Duke's - II - Story

On Monday, July 4, 2016, the doctors and staff at the U of M small animal hospital saved our dog, Duke's life.
Things were winding down after a busy holiday weekend, and around 11:30, Duke came downstairs and basically let me know something was wrong. He nudged my hand and looked up at me with his wise and kind eyes. He then proceeded to pace, drool, and retch, his whole body convulsing, but he was unable to produce anything other than saliva and drool. My husband and I discussed various causes; perhaps he swallowed too much lake water the previous day, maybe it was prolonged nervousness about fireworks, maybe he got into something at the lake while we weren't looking. I encouraged my husband to call the emergency vet, and he consulted the Internet. He began reading about GDV. He didn't share this info with me, as he knew it would only make me frantic. He knew then, we needed to take him in right away. As we were loading Duke into the car, I noticed his belly was extremely distended.
The staff acted quickly and efficiently upon arrival. Almost immediately, Duke was in fact diagnosed with a case of GDV. Both myself and my husband were completely unaware of this fatal and painful condition. We were reeling. The doctors handled delivering the news with firm, explicit explanation and confidence. Duke underwent surgery at 1 am, and at 4 am, the doctors called to tell us everything went very well. There was no damage to any major organs, and Duke should recover nicely. Anyone who owns pets knows how much they enrich and provide love and comfort in our lives. We have two boys, but in reality, we have three kids. Duke rides to school with me everyday when I drop the boys off. The smiles and waves of people we pass, is a reminder of how special and joyful Duke is.
We were not ready to let him go, and thankfully, due to quick action, the amazing doctors and staff, and pure luck, we didn't have to.
We are exceedingly grateful to Dr Bishoy Eskander who performed the surgery, and to Megan Tommet who provided tremendous love, care, and chicken! in the days following surgery. Duke asked after you both yesterday.
All our best,
Bridget & Graham
Share your story
Have we helped your pet? We'd love to hear from you. Share your VMC story by emailing vmccomm@umn.edu. Don't forget to include a photo of your pet!
All stories
Abby's Story
April's Story
Austin's Story
Bailey's Story
Bailey II's Story
Bear's Story
Bella's Story
Bella M's Story
Bergie's Story
Beyla's Story
Bits' Story
Bowser's Story
Brody's Story
Buddy's Story
Buddy A/O's Story
Buddy the Beagle
Burnie's Story
Cassie's Story
Cassy's Story
Chaos' Story
Cheddar's Story
Chicolini's Story
Cilia's Story
Cooper's Story
Dakota's Story
Deke's Story
Demon's Story
Deuce's Story
Devon and Peanut's Stories
Diesel's Story
Duke's - I - Story
Duke's II -Story
Ellie Mae's Story
Evelyn's Story
Fletcher's Story
Flyer's Story
Gauge's Story
Gertie's Story
Giadin's Story
Gozer's Story
Gunner's Story
Helsa's Story
Henry's Story
Henry 02's Story
Jack's Story
Jun's Story
Keesha's Story
Kenny's Story
Kindersley's Story
Kobe's Story
Koji's Story
Kramer's Story
Larix's Story
Libby's Story
Libby M's Story
Lucia's Story
Lucky's Story
Maggie's Story
Maggiemay's Story
Maximus' Story
Merlin's Story
Mousey's Story
Nicholas' Story
Nesta's Story
Oliver's Story
Oreo's Story
Penelope's Story
P!nk's Story
Pre's Story
Ragnar's Story
Raleigh's Story
Rascal's Story
Rebel's Story
Riley's Story
Riley the Superhero's Story
Ritz's Story
Roxy's Story
Rosie's Story
Ruby's Story
Sadie's Story
Sami's Story
Sammy's Story
Scooby's Story
Scout's Story
Seamus' Story
Seoul's Story
Sergeant's Story
Shira's Story
Snoopy's Story
Sophia's Story
Sparrow's Story
Squirrel's Story
Stetson's Story
Sully's Story
Summer's Story
Tango's Story
Tantra's Story
Titus's Story
Tolouse's Story
Tootsie's Story
Twinkie's Story
Wrenley's Story
Wrigley's Story
Zigi's Story