There was a double dose of trouble for our soft tissue team after two border terriers were admitted in quick succession, both suffering from a serious gall bladder complaint.<\/p>\n
Morgan and Barney were referred to us here at Willows within two weeks of each other displaying identical symptoms \u2013 pain, vomiting, and weight loss.<\/p>\n
Our soft tissue expert Will Robinson, an RCVS and European Specialist in small animal surgery managed the cases and confirmed the terriers had been stricken with gall bladder mucocele.<\/p>\n
Will explained: \u201cThis is a complaint caused by a build-up of sludge and mucous within the gall bladder which then extends into the biliary system.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a serious condition which needs urgent surgery to remove the gall bladder and re-establish bile flow.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s especially dangerous for border terriers, though, as they can have life-threatening problems after surgery, with the mortality rate at around 30 percent in this breed.<\/p>\n
\u201cCases such as this are often some of the most critical patients we see at Willows but with our specialist-led, team approach we hope to provide a good outcome for lots of these patients.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe knew we had to be extremely careful and diligent and called on the experiences and expertise of our colleagues from the anaesthesia and critical care teams to plan the operation and the recovery.<\/p>\n
\u201cBoth dogs were thoroughly assessed before surgery, monitored throughout the operation, and as they recovered postoperatively in our intensive care unit, with specific input from our emergency and critical care specialist, Poppy Gant.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are pleased to say both dogs recovered well, despite the risks, and were soon discharged back to their homes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe owners say both Morgan and Barney are recovering really well and are back into their normal routines. Barney\u2019s owner even went on to say he seems years younger!<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wish both of them all the best for the future and hope they enjoy their older years in style.\u201d<\/p>\n