Editor’s Note: There are times when the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital Emergency and Critical Care must turn away patients because it has reached capacity with critical cases. Millie is an example of case that required a long-term stay.
In a normal world Millie would be a bundle of endless energy.
But the five-month-old German Shepherd had a run-in with a car late last week and spent five days in the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital as a result of injuries she sustained.
The injuries Millie suffered were extensive.
Initially the medical team in Iowa State’s Emergency and Critical Care unit found that Millie had several hind limb wounds and a “flail chest,” which indicates severe thoracic injury caused by multiple rib fractures. This creates an unstable “flail” segment of the chest.
She underwent a subsequent trauma CT which includes a chest, abdominal and lower limb scan.
“The CT revealed Millie had several displaced rib fractures on her right side and a few left sided rib fractures, several lung contusions, right tarsal instability, and a luxated digit on her left foot,” said Dr. Kirsten Rico, a surgical intern in the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital. “No other fractures or spinal injuries were noted, which was great news.”
Throughout her stay at Iowa State, Millie was housed in the ICU where she received supportive care. Her appetite remained consistent and the wounds on her hind limbs healed well.
And even though she has been discharged, Millie won’t soon return to being a bundle of endless energy.
“Millie is going to have a long recovery of at least several months to ensure her ribs and hind limbs heal appropriately,” Rico said. “She has a very good prognosis overall and should return to being the farm dog that she was meant to be.”
If you and your animal need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at 515.294.4900.
November 2025