A Load off of His Chest: A Tiny Hamster Gets a Complex Surgery

WESTCHESTER: Timmy, a one-ounce, one year old golden hamster, went through cancer therapy at the Animal Health Center in Westchester. During his treatment, a one-ounce tumor was removed from his throat- a tumor that outweighed Timmy.

On Friday, Timmy went through this major surgery. During this time he was connected to the anesthesia machine, which was breathing for him, and a monitoring machine to measure his vital signs - and a very complex and risky one and a half hour surgery was performed by a team of veterinary surgeons and technicians. During this time, the tumor was fully removed. After time in the recovery room of the Animal Health Center, Timmy is doing great! And, he has a great load off of his chest.

Tumor = 180 gr.          Timmy = 140 gr.

Photo curtesy of Dr. Haroush

Pit bull

A young, female pit bull was found in the middle of a local street by a passer-by this past fall. The dog had apparently been hit by a car and had sustained serious injuries to her right, front leg. The passer-by brought the dog to the SPCA who in turn called upon Dr. Haroush of the Animal Health Center.

After a thorough examination, it was determined that the young pit bull's leg had been completely shattered. X-rays revealed that both her ulna and radius were in need of extensive and immediate repair in order to increase her chances of ever being able to walk again normally.

The SPCA and Dr. Haroush formulated a budget and the young dog was prepared for her cutting-edge surgery. Dr. Haroush and his team performed the surgery utilizing plates and screws and the procedure was a great success.

This young girl, now named Cassidy, has been fostered by a friend of the SPCA and she is enjoying walking, running and playing like any other young dog. Many dogs are found in such similar situations as Cassidy's, but success stories like hers are made possible by your generous donations.

Publisher: Cassidy

Cat

This past fall, a local police officer found a severely injured cat on a main road in Ossining. Knowing that the Animal Health Center was open 24/7, he brought the cat to them during after-hour emergency hours. The cat had been hit by a car and was lying on the side of the road in obvious distress. She could barely move, only lifting her head, and was in severe and painful shock.

After being examined by Dr. Haroush, x-rays showed that the cat had suffered severe hind leg injuries - both of its back legs had been completely shattered by the impact. The cat was given immediate critical care treatment as the SPCA was contacted to determine the best course of action since a long, hard recovery was inevitable. The SPCA felt that her chances of finding a good home were excellent and they then gave Dr. Haroush the "ok" to go ahead with all necessary treatment.

Dr. Haroush and his team performed an intense fracture repair surgery which included utilizing the most advanced procedures available. The lengthy surgery was a great success and there were no further complications. After spending some time recovering at the Animal Health Center, the cat was turned over to the SPCA and is now awaiting a good home. She is a very happy, healthy young girl whose outlook is very good. If you are interested in adopting her, please call the SPCA at (914)941-2896.

Dalmations

The beginning of this year, the SPCA police brought a young, stray, male Dalmatian that suffered major injuries to his hind limbs, most likely having been hit by a car, to the Animal Health Center in Briarcliff Manor, NY.

After being seen by Dr. Haroush, director of the Animal Health Center, during after-hour emergency hours, the Dalmatian was put on an intensive treatment plan in order to reduce his severe pain and to prevent infection. While he was being treated for pain and infection, the SPCA gave Dr. Haroush the "ok" to perform all necessary procedures and treatments to give the Dalmatian the best chance possible to recover and eventually be adopted.

It was determined that the Dalmatian's best chance of recovery was a partial amputation of one its hind legs. Most amputations are given at the joint nearest to the injury - the wrist, knee, shoulder or hip - but Dr. Haroush and his team performed the surgery in such a way as to give the Dalmatian the option of a prosthetic foot.

Due to the efforts of Dr. Haroush and the SPCA, the Dalmatian became adoptable very quickly and now has a loving home. But cases such as this one are seen more frequently than they ought to be. Your help will assist others, just like this Dalmatian, find the medical treatment and home placement that they so deserve.