Update on Okemo, Our Handsome Tiger

As many of you may know, our beautiful Okemo is battling a serious health condition.  Earlier this year, Okemo was seen by our veterinarian because of a swollen jaw.  We cleaned and shaved  it so our vet could see the swollen sac found on the right side of his chin. Since the sac was filled with fluid, our vet lanced the sac allowing the accumulated blood, pus, and bone shavings to drain from his wound. Once the wound stopped draining, our vet thorough cleaned the area and took x-rays of Okemo’s jaw. We also drew blood from Okemo and both his blood and culture samples were sent off to be tested for any abnormalities.

Early March, we received Okemo's culture results, and sadly, our beautiful Okemo, who has been through so much already, was diagnosed as having squamous cell carcinoma that spread to his jaw bone--it is literally eating away most of his jaw bone.

Normally, tigers with this type of condition may have up to six months to live. Unfortunately, we don't know when Okemo became ill. Our vet believes he may have been sick for quite awhile prior to his arrival at our sanctuary, so we have no idea how much "time" he might have with us.  Our greatest concern was that his jaw bone would eventually dissolve, making it almost impossible for our tiger to live a normal life.

So, you can imagine our concern when we noticed a dark spot on the inside of Okemo's jaw.  Once again, we asked our vet to come out and examine Okemo.   After close observation, our vet told us some really bad news--he believes Okemo's jaw may be broken. 

The break is not noticeable and unless you were familiar with Okemo's eating habits, you would probably never know he was having problems with his jaw.

As horrible as this news sounds, Okemo seems to be taking life in stride.  He does not appear to be in pain.  He still loves to eat, albeit we offer him softer meat so that he does not aggravate his condition by chewing or tearing at his meals.  He loves chuffing and occasionally "marking" people as they walk past his quarters or the playground--both activities seems to give Okemo pleasure!  He enjoys relaxing on the playground and is often seen sunbathing and grooming himself.

Our vet said  that so as long as Okemo continues to enjoy life, we will not intervene.  However, if the carcinoma metastasizes to his lungs, impairing his ability to breath, we will have no choice but to reassess our options at that time.

Please say a special prayer for Okemo--he is such a special tiger who has won the hearts of our volunteers and staff.

Comments are welcome and please share this posting with friends and family.  Thank you!

O-kemo, O-kemo 

How beautiful your whiskers

O-kemo, O-kemo 

How wonderful your stripes!

I love you soo very much,

You fill my heart with joy.

O-kemo, O-kemo 

How beautiful your whiskers

O-kemo, O-kemo

How wonderful your stripes!

~ As sung by Vicky to Okemo each night!

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