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Dr. Wright, Today is Wiglaf’s sixth birthday (born 3-31-13)! This is all thanks to you and your team! He is my perfect dog, other than enjoying barking a little too much. Please tell everyone in your office we said hello and thank you. I hope all is well with you and your family. Best wishes, Gabi K. (and Wiglaf) Dan and I have a very active family of 3 Bernese mountain dogs. We hike 6-10 miles regularly, we travel all over the country together, and we seek out local pup friendly attractions during the week. There is never a dull moment in our home. I will not forget the day that my girls and I were on a hike when something just didn’t seem right. We were not even a mile in when Zoe, my eldest at 6 years old, seemed exhausted. I thought it was the heat, unusual since we used to live on the west coast and she has experienced heat in the past. Regardless, for her safety and my concern we turned back and returned home.
Over the next week Zoe was fatigued and her appetite decreased. She would only eat soft food or chicken and she was resting far more than usual. She would still perk up when I came home and occasionally at other times when she heard someone outside. She wasn’t able to tolerate hikes or even short bursts of energy in the yard with her sisters. My family, friends and coworkers all stated, “she must be getting old” but I knew something was wrong. I immediately contacted our primary vet. She obtained labs and x-rays. Zoe’s liver enzymes were slightly elevated. My heart sank and all I could think was “this is it, she has cancer”. Our vet recommended that we go to the local emergency department in Pittsburgh, Pa. I took Zoe right away. I braced myself and waited for the news. It never came. Instead the staff rushed Zoe back and reported that her heart rate was extremely fast. Over the next 2 days Zoe was admitted to the ICU where, numerous tests were completed to rule out the cause of her tachycardia. Everything came back negative. The Cardiologist stated that Zoe had an abnormal heart rhythm known as atrial tachycardia. Zoe would need to take medications and be closely monitored. These medications would need to be taken every 12 hours. I am a travel nurse; I knew that this would be nearly impossible without help. I asked if there were any other options. This is when I was informed that there is a Cardiologist in Cincinnati that could perform an ablation, a potentially curative procedure that could bring Zoe back to her former self. Dan and I spoke with Dr. Wright on the phone who was very patient and understanding. She took the time to explain the details of the procedure and, what to expect before and after. She sent me articles and information via email. After reading up on the procedure and speaking to her directly I felt confident that the ablation was the best decision for my Zoe. We set out on the 10-hour round trip journey. On arrival to Med Vet the staff was incredible. The check in process was seamless. Dr. Wright and staff calmed my fears and anxiety. They were so reassuring and understanding. I left Zoe in their expert care and to date. This was the best decision I have ever made for her. The procedure was successful. Dr. Wright and Zoe’s nurse kept me updated throughout the entire process. Zoe is home. She is playful, she snuggles with her sisters, she is eating well, and she is back to hiking and exploring. Dr. Wright and staff saved Zoe’s life. It has been over a month and her follow up results showed that Zoe remains cured, medication free, and with a normal heart rhythm. Dr. Wright gave us our life back and, we are not just able to live as before but better. Zoe is better. There is no amount of gratitude that will ever express my feelings towards all those involved in Zoe’s care. We know we won’t have Zoe forever, but due to a successful ablation, we will have her a little longer, She will be happy and healthy for a little longer. Thank you for saving my best friend. Very Respectfully, Amber R Kendra MBA, MSN and Dr. Daniel Shpilsky |
Owners of Dr. Wright's patientsWe are all owners of pets with tachycardia's/heart rates that were much too fast. Dr. Wright and her team saved our dogs with their minimally invasive ablation surgery. Archives
December 2020
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