mackenzie – Apr 22, 2005 12:00 AM

I'm sure many of you are awaiting an update on MacKenzie. Sorry for the delay, I've been spending additional time with her attempting to get a urine sample (she doesn't want to give it up and I don't want to force it) in addition to getting the Exhibit pack pond cleaned (puppies dragged a few deer in the pond this winter leaving about 20 lbs of deer hair in the drain). Anyway, MacKenzie's main symptom was a ravenous appetite while looking like she was losing weight (in addition to other subtle changes in her relationship with the other wolves). Our Vet drew some blood and initially found a high BUN count (indicative of renal problems or dehydration) We put her on a specialized diet and drew blood five days later and her blood levels were back to normal. We are still attempting to get a urine sample, but that's been a challenge on a dominant wolf. Lakota, being lower ranking, will urinate whenever someone rolls her over. MacKenzie finds it a challenge and resists handlers effforts. So, if you watch the webcam, you may see handlers following her around with a container trying to get a urine sample to test for diabetes; One thing I can say about her is that she has great bladder control for a 12 year old. We are continuing to attempt a urine sample and are still hopeful for a passive sample soon. We'd rather not immobilize her just for a sample, but wolves don't cooperate like a dog does and living outdoors means she goes whenever she feels like it, not when we ask her to. She still runs the pack regardless of what we want. I fed her on 4/21 and her eating patterns are back to normal and she was very perky. We still want a sample, but right now, her behavior and attitude is back to normal.