Andy Ryan
“Andy” was a 2-year-old cat that was treated at AAE after being hit by a car. When he presented, “Andy” was in severe respiratory distress and required immediate intensive care. He was placed in a warming incubator where he received oxygen therapy and thermal support for shock. Radiographs showed the source of his respiratory distress to be a diaphragmatic hernia (a tear in the diaphragm resulting from trauma) that would require surgical repair after patient stabilization. After a few hours of oxygen therapy, IV fluids and medications, it became evident that “Andy’s” condition was worsening and surgery had to be attempted immediately before stabilization was fully achieved.
The hernia was successfully repaired with surgery, but “Andy” still faced a long recovery. Over the course of his week-long hospitalization, “Andy” required a whole blood transfusion, a chest tube, and continued oxygen therapy. Finally, after several days of round-the-clock intensive nursing care, “Andy” had improved and was discharged to his family’s care. He continued to heal and eventually made a full recovery.