Case No. 3
Surgical Assistant: Lexie Mason
Patient Name: Gracie Sabella, 6 year old Yorkshire Terrier
“Gracie presented at VSC Leesburg as an urgent consult after being attacked by her neighbor’s larger dog. Gracie had a right caudal acetabular fracture (did not need surgical intervention, luckily) and multiple actively draining bite wounds. Gracie was febrile with signs of hypoglycemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypocalcemia, and an elevated ALT. Pre-op labs showed Gracie was more sick than we had originally thought and needed plasma and dextrose on top of her previous treatment plan. Her owners were absolutely wonderful and agreed to do everything that sweet Gracie needed. After her wound evaluation was performed under anesthesia, it was found that there was significant pocketing, muscle damage, and contamination present.
Gracie spent 3 days at The Life Centre for wound management with wound VAC and eventual wound closure and drain placement. During this time, Gracie was on IV fluids + dextrose, multiple IV antibiotics, pain CRI's, a plasma transfusion, with around the clock VAC and drain care. I think I spent more time in Gracie's cage caring for her than I did out of it during each shift she was here. Gracie's happy-go-lucky attitude never wavered throughout her stay and her owners were amazing. After Gracie had been discharged, the owner brought me an incredibly thoughtful hand-written thank you card expressing their gratitude for her care.
Gracie has come back to visit again since then — she’s super happy and cute as ever! This case in particular made me remember why I got into veterinary medicine in the first place. Huge shout out to Dr. Holly Phelps, our residents Dr. McChesney and Dr. Goodale, as well as our LVT Brittany McDole for their exceptional care and attention given to Gracie — both in and out of the OR as well! It’s always a team effort here at VSC!”
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From the owners:
"My Gracie has received not only the best medical care but also the most loving care. I can not say enough about the amazing staff. From the doctors to the techs to the front office. Everyone is outstanding."