An Unexpected Patient
Demelza, the 12-year-old puma from Shepreth Wildlife park, had recently been undergoing treatment for gum disease and resident vets at the park hoped the removal of a carnassial would be the last of the problem. However, when the puma continued to suffer from toothache and an abnormality in the eye, staff at the park decided to call in some specialists.
Although Dr Dordyce, from the University of Cambridge Veterinary School, usually operates on cats, he was called in to help Demelza along with other specialists from Cambridge. He operated on the big cat for two hours and successfully removed five teeth. Reports indicate that Demelza is now recovering well and has shown a significant improvement in her behaviour and feeding patterns.
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
