Rigby

Rigby, a 5-year-old yellow male lab, was rescued by Brookline Labrador Retriever Rescue (BLLR) on Labor Day in 2024 after having recently been neutered. A few days after arrival to his foster family, he was admitted to Metropolitan for an extensive hospital stay due to severe bleeding and too many infections to list. One of which led to almost 2 weeks in isolation. During that time, not only foster mom, but two representatives from BLLR were contacted several times a day with updates. While Rigby was in isolation, Metropolitan sent photos and videos. His bloodwork was studied several times a week by Metropolitan, Penn, and Cornell. Rigby was given many blood and plasma transfusions, injections to fight the infections and overnighted cryoprecipitate for more specialized infusions. The level of care was extraordinary.

After a few weeks, Rigby was released to finish healing at home where he was confined to a single room. He continued to be seen by Metropolitan several times a week until his final release in early October with a diagnosis of hemophilia and an expectation to live a full and normal life.

I have learned so much about veterinary care and more specifically, how Metropolitan operates. I know exactly when rounds are done, who participates in decision making and what hours different specialists work. On off hours, I sent photo updates and received advice back. The surgery team at Metropolitan was exceptional.

Rigby has returned to normal dog activities like playing fetch, taking walks, chasing squirrels, and enjoying free roam of the house without a cone. We are so thankful!