11/19/2025
🐾 Biggie’s Emergency Visit – and Why Early Advanced Diagnostics Matter
(A real case from Pet ER, East Setauket)
Biggie, a sweet 9-year-old Bulldog, came rushing into Pet ER as an emergency. His owner thought he might just have a bad ear infection — but something didn’t look right. He had thick drainage coming from his right ear and one-sided swelling on his head, which made us worry that something deeper was going on.
Because Bulldogs are tough and often hide pain, we moved fast.
👉 Our emergency team immediately transferred Biggie for a CT scan using our in-house NewTom 7G Vet advanced imaging system. This is the same level of technology used in human hospitals — and it’s one of the things that makes early detection possible right here at Pet ER.
🔍 What the CT showed was serious:
Biggie had:
Severe chronic ear infection (otitis externa + media) on the right side
A large abscess that had formed deep under the skin and muscles
A hole connecting the abscess directly into his ear canal — allowing infection to spill into the tissues of the head
A pocket of trapped gas inside the abscess (a sign of infection)
Thanks to the CT images, we knew exactly where the problem was hiding and could treat it right away.
🩺 Next Step: Ultrasound-Guided Drainage
We used ultrasound to zoom in on the infected pocket and guide a small needle safely into the abscess.
From there, we:
Drained the infection
Lavaged (flushed) the pocket thoroughly
Stabilized Biggie and managed his airway
Kept him under close monitoring throughout the procedure
This level of precision is what prevents unnecessary surgery, reduces hospital time, and keeps treatment costs reasonable.
💙 The Best Part? Biggie is Doing Great.
After drainage and treatment, the swelling came down, his pain improved, and he went home the same day — no overnight hospitalization needed. His owner was so relieved to get answers quickly, and Biggie left wagging his tiny tail (and snoring loudly, in true Bulldog fashion).
🏥 Why This Matters
At Pet ER, cases like Biggie show why early imaging and fast decision-making can completely change a pet’s outcome.
With:
✔️ On-site CT
✔️ Emergency ultrasound
✔️ A fully equipped ICU
✔️ A team trained to move fast when minutes matter
…we’re able to find the real problem on the first visit, treat it immediately, and get pets home sooner.
Not every “simple ear infection” is simple — and Biggie is proof of why having advanced diagnostics right here in our community saves lives, avoids unnecessary surgeries, and keeps pets comfortable.
🐶💙
If your pet suddenly develops swelling, ear discharge, head shaking, imbalance, or pain — don’t wait.
Walk in anytime.