Not your everyday patient

Sadie lioness

Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospital had a wonderful opportunity to support an important organization last Friday.  One of our surgeons, Dr Mike Grafinger, and several of our support staff made a "house call" to the Conservators' Center in Mebane, NC.

The Conservators' Center is home to the largest collection of lions in the Southeast. Their 21 lions and 11 tigers attract visitors who are fascinated by these predaceous felines. Although most visitors are drawn to the Center for the thrill of seeing big cats up close, many leave talking about other species in their eclectic collection, which includes wolves, New Guinea singing dogs, lemurs, binturongs, servals, bobcats, jungle cats, and a lynx.

The lifeblood of the Center is a community of people committed to caring for almost 100 animals. With a very small staff, they depend on volunteers and interns to supply much of the labor; and on visitors, donors, and Lifetime Adopters to help fund their continuing growth. 
  
Sadie was originally part of a large number of big cats living at a breeding facility in Ohio. The facility had been repeatedly cited for a poor safety record, unsanitary conditions, neglecting to provide veterinary care, and other violations. After issuing close to 900 citations, the county's health department soon ordered the 14 lions and tigers to be removed - or euthanized, and the Center stepped in to help by providing a permanent home.   

Sadie had an infected mass on her chin that needed to be removed.  Dr Grafinger and his staff volunteered their time to help out;  what a unique opportunity for TVRH staff to be involved in this field surgery!

Sadie, anesthetized and closely monitored by technicians Beth, Bobby, and Dina

Sleeping well

After the tumor has been removed

Waking up after surgery

 If you'd like more information about the Conservators' Center, information about their animals, how to visit or volunteer, and how to support their important work, learn more at www.conservatorscenter.org  where you can read about the animals, sign up for a free e-newsletter, link to their Facebook pages (be sure to check out Arthur White Tiger's FB page, which is great fun to read), and find a way to get involved.

Dr Grafinger will be writing a blog submission about his experience with Sadie and  her surgery, so be sure to check back!