DOCUMENTS

P.O Box 303

Blue Diamond NV 89004

702.809.3810

August 7, 2007

To whom it may Concern:

On August 6, 2007, I was asked by Sheri Allen to visit Nye County Animal Shelter and evaluate the condition of her animals in their custody. I arrived at approximately 3:30 pm and was escorted by an animal control officer by the first name of Susan. The majority of the animals were housed in a back room off of the kennels. The room did have good ventilation, but was warm but not overly hot. I did take exception to having 2 rabbits housed in this room as they had elevated respiratory rate and seemed stressed. They were also in the same cage which was too small for the 2 of them. I recommended that they be housed inside in air conditioning in a bigger enclosure. The animal control officer assured me that they would be moved and she confirmed this by phone conversation today. The animals were housed in cages, some of which were rather small, but were clean. There were several cages that had two animals in the same cage. I would not recommend long term confinement for the animals in smaller cages. The cats all had clean litter boxes and food and water and they did have room to move from litter box to a separate area.

Overall, none of the animals- except the rabbits appeared overtly stressed. Some of the cats showed signs of chronic upper respiratory infections (upper airway congestion, nasal discharge, eye infections and increased respiratory efforts and rates). Given that many have debilitating underlying immunosuppressive diseases (FIV- feline immunodeficiency virus and FELV- feline leukemia virus) this is not surprising. These animals are much more prone to simple infections that immunocompetent animals can clear. There is supportive care than can be given to these patients, but no cure. All were responsive and seemed to be eating and drinking. Some did have some hair loss but none were seen to be scratching or have inflammatory skin lesions.

There was one orange cat that has hind limb paralysis. There was atrophy of the musculature of hind limbs, but no external lesions (cuts or scrapes) to suggest that the animal has been ill kept. The animal was not painful and even extended itself to be petted when the cage was open. There were two young Manx cats that both had congenital spinal malformations associated with this breed. The female calico Manx had complete fecal incontinence and feces continuously dripped from the anus which is partially prolapsed. The cage was soiled but given this condition it would impossible to keep the cage completely clean. The staff was trying to change the paper as often as possible. The orange male calico also had a partially prolapsed rectum and under-developed hind limbs, most probably due to lack of nervous innervation. This is no successful treatment for these conditions.

I did not see the chinchillas or the other small rodents, but was assured that they were in good condition.

Cats are particularly prone to stress and do not travel well- ask anyone who has had to take a cat for a veterinary visit! It is logical that if any of these animals had been neglected to the point of abuse and irreversible debilitation, they would not have survived the move and the stress of a new housing situation. Further, the ones in poor condition should show improvement with new housing/husbandry if that is to blame for their debilitation. Unfortunately, we will find this not to be the case as the underlying untreatable medical conditions are responsible for their ill health.

I am in contact with the Nye County Animal Control Officers and have given them my 24-hour contact information. They are free to contact me at any time for information, advice or medical supplies.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for further information.

At your Service,

Clarissa Nelson Engstrom DVM MSc

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