Written by Intern Wong Shu Yu
Synopsis:
A 19 year old female red eared slider was limp and unresponsive when brought in. The owner mentioned that the slider had not been eating for weeks and that she was gasping for air earlier that morning. As no reflexes were detected in response to stimuli, the slider was pronounced dead. It was noted however, that the slider’s limbs and neck were swollen. This was a possible indication that the slider had been suffering from kidney, heart or liver disease prior to death. The slider’s shell was also dented inwards in the centre, which suggested a history of shell rot in the past.
The slider was considered to have lived a long life given that the natural life span of red eared sliders in captivity typically ranges between 15 to 30 years. It is highly probable that the slider had died of natural causes due to old age; however, it would not be possible to pinpoint the precise cause of death without having resort to a post-mortem. Having discussed the various options with the owner, the owner agreed to have the slider sent for cremation.
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Date: Sunday, 30 April 2017
Attending physician: Dr Sing Kong Yuen, Dr Daniel Sing
Particulars
Name: -
Age: 19 years
Weight: -
Gender: Female
Species: Terrapin
Breed: Red Eared Slider
History:
The slider had not been eating for weeks. Patient was gasping for air and struggling for air at 2.30am that morning. Usual diet comprises boiled chicken, prawns, vegetables and commercial pallets.
The slider was exposed to half an hour UV light every day and allowed to bask and dry
off completely.
Physical Examination:
Patient was limp and no reflexes detected
Neck, and limbs were oedematous
Shell was concave in the middle
Carapace measured 16 cm long x 15 cm across
Diagnosis:
Patient had passed away upon arrival. Cause of death is likely to be old age.
Suffered from shell rot previously, thereby affecting integrity of shell
Edema suggests that kidney, heart or liver diseases could be present
Procedures done:
None.
Treatment Plan:
1. Explained to owner that likely cause of death is old age, but that it is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of death unless patient is sent for a post-mortem at the government vet facilities. However, some owners find the process traumatic.
2. Owner appeared to be affected by patient’s death, and asked if the patient could have been saved had he sought treatment earlier. Advised that (i) the patient was considered old given that the natural lifespan of red eared sliders in captivity is about 15 to 30 years, and that (ii) treatment options for red eared sliders were limited. Consequently, it was likely that there would be no difference in the
outcome even if earlier treatment had been sought for the patient.
3. Provided owner with option of cremation. Owner agreed and the carcass of the patient was left in the clinic and arrangements made for cremation.
Exhibits:
Fig 1: Top view of patient- Swollen limbs
Pet health and care advices for pet owners and vet students, photography tips, travel stories, advices for young people
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
3072. An 8-year-old cat's annual health screening
Written by: Intern Ms Wong Shu Yu
Synopsis:
Tammi is an 8 year old local tabby cat who came to us for her annual checkup and vaccination. While there were no significant abnormalities detected upon physical examination, it was noted that Tammi (standing at 4.6kg) is fairly overweight for her size. This puts her at risk for fatty liver disease. An examination of Tammi’s mouth also revealed signs of gingivitis and an ulcer on the upper side of her gums.
The annual vaccine was given to Tammi and blood taken for purposes of testing for liver disease. Other procedures performed included dental scaling, ear cleaning and anal sac expression. Notably, the expression of Tammi’s anal sacs produced a black-coloured substance, which indicated that the glands have not been expressed for a prolonged period of time.
Tammi’s owner was advised to switch to a weight reduction cat food formula in order to bring down Tammi’s weight to a healthier range. The results of the anal sac expression were also shown to and its significance explained to the owner. Dr Sing highlighted that the anal sacs need to be expressed regularly in order to prevent inflammation and subsequent self-injury perpetrated by the animal on the affected area due to discomfort.
Date: Sunday, 30 April 2017
Attending physician: Dr Sing Kong Yuen
Particulars
Name: Tammi
Age: 8 years
Weight: 4.6kg
Gender: Female
Species: Feline
Breed: Local tabby
Neutered/Spayed: Spayed
History:
Patient is here for annual vaccination and check up
Adopted from local SPCA in October 2014
Last vaccination done in November 2016
Eating and drinking normally
Urine and stools are normal
Diet of Pronature Adult Indoor Cat Dry Food; no other food or treats given
Physical Examination:
Patient is quite overweight
Some tartar seen on teeth. One canine is longer than the other
Signs of gingivitis spotted on the gums.
Patient has an ulcer on the upper side of her gums.
No tumours detected.
Diagnosis:
Patient is overweight and therefore at risk for fatty liver disease.
Gingivitis
Procedures done:
Dental scaling: No loose teeth detected
Ear cleaning
Blood taken from jugular vein
Expression of anal sacs: black oil was expressed, indicating that the anal sacs had not been expressed for a long time.
Vaccine given.
Treatment Plan:
Explained to owner that patient is overweight and is at risk for liver disease. Advised that protein content of present diet is too high.
Explained significance of results of anal sac expression to owner. Advised that anal sacs should be expressed regularly to prevent inflammation
Recommended diet change to weight reduction formula
Drontal dewormer tablets prescribed
Blood taken will be sent to laboratory to test for liver disease
Exhibits:
Fig 1: Top view of patient Fig 2: Patient’s present diet
Monday, May 1, 2017
3071. A 15-year-old Miniature Schnauzer has diarrhoea when medication is completed
May 1, 2017
Dog had left sided breast tumours excised by Vet 1 last year. Right side breast tumours appear now. Also distal to left side, near vulval region, a tumour of 5 cm x 5 cm x 4 cm appeared. Main complaint is that the dog now stopped eating and had diarrhea again.
Had diarrhea episodes twice and consulted Vet 1 on March 31 and April 15, 2017. Vet 1 took X-rays and blood test. X-rays say heart and kidneys enlarged. Blood test showed high urea, anaemia and dehydration.
Diarrhoea now.
Dog had left sided breast tumours excised by Vet 1 last year. Right side breast tumours appear now. Also distal to left side, near vulval region, a tumour of 5 cm x 5 cm x 4 cm appeared. Main complaint is that the dog now stopped eating and had diarrhea again.
Had diarrhea episodes twice and consulted Vet 1 on March 31 and April 15, 2017. Vet 1 took X-rays and blood test. X-rays say heart and kidneys enlarged. Blood test showed high urea, anaemia and dehydration.
Diarrhoea now.
Today, given IV drip, anti-fever and anti-diarrhea and antibiotic. To stop feeding beef and rice nowadays.
Intestines may be sensitive to beef and rice and there is a high fever.
Saturday, April 22, 2017
3069. Golden Heart Animal Rescue, Yangon
April 16, 2017
It rained dogs and cats today. Fewer people throw water on passers-by as compared to April 13 which was the first day of Thingyan. Thingyan lasts 4 days (April 13 to 16) this year and would be 5 days in a leap year.
A good Japanese lunch in a restaurant opened by a famous actor. He had prepared a big metal basin of soup and some food to give to passers by, as this is a tradition of Buddhist donations. Giving food to the poor and needy, I can comprehend.
I wanted to visit an animal shelter in Yangon. So, Dr Thein Tun Aung drove me to the Golden Heart Animal Rescue in Yangon. I thought it would be a small one like White Heart Animal Rescue and Shelter in Magwe and was pleasantly surprised. It was around 1.2 acres in land area and 280 stray dogs of mixed breed welcomed me. One perched on top of a box which I presumed was used for the Buddha and flowers as it was near the main gate. You can see him in the video.
I predict it would house 1,000 stray dogs within 3 years and much organisation and fund raising need to be planned now.
Video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPManhxoQbw
It rained dogs and cats today. Fewer people throw water on passers-by as compared to April 13 which was the first day of Thingyan. Thingyan lasts 4 days (April 13 to 16) this year and would be 5 days in a leap year.
A good Japanese lunch in a restaurant opened by a famous actor. He had prepared a big metal basin of soup and some food to give to passers by, as this is a tradition of Buddhist donations. Giving food to the poor and needy, I can comprehend.
I wanted to visit an animal shelter in Yangon. So, Dr Thein Tun Aung drove me to the Golden Heart Animal Rescue in Yangon. I thought it would be a small one like White Heart Animal Rescue and Shelter in Magwe and was pleasantly surprised. It was around 1.2 acres in land area and 280 stray dogs of mixed breed welcomed me. One perched on top of a box which I presumed was used for the Buddha and flowers as it was near the main gate. You can see him in the video.
I predict it would house 1,000 stray dogs within 3 years and much organisation and fund raising need to be planned now.
Video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPManhxoQbw
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
3068. Lung tumours in the Pekinese and a cat. Prostate enlargement in a dog. Normal heart and lungs
Friday, April 7, 2017
3067. A 7-year-old female red-eared slider is restless, paddling, not eating. Wants to lay eggs?
Apr 7, 2017
Behaviour for over 7 days. Paddling of legs, loss of appetite, restless,
Egg-bound?
Apartment too small to have pool and sand area.
Suggested a sand box as nesting area and access to water for feeding.
I advised oxytocin injection 2 days but owner wanted to wait and see.
X-ray
FOLLOW UP
April 18, 2017 1.35 kg bodyweight. Owner agreed to oxytocin 10 IU (1 ml) SC injection today.
Slider stretched out hind legs but did not lay eggs. Loss of appetite but active.
Soil and sand box given. No digging seen.
April 19, 2017 1.3 kg. 2nd injection of oxytocin 10 IU SC today. Advised Critical Care of 1 tablespoon/kg = 6 grams daily. Divide into 4 parts/day. 1 part of CC to 2 parts of warm water.
Syringe feed.
Some sliders lay eggs in water. Provide a tank of water. Some lay eggs in soil and sand. But this is apartment living and there is shortage of space for water and soil areas.
Behaviour for over 7 days. Paddling of legs, loss of appetite, restless,
Egg-bound?
Apartment too small to have pool and sand area.
Suggested a sand box as nesting area and access to water for feeding.
I advised oxytocin injection 2 days but owner wanted to wait and see.
X-ray
FOLLOW UP
April 18, 2017 1.35 kg bodyweight. Owner agreed to oxytocin 10 IU (1 ml) SC injection today.
Slider stretched out hind legs but did not lay eggs. Loss of appetite but active.
Soil and sand box given. No digging seen.
April 19, 2017 1.3 kg. 2nd injection of oxytocin 10 IU SC today. Advised Critical Care of 1 tablespoon/kg = 6 grams daily. Divide into 4 parts/day. 1 part of CC to 2 parts of warm water.
Syringe feed.
Some sliders lay eggs in water. Provide a tank of water. Some lay eggs in soil and sand. But this is apartment living and there is shortage of space for water and soil areas.
2978. Veterinary Files From Myanmar - Videos
April 12, 2017
VETERINARY EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS
FROM CASES SEEN BY DR SING KONG YUEN IN MYANMAR 2014 -2017
The following veterinary educational videos for vet students & pet owners can be viewed by going to www.youtube.com and search "veterinary files from myanmar".
VETERINARY EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS
FROM CASES SEEN BY DR SING KONG YUEN IN MYANMAR 2014 -2017
The following veterinary educational videos for vet students & pet owners can be viewed by going to www.youtube.com and search "veterinary files from myanmar".
Mar 2017
Dr T T Aung treats a coughing German Shepherd puppy in Magwe
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=LZ8THY3MQtw
Mar 2017
Dr T T Aung and Dr Sing Kong Yuen visit White Heart Animal Rescue and Shelter, Magwe, Myanmar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apRpziowX94
Nov 2016
Dr T T Aung and Dr Sing follows up on the Asiatic bear at Thanlyn Thabarwa Centre, 5 months after ranula operation
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=za_qngLNObI
Nov 2016
Dr T T Aung treats a rabbit not eating
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=_VPpdumR_MA
Oct 2016
Drs T T Aung and T T Soe donates to an old monastery; 2 case studies from RAVS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pw7wJRHsfBY
Finding a Bear Vet in Myanmar. Pt 2
Visit to Naypytidaw Zoo
Sep 2016
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=-GdmeXJ5ERc
Asiatic Bear 6 months old - Day 2 after operation by Scottish Vet and Aung
Sep 2016
2nd operation on the Asiatic bear's ranula by Dr T T Aung and a Scottish vet. Pt 4
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=9mx5fLM42Ho
Sep 2016
Dr Sing's Post-op review of ranula operation by marsupialisation on an Asiatic Bear. Pt 6
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=_DSGqo7_2Xk
Perineal urethrostomy in a cat house-call follow up with Dr T T Aung
Sep 2016
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=RhrRJjlCDR0
Dr Sing and Aung visits the Asiatic Bear 3 months after ranula operation
Sep 2016
Perineal urethrostomy surgery in a cat by Dr T T Aung - Final Video
Dr Aung shares his surgical procedure knowledge on video
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=kEB_Kak9uME
Jun 2016
Bear at Thabarwa Centre Pt 4. Pre-op check up at Thabarwa Centre, Thanlyn
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=yqgyKhOUAPs
Jun 2016
Sublingual mucoecoele in a bear Pt 4. Surgery by Scottish wildlife vet with T T Aung
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=VEBbE4TukDk
Jun 2016. Visit bear at Thabarwa Centre, before tongue surgery Pt 3
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=GiXkkaubX4g
Dec 2015
A Siberian Husky in Yangon has seizures
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=0sNRhdytQ0M
Dec 2015
Visit to RAVS - layout plan
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=K-hcJ4iHzd0
Oct 2015
A Yangon cat cannot give birth
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=Fle5Kg3Lq-Y
Sep 2014
A testimonial for Dr T T Aung who started his own practice in Yangon. One of the rare vets who treats veterinary medicine as a calling rather than as a money-making business.
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=WueLPic9Q7E
Sep 2014
Visit to Yezin Univ of Vet Science
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=Um1LrWbaNQU
Aug 2014
House-call at Hyatt Hotel, Singapore with Dr T T Aung in 2010 house call cat swallowed a needle
About Dr T T Aung
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=H0iuMV5vsxI
Dr Sing and T T Aung gave talk to University of Yezin final year students under MVA
visits university campus and rural areas
Aug 2014
Nystagmus and cloudy cornea in a Shih Tzu puppy
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=NAenYCtlsv0
Aug 2014
Nervous signs of distemper in a Yangon English Cocker Spaniel puppy
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=fhrEXAnlKEA
Aug 2014
A Myanmarese cat has pyometra. Video in Myanmar language
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=55qghQhXj-s
Aug 2014. Depo-Medo inj leads to pyometra in Yangon cats.
A Myanmarese cat has pyometra. Video in English language.
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=eKheu1XulUg
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