Friday, April 13, 2007

Toothy Grins & Gruesome Growths




I had heard Leyton once say how many times he regretted not becoming a vet when it briefly crossed his mind in his younger years. Of course, the six years of life spent in classrooms seemed itself a lifetime. Now, in even my young years, and even shorter time working here, I find myself, too, considering the idea of going to vet school. At best, I’ve merely entertained the idea. After all, while I can “get in there” with the blood, guts, and other messes, the moment I find myself in control of another beings’ life – I get shaky and nauseous. Still, over and over, I find myself wishing – dreaming – that there was someone here that could take care of issues when they arise.

On Sunday, Ghengiskhan gave his typical Loaf-day smile, growling over the loaf he was sure a volunteer would try to steal through his fence. During this particular snarl-session, however, Chris happened to notice a large growth seeming protruding around Ghengis’s canines. Upon closer inspection (of course only sparked by another through-the-fence- antagonized-Elvis-lip-curl) it seems as though one of the 11-year-old “babies” has grown a strangely shaped lump either from the gum line or roof of his mouth.

We’ve seen growths such as this before. In some cases, (for example, Fenris’s some what unsightly lip presence) they have proven to be nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, we are also quite aware of the severity some such growths can develop into. It being cancerous is not out of the question, and the chances of the disease being elsewhere are by no means unlikely if that is the case. Since growths in the mouth can often grow rapidly, this is, of course, a serious concern.

In Fenris’s case, once again, it was an easy issue with which to deal. Fenris, a friendly, mellow boy, is easily leashed, easily examined, easily transported, and generally – easy to deal with in all cases. Ghengis, however, is one of our toughest characters. The idea of even examining this growth more carefully without him being sedated is beyond question. The closest we can get to a thorough investigation without drug assistance is purposefully sparking an infamous toothy grin. And thus, there can be no quick trip to the vet. There can be no on-site “fix-up.” We will need to have a vet come to the Sanctuary, equipped with anesthesia, prepared to do surgery on site.

In the past, we have been lucky enough to deal with a few vets willing to make the long drive to the Sanctuary for such issues. Unfortunately, currently we do not have someone willing & able, especially not in a rapid timeframe. And so, for the last week, we’ve been on a quest, soliciting to those vets we work with already, and even some that we haven’t worked with as of yet. So far, however, no luck, and Ghengis has not left my mind. We all hope that it will prove to be a non-issue. But, it of course, weighs on the mind, and I can’t help but worry that whatever is affecting him is growing with every moment a vet can’t come. And so, I find myself –once again—thinking that, if I started going to vet school, part-time even, at some point, perhaps, this wouldn’t be an issue… But then again, I suppose a better dream would be to find someone who already holds this occupation as their passion, and would be willing to help us in caring for ours.