Success Stories: Cassie

A Big Dog with a Bigger Heart

Cassie was only two when she encountered her first major health emergency - an Addisonian crisis compounded by DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis). To explain briefly: Addison's disease results from the decreased production of steroid hormones by the adrenal glands. Like most dogs, Cassie was diagnosed when an Addisonian crisis developed - a severe stage of the disease in which shock and collapse can occur. DKA, one of the most serious metabolic disorders seen in both human and veterinary medicine, is a severe complication of diabetes mellitus. Either of these diseases can be life-threatening but, in Cassie's case, aggressive diagnostics and treatment saved her life.

In the five years since, Cassie has also had cataract surgery, several urinary tract infections, and arthritis. She is currently well, happy, and on several medications for her various medical conditions.

Cassie is a big and loveable seven-year-old Rottweiler who lives in Wanaque, New Jersey, with her brother (and litter mate) Toby and their owners Alan and Barbara Swartz. Alan credits Dr. Nancy Sanders, DVM, DiplACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine) with saving Cassie's life. Though Dr. Sanders has since relocated to Maryland, doctor and client still stay in touch to monitor Cassie's health. (Pressing emergencies are handled by Dr. George Kattiny, of Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital, who has helped defray Cassie's prescription expenses.) Alan's tribute to Cassie's ACVIM specialist:

Owed to Dr. Sanders

I know I'm just a speck in the sea of life and time.
My time came near, you were here, and gave me a chance to survive.

My brother sad, my Mom and Dad, praying for my health.
Your kindness along with willingness in all our hearts was felt.

The fact that God had worked through you, makes you a special person.
He saw the wisdom, care and hope in all of your devotion.

I know these words are only that, someday they'll be lost or fallen.
But what you've done for me and life, as a veterinarian,
you haven't missed your calling.

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