PET OF THE MONTH

Shamus

Shamus is a 2.5-year-old Great Dane.

Shamus first came to our clinic on October 17th 2006. He had recently been adopted into a new family, and needed to be neutered a.s.a.p.

We checked him all over, and noticed that he had quite bad “cherry eyes” (see March pet of the month –Gus), which would need to be corrected while he was under anaesthetic for his neuter. Though there was a chance of the cherry eyes recurring, his new family thought it would be best for Shamus to give it a try… So he was neutered and had a repair of the third prolapsed eye lid the following week.

In January of 2007 Shamus’ cherry eyes returned, and his owners decided to undergo surgery one more time to try and correct this problem. Recovery went very well, and his eyes healed up perfectly!

In April 2007 Shamus returned to us for persistent lameness in his left hind limb. Due to the size of dog, we would have to sedate him to feel around for where he seemed to be painful. While sedated, x-rays were taken to look for any abnormalities. The x-rays were sent to the University of Guelph, and the Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Toronto. Both practices decided it was likely a partial cranial cruciate ligament tear (tear in the knee ligament), and that Shamus would require surgery by a board certified surgeon.

Shamus had his surgery on May 31/2007 at Mapleview Animal Hospital, he was able to go home the same day as the surgery and his owners were thrilled to pick him up that evening.
As with the cherry eye surgery, there unfortunately is a 40% chance that with Shamus compensating for so long on his opposite leg, he may do damage to his right stifle from extended weight bearing, to alleviate pain from his left leg. 

Though it was a long recovery period (3 - 4 months) and a very strict list of rules for Shamus' exercise - He is only to be outdoors on a leash only to urinate and defecate.  Short leash walks may be initiated 4 weeks after surgery for 5 - 10 minutes 2 - 3 times daily.  Shamus was to avoid stairs and slippery surfaces with no running, jumping, or rough play.

One month after surgery, Shamus returned to the clinic for vaccine boosters and x-rays to recheck how his stifle was healing.

Shamus healed up quite well for the 4 months after surgery, and was able to move around pain free.

In January 2008 Shamus was rushed to the Huronia Veterinary Emergency Clinic for signs of Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV)also more commonly referred to as “bloat”. This is a very serious condition that requires medical attention immediately, or can be fatal. Luckily his owners noticed signs of a distended stomach right away and got Shamus into the Emergency Clinic in time. Shamus had x-rays followed by surgery at the HVEC to repair his twisted stomach and monitor for 24 hours.

Shamus recovered very well, and was able to go home to his worried family the following day, with strict diet instructions.

His owners followed the instructions perfectly and Shamus healed completely.

Shamus suddenly came up lame on his right hind leg in February 2008 and was immediately referred to the Board Certified Surgeon in case of another partial cranial cruciate ligament tear in the opposite leg. X-rays were taken and revealed that it unfortunately was another cruciate rupture, and Shamus would require yet another surgery.

His owners had to think about how long they could continue to proceed with surgeries and emergencies on they’re “free” rescued dog, but agreed to perform the surgery as they loved Shamus very much.

Surgery went well, though his owners had to go through the long recovery period, and leash walk the only 2 year old dog, for nearly 1 year, Shamus is now 4 months recovered and doing very well!!

We’re hoping to only see Shamus for routine visits from now on!

Congratulations to Shamus and his family on being this months Pet of the Month.

Download this document to learn about Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) (Bloat)

Download this document to learn about Cruciate Ligament