We are honored to present Clyde
Liguria as the Companion Animal
of the Month for September 2007. Clyde is a black and
tan Dachshund and is the best friend to Greg Liguria who adopted him from
Flagler Humane Society when Clyde was 2 years old. Clyde and his sister
Bonnie were turned over to Flagler Humane Society for unknown reasons.
Greg found Clyde in a kennel with a Potbelly Pig but he did not seem
bothered by his unusual kennel-mate. Greg took Clyde home and they have been
inseparable ever since that time.
Clyde has some interesting pass times including chasing lizards on Greg's patio. He will chase the lizard until it puffs up, at that point Clyde becomes afraid and will run away. Clyde is also afraid of Jell-O when it wiggles. But one thing Clyde loves to get is popcorn. When allowed to eat popcorn, he only takes one kernel at a time and eats it very slowly, as if to savor the flavor. He is the same way with raw hide bones. He will sneak into the pantry and take one bone at a time. He does not try to take a new one until the one he has is all gone. He also has a favorite toy affectionately called "Bo Bo" that he loves to carry around the house and enjoy making it squeak.
Late last year, Clyde presented to Atlantic Animal Hospital for exercise intolerance and decreased mobility. Neck and back pain were diagnosed and managed with muscle relaxer and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications. Clyde did well for a few months but unfortunately his symptoms progressed. X-rays showed evidence of back problems, including spondylosis but a definitive lesion could not be isolated. Earlier this year, Clyde was put on steroids for his severe neck pain and again did well for a short period of time. When the symptoms returned and became unmanageable with medications, Dr. Sukhija referred Clyde to a neurologist. A MRI was performed and compression of the cervical (neck) spine was discovered. A surgery was perfumed to alleviate this compression. Clyde did have some complications including a temporary gastric bloat due to severe panting post surgery. After a few days at the specialty hospital, Clyde was sent home to heal and recover on pain medications and general tender love and care provided by his human companion, Greg. We are happy to say that Clyde has made a full recovery and is back to his normal life style. We credit Greg for his patience and willingness to provide optimal care for Clyde. Without this Clyde would not be with us. Greg has truly saved Clyde's life twice now, once by rescuing him and again by caring for him.
In turn, Greg is sure to mention that when he himself is sick, Clyde is always there to make him feel better. So this is one of the reasons why Greg makes sure he is there by Clyde's side to make sure he is happy and healthy too. Recovering from back surgery and dealing with the pain before and after the surgery is never an easy task for any animal. Atlantic Animal Hospital is dedicated to making sure that Clyde not only remains healthy and active, but also remains as pain free as possible. Pain management and a great quality of life are only possible through a good human-animal bond and a veterinary-patient-client relationship. This is why we are happy to honor Clyde and Greg's story this month.
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