Of Labradors and emergency surgeries.

Some time ago, like is usual, we received a visit at DogLover Animal Hospital from a beautiful 9-year-old Labrador named Zoe (still a baby to the eyes of her adoptive parents, though). On arrival, Zoe’s owners told us that she had appeared to feel down for a while, but only knew it was time to seek help when they felt her abdomen distended.

The physical exam gave us an idea of what we were dealing with, but we thought it’d be best to make sure through some diagnostic studies (you can never be too cautious!). Results were in in no time, and they arrived to confirm our main suspicion: Zoe had pyometra.

Pyometra is a very serious uterine infection that can affect both dogs and cats. If not treated, it can lead to sepsis and renal failure, potentially ending in death. With this in mind, it was time to run to the O.R.!

Surgery started right away, and as soon as it began it ended (God bless surgeries with no complications). It all seemed like Zoe had made it in time to be treated for her infection; that, along with the neutering her owners allowed us to perform, meant that Zoe would soon be good as new back home.

Zoe’s story is a perfect example of how being aware of our pets’ behavior is key to know if they need professional help (asides from enabling us to share these kind of smiley faces with you!). Eyes opened, doglovers!