Urgent Care Stories: Tobin and Toxins
All of us do what we can to ensure that our beloved pets stay safe. Yet sometimes, despite our best efforts, accidents happen, and they often require urgent action to address. This was the case for Tobin, an 11-year-old dog who recently found herself in a dangerous situation after indulging in a forbidden treat: a glass jar full of brownies.
In the story below, VetExpress Animal Urgent Care will highlight the importance of emergency veterinary treatment that’s both affordable and effective. When you’re done reading it, you’ll understand why folks from Rosenberg to Richmond are deciding to bring their emergencies to us!
A Dangerous Combination: Brownies, Glass, and a Trip to the ER
Tobin, like many dogs, has a sweet tooth and an adventurous spirit. Unfortunately, her curiosity led her to a dropped glass jar filled with brownies.
- Not only did she consume a large amount of chocolate, which is toxic to dogs, but she also ingested pieces of broken glass.
- The following day, Tobin’s owners noticed she was lethargic and vomiting.
- They rushed her to the closest emergency veterinarian, where radiographs revealed a frightening reality: glass shards were present in Tobin’s stomach, posing a serious risk of obstruction or internal injury.
A Race Against Time: The Importance of Prompt and Affordable Care
Tobin’s owners faced a difficult situation. Like many pet owners in critical situations, they learned that the cost of surgery and further hospitalization at the initial ER facility was prohibitively high.
- Fortunately, they were advised to transfer Tobin to VetExpress Animal Urgent Care, where we were able to offer a more cost-efficient solution without compromising the quality of care.
- Tobin’s owners drove over an hour to reach our clinic, highlighting their dedication to their beloved pet. And it’s a good thing they did…
Emergency Surgery and a Happy Ending!
Upon arrival, Tobin was immediately assessed. Her heart rate was elevated, likely due to a combination of chocolate ingestion and the pain and stress of her condition.
- Our skilled veterinary team performed emergency surgery to remove all the glass fragments from her stomach.
- Following the successful procedure, Tobin was hospitalized overnight for supportive care, including pain management and careful monitoring.
Back to Her Old Self
By the next morning, Tobin was a different dog!
- Her vital signs had returned to normal, she was comfortable, and she was even eating well.
- The transformation was remarkable: instead of the lethargic, vomiting dog who arrived just 24 hours earlier, Tobin was wagging her tail, eager to go home with her relieved owners!
Tobin’s story is a powerful reminder that accidents can happen, even to the most vigilant pet owners. It also underscores the importance of having access to prompt, affordable, and high-quality veterinary care for emergency situations. Often, folks tell us that even with the longer drive, our emergency services felt like the best choice, not just because the cost was lower but also because we treated them with compassion and patience.
At VetExpress Animal Urgent Care, our customized treatment plans, surgical procedures, and aftercare support are always executed with compassion and thorough consideration of all relevant medical history. Your emergency is our top priority, so if your pet is in need in Richmond or the surrounding areas, we’re here to help! From Rosenberg and Sugar Land to Missouri City and Katy, we get the job done. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!
