Tazwell is a happy, goofy 12 year old golden retriever who is alive today thanks to Dr. Graves. Although we no longer live in the same area, Dr. Graves has continued to be involved in and supervise Tazwell’s treatment.
Tazwell was rushed to the emergency veterinary center in Richmond because of projectile vomiting, diarrhea and the inability keep any food or water in his stomach. He spent a week there and it was found he had large lesions/ulcers in his stomach and the diagnosis presented was stomach cancer. He was close to death. Because of his history of gastroenteritis, I questioned this diagnosis and Dr. Graves suggested that he be brought to Pittston, Pennsylvania, where she was practicing. She was hopeful that the lesions were severe ulcerations in his stomach lining rather than cancer.
Over the years I have learned to trust her intuition. I chartered a plane and took Tazwell to Pittston. And, Dr. Graves was right. Much to my relief, the correct diagnosis was severe ulcers.
Tazwell remained under Dr. Graves’ care in Pennsylvania for close to ten weeks. She administered medications, a bland diet (including hand feeding), chinese herbal therapy, and acupuncture. When Dr. Graves re-scoped Tazwell’s stomach, the lesions/ulcers had completely healed. Since then, with the addition of a new medication, herbal therapy, food changes, and regular acupuncture, his life-long problems with gastroenteritis have resolved. The combination of traditional veterinary practices and eastern medicine is a benefit that only a few veterinarians offer. I am extremely grateful for Dr. Graves’ skill and for her dedication.
~Sydney Waring