ARTICLE
Lakeland FL –A curly, black haired puppy with hopeful eyes came to SPCA Florida from an abuse situation. This petite 9 month old Papillon Mix was brought to SPCA Florida’s attention from another shelter that was able to acquire her from the horrible environment. The shear look of distress and fear in the puppy’s eyes told the receiving shelter they needed to find the expert care the puppy needed to survive. This poor helpless puppy had sustained rectal injuries from the abuse. Once Avery arrived at SPCA Florida, the SPCA Florida’s Adoption Medical Team, focused on the puppy’s injuries by taking x-rays, a Barium test, and a physical exam. It was noted the rectal injuries were healing, so now the medical team could investigate Avery’s history of regurgitation. After eliminating possible regurgitation reasons, SPCA Florida Shelter Veterinarian determined Avery had mild Megaesophagus. Megaesophagus is not a single disease. Instead, it is considered a combination disorder in which the esophagus (the tube that carries food and liquid between the mouth and stomach) dilates (gets larger) and loses motility (its ability to move food into the stomach). With that said, Avery will need to eat upright, so the food slides down her esophagus to her stomach. SPCA Florida’s Shelter Veterinarian stated, “We performed a surgical procedure called a colopexy, which anchors the colon to the internal body wall and prevents future prolapsing of the colon.? She has not shown any lasting injuries following the abuse she sustained.? The megaesophagus was an incidental finding and unrelated to the previous abuse.? We have adjusted her feeding to softened food only and Avery is fed in an upright, sitting position so gravity can help the food to travel down the esophagus and into her stomach.? Avery is held in this upright position for 15-20 minutes post feeding to ensure all food has emptied out of the esophagus.? She seems to enjoy the extra staff bonding time.” Avery is currently receiving medical care at SPCA Florida and is healing, growing strong, and thriving. Once she is fully recovered, she will be placed up for adoption.
Lakeland FL –A curly, black haired puppy with hopeful eyes came to SPCA Florida from an abuse situation. This petite 9 month old Papillon Mix was brought to SPCA Florida’s attention from another shelter that was able to acquire her from the horrible environment.
The shear look of distress and fear in the puppy’s eyes told the receiving shelter they needed to find the expert care the puppy needed to survive. This poor helpless puppy had sustained rectal injuries from the abuse.
Once Avery arrived at SPCA Florida, the SPCA Florida’s Adoption Medical Team, focused on the puppy’s injuries by taking x-rays, a Barium test, and a physical exam. It was noted the rectal injuries were healing, so now the medical team could investigate Avery’s history of regurgitation. After eliminating possible regurgitation reasons, SPCA Florida Shelter Veterinarian determined Avery had mild Megaesophagus.
Megaesophagus is not a single disease. Instead, it is considered a combination disorder in which the esophagus (the tube that carries food and liquid between the mouth and stomach) dilates (gets larger) and loses motility (its ability to move food into the stomach). With that said, Avery will need to eat upright, so the food slides down her esophagus to her stomach.
SPCA Florida’s Shelter Veterinarian stated, “We performed a surgical procedure called a colopexy, which anchors the colon to the internal body wall and prevents future prolapsing of the colon.? She has not shown any lasting injuries following the abuse she sustained.? The megaesophagus was an incidental finding and unrelated to the previous abuse.? We have adjusted her feeding to softened food only and Avery is fed in an upright, sitting position so gravity can help the food to travel down the esophagus and into her stomach.? Avery is held in this upright position for 15-20 minutes post feeding to ensure all food has emptied out of the esophagus.? She seems to enjoy the extra staff bonding time.”
Avery is currently receiving medical care at SPCA Florida and is healing, growing strong, and thriving. Once she is fully recovered, she will be placed up for adoption.