Every month Haile Plantation Animal Clinic chooses one very special pet to be showcased as our “Pet of the Month.”  A pet that has overcome great adversary, beat the odds, barked/meowed danger in the face, or made a lifetime impact on the heart of someone in need.  Although all pets are special, this honor is dedicated to those truly amazing friends!

HPAC is proud to announce our May “Pet of the Month” is a beautiful Miniature Schnauzer, Lyla Buggica.  One evening, Lyla accidentally got a hold of a ham bone and decided that it was a treasure worth eating.  Unfortunately for Lyla, the bone began to break apart and splinter as soon as it hit her digestive tract.  By the next morning Lyla was very painful and had begun to have bloody vomiting and diarrhea.  Lyla spent the day at HPAC receiving X-Rays, I.V. fluids, pain medications, anti nausea/diarrhea medications, frequent blood work and all day care.  For full time monitoring at night, she was sent to AA Pet Emergency and then delivered to HPAC first thing the next morning.

Poor Lyla seemed to be feeling slightly better, but there was still no sign of the intrusive ham bone.  Her second day in the hospital consisted of more blood work and drinking a bitter tasting Barium cocktail plus X-Ray after X-Ray to better pinpoint the location and movement of the bone fragments through the digestive tract.  Although she seemed to be feeling better, things did not look very good for Lyla.  The Barium seemed to be just sitting in the intestines, a sign of possible blockage in the body that if left untreated will result in death.  Lyla was scheduled for exploratory surgery first thing the next morning.

The morning was very tense all around…until Lyla had her first semi-normal bowel movement!  Dr. Linda McCollough immediately had more X-Rays done and to the elation of everyone (especially Lyla and her family), the Barium had begun to move through the bowel.  Once again, her third day of hospitalization consisted of many X-Rays and several blood tests.  By late afternoon, the surgery was completely cancelled, and Lyla was on her way to healing!

Lyla was released the next day to the waiting arms of her family; with a scheduled recheck appointment in 5 days.  At that appointment, Lyla was having completely normal bowel movements, no vomiting, eating and drinking well and playing like a puppy!  Dr. McCollough awarded Lyla with the “Purple Heart of Doggie Bravery” for facing life’s biggest challenge and coming out on top!  So here’s to you Lyla Buggica, for beating all the odds and coming out a hero!