PAWS Veterinarian Reports -- Patty and PK

In early August, Patty (one of the tigers rescued from Colton, CA) was not behaving normally. Her usual excellent appetite diminished and she would sniff her food and turn away from it as if she was nauseous. She would not come in from the big habitat, and was lying in the sun even though it was a hot day and there was plenty of shade. It was clear that she did not feel well. PAWS veterinarian came to her habitat and used a dart gun to deliver an anesthetic drug to examine Patty. She slowly went to sleep under a shady tree.

A complete physical exam was performed, and PAWS veterinarian found that she had a high fever, abnormal masses in her belly, and a vaginal discharge. While Patty was safely anesthetized, the veterinarian administered antibiotics, fluids, and other medications to help bring her fever down. Samples were collected and sent to a diagnostic lab for rush testing. Test results indicated that Patty was suffering from a pyometra (an infection in her uterus). Patty was transported to her den area, where we watched her closely. She began eating the day after her exam and took all of her prescribed medications hidden in tasty pieces of meat, but still did not seem to feel normal. We were very worried about her.

A common cause of uterine infection in cats is continually going into estrus (or “heat”) without becoming pregnant, and the most effective cure for a uterine infection is to perform an ovariohysterectomy (commonly known as a “spay”). For most of these tigers’ lives, in Colton, they were used for breeding. When the Fund for Animals took over their initial care in Colton, several spays and neuters were performed to immediately stop further reproduction in existing groups. The majority of the tigers, however, were reproductively intact when they came to PAWS. Since all tigers are currently either housed in same sex groups, in mixed sex groups where males are neutered, or individually, PAWS has ensured that they will not reproduce. Our goal is to spay or neuter every tiger, not only to prevent breeding, but also to prevent medical problems such as uterine infections and cancer.

Patty was transported to U.C. Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, where a team of surgeons and anesthesiologists successfully performed surgery to remove her reproductive tract, which had ruptured into her abdomen. Special suture material was used that slowly dissolved as her incision healed, so that she would not have to be anesthetized again to remove the stitches, as you would with a domestic cat or dog. Patty did not want to eat the first few days after surgery, and had to receive injections of pain medication and antibiotics which she was not happy about! Once her appetite returned, she was able to take her medications hidden in food. We are happy to report that Patty is now doing well.

Imagine our shock when P.K., another tiger from Colton, began feeling sick several days after Patty did! Her symptoms were similar to Patty’s and because she also had vaginal discharge we immediately scheduled surgery for her at U.C. Davis. Since P.K. appears to be much older than Patty, we were worried that her problem might be something even worse than a pyometra, such as cancer. As soon as she arrived at U.C. Davis, an ultrasound exam of her abdomen was performed and revealed a large, fluid-filled uterus. Again, surgery was successfully performed. Unlike Patty, P.K. began eating the day after surgery so medicating her was easy. We are delighted to report that P.K. is doing well and she was anxious to rejoin her favorite companions Miss Kitty and Emily when her incision was fully healed.

Caring for these tigers is an enormous responsibility, and we are proud of our keeper staff who immediately notice when an animal is not feeling well, make sure that animals take their medications, and do a great job keeping them comfortable. In addition to the many spays and neuters that still need to be performed, emergencies will arise and routine veterinary care will be provided. We look forward to improving our level of veterinary care by establishing an on-site clinic, and acquiring diagnostic equipment. We have made a substantial commitment of money and resources to ensure the best possible veterinary care for PAWS animals, and we are grateful for your ongoing support to keep our veterinary program healthy.