Local vets help big cats
Local vets help big catsNevada Appeal Staff Report Two Carson City veterinarians provided dental care for some unusual clients recently: Two cheetahs from Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary in Reno.Dr. Michael Dearmin, a surgeon with Sierra Veterinary Specialists, and Dr. Cynthia Schneider of Sierra Veterinary Hospital performed the procedures on the cheetahs, Moyo and Zulu. Veterinary technicians Stacy Lopez and Andrea Jincks assisted.A local dentist, Dr. Bill Van Patten, also volunteered his time and expertise. Moyo and Zulu have had ongoing issues with a problem called focal palatine erosion. It leads to painful ulcers and infection of the roof of the mouth, leading to difficulty eating and other health problems. The team anesthetized the cats with the help of Dr. Peregrine Wolff, a Nevada Department of Wildlife veterinarian. The palate erosions were treated and the cats also had their teeth cleaned. A full physical examination and blood sample collection were performed to evaluate the cats' health. Dr. Karen Hassan