One of the most important things in a rescue is getting a veterinary report as soon as possible. Charlie, a male tiger, arrived at EFRC barely able to walk, and he had swollen feet and sores on his paws. He had been in this condition for several months before he was confiscated by the USDA, and had been housed in a small concrete enclosure with no access to the outdoors.
What follows are excerpts from a vet report made at the time he was confiscated. Charlie improved quickly at EFRC and even learned to run.
Birth: 19 May 2005 (Estimated)
Clinical Note: Confiscation: This cat was confiscated by USDA due to severe lameness of six months duration from Kirby’s Magical Show in Branson, MO. Noted that the lameness had been the left rear foot and now lame on both left front and rear legs. Asked by USDA to confiscate and hold cat for five days and then to be transferred to large cat sanctuary in Indiana. Cat was held in a 10 × 10 foot concrete enclosure—a wooden hide-a-box was provided. The fence was a 2 × 4 horse panel. Flooring was clean but all concrete. Fluorescent lighting only. No outdoor access and no different ocular or nasal discharge. Mucous membranes are pink and appear moist. Eyes are bright and clear. When ambulating, the left front foot is completely non-weight-bearing. The left rear foot also showed lameness.
Assessment: Stable enough for immobilization and transport to hospital.
The left rear pad has a large deep ulcer present on digit 4. The right foot does not have any gross lesions on the pads, however, foot appears slightly swollen. Blood was collected from the saphenous vein for CBC, chemistry, and banking. . . . Carried using cargo net to lion restraint in trailer. Placed inside and given straw to padding. . . . Still very light and sound responsive—most likely from ketamine still in system. Calmed after about 15 minutes. Transportation back to hospital was uneventful. Did have some diarrhea in cage and smeared on his caudal thighs. Used bobcat to lift and place into isolation cage—very stressed (panting and drooling). Lifted cage doors for access to concrete outdoor holding and inside holding. Laid in cage for one hour without moving. Finally got up with stimulation—very painful on front leg and very stiff. Went inside and laid down immediately. Did not want to get up. . . . Plan to immobilize Tuesday when getting ready to load for transport to sanctuary. Blood was submitted [to] Emergency Animal Clinic for CBC/chemistry.
Charlie, September 4, 2011
Charlie is on the main tour at EFRC but likes staying at the back of the cage on top of his shelter. He shows little interest in visitors.
Cheyenne, March 24, 2012
