Letter: Pretty Penny saved from spider’s bite (Dec. 18)
On Sunday, Nov. 1, my little dog, Pretty Penny, got sick. I didn’t know it yet, but this was the beginning of a week-long fight for Penny’s life. She wasn’t any better by Tuesday, so we were off to the vet’s office.
Between Tuesday and Friday she received fluid under the skin, an X-ray, an ultrasound and a plasma infusion, and her blood work showed high enzymes and low protein levels.
During the ultrasound, the vet saw a “bruise” on her upper chest. By Friday the “bruise” had changed colors and it was determined that the bruise was actually a wound caused by the bite of a venomous spider, a brown recluse. She was a very sick little dog.
Pretty Penny is a 4-pound Yorkie. I knew a brown recluse bite on a human could be very bad. On a 4-pound Yorkie, well, I wasn’t sure she would survive. She may not have if it hadn’t been for the excellent care she received at the Madera Veterinary Center.
The doctors there were great; the entire staff was so compassionate, kind and caring. They treated Penny with so much care and attention. I, of course, was a basket case and they were so supportive, giving hugs and words of comfort when I needed them.
I would like to express my deep gratitude to Dr. Erickson, an extra helping of thanks to Dr. Carr for her determination in finding out what was wrong with Penny and to Dr. Polci, who was able to surgically close the open wound on Penny. You and your staff are a real asset to this community. It has been a month and a half and Penny is right back to normal, maybe a bit more spoiled, if that’s possible!
I would also like to thank our “bug guy” Wilbur Dana (Dana’s Pest Control). As soon as we got word that she had been bitten by a brown recluse, we called Wilbur to ask that he spray the yard for this spider. He was here the next morning. Thank you for your quick attention.
Again, thanks to you all, you are all a credit to your professions.
Marty Noblett,
Madera
