Test Case Tuesday: Ruby Requests Rest (Case 1)

 

Picture of Professor Pocky taken by Dr. Haus

Click For Explanation of Case Flow

 

Signalment:

Ruby is a 5-year-old female spayed English Springer Spaniel

🐶

History:

Over the past week Ruby's owners have noticed that she seems very tired and does not want to get up.  She will not go out on her normal 3-mile walks and is not eating very well.  Ruby's owners were concerned so they brought her in for a check-up today and had to lift her into the car which is abnormal - Ruby always jumps into the car as she normally loves going on long hikes with her owners.

There are no other pets in the house and Ruby has not gotten into any toxic substances or the trash according to her owners.

⛰️ 

Physical Exam Findings:

 

Gum Color (Mucus Membrane Color):

Icteric (yellow) 🟨

 

Sclera (white part of the eye):

 Icteric (yellow) 🟨👀🟨

 

Cardiac (heart):

Increased heart rate (heart beating faster than normal) 🫀

 

Respiratory (lungs):

Increased respiratory rate (breathing faster than normal) 🫁

 

Abdomen (belly):

Spleen is enlarged and painful 🤕

 

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🛑STOP and brainstorm what diagnostic tests you would like to perform on Ruby 🛑

 

 

Diagnostic Testing Results:

 

CBC (Complete Blood Count)

Red Blood Cells - Low (Anemia)

Reticulocytes - Low

 

CHEM (Chemistry)

Bilirubin - High

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Day 1 Conclusion

Before Thoughtful Thursday think about your...

📋 Differentials List

🧪 Further Diagnostic Testing

📚 Review Material Related to Ruby's Case (i.e. blood cell types, specific diseases of interest, bilirubin, causes of lethargy, anemia, personal interests, confusing points, etc.)

 

Thoughtful Thursday:  Ruby Requests Rest (link will go live Thursday, 10/19/2023)