Aussie koala that survived fires dies in surgery

[Kadie]

FILE - In this Feb. 9, 2009 file photo firefighter David Tree shares his water with an injured koala, later nicked named Sam, at Mirboo North after wildfires swept through the regioN. Sam, made famous when this image was widely publish, is about to undergo a risky surgery for a life-threatening disease, animal shelter officials said Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009.
(AP Photo/Mark Parden, File)



Aussie koala that survived fires dies in surgery
By TANALEE SMITH, Associated Press Writer Tanalee Smith, Associated Press Writer – Thu Aug 6, 9:28 am ET

ADELAIDE, Australia – Sam the koala, who gained worldwide fame and sympathy when she was rescued during Australia's devastating wildfires this year, was euthanized Thursday after a veterinarian found the cysts that threatened her life were inoperable.

The 4-year-old koala had developed the cysts associated with urogenital chlamydiosis, which affects more than 50 percent of Australia's koala population.

During surgery, the disease was found to be so advanced that it was inoperable and Sam was euthanized, said Peita Elkhorne of TressCox law firm, which represents the shelter where the koala had lived since the February fires.

"It was so severe that there was no possible way to be able to manage her pain," Elkhorne said in a statement. "All of those who have been involved with Sam are devastated with this loss."

more...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/as_australia_sam_the_koala;_ylt=AtZyxOH5Qsc6jeWqpAwhpbrlWMcF

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

1. (((Sam)))

:cry:

[Ikonoklast]

2. Dammit. I remember Sam.

I hope she's in a better place, with lots of eucalyptus to munch on.

[elocs]

3. Here, 8:44 a.m. today:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x6232765

[PopSixSquish]

4. Oh the Poor Baby

I remember that picture with Sam "holding paws" with the fireman. It touched me because it looked as though Sam knew that help had arrived.

:-(

[proud patriot]

5. ohhhhhhhhh !

:( poor baby

[KamaAina]

6. The Tasmanian devil is also facing an epizootic.

urogenital chlamydiosis, which affects more than 50 percent of Australia's koala population.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil_facial_tumour_disease

Devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) is an aggressive non-viral transmittable parasitic cancer that affects Tasmanian Devils. The first "official case" was described in 1996, in Australia. In the subsequent decade the disease ravaged Tasmania's wild devils, with estimates of decline ranging from 20% to as much as a 50% of the devil population, across over 65% of the state. Affected high-density populations suffer up to 100% mortality in 12–18 months. The disease has mainly been concentrated in Tasmania's eastern half. Visible signs of DFTD begin with lesions and lumps around the mouth. These develop into cancerous tumours that may spread from the face to the entire body. The tumours interfere with feeding, and the affected animal may starve to death.

What's going on with wildlife Down Under? :(

[CatWoman]

7. I completely teared up when I read about that

poor Sam :cry: