Greta's Story

How a pet wellness check saved a life

Greta's life was saved by early detection because of a pet wellness check at Adobe Pet Hospital!

Greta is a very sweet long-haired dachshund and her "Mom" loves her dearly. According to her owner, "Greta was feeling just fine" and there were no problems at last year's routine 6 month exam! Her physical exam was unremarkable and she appeared to be a very healthy, happy little dog. A routine "Senior Wellness" blood panel was sent to the lab and that's when things got interesting.

The majority of the tests came back "normal" but there was one exception - Greta had a very high serum calcium level. Many diseases can cause this and most of them are very serious. The list includes at least 7 types of cancer, parathyroid gland disorders, kidney failure and Addison's disease to name a few. Additional blood tests revealed the high likelihood of a parathyroid gland disorder. X-rays revealed that calcification of both kidneys had already started – bone was replacing healthy kidney tissue.

Our Board Certified Radiologist, Dr. Mark Matteucci, used ultrasound to determine which one of the four, pinhead sized, parathyroid glands was causing the problem. Dr. Sharon Gottfried, Board Certified Surgeon, was called into our hospital to perform the delicate surgery. Greta's operation was 100% successful, the precancerous parathyroid gland causing the problem was removed, and her recovery was uneventful.

Greta would most likely have suffered permanent kidney damage leading to an early death had this condition not been discovered on her routine "Senior Wellness" blood test. The moral of the story is obvious. Would you go to your doctor for your annual physical and not have lab tests? Of course not - your doctor would have only a small part of the information needed to determine your actual state of health. This is true for your pet as well!

Lab testing is even more critical for our pets. Remember, they can’t tell us how they feel and they are aging much faster than we are. Hidden health problems develop much more quickly in pets. Routine blood testing can help insure a longer, healthier life for your pet and just may save their life – just like Greta!

January is our Pet Wellness month!

In this new year, make a commitment to keep your pet strong, healthy and happy with routine twice-yearly wellness checks at Adobe Pet Hospital.

Twice A Year For Life!

Cats and dogs age faster than we do and significant health changes can occur in as little as 3 to 6 months.
An Exam every 6 months provides the opportunity for early detection, treatment or prevention of potentially life-threatening conditions.
This means a longer, healthier life for your pet.

Contact us now to schedule an appointment, or call (925) 449-4228.