A Series of (Un)Fortunate Events

In January, on Friday the 13th, "Wolfie," a 12-week-old, 3 pound Yorkshire Terrier puppy, was brought to see Dr. Susan Culp because he was limping. Fortunately, a day off had allowed his owner to stay home to bring him in.

An X-ray was taken to rule out a fracture or a soft tissue injury. Upon examination of the X-ray, the leg was fine, but something could be seen in the stomach. Luckily the X-ray had captured something unexpected because if Wolfie was a bigger dog, an X-ray of the leg would not have included the stomach.

Fortunately, Dr. Kunze, a board certified radiologist from Veterinary Specialty Center of Texas, was already coming in for radiology review, so the X-ray was presented to him. His radiology review comments were, "the leg is fine, lets get another shot of the abdomen" and another X-ray was taken to ensure that the clasp on the earring was closed. In another in the series of fortunate events the clasp was still closed. Dr. Culp called Wolfie's owners to inquire if they were missing an earring.

After discussing options, it was agreed that the earring needed to be removed as it was likely too large to pass through, and if the clasp opened, there could be risks. Surgery was possible, but before operating on Wolfie, other options were explored.

Fortunately, Dr. Theisen at Central Texas Veterinary Specialty Hospital was available and was able to remove the earring from his stomach using an endoscope, which was able to take it out the same way it went in, through his mouth. No surgery was needed.

So, through a series of fortunate events, all turned out well. We are happy to report that Wolfie is doing great, and will not be eating the remaining earring which is seen being worn one last time before being put out of his reach.