Exam, blood work, medication
My Chihuahua, Nippy, is 6 years old and weighed 3.6 pounds when we went to see Dr. Rizzo. Nippy was being treated by our regular vet for 4 years for Pancreatitis. His symptoms were frequent vomiting, lethargy, poor appetite. He was suffering more than half of the time, and we worried that his life would be shortened if we didn't get more help than just the regular vet giving us a mild stomach relaxer. We found LVSE while Nippy was having a really bad day, vomiting blood and very lethargic. Our regular vet didn't seem to have time so we took Nippy to LVSE on an emergency trip. They made an appt. with Dr. Rizzo for a few days later. Dr. Rizzo ordered tests to be done, one including blood work to rule out Pancreatitis. Thank goodness! Not only did we find out that Nippy didn't have Pancreatitis, it appeared he had a bacterial infection in his stomach. He was put on antibiotics and pepto bismal for 30 days. Before the end of the 30 days, Nippy became a new dog!! He began eating, alot! He was playing again! He was happy, and we were ecstatic! It has been 3 months since he finished his meds, and he has gained one pound. Not a lot for most of us, but for a dog weighing only 3 pounds to begin with, this is a huge amount. He has grown hair on his chest, neck and sides of his head, which were always bare. He has a healthy full coat of hair, which he had never had before. He is happy, and healthy for the first time in so many years. Dr. Rizzo took the time to run tests, and take his time to figure out what was ailing Nippy. I cannot express our gratitude enough!!! I wish my own doctor was as thoughtful and thorough as Dr. Rizzo!!