”Duke
is an
awesome dog
and a
wonderful
patient!”

Elizabeth Geurts, DVM
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Duke

Meet Duke, a 4-1/2 year old Beagle, owned by the Balliod family of Beaver Dam.  Duke’s mom, Kim—noted that he was having progressive vomiting problems for several months. Changes in diet didn’t seem to help settle his stomach. Kim became very concerned when Duke showed signs of extreme pain that suddenly developed overnight. He started shaking and was very uncomfortable in his stomach area. 
Physical examination of Duke confirmed that he had significant pain in his abdomen, an increased heart rate, and mild dehydration. A diagnostic workup including bloodwork and x rays was performed. Duke swallowed a contrast material called “barium” to determine if he had an intestinal blockage. X-rays indicated the presence of a soft tissue mass in the region of Duke’s stomach.  Approximately 18 hours after Duke swallowed the barium, 90% of it still did not empty from his stomach which was very abnormal. Bloodwork results were non-diagnostic.

Exploratory surgery was performed to evaluate Duke’s abdomen and identify his problems. Surgery revealed that Duke was suffering from a very enlarged (four times normal) gallbladder that was leading to his pain and intestinal problems. No other abnormalities were found at surgery.

Duke was treated medically for gallbladder disease which included a regimen of antibiotics and medication to help improve the flow of bile out of the gallbladder and liver. His diet was changed to a very bland and highly digestible formula that is low in fat. Duke also continued to receive medications to manage his pain and correct his dehydration.

The day following surgery Duke was showing much improvement and was discharged to go home on oral medications. Kim reports that Duke is doing much better and eating well. He will have to stay on a specialized diet for the rest of his life and receive medical management.

Duke’s family has been very supportive of him through this challenging case, and Kim says that even extended family is anxious to help in any way they can with his treatment because, “There’s only one Duke!” --- and they’re right!
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