(WYLIE_March 12, 2013) On March 14, for the first time in the United States, a “surgical bilateral denervation of the coxofemoral joints” procedure will be performed on a tiger.
This means there will be a surgical interruption (blockage) of nerve signals from the hip joints to the brain. The surgery has been performed successfully on five tigers in Canada but never here in the States.
Experienced Canadian veterinarians will perform the procedure with the assistance of Dr. Toby Wallis at Parker Road Veterinary Hospital in Wylie. Texas A&M will also be providing an anesthesia team and equipment.
The main goal is to eliminate Tacoma’s pain and keep him walking, running, and playing. If his limited mobility keeps him from doing these things, he could lose muscle tone and control. While this surgery is not a cure for his osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia, it should help him feel better and keep him mobile.
Background
Tacoma is a 13-year old male tiger who has lived at In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue & Education Center in Wylie since he was about 9-months old. He’s had a slight limp for about two years. As the limp became more pronounced and limited his mobility, we began to search for solutions. In January of this year Tacoma was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia by vets at Texas A&M University. He was given a steroid injection, but it did not seem to have an effect on his pain or mobility. He was also been placed on pain-relieving medication while In-Sync explored the options. After discussing and researching these options, the denervation surgery is the path they feel will offer Tacoma the best chance of a high quality of life.
In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Education Center is dedicated to the rescue and care of abused, neglected, or unwanted exotic cats. There are now 60 exotic cats and one coatimundi calling In-Sync home. This includes three exceptionally rare white lions, a golden tabby tiger, three white tigers and two cheetahs.
For more information about the sanctuary, visit insyncexotics.com.
Submitted by Lisa Williams, In-Sync Exotics.
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