AN UNLIKELY PATIENT
Sampson presented as an unlikely patient at Animal Health Services. Sampson is a 2 year old male striped skunk who lives as an educational animal at Adobe Wildlife Services.
Julie Tolby, one of Sampson’s caretakers, had noticed that Sampson was having difficulty with sneezing and pawing at his nose when she went to get him for an education presentation. Sampson lives in an outdoor pen at Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center -he receives free room/board and meals in exchange for educating the public! He also receives veterinary care and vaccinations for rabies and canine distemper.
Sampson was seen by another DVM who had performed nasal flushes and started antibiotics. Sampson had been on antibiotics for approximately 2 weeks when Julie contacted Dr. Lisa Lannen at Animal Health Services of Cave Creek. Having previously met AMWC via a porcupine left in her driveway, Dr. Lannen was contacted by Julie for help. Dr. Lannen agreed to look at Sampson as she was concerned about his dental health as skunks in captivity have a habit of diseased teeth.
Sampson is typically an easygoing animal but Julie had mentioned his appetite had been decreased and he was a little more easily agitated than in the past. The proper precautions were taken when handling a wild animal, which Sampson is. Once Sampson was asleep under anesthesia it was noticed that he had a small amount of blood coming from his right nostril. A thorough mouth exam revealed no obvious disease so dental radiographs were performed to rule out the possibility of a root infection, which happens in people and pets alike-the visible tooth can appear healthy but have significant disease hiding under the gumline. Radiographs (x-rays) of the nasal passage were also performed to rule out the presence of a foreign body, infection or cancer. All the x-rays taken were considered normal.
Dr. Lannen had the help of several of her coworkers-Drs. Prevatt, Ashmore, and Faver. When the dental and nasal x-rays were evaluated, it was discussed that a CT scan would be more sensitive in finding any soft tissue or bone changes as it has been shown that x-rays can miss those changes in the nasal passages. Dr. Faver donated the CT scan time and Dr. Park, a radiologist who interprets the CT scans, agreed to donate his time as well.
Sampson had significant changes in his left nasal passage that suggested a soft tissue mass that was also destroying the bone in the roof of his mouth. The CT scan was interpreted after Sampson was already awake and as result, Sampson was brought in by Julie for a second appointment after discussion between Sandy Cates, the director of Adobe Mountain Wildlife and Dr. Lannen. Two possibilities for Sampson’s disease consisted of fungal infections such as Valley Fever or Aspergillosis and cancer. Cancer seemed a less likely possibility but is a disease that can destroy bone, just as a fungal infection can. Dr. Lannen and Sandy had discussed symptomatic treatment with medications for a fungal infection versus trying to obtain a sample of the mass in Sampson’s nasal passage which may provide a diagnosis.
Dr. Faver gave the go ahead to use the facility if Dr. Lannen agreed to donate her time and once again, Sampson visited us at Animal Health Services. Cultures, cytology and blood samples were obtained as well as a biopsy of the mass using a technique Dr. Ashmore learned from a board certified veterinary dentist in the valley. Old approaches require the use of a scope which can be limited by the size of the patient or location of the mass, whereas the new technique allowed a less invasive approach through the roof of the mouth via a small incision through gingival and bone tissue, requiring only one stitch to close! Dr. Wyman also helped out that day and as result, helped save Sampson’s life when he stopped breathing under anesthesia. It is our feeling his disease in the nasal passage combined with his obligate nasal breathing gave rise to complications. With Drs. Wyman, Lannen and the staff at Animal Health Services working as a team, Sampson was supported until he was able to breathe on his own again.
Unfortunately, the biopsy results revealed inflammation only and did not give the definitive diagnosis all were hoping for. Blood results were also normal. While cancer is a definite possibility, we are hoping the construction on I-17 has stirred up the dust enough near Sampson’s home and he has valley fever or aspergillosis. Adobe Wildlife has decided to try symptomatic treatment for a fungal infection and hope for the best. We are hoping for a response to treatment for Sampson for Christmas!!
Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center’s mission statement is to act in cooperation with the AZ Game & Fish Department to provide rehabilitative care for sick, injured or orphaned wildlife and to be an outstanding resource for education concerning Arizona’s unique assortment of wild animals. The Wildlife Center achieves this mission by providing the finest care for the animals residing at the center and by promoting positive relations and continuing education for volunteers, rehabilitators and the public.Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center
If you would like more information about Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center visit their website at
