Summer's Story
My beloved eight year old Husky, Summer, was in perfect health until she suddenly developed severe internal bleeding into her abdomen. She was hospitalized in the ICU at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Hospital from 1/18/14 to 1/26/14, with severe anemia under the care of surgical resident Dr. Kohler.
CT scan demonstrated a large tumor involving her left kidney, as well as extensive internal bleeding. Thankfully this tumor was localized to the kidney, without evidence of invasion to other structures. This was successfully surgically removed and the pathology report returned with a diagnosis of renal adenocarcinoma. She was stabilized by Dr. Kohler and the amazing ICU staff and thankfully discharged home yesterday. She will soon follow up with the oncology service. She is currently resting comfortably at home and will receive regular monitoring by her outpatient doctor.
I have taken my dogs over the years to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Hospital and feel my dogs have always received excellent care. Dr. Kohler spent a lot of time talking with me and explaining in whatever detail I needed exactly what was going on with Summer throughout her hospitalization. I have medical training myself, and he was very willing to patiently answer all of my questions - and I had many, many questions. He personally called me twice per day with updates and even came in on his days off to check on Summer. Not only is he an outstanding veterinarian and surgeon, he is also an exceptional human being.
I do not know how much time I have left with Summer. It could be days, weeks, months, I'm hoping years. Dr. Kohler and the team at this hospital gave Summer the chance to fight for her life, and in so doing, gave me the chance to have more time with her. From this day going forward - Summer and I will celebrate our lives together.
With gratitude,
Iris
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