Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We had 2 Tonks, both 3 y/o, [from different breeders]. Bishop suffered from chronic "sinus" issues since we got him, but was never sick as a result. Took our babies to have their "dentals" last week, but Bishop didn't survive the surgery. His lungs collapsed & his heart stopped. They couldn't revive him. We are devastated. There was nothing to indicate something like this was going to happen.

I don't recall reading anything about Tonks having heart & lung problems. Was this just a freaky thing that happened to him?

I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort in knowing that you gave Bishop a wonderful home during his all too brief time.

There can be risks associated with anesthesia and the Oriental breeds tend to be more susceptible to having bad reactions.

There is some interesting information about this -- and it mentions Tonks -- at http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=3&nav=messages&webtag=ab-cats&tid=66448

Carol, Emily, & Eddie

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss! that is super tragic and surprising. my thoughts are with you guys...

wow. that's really helpful to know...
Rigby is 5 now and the tartar is building up, but I'm trying to rub on the toothpaste on a daily basis to see if that helps. I'd like to avoid the dental cleaning...

Had a chance to talk with the breeder, and she said that another one of her cats died (recently?) due to anesthesia complications that sound similar to what happened to Bishop. This kitty was being spayed, so I assume she was younger than Bishop.

So sorry for your loss! It is so hard to lose a pet so young!

My first tonk died when she was 6 months old- FIP was officially blamed for it, but I really suspect that she may have had something genetically wrong with her (as my mom put it "a failure to thrive baby". Luckily, my 3 year old Sina (the breeder gave her to me after my Charlie died) is a hearty little girl. I did see it mentioned on the Tonkinese Breeders Association page that they sometimes have trouble with anesthetic. Good thing I didn't know that before Sina got spayed- I was a total nervous wreck as it was!

Oh stupid thing! I didn't mean to make that horrible winky face and now I don't know how to go back and edit it out! Awful!!!