Case Studies and Pet Success Stories
Ruby’s Story
Ruby came to BVNS for episodes of poor balance and neck pain. Her MRI showed that the bone at the back of the skull was pushing into the brain and disrupting the normal fluid flow through the brain and cervical spinal cord. The condition is common in King Charles Cavalier Spaniels and is now known as the chiari-like malformation with syringomyelia. Ruby is pictured here after her brain surgery to correct her malformation.
Norman’s Story
Norman is owned by a veterinarian and came to BVNS for weakness on one side. His MRI showed a cancer was growing into the spinal cord. He was getting weaker despite medicine and surgery to remove the tumor was his only chance for a walking well and a good quality of life. The tumor was removed and the biopsy showed it to be an aggressive form of a common tumor called a meningioma. Norman started a safe form of chemotherapy and was given a pill at home three days a week. Although Norman died from another health problem a little more than a year and a half later, he was a great dog. We are sad he is gone but happy that we gave him an extra 18 months with his devoted owner.
Butterscotch’s Story
Butterscotch originally came to BVNS for episodes of poor balance that progressed to dullness and an inability to walk. An MRI showed the back of the brain was severely compressed by a large mass. It was suspected that the tumor was benign but removing it from over the brainstem was thought to be somewhat risky. The owners agreed to the surgery, the tumor was completely and safely removed and the biopsy was benign. Butterscotch quickly returned to normal and still enjoys a great quality of life two years after surgery.
Rascal’s Story
Rascal presented for weakness of the back legs that was progressing to the thoracic limbs and dullness. The MRI did not show a cause for the problem but a spinal tap revealed there was inflammation of the spinal cord and spinal cord lining also called a meningomyelitis. Rascal was then treated with antibiotics and has made a complete recovery.
Lucky’s Story
Dear Doctors Bush, Young, and Christine,
Your team is really amazing - we thank you from the bottoms of our hearts for the excellent care, thoroughness, compassion, and honesty you delivered to us and Lucky on Tuesday. It was an exhausting day for everyone but your group was so professional and kind that we felt such great relief driving home with Lucky-boy having some answers and a plan.
Lucky is comfortable with his pain meds, our family will be together over the weekend and we will enjoy our time together.
With our appreciation,
The Shreve family
Pavla D., Arlington, VA
Hi BVNS, this is Scout's mom. Scout recently underwent a hemilaminectomy at your facility. It's been a month since his surgery and he's doing very well. He wanted to send you a holiday picture of him, especially to his surgeon, Dr. Jarboe and to Sarah who took care of him after his surgery. Thanks for the great care you provided to Scout!
Scooby’s Story
Dear Dr. Bush ~
James & I wanted to thank you, Emily, and the whole team at BVNS for your expertise and empathy yesterday. Thank you for giving us the knowledge and confidence we needed in order to make the difficult decision to help Scooby. We are grateful Scooby had you to help him fight the good fight, even though in the end it was out of all of our hands.
We were looking forward to seeing Scooby live to be an old man, as we all knew he deserved. We are so grateful for the short time we got to share with him.
We really appreciate the friendliness and flexibility your clinic offered to us.
Andrea DeLeonardis & James Potter
Scooby "Poo Man Chew" DeLeo-Potter
February 22, 2007 (adoption date) - August 24, 2009
Precious’ Story
Precious came to BVNS in a semi-comatose state, unable to walk and she had not eaten or drank any fluids for several days. She was treated with emergency drugs for brain swelling and her fluid and electrolyte balance stabilized. Her MRI showed a large brain tumor was causing the back of her brain to be pushed into the brainstem and cervical spinal cord. Removing the tumor was thought to be risky however the tumor was suspected to be benign. Without hesitation, Precious’ owner opted for the life-preserving, high risk surgery. Happily, after a few days in the hospital, Precious was able to walk and eat. The biopsy came back benign and two years later she is still well and with her devoted owner.
Jo Ann C., Harrisburg, PA
This clinic is absolutely wonderful. This is our second dog seen by this clinic in the past five months. I called before 7:00 a.m. on a Saturday and immediately spoke to Dr. Young. Drs. Young and Bush (and another resident) spent the entire day with us (early morning until after 5:00 p.m.) on a Saturday. This clinic is so responsive and caring. I cannot say enough wonderful things. Even though our little dog has a host of medical problems, Drs. Bush and Young were the ones to identify the problem. We are grateful.
Anissa S., Frederick, MD
Facility was state of the art and Dr's are experts!
Tracey B., Bermuda
Service was first class from the time we walked in the door.
Lori F., Mechanicsburg, PA
Honestly I couldn't think of anything else to improve. The staff was amazing. My dog was brought in and had an MRI & CT Scan and surgery the same day. Dr. Bush explained everything thoroughly and Dr. Hague "held" our hand through the whole process. I was updating daily on my dogs progress. I would recommend your practice to everyone.