I went in to see Krissy today - arrived in time to do his weekly weight and morning eye treatment so that was good timing! Weighing a koala involves getting a carry cage, and weighing the cage first including any towels that will be inside it. Then catching the koala and weighing the koala and cage together and doing the math. Krissy has put weight on and was 2.54 kg. This is hugely important as it means he is eating well, and is not burning through the calories just being stressed - good boy Krissy!
Then I went to the vet with him in the afternoon - to examine a wild koala they need to have a light anaesthetic as the sharp bits are really sharp! So here he is on the exam table. Great news his blood work has improved hugely - his red blood cell count has come up significantly.
We should have chlamydia results back tomorrow, so everything crossed folks! If he does have chlamydia the chances of him making a full recovery are incredibly high so all is looking great for him regardless.
I didn't even notice 'mum' monogrammed on that towel until I started processing the photos. We get a lot of linen donated to us at Friends of the Koala, and so end up with all manner of things. Thanks again for all the messages of concern and support.
It is good to read that Krissy is doing well. I had not realised that they are so lightweight, on the table he looks as long as my cats and they weigh more than 2,54 kg. I realise this is a youngster but do you know what the average adult weighs?
@jacqbb yes he is about the size of a cat when stretched out really! He is only 12 months old, and is actually quite hefty :) Here in this area adult females usually weigh around 5 - 6.5kg for females and 6-9 kg for males. Down south they are much bigger where it is much colder :)
@haskar totally correct - koalas have 3 fingers and 2 opposing thumbs. on their feet they also have a thumb! if you look closely you can just see the 2 different thumb claws in this photo :)
I don't think I had any idea how big/small Koalas are until now. My Girlies and all the Silkies who went before weigh about the same as an adult Koala and are probably about the same size - under all the hair/fur.
So pleased he's recovering and again, thanks to you and all who help protect these and other animals.
j
When I first saw this image I thought "Ooh no !!" but with great relief I read on to find that Krissy is doing well - So pleased ! - just waiting for the tests results - hope and prey all will be good !
I'm curious...is there a way for someone not on 365 to follow this? I have a young relative just diagnosed with leukemia. She will be in the hospital a month. She normally is such an energetic person. Her family owns some animals, too.
@danette Hi Danette, does she use facebook or youtube? @koalagardens at both places. otherwise, she can create a 365 account and just not upload photos I would guess :)
So pleased he's recovering and again, thanks to you and all who help protect these and other animals.
j