I've delayed in releasing this blog post only because I was waiting for an update from Carolina Tiger Rescue. I have sent two requests for an update, and thus far I have not received a response.
Sadly, Carolina Tiger Rescue's curator told me that if I ever required additional information, I could email her back. I will try one more time to obtain information on Titan's cause of injury and his current health condition.
In any case, here is the situation according to Carolina Tiger Rescue's Facebook page:
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| Carolina Tiger's Dr. Lassiter always introduces the animals to the dart gun in the hopes that the "knockdown" process will not be too scary for them |
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| Keeper Lenore is the first one to enter the enclosure to verify that Titan is as conked out as he appears about 15 minutes after he was darted. She starts by tapping the ground around him looking for a reaction, then pokes him gently, and moves on to touch an ear. A response of ear twitching could indicate he's not quite ready yet! But Titan was good with his drugs. |
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| 2011-04-06 X-ray Day for Titan Tiger By Carolina Tiger Rescue · 3 of 15 In this photo: , Lauren Humphries, Kathryn Bertok, Lenore Braford After determining it is safe to enter, a small team works to get a catheter in to deliver sedation drugs directly into the vein. This type of drug can be increased quickly if needed and also has a reversal agent to make sure that Titan stays down, but that his body functions like breathing, heart beat, and temperature stay within safe ranges. |
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Keeper Lenore mans the bar that is kept over Titan's neck. Should he show signs of too much life, this precaution gives leverage to control his movements until the veterinary team can safely leave the enclosure. |
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| In this photo: , Lauren Humphries, Lenore Braford Once the IV is in, the team moves Titan closer to the X-ray machine. It often takes 6 or more people to lift a tiger. |
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| Dr. Lassiter and a member of the Apex Veterinary team position Titan for his photo shoot! |
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| The X-rays are now digital- giving an immediate read-out on a nearby computer. This is a far simpler process than the old way of rushing film off for development, and then hearing back that it didn't turn out and taking more. |
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| A vet from Apex Veterinary examines the X-ray |
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| In this photo: , Kathryn Bertok, Lenore Braford Dr. Lassiter monitors the sedation syringe as the team repositions Titan for a different view of his hips. |
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| In this photo: , Lenore Braford, Kathryn Bertok The yellow box takes the X-ray, a plate underneath Titan's hip receives the signal. Dr. Lassiter is looking at the previous X-ray on the computer nearby. |
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| The team of veterinarians and vet techs discuss the results. At first evaluation, it appeared Titan might have a pelvic fracture, but review later on a larger screen in the house created doubts. |
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| In this photo: , Lenore Braford The conclusion was that if it was a pelvic fracture, it should be left to heal on its own, but Titan was moved to a different enclosure so that his roomie Bali would not put the healing process at greater risk. The team was also able to try an additional injectable pain med that they hope will make things easier on Titan. After further evaluation of the X-ray on a larger screen, Titan may not have a pelvic fracture, and may still need an amputation. |
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| In this photo: , Kathryn Bertok, Scott Miller, Lenore Braford The compound was closed, volunteers (and our surprise- a visiting USDA inspector) entered safety cages as Titan was moved from his enclosure into a van to be moved to his new enclosure. |
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| In this photo: , Lenore Braford Two of the team rode with Titan in the van while they were followed by an additional vehicle with darting equipment and drugs. |
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| The whole morning devoted to get 5 photos of Titan's hips! Titan will be observed for 2 more weeks on his new pain meds and more private enclosure. Dr. Lassiter will consult with additional veterinarians about the X-ray, and amputation may still be a possibility for Titan. |
Jane Morris Procacci - aaaawwww, I hope Titan will not have to go thru amputation surgery.
April 6 at 4:28pm · Robin Dougherty what do you see in this x-ray that suggests amputation? poor guy! --i bet sedating him & x-raying him was quite a big deal!!!
April 6 at 4:44pm · Trinity Maurer Its hard to see on the X-ray but maybe arthritis in the hip joint??
April 6 at 4:52pm · Carolina Tiger Rescue Robin, it is not the X-ray creating the discussion of amputation, but weeks of observing Titan clearly in pain and restricting his own movements. Titan did not respond well to the pain meds and anti inflamatories he was given, so additional examination was needed. The X-ray was also to evaluate the strength of his good hip to make sure that he would do well after a possible amputation.
April 6 at 5:32pm ·Robin Dougherty ah, thanks very much! i hope all the best for beautiful Titan!
April 6 at 5:36pm · Lisa Wyckoff Best wishes to Titan. I'm glad that all went well with the examination today. I hope Bali doesn't get too lonely without his roomie :)
April 6 at 8:42pm · Alexis Wiktorowicz Conroy Poor Titan, hope the treatment helps and that he doesn't need amputation.
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