On the 17th January 2011, Klein, 10 and half year old male cheetah was anaesthetized and brought to the clinic to receive his 6th cryotherapy treatment.
In late July 2009 Klein was first observed with two skin lesions. One was located on the left stifle and the other on the inside of the left forelimb. In September 2009 Klein began his first treatments and over the following months it ranged from oral anti-parasitic agents for suspected sarcoptic mange to a variety of anti-microbial drugs to help fight local bacterial infections. Despite the fact that this has affected him for some time now, Klein does not show discomfort from the lesions. He is now trained to move into a squeeze cage to facilitate cleaning of the wounds without the use of anaesthetics.
These leg wounds that have been caused by Herpes virus had shown improvement over the last few months. The previous cryotherapy was on the 2nd of October 2010. However, recently there was evidence of new reddened areas appearing. The anaesthesia was then indicated to assess the extent of new spots and also to counter-act any spread of infection in the wounds. Firstly the wounds were thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution and a swab was taken for bacterial culture. The results will determine which antibiotics to use. Surgical instruments were submerged into liquid nitrogen and then applied to the skin to ‘burn’ the affected areas. The lesions targeted with the liquid nitrogen were limited to the edges of the affected area. Once treatment was completed a topical antibiotic was applied and Klein received an injection to help with any pain and inflammation. He recovered well from the anaesthesia and was returned to his enclosure later in the day. A short course of oral antibiotics were given to prevent infection.
Klein’s lesions are closely monitored by the keepers each day. He is currently doing well and does not show distress from the wounds.
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My poor boy :( Luckily he doesn't show discomfort. Thank you for keeping an eye on him, I want my foster-cat to stick around a whole while longer.
ReplyDeleteI really am touched by this special cheetah, and think of him often. He deserves to win this fight. My best friend's cat had a bad autoimmune disorder all his life, and there were bad weeks and good weeks with the serious ulcerated lesions that would appear on his body without warning. It took constant vigilance and aggressive care to give him a good life, and we thought it was well worth it.
ReplyDeleteIs there any chance that oral lysine might help Klein? It comes in a gel form and is pleasant-tasting.
Each cheetah is infinitely precious,and I hope that Klein will live a long, full life with CCF helping him.
Thank you for your kind thoughts! We are taking the best possible care of this very special (and handsome) cat!
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