The MSPCA-Angell often has patients that visit with multiple services for various healthcare needs. One of those patients is Penny, a spunky 13-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who enjoys visits from her friends, snuggling with her mom while watching British TV shows, and relaxing on the sun porch. Penny’s MSPCA-Angell team includes Dr. Angela Mazza (General Medicine), Dr. Michelle Oranges (Cardiology), and Dr. Danielle Ackley (Internal Medicine). Recently she met Dr. Natasha Pakravan of the MSPCA-Angell West’s Urgent Care service.

Penny’s mom noticed the pup was urinating more frequently, and the urine had an odor. She knew Penny needed to be seen promptly, but the situation didn’t seem dire enough to merit an expensive trip to the emergency room with potential hours of waiting behind other, more serious cases. Urgent Care felt like the right course of action, and soon Penny was in the care of Dr. Pakravan. “Penny has a history of urinary tract infections and bladder stones, as well as heart disease,” said Dr. Pakravan. “She was nervous to be at the hospital but was a very sweet patient.”

Dr. Pakravan performed a point-of-care ultrasound of Penny’s bladder to safely collect a urine sample to submit for a culture and evaluate for any bladder stones. During the visit, a brief bloodwork panel was also performed to ensure Penny’s kidney values were normal. Penny’s urine sample indicated an E. coli bacteria, and she was immediately put on a full course of antibiotics.

Penny’s mom reports that the pup is doing well and basking in the fall weather. The senior dog is no doubt enjoying life again, whether lounging on the porch or catching up on her favorite British TV series.

For more information about Angell’s Urgent Care service, please visit angell.org/urgent.