Meet Codi... a 50-pound female shepherd mix and owner Angela Giordano. Codi's family was concerned about her lack of energy and appetite and made an appointment to visit with Dr. Lewis.

Upon initially examining Codi, it appeared she was experiencing a problem with her kidneys. Codi was treated with antibiotics and her condition temporarily improved.

One month later, Codi returned to Falls Village Veterinary Hospital with Angela. She had lost four pounds and was vomiting daily. Dr. Lewis completed additional bloodwork and scheduled an ultrasound of Codi's abdomen. The ultrasound showed small adrenal glands which led us to test for hypoadrenocorticism.

Codi was diagnosed with Addison's disease - a life threatening condition where the body does not produce enough cortisone. Codi's family learned that life-long treatment would be necessary to save her life.

Codi's family agreed to start treatment immediately. To the delight of Codi's family and our entire veterinary staff, Codi improved rapidly. We're very happy to report that Codi has regained the weight she lost and her energy level has returned. Codi is back to bringing joy to her family and will live a normal life.  

It all started when Mr. and Mrs. Tschirret brought their 68lb Shepherd mix, Bowden, into the hospital for vomiting and diarrhea. He had a previous history of intermittent diarrhea, which usually cleared with medicine. This time the labwork indicated pancreatitis. Dr. Brink began treatment and he soon recovered.

Over the next two months , Bowden continued to have intermittent vomiting episodes. Endoscopy revealed an inflamed stomach lining, while other labwork remained normal. He was treated each time and recovered uneventfully.

Concern arose when Bowden began losing muscle mass and weight. Even though he had a great appetite, Dr. Brink and his owners could not manage to keep the weight on him. An ACTH stimulation test revealed Addison's Disease (a lack of two different steroids produced by the adrenal glands). His weight at the time of diagnosis was 58-lbs.

Thanks to the love and resources of his owners, Bowden was immediately started on prednisone and fluorinef tablets to treat the disease. He then was switched to DOCP, one type of steroid in injection form used in place of fluorinef tablets. Bowden and the Tschirrets are eternally grateful to Dr. Brink for finding the underlying cause of his problems. He is now a happy 85-lb dog with no vomiting or diarrhea!

Derby Means was presented to Dr. Green with a common complaint of many older cats - constipation. Having dealt with this problem for many months, her mother, Lilo, was looking for a permanent solution. The medications, repeated enemas, and food changes that are often successful for many other cats with similar problems had given Derby no relief. Following a careful physical exam, bloodwork to rule out underlying metabolic problems, and radiographs to evaluate the extent of her constipation, Dr. Green diagnosed "Derby" with Megacolon.

Megacolon results in the loss of muscle contractions in the colon, the process that moves the stool through the intestines.  Generally, this is an idiopathic problem, meaning there is no identifiable underlying cause.  What results is the retention of feces and inability for the cat to completely void her bowels.  The condition can be very painful and result in loss of appetite and frequent vomiting.  Eventually, the problem is intolerable.

For Derby, Dr. Green and her mother determined the only solution left was a surgical one. Dr. Green performed a Total Colectomy, which is the removal of 85% of her colon. Although this may seem like a radical approach, her small intestine assumed the duties of her colon. Derby had a very rapid and successful recovery. She is now comfortable and continues to be a happy cat lounging around the house.