Denali – Last in Line to Shed

There’s a few things worth noting in this week’s log photo.  First and most importantly, Aidan is clearly back in the mix of pack interactions.  The photo line-up is Grayson, Denali, Aidan and Axel (on the back side next to Aidan- not possible for Aidan just a few weeks ago).  The second most notable item in this photo is that Denali has most of his winter undercoat.  Grayson is partially shed, Aidan and Axel have nearly completed the shedding process (thanks to the diligence of wolf care staff brushing), but no luck on Denali despite efforts to brush.  Considering the black fly season has now stared, he is certainly in a better circumstance than the rest as insects have a hard time reaching his skin.  It makes us wonder if there’s an evolutionary function to a delayed shedding pattern.  Denali has been the focus of some medical care in the last few weeks.  In late May, staff noticed a spot of irritation inside the skin folds of Denali’s back leg.  This area is termed the inguinal area.  After clearing some of his undercoat, staff noticed  the area was somewhat spongy in the middle and the initial concern was whether he had an inguinal hernia.  If so, this could be a serious medical condition, especially for a wolf like Denali who pounces, jumps, runs and lunges in several contorted postures.  While staff can describe and photograph particular wolf issues to convey to the Veterinarian, it is best that the Veterinarian sees them first hand.  In most of our wolves, that would require a chemical immobilization and a trip to the clinic, but Denali is a special case.  His social tolerances for people is better than most and he willingly allows the Veterinarian to interact with him.  The only challenge is that we need to isolate him from the pack in order to accomplish a Vet exam and isolation makes for some focused pack members on the other side of the chute.  Grayson, in particular, waited to see if the short separation changed Denali’s status.  The good news from the Vet was that it wasn’t a hernia, the not so good news is that he has a similar mast cell growth that Aidan had.  Yes, I use past tense as Aidan’s growth has now diminished with the help of antihistamines.  We started on a similar treatment for Denali and so far, his growth has diminished as well.