Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Unexpected Expectations

Ok, I have to start by saying one thing: If you're into recreational drug use, don't involve your dog, cat, fish, parrot, albatross, or any other pet you may have lurking around your home (knowingly or otherwise). It simply comes down to this: just because you enjoy your high, buzz, or whatever you want to call it, doesn't mean your pet will. In fact, this could have dire consequences (surprise!). So, with all the holiday pancreatitis, foreign body obstructions, and ever holly-jolly hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) - it even comes in Christmas colors, just not the right shades or scent - why am I nattering on about drug use and pets? 

I present to you Exhibit A: On December 2nd, 2011 a four year old male pug was brought in for severe lethargy during our morning appointment hours. Immediately Dr. Paranoid orders our most complete chemistry panel of bloodwork, as well as a set of radiographs (x-rays, people). Upon reading the results of both, she orders a complete blood cell count (CBC), the results of which are rather boring as well. 

Just as our Tech O' the Day is getting ready to place an IV catheter - on the off chance that it may  help the poor pup feel better, as Dr. Paranoid lost the game of Stump the Expert on this case - the owner decides to 'fess up. The dog had ingested pot. That's right, folks, pot. Marijuana, chronic, Mary Jane, you got it. With her hands the owner shows the approximate amount the dog ate, which was enough to cover the palm of the average adult human being. And it gets better, too. 

From what the owner relayed, she was visiting from Michigan and had left her "prescription" on the coffee table to go get a drink before partaking. When she returned, the green was gone and the dog had that guilty look - you know how they do.

And so, after a few minutes research - and an unnecessary amount of the owner's money spent due to a case of severe Save My Own Skin syndrome - it was concluded that the pug would most likely spend the rest of the day, if not also part of the next, being very relaxed. Oh, and the owner was advised that he may be a tad extra hungry as well. 

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