ZipTie 
Canine POTM
September 2019

Zip Tie is a young Shih Tzu puppy that had difficulty breathing and snorted a great deal.  It was noted on her physical exam that she had stenotic nares or nostrils with an abnormally narrow opening.  This resulted in decreased air flow into the nose and difficulty breathing.  This is a congenital abnormality that, if left uncorrected, could lead over time to chronic airway inflammation and changes that would further worsen breathing as an adult. These changes have the potential to be irreversible.  

It was recommended that ZipTie have a surgery to make the nostril openings larger by removing some of the excessive nostril tissue.  The relatively simple procedure was performed at the time of ZipTie’s spay procedure.  An outside piece of nostril was removed to make the opening larger and symmetrical.  Zip Tie recovered uneventfully and had a tremendous improvement in breathing character.  This procedure may prevent other breathing issues in the future and allow ZipTie a better quality of life. ZipTie’s spirit earned her the honor of our canine Pet of the Month!

Opie
Feline POTM
September 2019

Opie is a sweet but active little kitten.  As with most cats, she is very curious around the house.  She presented to our hospital last month because her curiosity had gotten her into trouble.  There was a pot of melted wax in the house used for fragrance.  Opie was investigating and got a little too close to the pot and ended up dumping the contents on her head.  Thankfully, her fur protected her but it did make for quite a mess.  

She had wax all in her fur around her face and neck.  Her skin and eyes were not harmed.   She was very fortunate as wax burns could cause sores of the skin or ulcers of the eyes.   We were able to work and wash most of the wax off of her.  She did not particularly like the bath but she tolerated us as she must have known we were trying to help her.  We know cats, and especially kittens, are very curious of their surroundings.   It is also important to remember that they are good jumpers and can get to most anything they want to.   

This is a good reminder to keep any harmful substances away from them when they are in the house.   This could consist of cleaning products, medications, some plants, candles and even wax warmers!  We are happy to report Opie is doing well and is still very active.  Her interesting story stands as a warning for cat lovers everywhere and it made her our feline Pet of the Month!