A Genetic Mutant?

Male cats can not carry the tortoiseshell markings—that is a genetic fact. This is based on very scientific principals, mainly that male cats only have one X chromosome. And, cats have this weird DNA twist: their sex chromosomes are directly linked to their fur color! (For more on this see this article)

It is important to recognize that multi-patterned calicos and tortoiseshell cats are already a result of a mutation process. This mutation occurs during the formation of the embryo. In order for this to transpire a female must start off with the Xb (black chromosome) and an Xo (orange chromosome) combination. While the embryo is developing a random switch between the Xb and Xo occurs resulting in a patchy coat pigmentation.

This means that a male tortoiseshell would actually be a double-mutant since he would need to inherit both the Xb and Xo chromosomes PLUS one Y (for him to be male). Quite a feat! Yet, mutations can occur but they are rare and the male is rendered sterile.

Now, imagine the excitement when a British veterinarian came across one of these wonders during a routine day in her practice. A client brought three tortoiseshell kittens to Dr. Karen Home’s clinic in Harpenden, Herfordshire for routine vaccinations. While examining the kittens, Dr. Home was happily surprised to discover that one of them was a male!

She immediately recognized that this kitten was indeed something special and adopted the little guy into her family of five cats, four dogs, and three children. They named him Eddie, after Eddie Izzard, the comedian because as Dr. Home said, “…. he is essentially a boy dressed as a girl.”

Elvira, the Donkey

Elvira, the Donkey

When I first met Elvira she was with her ever present sidekick, Billie the goat. Elvira was inherited (along with Billie) by the new owners of the ranch. They informed me that the mammoth jennet was probably about 15 years old. I took one look at her and knew they were terribly misinformed. Elvira was at least 25 — if not older!

Regardless of her age, she still had spirit. Despite her advanced years she carried herself well, except one very important problem. Her movements were curtailed by a pronounced limp that stemmed from her forefoot. I immediately suspected something serious.

Indeed, it was serious. A visit with the vet confirmed that Elvira’s problem was chronic and serious. It wasn’t long before her hooves began curling upward, giving her the appearance of wearing elf shoes. It was already difficult for the old girl to move around and these hooves made her movements even more painful and cumbersome. Despite all of our efforts, we could not find a farrier to come out for a donkey. It seems no one wanted to tackle this job! And even if we had found someone, I am not certain that Elvira would have stood still for it!

The best I could do was help her by giving her phenylbutazone to get the inflammation and pain down to a manageable level. She began moving around much better and within no time the rocky soil was working its magic on her hooves. As the hooves filed down her movements became more spirited and she appeared to take a new interest in exploring the ranch.

Then one day Elvira did not appear at feeding time. My search found her laying under some cedar trees, Billie, her ever-present sidekick, standing guard over her. I encouraged her to get up using some carrots as bait. After many faltering attempts she managed to get up on her feet again. Throughout the course of the next few weeks, this scenario repeated itself over and over again. I spent many cold nights over at the ranch checking on her, bringing her hay and water in the barn so she could be comfortable.

It appeared as if Elvira’s body was failing her. The phenylbutazone was no longer doing its job. She was already on a high dosage, one that could affect her internal organs, but the vet increased her dosage. Unfortunately she did not respond. It was obvious that her pain was constant. Despite the fact that navicular disease is not common in donkeys, Elivira appeared to be the exception. Worst of all, this syndrome had been going on a long time. There was very little we could do, except try to make her comfortable.

On December 11, 2008 Elvira departed this world, Billie, her constant companion, never left her side. This was probably one of the saddest days of my life and the memory of this beautiful girl still lives on at the ranch. Sometimes I almost see her, grazing off in the distance. And, I swear, that there are times I think she is braying a greeting at me.

Elvira, we all miss you, especially Billie who was totally alone. A new goat companion named Lola is now keeping her company. And a welcome surprise came in the form of a little kid named Charlie who arrived this spring.

You are now at Rainbow Bridge — galloping with the other donkeys and I am certain you have a new sidekick goat who shadows you everywhere you go. We miss you and love you Elvira, you will live on in our hearts.

In Memory of Gunner

One of the most rewarding things about pet sitting is meeting so many wonderful animals. Gunner was no exception. He became one of my regular boarders and fit in very nicely with my animal “pack.”

He was probably the largest Golden Retriever I have ever met, weighing in at over 130 pounds! He was also seizure prone, which meant lots of medications and always being on guard with him.

Gunner was only five years old. He succumbed to a major seizure early this summer (2009). It was a sad day when I found out that Gunner was no longer in this world.

I will never forget you Gunner, your sweet smile and the nice long walks we took in the meadow together. You are now at the Rainbow Bridge playing with all the other fur kids who went before you. I can’t help but wonder if you and Smylee hooked up together. If so, I am certain that you both are racing at full gallop in the meadows.

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