The arrival of June conjures up images of warm summer evenings, days on the beach, running through the sprinklers, and children cheering as they begin their long-awaited summer vacations. As we turn the pages on our calendars, the season changes and the days get longer. We welcome the arrival of summer and all the wonderful things that come along with it, including our Companion Animal of the Month for June, Gabby McGinnis. Gabby is a four year-old domestic shorthair that now owns Brenda McGinnis. Brenda adopted the little brown tabby with white markings from the Flagler Humane Society in March of 2009 and the pair quickly became friends. Brenda had visited the humane society with the intention of adopting a cat she had seen in the newspaper. While that particular cat slept through Brenda's visit, Gabby began to meow and rub her face against the glass-- she chose Brenda as her new human.
Gabby had only been living with Brenda for five weeks when she suddenly began to vomit white foam. She lost her appetite and stopped eating, but continued to vomit. Worried, Brenda brought Gabby into Atlantic Animal Hospital for a medical evaluation. An abdominal x-ray showed that there may have been an object lodged in Gabby's intestines but nothing definitive could be seen. Gabby was referred to the emergency clinic for a barium study, overnight observation, and possible exploratory abdominal surgery the following morning. The barium was administered to Gabby by mouth. Then, x-rays were taken over a period of 30 minutes to 6 hours. As the barium passes through the intestines, the barium would be blocked if there was any sign of a foreign object, showing the location of the blockage. An exploratory abdominal surgery was performed so that Gabby's intestines and internal organs could be visually inspected for any abnormalities. Although Gabby tolerated the surgery well, no obstruction or abnormality was found. She was then referred back to Dr. Sukhija for hospitalization and monitoring while she recovered. The exact cause of her vomiting remains undetermined at this time, but possibilities include gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disease, neoplasia (cancer), or dietary intolerance. Brenda noted that Gabby was a very good patient during her examinations, but when it came time for Brenda to leave Gabby at the hospital, Gabby tried to hide under Brenda's arm. It was at that moment that she knew Gabby was really her cat.
Gabby is doing well at home after her ordeal. The staples were removed
from her surgery site and it appears to have healed nicely. Her hair is
starting to grow back on her belly from surgery and on her front legs where the
intravenous catheter was placed. Gabby is now on a Hills' prescription
diet i/d. This prescription food is specially designed to
be highly digestible and easy on the gastrointestinal tract. The
combination of soluble and insoluble fiber helps to move material through the
intestinal tract, while the increased amounts of B-complex vitamins and
potassium help replenish any nutrients lost through vomiting or diarrhea.
Brenda and Gabby are very close. When not draped over the armchair or watching the world from behind the sliding glass door, Gabby is in Brenda's lap purring and rubbing her face against Brenda's. Gabby is also an avid climber. She loves climbing up onto anything and everything, and has quickly learned the meaning of "Gabby, get down." However, feline law prohibits her from consistently acknowledging and honoring this request, so Gabby has a favorite toy (a mouse) that she plays with during the times when she chooses not to climb.
Last July, Brenda lost her calico cat, Penny, to cancer. After the grief subsided, she found herself missing the companionship of a cat. Gabby has brought happiness and love back into Brenda's life in a way that only a cat can. Brenda says that she is very glad Gabby chose her at the humane society that day. We are also delighted that Gabby, an adult cat, was adopted from a shelter and given a new chance at life. We wish Brenda and Gabby many happy, healthy years together!
--Written by Jennifer Liggett (Client Advocate)
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