Gluttony at its Finest!

By Scrubadoo’s Jen Hankin 

When you become a parent something changes in your mind. You are no longer your own top priority, they are. I know this may sound a bit dramatic coming from a single, young woman but I know what it means. I have a dog And she’s my baby. My top priority.

Jade and I when she was only 8 weeks old. The moment I became a 'Momma"

Jade, my one year old miniature pincher, spent the night at the NC State Veterinary Hospital earlier this week. Thus, as my first (dog that is) and her first night in the ER (hopefully and only), I was a wreak!

Last weekend, my sister graduated from college, out-of-state and I had to reluctantly board Jade for the first time. Needless to say, the moment I was able to pick her up I did. I know it was only a weekend but I missed her to pieces! She was well taken care of, as should be expected when you board with your vet, but she was exhausted. Still normal.

In the midst of graduation, I’m in the process of moving and have no idea what kind of dirt, rotten food, soaps, etc. my dog can get into with my apartment in shambles and boxes.

At dinner time, the very night I picked her up from the Vet, I fed Jade normally. But as an excited Momma, I gave her a little extra food oh and of course an extra treat afterwards. I missed my puppy! Immediately after that last treat something changed. Jade’s stomach bloated, she was acting weird, couldn’t relieve herself, and would cry out in pain. Now I’m no Vet or Doctor but I knew something was wrong. Her stomach was three times the normal size and for an 8 pound dog that’s HUGE! I rushed her to the Small Animal Emergency Room and waited nervously. I’m so thankful the NC State Vet is only a few miles down the street from me.

While in the waiting room I learned there are three degrees of the condition commonly referred to as Bloat:

1) the stomach fills with gas/food/liquid, and becomes distended. This is called gastric dilatation.

2) in addition to the first type, the stomach twists or flips, almost cutting off entry and exit to and from the stomach. This is called gastric torsion.

3) in addition to the first type, the stomach twists or flips, completely cutting off entry and exit to and from the stomach. This is called gastric volvulus.

After X-rays the wonderful medical team at NC State Vet Hospital determined Jade only had gastric dilatation. Her stomach was filled with food, she literally almost ate till she exploded! That takes gluttony to a whole new level, don’t you think?

Turns out while I was packing she broke into her food, ate god knows how much, and then had dinner. The extra treat really put her over the edge. After just one night in the ER, mostly for monitoring and fluids, Jade is now back to her normal self, and she still loves to eat

I know my experience was minor in the scheme of things, but it was major to me. And I learned I really have to be more careful, especially during times of stress like moving and travel. But I really have to commend the medical staff at NC State Vet Hospital. They really know what they are doing. The personal and animal care is truly top notch! Jade and I thank you all!

Jade will always be a Wolfpack fan, thanks NC State Vet Hospital!

Have you ever had a crazy pet story like mine? I’d love to hear about your experience. Just leave me a comment!

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