lakota – Jan 22, 2004 12:00 AM

The 8 am wolf check had actual temperatures of 15 below zero with a windchill reaching 45 below zero. It was the coldest day for wolf care this year, but that's when wolves need their handlers the most. Nancy Jo Tubbs and Lori Schmidt conducted a one-hour wolf check. Lakota seems to continue to have a tendon problem on her left foot, probably magnified by the cold temperatures. In a closer examination of her toe, she appears to be holding her middle two toes together and is sensitive to touch. There was no indication of ice build-up or pad injury, but her toenail on the 3rd digit is longer than the others. This may indicate a problem that has been restricting her weight distribution for several weeks. It may just be the combination of cold weather that makes it more painful where she holds up her foot. Dr. Chip Hanson, the Center's veterinarian was consulted and Lakota was started on an anti-inflammatory, Rimadyl, for a 5 day period. The hope is that by reducing the inflammation and irritation, she may allow for a more thorough examination.