every now and again, but when she stopped eating her dinner and became lethargic, her Mum, Nurse Becc immediately became concerned (especially since she’s known for eating unfavourable items such as bark and toys!)

Off to work with her Mum, Sharpie was admitted to hospital for blood testing and radiographs. Her blood test results were relatively normal, and the x-rays didn’t reveal a great deal. Sharpie was administered intravenous fluid therapy throughout the day and offered some bland boiled chicken. Sharpie continued IV fluids and returned with her Mum the following morning.

Despite 24 hours of IV fluid therapy, Sharpie remained lethargic, inappetent and was not toileting as normal. Given Sharpie’s dietary choices in the past, Dr. Susi decided to administer BIPS (Barium-Impregnated Polyethylene Spheres) to evaluate gastrointestinal motility and detect any obstructions in the digestive system. BIPS are radiopaque, meaning they show clearly on x-rays, allowing veterinarians to track their movement through the digestive tract.

How are BIPS used in veterinary medicine?

  1. Evaluating GI Motility: BIPS are administered orally to the dog in either small or large sizes, depending on the dog’s size and the nature of the test. Veterinarians can then use X-rays to monitor how quickly and efficiently the spheres move through the GI tract. This helps in diagnosing motility disorders, such as delayed gastric emptying or abnormal intestinal transit times.

 

  1. Detecting GI Obstruction: In cases where an obstruction is suspected, BIPS can help identify the location and severity of the blockage. If the spheres stop moving or accumulate in a specific part of the intestines, it may indicate a partial or complete obstruction.

 

  1. Non-Invasive Test: BIPS are a less invasive alternative to endoscopy or exploratory surgery for diagnosing certain GI issues. They are commonly used in dogs with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or chronic constipation, where other causes have been ruled out.

By using BIPS, veterinarians can gather valuable information about a dog’s gastrointestinal function in a safe and relatively easy manner.

Sharpie returned the following day for repeat x-rays. It could be seen that the small BIPS were moving through the gastrointestinal tract, however the large BIPS were not moving through normally. Dr. Susi and the team decided to induce vomiting to see if the large BIPS would make their way back up – and sure enough they did, along with a lot of grass and a tiny piece of a toy. Although not your typical dietary choice, these should have been able to pass through the digestive tract. For completeness, Sharpie was admitted for an ultrasound with Dr. Susi. The ultrasound revealed enlarged lymph nodes, (a consequence of being unwell) but no other abnormalities were noted.

Sharpie returned home and began a specialised gastrointestinal diet. She has since become increasingly interested in her meals, showing great excitement during every meal. We’re pleased to report that Sharpie has not experienced any further tummy upsets and is back to being her normal crazy self!

 

 

Make an Appointment

Call Our Friendly Staff

Protect Your Pets and Save 20% on Vaccinations This Holiday Season!

As the year-end rush approaches and holiday plans take shape, it’s crucial to ensure your furry family members are happy, healthy, and ready to join the fun. From now until 31st December 2024, we’re offering a 20% discount on all pet vaccinations to help you prepare...

Top Tips for Traveling with Your Pet!

Planning a trip with your furry friend this Summer? Here are some quick tips to help make the journey smooth, safe, and stress-free for you and your pet! 🐶🐱 1. Prep Your Pet’s Travel Bag: Pack essentials like food, water, medications, waste bags, and a familiar...

BOAS Surgery in Dogs: Understanding the Procedure and Its Benefits

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is a common condition affecting brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs. The distinctive facial structure that gives these dogs their cute appearance can lead to a variety of...

How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears: A Step-by-Step Guide

Regular ear cleaning is an important part of your dog’s overall health and grooming routine. While some dogs rarely need their ears cleaned, others, especially those with floppy ears or prone to ear infections, may require more frequent maintenance. Learning how to...

What to Do If Your Pet Has Fleas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Finding fleas on your pet can be an unpleasant surprise, but it’s a common issue that many pet owners face. Fleas are not only a nuisance for your furry friend, but they can also lead to health problems if left untreated. Fortunately, there are effective steps you can...

Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?

If you’ve ever watched your dog happily munching on grass, you may have wondered why they do it. As a pet owner, you might worry if this behaviour is normal or a sign of an underlying problem. Rest assured, dogs eating grass is a common phenomenon, and there are...

🐾 Is Your Dog Up to Date with Their Vaccinations? 🐾

Is your pooch up to date with their vaccinations? Just like us, dogs require regular vaccinations to help protect them against contagious and preventable disease. Your pet’s vaccination schedule will depend on their age, lifestyle and previous vaccination history....

Why Vets Recommend Twice-Yearly Check-Ups for Pets

As pet owners, we all want our furry companions to live long, healthy lives. One of the most important ways to ensure your pet's well-being is through regular veterinary check-ups. While many people think an annual visit is sufficient, veterinarians often recommend...

Bravery Award September 2024 – Sharpie the English Bull Terrier

It’s not unusual for Sharpie to skip her breakfast every now and again, but when she stopped eating her dinner and became lethargic, her Mum, Nurse Becc immediately became concerned (especially since she’s known for eating unfavourable items such as bark and toys!)...

Halloween and Pet Safety: How to Keep Your Furry Friends Safe During Spooky Season

Halloween is a time for fun, costumes, and candy, but it can also pose some hidden dangers for our pets. While you’re preparing for parties, trick-or-treaters, or a night of spooky festivities, it’s important to keep your pets’ safety in mind. From toxic treats to...