Code WOOF! 🚨

November 14, 2025 7 AM - 5 PM.

Today's ER shift with Kristina was full and ups and downs, surprises, and lots of furry faces.

1️⃣ Athena’s Anxious Afternoon 🐕💉

Athena, a sweet Labrador, is a post-op for a right metatarsal fracture repair performed last night. She’s on a fentanyl CRI for pain, but she’s incredibly nervous and hasn’t been eating or drinking. Overnight, her temperature was slightly elevated, but it’s since dropped back down to normal. We spent a lot of time just helping her feel comfortable, giving gentle reassurance, and encouraging her to take small bites. Watching her tense little body finally relax a bit after a calm petting session felt like a small victory in itself.

2️⃣ Oliver’s Blood Boost 🐱🩸

Oliver, a Maine Coon, is three days post-op from a bone marrow blood transfusion. He’s suspected of having cancer, and his owners are considering a CT scan to check for metastasis. He was bright-eyed but understandably tired from the procedure. He’s still a little weak from anemia, but the blood transfusion seems to be helping him regain strength. We monitored his vitals closely and helped him eat some soft food, which he managed a little at a time.

3️⃣ Dean’s Daring Escape 🐶⚡

Dean, a 12-year-old male neutered Pittie mix, came in as a foreign body case. He’s understandably nervous and has fear aggression in the cage, but once out, he’s calm and friendly. It’s always a balance between keeping him safe and allowing him to feel secure, so we worked with slow introductions and lots of praise. He had a successful foreign body removal, and now he’s resting comfortably.

4️⃣ Luna’s Lively Liver Trouble 🐕🍲

Luna, a 7-year-old spayed Border Collie, was admitted for acute liver enzyme elevations. She had been vomiting intermittently for a couple of days and seemed lethargic. Labs showed elevated ALT and AST, so we started IV fluids and anti-nausea meds. Luna was bright and playful between treatments, and we spent some time with gentle belly rubs and encouraging her to eat small amounts. Her owners were concerned but reassured seeing her perk up after the first round of fluids.

5️⃣ Gizmo’s Gastro Adventure 🐹🥕

Gizmo, a tiny Syrian hamster, was brought in after being found lethargic and refusing food. He had a suspected intestinal blockage. Handling such a tiny patient requires precision and patience, and after gentle stabilization and subcutaneous fluids, Gizmo began nibbling on soft veggies. It’s amazing how even the smallest patients can create such big ER excitement.

6️⃣ Bella’s Broken Heart… Literally? 🐱❤️

Bella, a 9-year-old female spayed domestic shorthair, came in with labored breathing and a suspected heart murmur. Her owners noticed she was unusually tired and panting at rest. On auscultation, we heard a loud murmur, and she was started on oxygen support while the doctor confirmed a diagnosis of congestive heart failure. We administered diuretics and monitored her closely, and she responded well, showing small but hopeful improvements throughout the shift.

7️⃣ Max’s Mischievous Mouth 🐶🦷

Max, a 4-year-old male neutered Beagle, arrived after chewing on a bone that splintered and got stuck between his teeth. He was drooling and pawing at his mouth. Dental radiographs confirmed the small fragments, and he was prepped for a minor oral procedure. Max was nervous but settled with a combination of gentle handling and pre-op sedation. Watching him eat a treat post-procedure was pure joy — he seemed to say, “No more bones, please!”

Today was another whirlwind in the ER. From anxious Labs to tiny hamsters, it’s amazing how each patient teaches you something new — patience, empathy, and adaptability. Some days are exhausting, but every little improvement, every wagging tail or purring cat, makes it all worthwhile. 💛