Patient Stories
Gable
Gable, our 175-pound, 9-year-old Great Dane was diagnosed with a condrosarcoma of the ribs (a form of bone cancer) in July 2011. Needless to say, we were devastated. He's a huge part of our family and we couldn't imagine not having him with us. Once the lab results came back with the diagnosis, we discussed at length the options available to Gable with our regular veterinarian. We began searching for the best possible facility available for his treatment.
From our first visit to VETMED we were thoroughly impressed with the staff, professionalism, and wide range of treatment options they offer. After performing Gable's CT scan at their facility (not a simple task on a 175-pound dog), we discussed at length him undergoing surgery with one of their surgeons, Dr. Stephanie Foote. Dr. Stephanie Foote stayed in constant contact with us over the next week, and with our regular veterinarian. She discussed the upcoming procedure and all the potential positives and negatives for Gable. With all the information provided, the decision turned out to be an easy one. Gable was admitted for surgery the following week.
I think the six hour procedure was almost as rough on us as it was on Gable but VETMED's staff didn't seem to mind the hourly calls during the procedure or the twice-a-day visits during his recovery. Two days later, after receiving what we can only describe as world-class care from their doctors and staff, Gable was released to go home. In less than 10 days, he's almost back to his old self, which we can only describe as miraculous considering his age and the seriousness of the surgery he had.
Gable is now cancer-free. We can't thank the folks at VETMED enough for saving him. I grew up in the veterinary industry, my father being a retired veterinarian from the midwest. During all those years I've seen my share of veterinary hospitals, but VETMED ranks absolutely #1 after witnessing the top-notch professionalism of their staff and facility during Gables ordeal. We can't thank them enough for returning a member of our family to us, healthy once again.
- Alan (and Gable) Farber
Keiki
Meet Keiki, a 2-year-old Shih Tzu. Keiki was like most active young dogs living a normal life. She loved playing with her brother, going for walks and being a couch potato from time to time.
Then one day, Keiki’s owner, Michelle Plumb, noticed that Keiki was bleeding and very lethargic. Michelle was worried so she rushed Keiki to a nearby emergency clinic. They determined the condition but could not manage it well so they recommended that Michelle take Keiki to see Dr. Ale Aguirre at VETMED.
After a work up, Dr. Ale Aguirre discovered that the platelets in Keiki’s blood were being attacked by her own immune system. Keiki has an autoimmune disorder where she cannot clot her blood. This makes her spontaneously bleed internally and externally. Dr. Ale Aguirre performed three whole blood transfusions within 24 hours. Keiki miraculously survived.
“Dr. Aguirre is a very kind and caring specialist,” said Michelle. “Through all of Keiki's troubles he explained things in laymen’s terms and I feel we are a team working together to treat her.”
Keiki may have this autoimmune disorder for the rest of her life or she may recover fully within a year. At this time, we do not know for sure but it was lucky that Michelle took action quickly when she saw that Keiki was not acting normally. With the help for Dr. Ale Aguirre, Keiki is now living a fulfilling life and back to her “old self”. She even stopped by VETMED so we could take these adorable photos!
Fluffy
"In January 2009 as a last resort, Fluffy, my 15-year-old Iowa farm cat, was referred to VetMed Consultants. She had not eaten or drunk anything for eight days. After an ultrasound and stomach biopsies, a feeding tube was inserted into her neck. Thirteen days later, she began to eat on her own and slowly regained her strength. The final diagnosis was an inflamed intestine. Looking at her today, one would never guess that she had ever been sick.
Words could never express my thanks and appreciation for VetMed Consultants! The entire staff has been WONDERFUL! When I was ready to give up on Fluffy, Dr. Ale Aguirre consoled and cautioned me to just give her time. Whenever I called, and at times that was several times a day, each person I spoke with was courteous and helpful. My cat has received the most professional, high tech treatment possible.
Today, Fluffy is a healthy, happy, spoiled, and alert cat. With his knowledge and expertise, Dr. Ale Aguirre gave Fluffy a chance to survive."
- Kathy S.