February Featured Patient:
Meet "Mylo" Gibson

"Mylo", a 1 1/2 year old poodle, presented to the emergency service in critical condition suffering from heat stroke. His temperature had soared to above 108 degrees. His primary veterinarian was able to get his temperature back to normal by cooling his body surface temperature and administering IV fluids but, aware of the many complications associated with heat stroke, requested that Animal Emergency and Critical Care Services take over the case. When Mylo arrived at our facility his temperature was actually below normal, which is a serious sign when dealing with heat stroke. He was also developing severe bruising all over his body, indicating that his high body temperature had caused major blood clotting problems. Due to the severity of his condition, Mylo was given a guarded prognosis with a 50% chance of recovery.

The heat stroke had caused damage to most of Mylo's body systems. The high temperature literally melts those proteins in the body which assist in blood clotting. He required a number of plasma transfusions to replace these proteins. Mylo also developed kidney failure requiring several days of IV fluid and supportive therapy. Other problems included injury to his GI tract which resulted in severe diarrhea and liver complications.

Luckily for Mylo, the intensive care and plasma transfusions were successful and he went home a few days later. The doctors of AECCS and VSSF would like to thank all of the dedicated staff who contributed to Mylo's recovery. At last report he was doing just fine!

Dr. Brian K. Roberts, Director AECCS

11/02 "Summer" Van Osdale