08/27/2026
Meet our brave and adorable Patient of the Month, Wrenni! 🐾
When Wrenni, a 2-year-old Chihuahua, was rushed to our Emergency team after being attacked by a coyote, this tiny patient was facing incredibly serious injuries.
Wrenni lives near a wooded area, and after slipping through an unlatched gate, she was grabbed by a coyote. She was initially evaluated by her primary veterinarian before being referred to our hospital for 24/7 emergency care.
Upon arrival, Emergency Veterinarian Dr. Alex Thorn evaluated Wrenni and found multiple bite and puncture wounds and significant trauma to her chest. Imaging revealed fractures of her left second and third ribs, pulmonary contusions, subcutaneous emphysema, and a mild pneumothorax, air trapped within the chest cavity that can interfere with the lungs’ ability to fully expand.
Wrenni was also in shock, struggling to maintain her blood pressure and body temperature. Dr. Thorn and our ICU team immediately began stabilization with oxygen therapy, IV fluids, intensive pain management, antibiotics, and medication to support her blood pressure. Her condition was critical, and she required around-the-clock monitoring.
As Wrenni’s care continued under Dr. Hannah Pfantz, one of her thoracic puncture wounds began pulling air through the chest wall, raising serious concern for a communicating chest wound. Dr. Pfantz consulted Surgical Resident Dr. Jackson Balcom about Wrenni’s injuries and the possibility of surgical exploration. At the time, however, Wrenni remained too unstable to safely undergo anesthesia and surgery. Her team instead continued intensive medical management while closely monitoring her condition.
Wrenni also required a fresh frozen plasma transfusion to help support her as her team worked to stabilize her blood pressure. Despite remaining critically ill, encouraging signs slowly began to emerge; her blood pressure and temperature stabilized, her neurologic signs began improving, and she became more alert and interactive with both her family and our team.
Under the continued care of Dr. Alyssa Burcham, Wrenni became more stable, but bloodwork revealed another significant complication: severe progressive anemia. Her red blood cell level had fallen considerably, likely due to blood loss from her trauma, along with other factors related to her critical illness. Wrenni received a whole blood transfusion, which she tolerated exceptionally well.
And then, this little fighter really began turning a corner.
Wrenni became brighter and more alert. She started standing and walking on her own, her swelling improved, her kidney values normalized, and she began showing interest in food. With her condition continuing to improve, her thoracic wounds were cleaned and rebandaged, and could continue to be managed medically.
As Wrenni entered the final stage of her hospitalization under Dr. Christa Heilman, she continued making progress. She was comfortable, moving around more, breathing normally, and neurologically appropriate. After several days of intensive care, Wrenni was finally ready to head home to continue recovering with her family.
From arriving in critical condition after a traumatic coyote attack to walking out of the hospital, Wrenni showed just how much strength can come in a very small package.
Wrenni’s recovery was truly a team effort, with Dr. Alex Thorn, Dr. Hannah Pfantz, Dr. Alyssa Burcham, Dr. Christa Heilman, Dr. Jackson Balcom, and our Emergency, ICU, Surgery, and nursing teams working together throughout her hospitalization.
Wrenni stole the hearts of our team. We’re so proud of how far this little fighter has come and wish her plenty of restful, happy days ahead as she continues to heal at home.
