Loki's Leap: The Golden Retriever who overcame the odds with groundbreaking care

In a display of remarkable innovation, expertise, and heartfelt care, a Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) team recently embarked on a lengthy and involved surgery or procedure to improve the life of Loki, a cherished 1-year-old golden retriever.  

Through the skilled hands of Audrey Keebaugh, Giulio Menciotti, and Justin Ganjei, Loki underwent a significant, yet minimally invasive, procedure to address a unique liver condition that impeded his normal blood flow.

A pup's peculiar condition  

From the onset, Loki's journey was marked by hope and challenges. Kristina Hollowell, Loki's dedicated owner, recalls the early days with fondness and concern.

"I got him at seven weeks,” Hollowell said. “His first checkup seemed perfect. Then, during a follow-up, they found he was slightly anemic."  

This discovery was the first indication that Loki's path would be a bit different, as he was diagnosed with a rare condition where his blood bypassed his liver instead of being cleaned by it, threatening his future well-being without medical intervention.

Assembling the dream team

The VMCVM team combined their expertise to tackle Loki's challenging condition. Keebaugh, a clinical assistant professor specializing in small animal internal medicine, and Menciotti, an assistant professor in cardiology, were joined by Ganjei, head of minimally invasive surgery and interventional radiology at Veterinary Referral Associates. Ganjei is a proud Hokie, receiving his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from Virginia Tech, and he serves as an adjunct assistant professor of small animal surgery at the veterinary college.

The procedure aimed to correct the abnormal blood flow, ensuring toxins would be appropriately processed by Loki's liver, thus preventing severe health issues, including neurologic symptoms and seizures.  

"Instead of going to the liver, the blood took a shortcut, which could make Loki very sick,” Ganjei explained. “We aimed to restore the correct blood flow and ensure his liver could function properly."

Summarizing the meticulous and innovative approach, Menciotti said: "The procedure involved placing a stent and deploying about 20 coils to manage the blood flow carefully. This precision and real-time monitoring via fluoroscopy and pressures were crucial for the best outcome." Using minimally invasive techniques meant Loki benefited from fewer surgical risks, less pain, and a quicker recovery.

Reflecting on the procedure's success, Keebaugh noted, "The complexity of selecting and accessing the specific vessels was challenging, but expected, and having Dr. Ganjei with us was invaluable."  

Ganjei is a self-proclaimed minimalist. "I think it's exciting, you know, to be able to do something like this,” Ganjei said. “Sixty years ago, it was probably something nobody even dreamed of doing, especially in veterinary medicine. It's the gold standard for care, safety, and it works, and I think it's really cool."

Navigating risks 

Hollowell, deeply engaged in the medical field, was fully informed about the risks and potentials of the procedure. "Knowing all the possibilities was crucial for me. While the procedure carried risks, being informed, and trusting the team made this journey one of hope," she said.

"I do human medical malpractice defense,” said Hollowell. “It comes with a lot to think about, and I was probably more informed than most. If I had questions or wanted to discuss different options and why we were leaning this way versus this way, the doctors were great at answering every question and weren't upset that I could talk about it. It was scary, but they were great about keeping me informed the whole time, which was wonderful."  

A resilient retriever's recovery 

As Loki's recovery progressed, his energy and spirit rebounded quickly, much to Hollowell's relief and joy. "He's been really good. I was cautious, making sure everything was perfect for his recovery. But he bounced back with so much energy, you wouldn't know he had undergone surgery."

The collaborative care Loki received from the medical team, including the exceptional support from fourth year veterinary student Emily Jarvis who went above and beyond in caring for Loki, exemplifies the profound impact of compassion in veterinary medicine.  

“Emily was fantastic. She kept me updated and she gave me a phone number in case I had any questions or concerns or wanted to check in outside of her normal seven to seven. She spoiled him because he's a little high maintenance. She would sit with him while he ate to keep him company. She was she was incredible,” said Hollowell.

Gratitude and bonds unbreakable 

For Hollowell, this experience was more than just a medical procedure; it was a journey filled with learning, trust, and newfound hope for Loki's future. "The procedure promised him a chance at a normal life. It was about saving my beloved pet and embracing the journey together."

Loki's recovery and the successful procedure illustrate the power of innovative care and the deep bonds between pets and their owners. As Loki continues to greet everyone with his youthful zest, his story is a beacon of hope and a testament to the advancements in veterinary care.

"He is a hugger and kisser," said Hollowell.