Today is a first for Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists. Nia, a 6-year-old white Bengal tiger, is in critical need of surgery.

Mikka, an 18-foot reticulated python, needs her lungs checked for pneumonia. She finally slithers still for a set of radiographs, but it takes every effort by Gulf Coast’s Avian & Exotics team.

Damon, a rescue dog found bleeding and missing a paw, is a candidate for an artificial limb, a potentially life-changing procedure.

GCVS comes to the aid of the Houston Humane Society after they receive over 200 neglected animals that were confiscated during a pet store raid.

At the Houston Zoo, a 17-year-old chimpanzee named Chaos gets two root canals from Dr. Chanda Miles. There’s a limited amount of time that Chaos can be under anesthesia, so Dr. Miles enlists the help of a colleague and barely makes it in under the wire.

GCVS treats Aries, a rescued big horn ram arrives with a front leg that was badly injured in a dog attack. Then, a six-year-old police dog named Ronny gets a crown to repair his fractured tooth.