Posted by Elizabeth Bacher, Communications
Photos: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo
Editor's note: Special thanks to Associate Veterinarian Dr. Rodrigo Garces and Lead Animal Keeper Katie Graves for answering all our questions about Azul’s September day at the “doctor’s office.”
Visiting the doctor—for yourself or your pets—isn't just for treating illnesses or injuries. Regular wellness checks are part of a good healthcare routine for everyone in your family. It’s the same for our zoo family. Follow along, as Azul, our 10-year-old female Malayan tiger, gets a veterinary checkup at Woodland Park Zoo’s animal hospital.
How often does a big cat like Azul need to have a wellness exam?
Standard preventive medicine guidelines that the veterinary team has established at Woodland Park Zoo for these bigger animals suggest that—as long as they are in overall good health—a complete physical and preventive medicine exam (under anesthesia) should take place every three years. The exams take place at our animal hospital where we have quick access to equipment we might need for any tests or procedures. On the off years, we go to the animal’s habitat for a visual exam (like a “house call” that doesn’t require anesthesia) so we can keep a close eye on anything that might need a closer look. These annual exams go hand-in-hand with constant communication with our animal keepers to address any questions or unexpected concerns that might come up.
Does Azul have to “fast” or be off food and water for a specified amount of time before an exam like this ... and does she get a “nice meal” when it’s all over?
Yes. Before every scheduled procedure that requires anesthesia, our veterinary technicians work with animal keepers to determine that. For Azul a 12-hour fast was necessary before the exam—so no food after 9 p.m. the night before and no water for two hours prior to the exam. This is to minimize complications such as regurgitation and other conditions that can compromise the procedure.
During the exam, Azul received medications to reduce any possibility of nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort related to the anesthesia and procedure. As for food being offered after the exam, it depends on how smooth and quick her recovery is. We have some patients that recover quickly and are offered food and water shortly after. In Azul's case, she had a bit of a slower recovery but was back to eating the next day.
How long does an exam like this take? There must be a lot to accomplish in a relatively short amount of time.
We do try to minimize anesthesia time—especially for large cats. For Azul, we set the goal for two hours maximum. This goes hand-in-hand with monitoring blood values and vital parameters under anesthesia to minimize complications.
To achieve this, the veterinarians share instructions with our veterinary technicians ahead of time—at least a week or two before the procedure so that they can start planning and gauge if we have the required medications, volumes, materials, etc. In the orders, we specify the dose and volume of anesthetics and other medications to be administered during the procedure. We also clarify what diagnostic tests and treatments we want to perform during the exam, such as radiographs, ultrasound, blood draw, urine and fecal analysis, dental prophylaxis, vaccinations, etc. Emergency drugs and protocols are also calculated and ready to go just in case we need them.
Then, a day before the exam, our tech team preps all the equipment at the hospital as well as any materials we’ll need in our specialized animal ambulance for induction of anesthesia at the habitat and transport back to the hospital.
The animal keepers have prep work to do before the exam, too. One keeper, and often two, will come in early to get our other tiger (Bumi) fed, clean the habitat and get him going for the day before turning attention to whoever is getting their exam. They also prep a large amount of bedding (typically wood wool) to put in the recovery den area behind the scenes from the public exhibit so that Azul will have a nice comfy place to wake up in after her exam.
How many staff members are usually needed for this kind of exam?
From the veterinary side, we assign at least two veterinarians and three veterinary technicians for these bigger procedures. One veterinarian and one veterinary technician are in charge of the anesthesia, while the other veterinarian and technicians are in charge of clinical exams, diagnostic procedures, and treatments.
Before the exam and depending on the patient, we decide if we have to bring in or invite a specialist. For example, we regularly bring in imaging specialists for cardiac ultrasounds on our great apes, or if we determine we need a specialist to perform the ultrasound for us, we contact them in advance and find a date that works best for everyone.
On the keeper side, we typically have two keepers working that unit on exam day and depending on the size of the animal, we may have to recruit additional keepers/managers to assist in lifting. For so called “code-red” animals (large and potentially dangerous ones, like Azul), we will have an animal manager present for the entire exam along with at least one keeper.
What kind of tests, procedures, measurements and sample collections are part of a standard wellness exam? Is there a checklist of “to do” items?
Yes, a standard wellness exam usually includes a blood draw, radiographs, ultrasound, urine and fecal collection/analysis, as well as administration of core vaccines that have been established for each species and other treatments and procedures, we determine necessary, such as dental prophylaxis for carnivores.
Briefly, the physical exam involves a thorough assessment of the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, oral cavity, teeth health, color of gums, hydration status, heart rate and pattern (to rule out arrhythmias or abnormal sounds), respiratory rate and pattern, gastrointestinal system exam such as palpation and listening to GI sounds during the exam, assessment of fur, feet, claws, palpation and range of motion of joints, back, tail, etc. And if there are any abnormal findings, we can do a more detailed exam on the body system affected.
We complement the complete physical exam with other diagnostics like blood work that allows us to assess the integrity and function of internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, GI system, and immune system, among others. Radiographs and ultrasound also help us visualize and evaluate the integrity and health of the musculoskeletal system and internal organs.
So overall, how did Azul’s exam go? What was she like when she woke up afterwards?
Azul did great and was given a clean bill of health. She was a little sensitive to the anesthesia (which is not unusual for tigers) but her vitals were strong during the exam and she recovered well, which supports her being a healthy tiger.
Azul was definitely sleepy after the exam. We weren’t surprised that she spent the remainder of the day just resting in the behind-the-scenes den at her habitat. Even though she was tired, she was still her sweet self, chuffing (a tiger vocalization) at keepers when we would check on her and talk to her. The next day when she was fully recovered, she was totally back to normal—sweet as can be.
Photos: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo
Editor's note: Special thanks to Associate Veterinarian Dr. Rodrigo Garces and Lead Animal Keeper Katie Graves for answering all our questions about Azul’s September day at the “doctor’s office.”
Visiting the doctor—for yourself or your pets—isn't just for treating illnesses or injuries. Regular wellness checks are part of a good healthcare routine for everyone in your family. It’s the same for our zoo family. Follow along, as Azul, our 10-year-old female Malayan tiger, gets a veterinary checkup at Woodland Park Zoo’s animal hospital.
 |
| Let's take a closer look as Azul, our 10-year-old female Malayan tiger, goes for a veterinary checkup. |
How often does a big cat like Azul need to have a wellness exam?
Standard preventive medicine guidelines that the veterinary team has established at Woodland Park Zoo for these bigger animals suggest that—as long as they are in overall good health—a complete physical and preventive medicine exam (under anesthesia) should take place every three years. The exams take place at our animal hospital where we have quick access to equipment we might need for any tests or procedures. On the off years, we go to the animal’s habitat for a visual exam (like a “house call” that doesn’t require anesthesia) so we can keep a close eye on anything that might need a closer look. These annual exams go hand-in-hand with constant communication with our animal keepers to address any questions or unexpected concerns that might come up.
 |
| Regular wellness checks are part of a good healthcare routine for this gorgeous kitty—and for all the animals in our care. |
Does Azul have to “fast” or be off food and water for a specified amount of time before an exam like this ... and does she get a “nice meal” when it’s all over?
Yes. Before every scheduled procedure that requires anesthesia, our veterinary technicians work with animal keepers to determine that. For Azul a 12-hour fast was necessary before the exam—so no food after 9 p.m. the night before and no water for two hours prior to the exam. This is to minimize complications such as regurgitation and other conditions that can compromise the procedure.
During the exam, Azul received medications to reduce any possibility of nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort related to the anesthesia and procedure. As for food being offered after the exam, it depends on how smooth and quick her recovery is. We have some patients that recover quickly and are offered food and water shortly after. In Azul's case, she had a bit of a slower recovery but was back to eating the next day.
 |
| The veterinary team and animal care staff plan well in advance to make sure everything is ready for this (and every) Very Important Patient! |
How long does an exam like this take? There must be a lot to accomplish in a relatively short amount of time.
We do try to minimize anesthesia time—especially for large cats. For Azul, we set the goal for two hours maximum. This goes hand-in-hand with monitoring blood values and vital parameters under anesthesia to minimize complications.
To achieve this, the veterinarians share instructions with our veterinary technicians ahead of time—at least a week or two before the procedure so that they can start planning and gauge if we have the required medications, volumes, materials, etc. In the orders, we specify the dose and volume of anesthetics and other medications to be administered during the procedure. We also clarify what diagnostic tests and treatments we want to perform during the exam, such as radiographs, ultrasound, blood draw, urine and fecal analysis, dental prophylaxis, vaccinations, etc. Emergency drugs and protocols are also calculated and ready to go just in case we need them.
 |
| A standard wellness exam usually includes a blood draw, radiographs, ultrasound, urine and fecal collection/analysis, as well as administration of core vaccines that have been established for each species |
The animal keepers have prep work to do before the exam, too. One keeper, and often two, will come in early to get our other tiger (Bumi) fed, clean the habitat and get him going for the day before turning attention to whoever is getting their exam. They also prep a large amount of bedding (typically wood wool) to put in the recovery den area behind the scenes from the public exhibit so that Azul will have a nice comfy place to wake up in after her exam.
 |
| Associate Veterinarian, Dr. Rodrigo Garces takes a close look to make sure Azul is in tip-top shape. |
How many staff members are usually needed for this kind of exam?
From the veterinary side, we assign at least two veterinarians and three veterinary technicians for these bigger procedures. One veterinarian and one veterinary technician are in charge of the anesthesia, while the other veterinarian and technicians are in charge of clinical exams, diagnostic procedures, and treatments.
Before the exam and depending on the patient, we decide if we have to bring in or invite a specialist. For example, we regularly bring in imaging specialists for cardiac ultrasounds on our great apes, or if we determine we need a specialist to perform the ultrasound for us, we contact them in advance and find a date that works best for everyone.
On the keeper side, we typically have two keepers working that unit on exam day and depending on the size of the animal, we may have to recruit additional keepers/managers to assist in lifting. For so called “code-red” animals (large and potentially dangerous ones, like Azul), we will have an animal manager present for the entire exam along with at least one keeper.
 |
| There are at least two veterinarians and three veterinary technicians on hand for these procedures. One veterinarian and one veterinary technician are in charge of the anesthesia, while the other veterinarian and technicians are in charge of clinical exams, diagnostic procedures, and treatments. |
What kind of tests, procedures, measurements and sample collections are part of a standard wellness exam? Is there a checklist of “to do” items?
Yes, a standard wellness exam usually includes a blood draw, radiographs, ultrasound, urine and fecal collection/analysis, as well as administration of core vaccines that have been established for each species and other treatments and procedures, we determine necessary, such as dental prophylaxis for carnivores.
 |
| A full wellness exam includes taking a close look at Azul's nose, mouth, oral cavity, teeth, and the color of gums. |
Briefly, the physical exam involves a thorough assessment of the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, oral cavity, teeth health, color of gums, hydration status, heart rate and pattern (to rule out arrhythmias or abnormal sounds), respiratory rate and pattern, gastrointestinal system exam such as palpation and listening to GI sounds during the exam, assessment of fur, feet, claws, palpation and range of motion of joints, back, tail, etc. And if there are any abnormal findings, we can do a more detailed exam on the body system affected.
 |
| Radiographs and ultrasound help the veterinary team visualize and evaluate the integrity and health of Azul's musculoskeletal system and internal organs. |
We complement the complete physical exam with other diagnostics like blood work that allows us to assess the integrity and function of internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, GI system, and immune system, among others. Radiographs and ultrasound also help us visualize and evaluate the integrity and health of the musculoskeletal system and internal organs.
So overall, how did Azul’s exam go? What was she like when she woke up afterwards?
Azul did great and was given a clean bill of health. She was a little sensitive to the anesthesia (which is not unusual for tigers) but her vitals were strong during the exam and she recovered well, which supports her being a healthy tiger.
Azul was definitely sleepy after the exam. We weren’t surprised that she spent the remainder of the day just resting in the behind-the-scenes den at her habitat. Even though she was tired, she was still her sweet self, chuffing (a tiger vocalization) at keepers when we would check on her and talk to her. The next day when she was fully recovered, she was totally back to normal—sweet as can be.
 |
| After a day to rest and regain her bearings, Azul was back to her normal sweet self with a clean bill of health! |
Azul and Bumi, our 16-year-old male Malayan tiger, live in the Banyan Wilds habitat area in the center of the zoo. Since the species is mostly solitary by nature, they are rarely together. But you can usually find one of them on the public side of the habitat (often snoozing, as cats will do!) while the other enjoys some time in the behind-the-scenes indoor and outdoor areas of their home.
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