lakota – Aug 27, 2007 12:00 AM

Lakota is doing well, and the planning process is in full force for her Surgery on the 10th. In order to do a surgery on a wolf, previous drugging history’s must be reviewed, food calculations prior to the event must be evaluated, and staff duties identified. Our wolves do not willingly jump into a car for the trip to the vet, and any added stress prior to the event can send a wolf into heat stress. So, the process involves sedating Lakota and transporting her to the vet clinic for the surgery, while other staff members stay with MacKenzie to avoid any negativity during the separation period. It is also important that Lakota has no food in her system for at least 2 days prior to the surgery. This will require a slight modification to their Wednesday, Saturday food schedule and a 2 day hold on her daily vitamins. This week’s video shows Lakota actively plucking the hide from a deer carcass. She maintains a good appetite and good health, which is key when sedating a 14 year old animal. Of course, there is always risks with anesthesia at any age, so many hours of time thinking about scenarios is critical.