A Reminder That Curiosity Can Come at a Cost. Pip, a very sweet 19-month-old American Pit Bull, came to see us on the morning of February 9 after his owner, Jordan, grew concerned. For two days Pip had not been eating, seemed constipated, and was vomiting whenever he drank water.

When Pip arrived, Jordan shared that Pip has a history of getting into things outdoors and in the trash—and had recently gotten into garbage that contained napkins soaked in oil and grease. Pip was straining to defecate, lethargic, uninterested in food or water, and intermittently vomiting bile.

Our team performed a thorough exam, ran bloodwork, and started anti-nausea medication and subcutaneous fluids. Pip went home with additional medication and instructions to return if he did not improve.

The next day, we checked in and learned Pip still wouldn’t eat and was very uncomfortable at home. Concern for a possible blockage led Jordan to bring him back in. Dr. Kendra performed an ultrasound and radiographs, which confirmed that surgery was the best option. Jordan elected to proceed with an exploratory surgery—and have Pip neutered at the same time.

During surgery, several foreign items were discovered in Pip’s intestines, including what appeared to be part of a sock. The obstruction was successfully removed, and Pip recovered well while hospitalized overnight.

By the second day after surgery, Pip was feeling much better—and both he and Jordan were happy to head home to continue healing together.

Jordan was only able to secure part of the funds needed for surgery, and despite multiple financing attempts, additional options were not approved. Our Hospital Administrator, Teri, reached out to our Regional Manager, Kim Koerner, for assistance. Animal Care Center was incredibly grateful to become the first hospital granted support through the new Lakefield Charity Fund – Care Beyond Limits, helping ensure Pip received the lifesaving care he needed.

Pip’s story is a great reminder to keep a close eye on curious pets and secure trash, socks, and other tempting items. We are so thankful for a positive outcome and for programs that help us continue caring for pets when they need it most.