Sadly, last Friday morning, my Grandcat, Mr. Kitty, suffered a sudden onset of Saddle Thrombus and passed away.
Saddle thrombus (or saddle thrombosis) is a blood clot that starts off in the left atrium of the heart and then moves out into the aorta (aortic thromboembolism). Once there, the clot travels to the junction of the aorta and into the iliac arteries where it gets stuck. Since the iliac arteries feed into the femoral arteries, which serve the back legs, the clot prevents blood flow to the back legs and is an extremely serious condition.
90% of the time, saddle thrombus is related to an underlying heart condition such as dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (types of congestive heart failure).
The main symptom is weakness or paralysis of the hind legs, which will be colder than other parts of the body and may even be bluish in color. The cat will be in a lot of pain, often vocalizing his discomfort loudly. Go to your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately if your cat has these symptoms.
He was a wonderful cat and the family is heartbroken by his sudden passing. Kitty was an 11-year old Maine Coon mix. He will be greatly missed. Travel safe little man over the rainbow bridge to the big meadow in the sky.
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤ 
Tags: animals, Cat, DogDaz, lorian lipton, maine coon cat, pet blog, rainbow bridge, saddle thrombus
5 Facts about Rabbits from Smithsonian: Giant Rabbits
In celebration of the annual spring appearance of the Easter bunny on Sunday, Smithsonian Science offers these facts from Rabbits: The Animal Answer Guide, a new book by John Seidensticker, conservation scientist at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, and Susan Lumpkin, freelance writer.
1
Rabbits are not rodents, but lagomorphs (lag–uh-mawrf), a scientific term which means “hare-shaped.” Hares and pikas also are lagomorphs.
2
Image: A reconstruction of a giant Minorcan rabbit is shown next to a modern European rabbit. (Image by Meike Köhler)
Scientists studying the bones of an extinct giant rabbit found on the Mediterranean island of Minorca estimate this prehistoric animal weighed as much as 31 pounds! The largest rabbits alive today– domestic breeds such as the Flemish giant–weigh 22 pounds at most.
3
Thanks to human introductions the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is found throughout Western Europe, Australia, parts of South America, North Africa and on more than 800 islands around the world. Today in Iberia, Spain, the European rabbit’s sole home for many thousands of years, it is threatened.
4
Archaeologists have evidence of people hunting rabbits in the south of France some 120,000 years ago. Scientists suspect even Neanderthals lived on diets made up largely of rabbits
5
A “never fail” Kansas folk remedy for reducing fever recommends making a strong tea from the dung of the wild jackrabbit and drinking it every half-hour.
(via: Smithsonian Insider)
Wishing sunshine to all who celebrate this weekend, be it Passover, Easter, or Earthday.
Your friends at DogDaz Zoo.
Tags: animal awareness, DogDaz, Easter Bunny, lorian lipton, nature, pet blog, pets, postaday, Rabbit
Google images
These Ground Hogs are such funny weather predicting creatures. They have names like woodchuck, land-beaver, and whistle-pig. Our regional prognosticator is named Punxsutawney Phil. Phil is known as the “Seer of Seers,” the “Prognosticator of Prognosticators” and the “Most Photographed Pennsylvanian.” People in Pennsylvania dress up in top hats and tails and have this whole big event each year to see if we are going to have an early spring or late winter. Leave it to a rodent to let us know.
Whether Phil sees his shadow or not today, this has been a roller coaster cold winter in the mid-Atlantic already. I plan on staying inside until summer comes.
Update 2019 at 7 am. Phil did not see his shadow. We will have an early spring!!
Just another DogDaz morning at the Zoo 
Tags: animal awareness, Animal welfare, animals, DogDaz, ground hog, land beaver, lorian lipton, whistle pig, woodchuck
It is amazing to me how time flies when it comes to age. Sofie Bear turns 8 years old today. My silly girl has been on a roller coaster of emotional/health issues for most of her years, but underneath it all, she is still my silly fluff ball who loves to roll in leaves and chase squirrels.
Happy Birthday, Sofie Bear! We would not be DogDaz Zoo without you!
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: Animal, animal awareness, Birthday, Dog People, DogBlog, DogDaz, lorian lipton, nature, pet blog
What a perfect day for the 3 DogDaz beauties to return from vacation because someone decided it is NATIONAL DOG DAY! We thought that every day was DOGDAZ (d-aw-ga-d-aye-za). Fall is in the air this week, summer is winding down, kids are heading back to school, and sadly, the pool is full of leaves. The zoo is as busy as ever and we plan on a full schedule of blogging about our antics. We hope you had a nice summer break and are ready to start taking longer walks in cooler temperatures. We know that Sofie and Charles are. Louise has been walking no matter how hot it is, but those fluff balls, no way they are going out in the heat and humidity. Bark Out Loud. Looking forward to fall.
HAPPY NATIONAL DOG DAY TO ALL
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: Animal, Dog People, DogBlog, DogDaz, Dogs, lorian lipton, Mutts, national dog day, nature, pet blog, postaday
Puppy Sofie maybe 14 wks March 2011
Sofie’s Smile
Sofie’s Rescue
Ride Home
March 2011
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: Animal, animal awareness, animals, Dog People, DogBlog, DogDaz, lorian lipton, nature, pet blog, postaday, sheltie mix
Hello Blog Friends – We found some very interesting things on our walk today that I want to tell you about.
We found a red balloon, which we learned means that there are clowns in the storm drains. We think that is just silly. The kids told us the clown’s name is “Pennywise.” We think Pennywise may just be clownfoolish. I think we will stay away from the storm drains for a while anyway. Mom says they are dangerous for dog paws and best to be avoided if something is going to grab you and pull you in.
Then we found an Eastern Box Turtle walking across the road. We wanted to play with it but Mommy said ‘No.’ She always says ‘No.’ These are common turtles in our area and best left alone unless they are in danger. Around here you have to be careful because the car in front of you may stop for what appears to be no reason and you will find it is to let the turtle cross the road. That makes me think of a joke: “Why did the turtle cross the road…. to get to the other side. ” Bark Out Loud, I am funny!!!
What kind of mischief did you get into today? – Louise (aka Lulu Belle the comedian)
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: blog hop, dog, DogBlog, DogDaz, Dogs, lorian lipton, Mischief Monday, Pet, pets, postaday, stephen king, turtle
DogDaz Zoo 