Nitschke Avoids Invasive Surgery
Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine
Attn: Dean of Students
200 Westboro Rd.
North Grafton, MA 01536
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to you in regard to a recent experience that I had with my 8 yr old Doberman Pinscher, Nitschke. We have had him from a pup. He has been fed a raw diet, and treated with minimal vaccinations. Until this time, he has been in perfect health. On December 26, 2008, I returned home from work at approximately 6:30 pm to find my dog acting “not quite like himself”. (I went to give him his supper – and he did not eat it – quite unlike his usual approach to dinnertime which he usually greets with glee, and jumping about). Approximately an hour later he had diarrhea. Then began his ordeal of vomiting. He was quite sick all through the night, vomiting approximately 15-20 times, and intensely thirsty (but unable to keep the water down). He eventually also showed blood mucous from his nose. I usually bring my dog to a holistic vet – MASH in Hopkinton, so I initially tried my ‘usual’ homeopathic at home remedies for upset stomach – canned pumpkin, and Arsenicum Album, with no effect. I was also fearful that he could be bloating so I administered a dosage of GasX (simethicone). (Not a part of the homeopathic remedies, but I looked on line for his symptoms and a Doberman website suggested that if he was indeed bloating, the simethicone could buy me a little time and possible relief and, if he was not bloating, would do no harm). I then took him to Tufts Foster Animal Hospital for emergency care.
Upon arrival, I was told that he was a very sick dog, and severely dehydrated. The veterinarian on call, Dr. Emily Skovira, DVM administered intravenous fluids, which I am very grateful, for I believe they saved his life. Dr. Skovira recommended admission and stated that she believed my dog’s stomach was obstructed and that he may need surgery. She did preliminary blood work, and did x-rays. She informed me that the x-rays indicated the presence of foreign material in the stomach, and recommended an ultrasound. She again suggested that they admit my dog, and referred to the very likely probability that the dog would need surgery to address the situation. She stated that the ultrasound technician would be coming in at around 10 am, and suggested that I get breakfast or coffee, while I waited. I placed a call to my own vet and informed her of the situation. Dr. Roman suggested that I proceed with the diagnostics, (blood work, x-rays, and ultrasound) and see if acupuncture was an option for the nausea. I asked for the same, but was informed that acupuncture was not an option.
At approximately 10:45 am the doctor informed me that the radiologist concurred that my dog needed surgery. I again stated that she needed to conference with my own vet, and called MASH to inform them of the prognosis. Dr. Skovira returned and informed me that my vet was discussing options that she was not familiar with, and she would proceed with the discharge… Should Dr. Roman feel surgery was still the best option, I would return to Foster Animal Hospital. The intravenous catheter was left in place, should it be needed for further fluid therapy.
I brought my dog to MASH, where Dr. Roman examined him, administered an oral dosage of Vaseline, performed Acupuncture, and administered ozone therapy. She gave him a dosage of nux vomica, and more IV fluids. She suggested that I take my dog home where he would be less stressed, and vigilantly watch for any further signs of distress. I did as instructed, and I am most happy to report that my dog recovered. Within several hours his distress abated. He had a bowel movement, and showed interest in eating/drinking. The next day we returned to MASH for a follow up visit, another ozone therapy treatment and removal of the catheter. He continued to improve, and returned to normal habits, and his normal energy level.
The point of this rather long-winded letter is two fold. First, in gratitude to Foster Animal Hospital, and Dr. Skovira for hydration therapy that saved my dogs life. Second, to convey the information that surgery is NOT always the only answer, nor always the correct one. The discharge summary from Foster indicates that financial reasons were considered in my “refusing” the ultrasound (which is in fact incorrect. I did not refuse the ultrasound; in fact I thought that my dog was undergoing an ultrasound. I refused the surgery without first visiting my own vet). I believe that responsible pet owners should also be offered alternative, less invasive therapies whenever possible, especially at a teaching hospital. Although surgery could have been an option, the fact is that I was not offered ANY OTHER option, and was made to feel that my “financial concerns” were the primary motivating factor in refusing the ‘best’ option.
In the current economy, finances ARE a concern. That does not make me any less of a responsible owner. Should other alternatives have been tried and failed, I am sure that I would have opted for the surgery to save my pet, (and filled out the credit card application presented to me). Should even more of a wait and see approach been taken (i.e. it has been x amount of time lapsed since the dog last showed signs of distress, in x amount of time if xyz does or does not happen it will be critical to operate) I would have felt more confident that the least invasive protocols were being followed. Integrated veterinary medicine should be the standard of care at the only animal hospital in New England directly affiliated with the premier veterinary school in the area. I had expected that such a facility would be familiar with cutting edge treatments and integrated care, and not refer to holistic treatment as ‘never heard of options.’ With the help of the treatments administered at MASH my dog was able to rid himself of the ingested substance, avoid unnecessary surgery (and potential complications associated with the same) within 24 hours.
Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine has access to bright motivated students, interns and veterinarians, exposure to a steady supply of routine and emergency cases, and trusting pet owners, who expect and deserve the very best. Please consider exposing your staff to the benefits of integrative alternative veterinary care and therapies. It works.
Thank you for your time,
Jane Doherty
