Murphy is a sweet 12 year Boston Terrier. She is the constant companion to a wheelchair bound paraplegic client. Ten days before this past Thanksgiving, Murphy came into the hospital with labored breathing and coughing.
I wanted to share Murphy's story with you for several reasons. First of all, this was a great Thanksgiving blessing to all of us at the hospital that worked so hard to save Murphy's life and to Murphy's lovingly devoted owners that entrusted us with her care. It was truly one of the most uplifting and satisfying things we have ever done in our 29 years of service. Secondly, Murphy's case demonstrates the advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services we are able to provide our patients in their time of need.
Murphy's exam revealed a heart murmur and diminished lung sounds suggestive of fluid in her chest. Digital x-ray imaging of Murphy's chest confirmed the presence of a moderate amount of free fluid in Murphy's chest cavity. Murphy's heart also appeared somewhat enlarged which is suggestive of additional fluid accumulation within the pericardial sac which surrounds the heart. Some of the fluid was aspirated from Murphy's chest and submitted to our pathology service for diagnostic interpretation. The pathology results suggested the presence of a tumor as the source of the fluid accumulation.
Digital x-rays of Murphy's Chest:
The digital x-rays were forwarded through the utilization of our hospital's telemedicine capabilities to both a veterinary radiologist, Dr. Ron Burk, and veterinary cardiologist, Dr. Wendy Arsenault, for additional interpretation. Both of these specialists believed a tumor was likely and an ultrasound exam of Murphy's chest was recommended. Our ultrasound exam confirmed the presence of fluid within the pericardial sac which is even stronger evidence for the presence of a tumor at the base of the heart.
Ultrasound images showing fluid in pericardial sac:
Arrangements were then made to have one of our clinic family members transport Murphy to Dr. Arsenault's clinic in Bonita Springs for a definitive cardiac ultrasound evaluation. That exam revealed the presence of a "chemodectoma" tumor arising from the base of her aorta. The tumor was causing a progressive buildup of fluid within the pericardial sac and would soon end Murphy's life. A life saving open-heart surgery known as a "pericardectomy" would be needed if Murphy was to survive.
Arrangements were made to have a veterinary surgical specialist, Dr. Bruce Berger, perform the surgery in our hospital on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. On that same day, Murphy's owner was having surgery to remove her gall bladder.
Murphy's surgery required Dr. Berger to open up Murphy's chest to completely expose her heart. Dr. Berger then made an incision into the pericardium and meticulously dissected the pericardium for around her entire heart. Throughout this procedure, Murphy was unable to breathe for herself and required our nurse-anesthetist to breathe for her using manual intermittent positive pressure ventilation. Each breath had to be carefully coordinated with the surgeon to insure proper safety during the surgical dissection and proper inflation of Murphy's lungs. The surgery lasted almost 2 hours and Murphy resumed normal breathing on her own at the completion of the surgery.
Murphy spent the next 3 days recovering in our hospital and at the Piper family home. She was the star guest at the Piper Thanksgiving celebration. Murphy was discharged back to her owner's loving care 3 days after her surgery where she can once again be found in her favorite place - mom's lap.
Murphy at the time of her discharge:
I wanted to share Murphy's story with you for several reasons. First of all, this was a great Thanksgiving blessing to all of us at the hospital that worked so hard to save Murphy's life and to Murphy's lovingly devoted owners that entrusted us with her care. It was truly one of the most uplifting and satisfying things we have ever done in our 29 years of service. Secondly, Murphy's case demonstrates the advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services we are able to provide our patients in their time of need.
