February 02, 2011

Casey's Abdominal Surgery at CUVS


   Casey is a mixed-breed spayed female dog owned by Suzanne, who is the Senior Client Service Representative at Bull's Head Pet Hospital. Casey was referred to CUVS from Bull’s Head after Dr. Nolan Zeide diagnosed her with a large abdominal mass, hemo-abdomen and a fever.  Casey was admitted to CUVS for observation, supportive care and a further work up under the care of Dr. Rousseau, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC.

An ultrasound at CUVS revealed a large mass potentially originating from the liver, an abnormal spleen and a probable left adrenal mass. Casey underwent abdominal exploratory surgery with Dr. Alon Kramer, DVM, DACVS, during which a large, ruptured splenic mass and a ruptured liver mass were found. A splenectomy, a liver lobectomy and an adrenal biopsy were performed. (Her spleen and part of her liver were removed.) Casey also received a blood transfusion during surgery, a routine part of splenectomies as it combats anemia.

Post surgery, Casey stayed in our ICU for four days for pain relief and continuous monitoring. Attentive post-surgical monitoring is important for splenectomy patients to make sure that there are no complications. Lab results came back showing liposarcoma of the intermediate grade in the spleen, hepatoma in the liver and suspected pheochromocytoma in the adrenal gland.

Once Casey was stable enough for travel, she was sent back to Bull’s Head so her regular veterinarian could continue caring for her. Casey was a lovely patient for us and although we are happy she was discharged from CUVS, we were sad to see her go!

CUVS Featured on Channel 12 CT's Pet Talk TV Show



Dr. Susan Hackner (CMO) and Dr. Mandi Kleman (Cardiology) are interviewed by Lauren Collier on Channel 12 CT's "Pet Talk" TV show about the opening of Cornell University Veterinary Specialists.

January 24, 2011

Lipton: First Emergency and First Surgery at CUVS

Lipton in the ICU of CUVS

Lipton was Cornell University Veterinary Specialists' first emergency case on January 14th, 2011. She was referred to us by a local veternarian because she was lethargic and had collapsed on more than one occasion.

Upon examination, our criticalist Dr. Sergi Serrano, LV, DVM, DACVECC, suspected a possible hemoabdomen (blood in the abdominal cavity). Our team began stabilizing Lipton and performing diagnostic tests, which included bloodwork, abdominal ultrasound, thoracic radiographs and echocardiography. These tests confirmed the hemoabdomen and Lipton was rushed into surgery with Dr. Alon Kramer, DVM, DACVS. 

Dr. Kramer and Dr. Serrano perform surgery on Lipton

Exploratory surgery revealed multiple splenic masses, one of which had ruptured and was actively bleeding. Dr. Kramer performed a splenectomy (removal of the spleen) and Lipton was then admitted to ICU for recovery and monitoring. Lipton stayed in our ICU for three days, during which she received a blood transfusion to treat her anemia. Attentive pain management and lots of love from our staff made Lipton's extended stay at CUVS as comfortable as possible.

Cornell University Veterinary Specialists profiled in the Stamford Advocate

Check out this great article in the Stamford Advocate which covers CUVS, the services we offer, our high-tech equipment and skilled staff!

January 22, 2011

Cornell University Veterinary Specialists is open for business

We are proud to announce that Cornell University Veterinary Specialists is now open and currently treating patients at a brand-new facility in Stamford, CT.  CUVS opened its doors on January 14th! A crowded ribbon-cutting event was held during the final open house on January 12th, 2011. The ceremony was attended by the mayor of Stamford, Michael Packs, several K9 police officers, the media, animal lovers, and the friends and families of hospital staff.

From left to right: Carl Kuehner from BLT; Dr. Susan Hackner, CMO of CUVS; Dr. Michael Kotlikoff, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine of Cornell University; Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia; Daniel Gurvich, CFO of CUVS; and Paul Kuehner of BLT.

As the largest university-affiliated veterinary referral center in the country, CUVS is driven by the mission of bringing together the best of specialty private practice with the best of academia to benefit pets, the people who love them, and the veterinary profession. CUVS provides exceptional medical care by integrating the latest medical and scientific advances with personalized, collaborative and efficient service.

With a state-of-the-art facility and a convenient location close to I-95, downtown Stamford and the Stamford train station, CUVS promises to deliver the highest level of specialty care to animals in need. CUVS features an 24-hour emergency department serving walk-in animal emergencies all day and night. Referral-based appointments with specialty veterinarians are available in the following departments: Cardiology, Critical Care, Diagnostic Imaging, Internal Medicine, Interventional Radiology, Oncology, Orthopedic Surgery and Soft Tissue Surgery.

Driving directions to CUVS are available here or by calling (203) 595-2777. You may email Client Services at info@cuvs.org, follow CUVS on Twitter and "like" our page on Facebook.

Cornell University Veterinary Specialists
880 Canal Street
Stamford, CT 06902