“Case of the Month” – July 2022

Kathleen Emerson’s home is always abundant with animal activity of her own pets and fosters as part of her position as a board member in charge of fosters and adoptions for Yolo County Spay/Neuter Group. In April, 6-week-old golden retriever Calvin joined that group as her latest foster. All was progressing well with Calvin’s growth and training until mid-May when he started choking uncontrollably.

“While playing in the sprinkler that day, Calvin started gagging and foaming at the mouth,” said Emerson. “He was struggling to breathe, so I immediately took him to UC Davis.”

In respiratory distress when he arrived at the veterinary hospital’s Emergency Room, Calvin was found to have decreased heart and lung sounds on the left side of his chest and moderate amounts of discharge from his left nostril. An ultrasound showed an abnormal tissue structure on the left side of his chest. X-rays gave a more definitive view – a defect of his diaphragm (suspected to be a diaphragmatic hernia) with his stomach and spleen having migrated into his chest cavity, causing pressure on his heart and lungs. Aspiration pneumonia was also suspected.

Calvin was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and placed on oxygen, and antibiotics for the pneumonia, while critical care specialists consulted with faculty surgeon Dr. Michele Steffey and resident Dr. Meg Korpita of the Soft Tissue Surgery Service on the best approach to treat Calvin’s condition. Given the extent of the herniation, a surgical intervention was highly recommended, so the Anesthesia Service prepared Calvin for emergency surgery.

Drs. Steffey and Korpita were able to gently retract Calvin’s spleen and stomach back below his diaphragm without any complications. Due to Calvin’s breed and the large size of his stomach, they also performed a gastropexy, which involves permanently suturing the stomach to the abdominal wall or diaphragm to prevent any future torsions.

“Calvin’s procedure was delicate, as we were around major vessels and organs,” said Dr. Korpita. “Getting to explore the chest and the abdomen in these types of surgeries is great training to improve a resident’s surgical and communications skills working with a team in the operating room. We’re thrilled everything was successful with Calvin’s surgery. He was absolutely the sweetest and cutest little guy who will now have the full life he deserves.”

Calvin recovered well in the ICU and was closely monitored for any signs of post-operative or post-anesthetic complications. He was healthy enough to be discharged the following day into the care of Emerson, who is a veterinary technician.

Two months later, Calvin continues to do well. Emerson reports he’s growing into a very large dog, already as big as her full-grown golden retriever Honey. Calvin is currently training to become a service dog who will visit children’s hospitals and convalescent homes. And like Honey, Calvin will become a blood donor at UC Davis when he matures.

“I always recommend UC Davis whenever anyone I know needs veterinary care,” said Emerson. “I could not have asked for a better team to take care of Calvin. Everything was wonderful. They made me very comfortable, with regular updates, and plenty of love for Calvin from all the students.”

Emerson has decided to permanently adopt Calvin, adding another member to her pack.

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