Previous Featured Pets
February/March 2012 - Perchik
This is Perchik, a seven year old Maine Coon cat who in the past would occasionally go outside. He is now an Indoors Only Cat as his last trip outside landed him in the hsopital. Perchik came to the hospital in shock, with a fractured rib and multiple wounds. He had to undergo several surgeries to repair the extensive tissue damage along with receiving plasma and blood transfusions. Perchik was in the Hickory ICU being fed through an esophageal feeding tube, receiveing daily bandage changes and fluid therapy for weeks. Perchik spent a total of 60 days at Hickory Veterinary Hospital before being well enough to return home. The doctors and staff fell in love with this brave kitty who fought so hard to recover from his ordeal. As glad as we all were that he went home to his loving family, the staff were saddened to see him go as we all became so accustomed to seeing his cute fuzzy face peeking through his cage as we worked.
December 2011/January 2012 - Nugget
Nugget was attacked by 2 Pit Bulls in mid-October. Both of her owners were injured as well trying to save little Nugget from her attackers. They brought Nugget to Hickory even before seeking treatment for themselves. Nugget suffered from multiple puncture wounds and lacerations on her chest, abdomen and hind quarters. The most severe injury was a tear in her rectum. She required several surgeries over a period of 6 weeks in order for her wounds to be completely closed. She is now healed, home and happy as ever - greeting her Hickory friends with lots of kisses when she came in last for a re-check.
October/November 2011 - Dash
This handsome fellow is Dash. He is a six year old DSH who occasionally goes out in his yard to chase chipmunks. It was after one of his excursions that Dash's owner noticed he was painful and unable to lift his tail. When the doctors at Hickory shaved Dash's tail they discovered it covered in open sores. Dash was admitted to Hickory for treatment with antibiotics and bandaging. Two days later, Dr. Nancy Brown recommended that a tail amputation be performed to prevent the infection from spreading.
Throughout his long stay, Dash was a wonderful patient, very obliging with all his many treatments, a real sweetie – he won all the technicians hearts! Dash is fully healed now and at home with his family. His owner says, "He is back to being his old spunky self, playing with his dog and begging for belly rubs"
August/September 2011 - Lexi
Alexandra (Lexi) is a 9 year old Bernese Mountain Dog. She is shown in the above photos celebrating her birthday with friends. Lexi first came to Hickory Veterinary Hospital 5 years ago with multiple mast cell tumors, her owner never dreamed at the time that Lexi would be able to reach this milestone birthday. Dr. Nancy O. Brown fine-tuned a chemotherapy regimen for Lexi that kept her cancer in check and has kept Lexi feeling fit and ready to party!
Party guests were served peanut butter "cake" and frosty paws dessert and look like they had a great time! Happy birthday Lexi, we wish you many more to come.
June/July 2011 - Bruno
Bruno is a 7 ½ year old Great Dane. His present owners have had him for 2 years. His original owner was forced to find a new home for him when she moved into an apartment. She keeps in touch though and has visited him several times.
Bruno was diagnosed with an anterior mediastinal tumor in March of 2011. Nancy O. Brown, VMD, recommended chemotherapy, and since starting the treatment his tumor has shrunk 50% as seen on ultrasound. Bruno is doing well and has only one incidence of mild side effects. Bruno likes to play ball and go for walks. He went to visit his owners' family in Salt Lake City and ended up being the subject of show-and-tell at kindergarten. Bruno is also a certified therapy dog and after a brief period of time off while starting chemo, he is back to visiting Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Center weekly. His community service does not end there however, Bruno recently took part in "Bark for Life" and raised over $200 for cancer research. He is also computer savvy; having his own facebook page with 300 fans from all over the world including: Italy, Japan, Argentina and India.
Bruno is an incredible dog and we are happy to have him as our latest Hickory Pet of the Month!
May 2011 - Prudence
Prudence is an affectionate 4 ½ year old domestic short hair kitty. She was found stuck in an outdoor drain in December 2006 as a 12 week old kitten by Sarah Shapiro. Once rescued from the drain she was taken to a local veterinarian to address the compound fracture of her leg. Because of her time spent in the drain and the severity of the fracture the best course of action was for the limb to be amputated. Being three-legged never slowed Prudence down! She remained happy and healthy in her rescuer's home until a diagnosis of lymphoma in the summer of 2010. Prudence, no stranger to surviving, has done remarkably well. She has gone through radiation therapy and chemotherapy like the little trooper she is. Her owner is enjoying her remaining time with Prudence as she continues her brave battle at home. ** Prudence passed away after a long fight with cancer, she will be missed.
April 2011 - Wolfie
The Merry family adopted Wolfie from the SPCA in February 2002. He had been roaming the streets before that and was missing several teeth at the time he was adopted. Since then he has been living happily at the Merry's with several cats and another dog. He first became ill in November 2010, the Merry's regular veterinarian referred them to Dr. Nancy Brown and Hickory Veterinary Hospital for treatment. Wolfie had been overwhelmed by lymphoma, but is now in complete remission. Chemotherapy has given him a new lease on life. ** Wolfie passed away in June 2011, he will be missed.