Everyone
loves pie on Thanksgiving. Pumpkin, sweet potato, apple, or pecan. Some
prefer a la mode, and others with a dollop of whipped cream. But those holiday
goodies can't compare to this sweetie-pie... our
Companion Animal of the Month for November, Abbie Blanchette. A tiny little
Yorkshire Terrier weighing in at only five and a half pounds, she has the
immense power to charm all who encounter her. Abbie owns Karen and Richard
Blanchette, her human parents. She also has a feline brother, Tiger.
Abbie adopted her family in June of 2007. She was one of fourteen Yorkies to be rescued from a puppy mill that day. Karen had helped bathe the newly-liberated dogs, and that was when Abbie chose her to be her human mommy. One of Karen's favorite memories of Abbie was on that day. She rode home in Karen's lap after the rescue; ready to start her new life with the Blanchettes.
Having been born in a puppy mill, Abbie had some
adjusting to do when it came to life in a loving home. She had no idea what
playing was or how it was done. That's when her adoptive brother, Tiger, stepped
in. Tiger, himself being a rescue, bonded quickly with little Abbie. He had
survived Hurricane Katrina, and he took her under his wing (make that his
paw!). Tiger taught her how to play. He hides her toys for her to hunt. As large
as Tiger is compared to Abbie, he is so gentle with her. When she is finished
with their play session, she will bark to let him know that play time is over.
They are an inseparable pair sharing their beds, toys, and even the occasional
meal.
In May, Abbie came into see Dr. Sukhija. She had been vomiting, urinating more than usual, and her abdomen was swollen and painful. A few days later, she had diarrhea, and then collapsed. The Blanchettes rushed Abbie right into Atlantic Animal Hospital and Dr. Sukhija performed various blood tests. They showed low levels of protein, calcium, electrolytes, and cholesterol. The symptoms, along with the lab results, showed that Abbie likely had lymphangiectasia and protein-losing enteropathy.
Protein losing enteropathy, or PLE, is a general term that refers to conditions associated with excessive loss of plasma proteins into the gastrointestinal tract. The liver produces some of these proteins but is unable to keep-up with the loss. The reduction in protein levels leads to loss of other vital fluids and can also lead to edema formation, free fluid in the abdomen (ascites), and in the chest (pleural effusion). Endoscopic biopsies are sometimes used to aid in diagnosis of the condition. PLE can be seen in any age, size, gender, or breed. The most common cause of PLE is lymphangiectasia. This is an obstructive disorder involving the lymphatic system of the gastrointestinal tract. Yorkshire terriers are predisposed to the condition as are Wheaten terriers, Basenjis, and Lundehunds.
Abbie began treatment for her condition.
She was given fluid therapy to help regulate her electrolytes as well as
antibiotics and steroidal anti-inflammatory prescription drugs. She was given vitamin B-12
injections, calcium supplementation, and nutritional therapy. She was
hospitalized for a few days, but shortly after was discharged to go home. Abbie
has had to return several times to run further testing to monitor her status.
Happily at home, Abbie is doing well now. She's back to showering her human parents with love and romping with her feline brother. She also serves as the family watchdog by barking loudly to alert them of visitors. Karen describes Abbie as a boundless source of joy. She dances across the room when she knows she's going out for a visit and runs into the kitchen to help prepare snacks and meals. Abbie has also helped Karen heal her broken heart after the passing of Mattie, a rescued Maltese. Karen says of Abbie, “She is such a happy little girl and makes me smile often.” Anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting Abbie would absolutely agree.
--Written by Jennifer Liggett (Client Advocate)
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