We planned on spaying Zoey, our cougar, one of the Texas "7" that came in last year.

Zoey loaded up easy into her crate for her early morning trip to NorthStar Vet.

Sedation went well, but during the pre-surgical exam, our veterinarians palpated a mass in her abdomen. Due to the size noted on palpation, we thought it safest to have the surgery done at a specialty center.

Zoey was sedated and all was going well.

We made a call to NorthStar Vets in Robbinsville and talked with Dr. Daniel Stobie, who offered a surgery suite and surgeon Dr Laura Culbert. Early morning on July 5th, we loaded Zoey up and headed out to NorthStar. They were waiting at the emergency intake area with baited breath to meet Zoey. She was sedated and wheeled into their prep room.

The entire surgery from start to finish took 45 minutes.

While Zoey was prepped, our veterinarians, Doctors Paluch and Bergmann scrubbed in with Dr. Culbert to assist. The surgery went well, the mass was found to be a large 5 lb. ovarian tumor. It was fully removed, along with her uterus, to complete the not-so-routine spay. The tumor was sent for biopsy, and thankfully, was found to be benign.

Zoey back home and feeling great.

After surgery, we loaded Zoey up and headed home. By the time we got back she had recovered well enough to walk into her den. Fiona and Camille seemed content now that she was back, although Zoey would spend the next several days separated in her own den but right next to her "sisters". After her meds were done, she was cleared to go outside and Fiona couldn't have been happier; she rubbed all over her sister like she just couldn't get enough of her all that day.

The facilities at Northstar are amazing and run so professionally. A big thank you to Dr Stobie, Dr Culbert and the entire staff at NorthStar Vet for being so caring and helpful.

And remember, you can also help support our beautiful Zoey and sponsor her! Or, if you feel inspired, sponsor Camille or Fiona, her "sisters."