Puppy love: caring vets generously treat rare disease

Katelyn Maruca struggled with the most difficult and emotional decision a pet owner ever has to make. She thought the health conditions that plagued Max, her beloved Maltese bichon, would cause him too much pain and suffering and had to consider whether she would have to say goodbye.

Fortunately, it was a decision she did not have to see through—her dog’s story had a happier result than she expected, thanks to the staff of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).

Maruca initially brought Max to the WCVM’s Veterinary Medical Centre as he experienced persistent symptoms of vomiting, digestion complications, dehydration and a lack of appetite. Veterinarians diagnosed him with esophageal strictures, a rare condition in which damage to the esophagus is caused by excessive vomiting, resulting in an inability to properly swallow food.

Upon doing her own research about the disease, Maruca was disheartened by what the searches revealed. She found many accounts of the condition reoccurring, pets living with feeding tubes for years and, ultimately, a significantly shortened life span and compromised quality of life for affected animals.

Because Max’s condition was so rare, the college offered to cover his treatment costs since veterinarians and veterinary students could gain greater insight from his case. Maruca’s veterinarian assured her that the WCVM’s Small Animal Clinic would help care for Max while she was working full-time.

Max had to undergo five treatments to stretch the strictures so food could travel to his stomach. During that three-month span, he also required periods of 24-hour supervision, several rounds of various medications and meals delivered through a feeding tube. Six years later, Max is stricture-free, full of energy and eating a soft food diet without a feeding tube.

“Max received the best care at the WCVM. We were both very lucky. Being new to Saskatoon, I didn’t know anyone. But the techs [veterinary technicians], vet students and vets quickly became like a second family,” said Maruca. “I can say for certain that the only reason I got through everything was because of those working at the school and the support they showed Max and me.”

The WCVM team’s attentiveness, concern and willingness to go above and beyond for Max resonated with Maruca, so she created the Max Maruca Small Animal Clinic Award. “I felt that I should give something back as all his treatments and care cost thousands of dollars,” Maruca stated.

The $1,000 award annually recognizes a fourth-year student who has completed a small animal clinical rotation and has demonstrated exceptional client communication, patient care, compassion, teamwork and the ability to build strong student-client-pet relationships.

“These are skills and competencies we try to develop in all of our students. However; when we announce the recipient of the Max Maruca Small Animal Clinic Award each year, there’s always a thrill of pride in knowing that this graduating veterinarian is excelling at providing compassionate care for our patients and establishing relationships with pet owners,” said Dr. Douglas Freeman, WCVM dean.

Jennifer Richards, the veterinary medicine student who received the 2016 award said it gave her financial freedom. “I put the money towards going to a conference where I was able to spend time networking and explore specific areas of interest in small animal medicine.”

Richards was especially appreciative of the gift as it was supportive of her reaching her career goals. “With the rising costs of education, and associated increasing student debt, establishing awards helps to minimize barriers to make education more affordable. It also gives students something to strive for and is a recognition for all of their hard work,” said Richards, who is now a veterinarian and owner of the Sundance Animal Hospital in Calgary, Alta.

Maruca said she understands the life of a student well—she was a university student for seven years herself. “I know what it takes to get through to the other side,” she said. “And I saw first-hand how hard those students work. It takes a special person to work with animals and I really want to say thanks for all that they do by creating this award. I thought of an award that is based solely on students’ ability to show compassion and respect to animals and families.”

Maruca now makes her home in Winnipeg, but she still makes special trips to Saskatoon to get Max, now nine years old, a teeth cleaning at the veterinary college’s teaching hospital. “I am sure I could get it done in Winnipeg. However, I trust WCVM, they know his history and they love Max.”

Six years later, the highly emotional experience has created a special bond for Maruca and the WCVM clinical team—a happy ending for Max and a happy beginning for the student recipients of the award that bears his name.