Zack
Hello, my name is Zack. My animal id is #260483. I am a male black cat at the Queens Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 3 years old.
I came into the shelter as a aco - impound on 7/23/2026.
Zack is on the at risk list for medical reasons. Zack is a sweet cat with bilateral hip luxations. He needs to have FHO surgery to repair each side. Ideally, the surgeries would be staged 1-2 weeks apart. Behaviorally, Zack is grumbly and growls, but also leans into petting and allows handling. We suspect the growling is due to discomfort/pain.
Let's get to know each other a bit more...
This pet needs emergency placement. Please click here to go to our emergency placement page for more information. Zack is on the at risk list for medical reasons. Zack is a sweet cat with bilateral hip luxations. He needs to have FHO surgery to repair each side. Ideally, the surgeries would be staged 1-2 weeks apart. Behaviorally, Zack is grumbly and growls, but also leans into petting and allows handling. We suspect the growling is due to discomfort/pain. What my friends at ACC say about me: My history is a mystery and my friends here do not know much about me yet! It is unknown if I have ever lived with other animals or children. I have medical needs that staff will address with you when you meet me. I'm an independent kitty who likes to do my own thing. Zack interacts with the observer, appreciates attention, is easy to handle and tolerates all petting. This cat is showing behavior appropriate for cat parents with either an average amount of cat experience, demonstrate a basic understanding of typical cat behavior. Meet Zack! Zack is a gentle, sweet 3-year-old boy who arrived as a stray. Though shy and a bit fearful in new environments, he quickly warms up and loves soft head, cheek, and belly scratches-even making happy paws while being pet! Zack is currently recovering from hip injuries (bilateral hip luxations) and luxating patellas. He is receiving pain management, fluids, and anti-nausea meds while orthopedic treatment plans are finalized. He has a temporary neuter waiver while healing and needs a calm, patient home with an owner who can provide follow-up veterinary care to help him make a full recovery.
My medical notes are...
Weight: 10.7 lbs
7/23/2026
DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: approx 3-7 years based on dentition and conformation Microchip noted on Intake? scanned negative History: aco - stray, per finder appeared unable to walk Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - solicits attn, head butts, allowed for handling and tasks, sedated for ortho exam/rads Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? N Objective: T = np P = wnl R = wnl BCS 5.5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: mild wear and staining to visible dentition PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: MI, two scrotal testes MSI: Ambulatory x 4, toe touching lameness to the LHL, LHL grade 4/4 laterally luxating patella, RHL grade 2-3/4 laterally luxating patella, increase ROM L hip with crepitus, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities, positive for both superficial and deep pain Sedated for rads with 0.09mL dex/torb IM - adequate sedation. Rads: no overt fractures, left coxofemoral joint space increased compared to right side, left patella displaced laterally Assessment: L sided hip luxations 4/4 grade laterally luxating patella LHL 2/4 grade laterally luxating patella RHL Prognosis: fair Plan: intake exam and tasks sedated for rads (see above) CBC/CHEM to lab, check for result tomorrow simbadol 0.24mg/kg SQ once (0.53mL) and then repeated tomorrow, holding off zorbium as suspected p will need amputation post stray hold house in recovery pending room in ICU contact offsite for ortho consult recheck in 2 days SURGERY: Okay for surgery: N Temporary waiver due to hip luxation, LLPs, until reassessment
7/23/2026
Your newly adopted pet has been diagnosed with INJURIES, and the staff veterinarians are issuing a TEMPORARY waiver from the spay/neuter requirements of the City of NY. Follow up care at your regular veterinarian is recommended to ensure continued treatment through to the resolution of the issue. At the time of a full recovery you may choose to have your veterinarian perform the spay/neuter surgery, or make provisions to return the pet to ACC for sterilization.
7/25/2026
Recheck left hip lux, + MPLs; updated weight today (suspect intake weight incorrect as he is 2 pounds heavier today) S/O: QAR, allows all handling, high FAS - licks lips, tries to hide; ate overnight, not eating during the day; no c/s/v/d noted EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge LUNGS: Eupneic MSI: Difficult to assess ambulation due to FAS - reluctant to walk, posture crouched low; RHL unstable, falls to that side occasionally; lameness appreciated in RHL and LHL; palpable firm swelling at dorsal right hip, unable to fully extend RHL, no MPL appreciated; LHL has full ROM with no MPL appreciated CNS: Appropriate mentation CBC: neutrophils 15.946 (H), monocytes 0.475 (H), eosinophils 0.106 (L) CHEM: glucose 216 (H), ALT 169 (H), AST 257 (H) RADS (quick, non sedated): bilateral coxofemoral luxation notable A: Bilateral coxofemoral luxation; previous rads taken two days ago show only left coxofemoral lux - ro trauma vs other Overweight RHL>LHL lameness Stress vs inflammatory leukogram Hyperglycemia - likely stress > DM Elevated ALT & AST - ro trauma vs other P: SQ LRS 100 ml Cerenia 1 mg/kg SQ once Start simbadol 0.24 mg/kg SQ SID Start onsior 2 mg/kg SQ SID Recheck tomorrow - scheduled sedated rads and exam. Recommend consult with ortho for treatment recommendations.
7/27/2026
Recheck bilateral hip lux, sedated exam and radiographs sedated with 0.1ml (0.5mg/ml) dexdorm. 0.2ml (10mg/ml) torb S/O: QAR, allows all handling EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge LUNGS: Eupneic MSI: unable to fully extend RHL, Grade 2 mpl bilaterally; LHL has full ROM CNS: Appropriate mentation RADS: bilateral hip luxation A: Bilateral coxofemoral luxation - ro trauma vs other Overweight RHL>LHL lameness P: Send radiographs to ortho dvm for consult Reverse with antisedan Continue current medical management
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 1. Green
KNOWN HISTORY:: Zack was brought in as a stray, there is no known information on his behavior history in a home environment.
ACTIVITY LEVEL:: Subdued
VOCAL:: Quiet
CHARACTER TYPE: : Shy ,Calm,Easy going
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES:: Fearful,New home adjustment period
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: : Level 2
BEHAVIOR SUMMARY:: Laying with neutral face and body, Zack's eyes widened when the assessor entered the kennel; he watched as they spoke to him softly but had no reaction. When the assessor slowly brought their hand in he leaned in to sniff then harshly leaned in when he was pet on his cheeks. Zack enjoyed pets on his head and cheeks as he started to slow blink/close his eyes. When the assessor reached in to pet his back/body he had no reaction and remained still with his tail tucked. Zack leaned into all pets on his cheeks and chin and allowed the assessor to reach over and lift him with no issues. When placed back in kennel he laid on his side and started to knead the bedding while enjoying all pets on his head, cheeks/chin as well as all over his back, body and belly. The assessor attempted to coax him up but he remained neutral/relaxed as he kept leaning his head in for pets. Zack was picked up one last time and placed down with no issues followed by laying on his side again and enjoying all pets. Zack interacts with the observer, appreciates attention, is easy to handle and tolerates all petting. This cat is showing behavior appropriate for cat parents with either an average amount of cat experience, demonstrate a basic understanding of typical cat behavior.
