Real Stories, Real Impact
Dive into our Case Studies to explore the real-life stories of pets we’ve had the honor to care for. These heartfelt case studies highlight the dedication of our veterinary team and the incredible resilience of the animals we treat. From lifesaving surgeries to helping pets thrive in their golden years, our case studies showcase the compassion and expertise that define our practice. Each case is a testament to the power of collaboration between pet owners and our team in creating happy outcomes, and we’re proud to share these journeys with you.
A Twisted Situation with Mika
We recently met Mika, an almost 11-year-old orange tabby, after she developed sudden vomiting. Thankfully, Mika’s owners knew something wasn’t right and brought her to Kentucky Veterinary Practice Group the same day.
What We Did:
After a physical examination, lab work, and abdominal X-rays, we discovered a wire foreign body in Mika’s stomach. Dr. Mariola Rak with MOVES joined our team to perform a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure right here in our hospital to investigate and remove the object.
The mysterious culprit? A bread tie!
During the procedure, we also discovered moderate esophagitis with concern for early ulceration from the wire fragment. This finding allowed us to immediately start gastrointestinal protectants to help Mika’s esophagus heal.
What You Should Watch For:
Foreign body ingestion can happen to even the most unsuspecting pets! Small household objects like string, hair ties, twist ties, and other materials can become dangerous if swallowed. Vomiting, decreased appetite, abdominal discomfort, and changes in behavior can all be signs that something isn’t right.
If you suspect your pet has swallowed something they shouldn’t have, prompt veterinary care is important. Mika’s owners bringing her in the same day helped us diagnose the problem and intervene quickly.
Results:
Thankfully, we were able to successfully remove the bread tie using endoscopy, avoiding the need for a more invasive abdominal surgery. Mika was started on medication to protect her gastrointestinal tract and help her esophagus heal, and we’re happy to report that she is now home and doing great!
A special thank-you to Dr. Mariola Rak with MOVES, who assisted with Mika’s procedure. Dr. Rak has been a wonderful asset to our team, offering a variety of internal medicine procedures and extended care for our patients right here in our hospital.
Franklin’s Dental Story For Pet Dental Health Month
Franklin’s dental story is a perfect example of why February, Pet Dental Health Month, is such an important time to focus on oral health. Franklin came in with heavy tartar buildup and signs of dental disease. While many pets don’t show obvious pain, dental issues can seriously impact their comfort and overall health.
The Visit That Started It All
Franklin’s family brought him in after noticing visible tartar buildup and signs that his mouth needed attention. Like many dogs, Franklin didn’t necessarily act like he was in pain, because pets are experts at hiding discomfort. Under the surface, dental disease can cause gum inflammation, infection, and painful teeth that may need treatment before the problem worsens.
A Cleaner, Healthier Smile
After a thorough examination, Franklin was scheduled for a professional dental cleaning under anesthesia, allowing us to safely clean his teeth above and below the gumline. During his procedure, our team also found teeth that were unhealthy and causing discomfort, meaning Franklin required dental extractions. Once the painful teeth were removed, his extraction sites were sutured to support proper healing and keep him comfortable during recovery.
What Dental Disease Can Look Like at Home
Franklin’s case is a great reminder that dental disease is extremely common, and many pets don’t show obvious signs until it becomes severe. Pet parents should watch for:
- Bad breath
- Yellow or brown buildup on the teeth
- Red or bleeding gums
- Dropping food or chewing differently
- Pawing at the mouth
- Decreased appetite or behavior changes
A Happier Mouth = A Happier Pup
Franklin did great during his dental procedure and is now on the path to a healthier, more comfortable mouth. Many pets feel like a brand-new dog after a dental, especially when painful teeth are removed. Cleaner teeth, healthier gums, and improved comfort can make a big difference in their everyday life.
The Takeaway
Franklin’s smile is proof that dental care is about so much more than fresh breath. It helps prevent pain, infection, and long-term health issues. If you’re not sure how your pet’s mouth is doing, February is a great time to schedule a dental exam.
Fefe: Successful Management of Periodontal Disease in a 9-Year-Old Shih-Poo
Fefe, a 9-year-old spayed female Shih-Poo, presented for her routine annual wellness examination. Although she was bright and active overall, her owner had noted persistent halitosis (bad breath) at home that had gradually worsened over the preceding months.
The primary concern was a noticeable oral odor despite the use of dental chews. Fefe continued to eat normally and showed no obvious pain, but her owner wisely recognized that halitosis in small-breed dogs is frequently the first external sign of underlying periodontal disease.
During Fefe’s comprehensive physical examination and awake oral assessment, we identified moderate calculus accumulation on the buccal surfaces of the premolars and molars, as well as mild to moderate gingival inflammation. Small breeds such as Shih-Poos are particularly predisposed due to dental crowding and rapid tartar formation.
Periodontal disease remains the most common clinical condition affecting dogs and cats. It begins with plaque accumulation that mineralizes into calculus, leading to gingival inflammation (gingivitis) and, if untreated, loss of periodontal attachment, bone resorption, and eventual tooth loss. Systemic consequences may include bacteremia and distant organ effects, particularly on the heart, kidneys, and liver. Early intervention, as in Fefe’s case, dramatically improves long-term outcomes.
Treatment Performed
Fefe underwent a complete professional dental cleaning and periodontal therapy under general anesthesia, following our standardized, evidence-based protocol:
- Pre-anesthetic bloodwork and physical examination
- Preoperative multimodal analgesia and antibiotic coverage as indicated
- Placement of an intravenous catheter and administration of crystalloid fluids
- Full anesthetic monitoring (ECG, pulse oximetry, capnography, non-invasive blood pressure, and dedicated technician oversight)
- Supragingival and subgingival ultrasonic scaling
- Hand curettage of periodontal pockets
- Polishing of all tooth surfaces
- Comprehensive periodontal probing and charting
- Full-mouth intraoral digital radiographs to evaluate root and bone health
No extractions were required, and all pocket depths returned to within normal limits (< 3 mm in dogs).
Fefe recovered smoothly from anesthesia and was discharged the same day with instructions for home oral hygiene.
Persistent bad breath is not normal and is often the only outward sign of painful periodontal disease. Annual (or more frequent) professional dental assessments, combined with daily home care using Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)-approved products, can prevent progression and preserve your pet’s comfort and quality of life.
Sam, our 14-year-old domestic short-hair cat who beat feline diabetes!
What Sam’s Owner Saw
When his owner noticed Sam drinking tons of water, urinating constantly, losing weight despite eating normally, and acting sluggish, she knew something was wrong. These changes were subtle at first but became hard to ignore, prompting a trip to our clinic.
What We Found
During Sam’s exam, we noted his thin frame and low energy. Blood tests showed sky-high glucose levels, and a urinalysis revealed glucose in his urine -clear signs of feline diabetes. This condition happens when a cat’s pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body can’t use it properly, causing sugar to build up in the blood. It’s especially common in older or overweight cats, but the good news is it’s very manageable with early care.
Diabetes in cats is like a glitch in their system – without enough insulin, their body can’t turn food into energy properly, leading to symptoms like excessive thirst, hunger, or tiredness. Left untreated, it can cause serious issues, but catching it early (like with Sam) means a full, happy life is totally possible. Some cats even go into remission with the right care, meaning they may not need insulin forever!
We started Sam on twice-daily insulin injections – quick and painless with a tiny needle – along with a prescription diet high in protein and low in carbs to stabilize his blood sugar. We also worked with his owner to monitor his progress closely with regular check-ups.
Sam’s thriving now! He’s gained healthy weight, drinks normally, and zips around like a much younger cat. His energy is back, and he’s loving life again. With consistent care, cats like Sam can enjoy many more years of playtime and cuddles.
If your cat’s acting off – super thirsty, always hungry, losing weight, or just not themselves – don’t wait. Early detection with simple tests like bloodwork or urine checks can make all the difference. At The Kentucky Veterinary Practice Group clinics, we’re here to help your furry friend get back to their happy, healthy self. Bring them in for a quick check-up, and let’s keep those tails wagging!
Why Addy Kept Gaining Weight (and How We Helped)
Addy is a lovable 7-year-old Labrador Retriever who came to us after steadily gaining weight, even though her family had cut back on treats, reduced her food, and increased her exercise. Along with the weight gain, she seemed tired, less playful, and didn’t have the stamina for her walks anymore.
What We Found
During her exam, Addy was very overweight but otherwise looked healthy. Bloodwork, including a thyroid panel, gave us the answer: Addy has hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough hormone. This explained her weight gain, high cholesterol, and lack of energy.
Her Treatment Plan
Addy started on thyroid medication (Levothyroxine) and a special weight-loss diet. With regular exercise and routine monitoring, we expect her energy to return, her cholesterol to normalize, and for her to safely slim back down to a healthy 80–85 pounds.
The Good News About Hypothyroidism in Dogs
The great news is that hypothyroidism is very manageable with daily medication and routine monitoring. Dogs like Addy can return to their happy, playful selves, enjoying walks, playtime, and cuddles for many years to come.
Hypothyroidism is a common hormonal disorder in middle-aged and older dogs, especially larger breeds like Labradors. It happens when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, leading to symptoms like weight gain, lethargy, poor coat quality, and sometimes skin infections.
If your dog is gaining weight despite diet and exercise changes, or if they just seem more tired than usual, don’t wait it out. At Kentucky Veterinary Practice Group, our veterinarians can run a quick blood test to provide clear answers and, if needed, create a personalized treatment plan to help your pup return to their happy, healthy self.
Gremlin’s Story: A Life-Saving Surgery
Gremlin is a sweet 1-year-old female cat who came to us because she wasn’t acting like herself. She was very tired, not eating, and her belly was painful.
During Exam
We found that her abdomen was distended, and she was uncomfortable when touched. We took radiographs (X-rays), which showed something very unusual: Gremlin’s uterus was extremely enlarged—so large, it filled nearly half her belly! Normally, a healthy uterus is so small we can’t even see it on X-rays.
Gremlin was diagnosed with pyometra, a serious and life-threatening infection in the uterus. This condition happens when bacteria travel up the reproductive tract and multiply inside the uterus, causing it to fill with pus. While pyometra is more common in pets over 6 years old and often shows up a few weeks after a heat cycle, it can occur in younger pets too – just like it did with Gremlin.
Pyometra is a true emergency. If left untreated, the infection can spread throughout the body, and the uterus can even rupture, which is often fatal.
Thankfully, we were able to take Gremlin into emergency surgery right away. We performed a spay procedure to remove the infected uterus and ovaries. The surgery went well, and within a few days, Gremlin was feeling like her playful self again!
How to Prevent Pyometra
The good news is that pyometra is 100% preventable. Spaying your cat or dog removes the uterus and ovaries, eliminating the risk of this dangerous infection. Spaying also helps prevent certain cancers and unwanted litters, and can lead to a longer, healthier life.
If you have any questions about spaying your pet or want to schedule an appointment, we’re here to help!
Dill the Hyperthyroid Cat
Meet Dill, a 13-year-old spayed female cat who was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism during her routine annual blood work.
What is Hyperthyroidism in Cats?
Hyperthyroidism is a common hormonal disorder in older cats, caused by an overactive thyroid gland producing excessive thyroid hormones. This speeds up the metabolism, leading to symptoms like weight loss, increased appetite, excessive thirst, restlessness, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea. If untreated, it can strain the heart and other organs. Early detection through blood work, as in Dill’s case, is key to successful management.
With proper treatment, Dill’s thyroid levels are now back within normal limits, and she’s thriving! We’re so happy to see her doing well.
A Hairy Situation with Tater
Chocolate & Dogs: A Not-So-Sweet Combo!
Meet Maggie, an adorable Golden Retriever who helped herself to an entire bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips while her owner wasn’t looking!
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, stimulants that humans can process easily, but dogs? Not so much! Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures or even death. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous because they have the highest theobromine levels. Due to the amount and type of chocolate she ate, Maggie was in the danger zone for serious symptoms.
Luckily, Maggie’s owner acted fast and brought her in right away. Because of her quick action, most of the chocolate was still in Maggie’s stomach, and with treatment including making her safely vomit, monitoring her vitals, and keeping her on IV fluids for the day, she was back to her happy, tail-wagging self!
Moral of Maggie’s story:
- Keep chocolate out of reach of pets
- If your dog eats chocolate, call one of our clinics and/or the pet poison hotline ASAP—time is crucial!
The Curious Case of Booker the Doberman and the Air Tag Adventure
At Kentucky Veterinary Practice Group, the story of Booker, a lively Doberman Pinscher, stands out as an unusual yet educational case. When Booker’s owner noticed one of his Apple AirTags was missing and subsequently tracked it to Booker’s stomach, it became clear that the dog had ingested the device! This situation was both alarming and unique due to the AirTag’s metallic and electronic components, which could have posed significant health risks if they had moved deeper into his digestive tract.
The Call That Started It All
The owner’s call to the clinic was prompted by the AirTag’s “Find My” feature, which pinpointed the device’s location within Booker. His owner could even hear the AirTags ping in Booker’s stomach!
A Quick and Safe Resolution
Upon arrival at the clinic, a radiograph confirmed the AirTag’s presence in Booker’s stomach. Our team was amazed by the device’s audible ping, in his stomach!.The veterinary team at Kentucky Veterinary Practice Group acted swiftly, inducing vomiting to safely retrieve the AirTag. This approach was successful, and the device was removed without harm to Booker, who quickly returned to his energetic self. The AirTag was still working! This incident underscored the necessity of quick veterinary intervention when pets swallow foreign objects.
Lessons Learned (For Both Dogs and Humans!)
Booker’s mishap serves as a potent reminder of the need for pet-proofing households, especially against items like small, shiny electronics that could entice a curious dog. The event also teaches pet owners the importance of immediate action if they suspect their pet has eaten something hazardous, potentially preventing more severe outcomes.
A Happy Ending
Fortunately, the story concluded with Booker leaving the clinic in good health, and his owner relieved with the AirTag safely retrieved. This case not only highlights the effectiveness of veterinary care but also the crucial role of pet owners in monitoring their pets’ environments.
A Message From
Dr. Smith
