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Every now and again a case will come along which leaves,
even me, shaking my head in disbelief! "Harry"
was one such case!
Originally presented to my colleague, with what appeared
to be a relatively straightforward enteritis, Michel
was quick to realise that there was much more amiss with
"Harry" than just a "stomach upset!"
Following further investigation from the Fairfield team
it was clear that there was something seriously abnormal
in "Harry's" abdomen.
Blood results indicated a severe anaemia. "Harry"
was losing a tremendous amount of blood internally. After
securing the assistance of "Zara" who selflessly
donated blood for "Harry" an exploratory operation
was performed. After a considerable amount of time and effort
Michel
and I were able to remove a splenic tumour weighing over
3kg from Harry's abdomen.
Considering "Harry" started the procedure weighing
in at only 18kg you can appreciate that within the space
of a few hours "Harry" had lost 17% of his entire
bodyweight. Incredibly the tumour has been confirmed as
benign and in time he should make a complete recovery.
Normally “Harry’s” spleen should act as
a reservoir for red blood cells which can be released at
short notice if required. Instead this monstrous splenic
tumour was acting as “bottomless pit” entombing
the red blood cells and preventing them from being released
back into the circulation. “Harry’s” red
blood cell count was 15 when it should have been in the
range of 38-57.
Without the co-operation of “Zara”, the blood
donor, (and her owner) “Harry’s situation would
have been very much worse. As for “Harry”, he
is simply wondering what all the fuss is about, although
he has noticed that he seems to have a lot more room for
dinner!
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