Today’s patients are unlike any I’ve encountered before. They resemble a curious blend of raccoons, dogs, and cats, but they are actually two types of Asian Civets: Rocket, an Asian Palm Civet from Java, and Chewy, a Sumatran White Masked Palm Civet. These unique creatures have been rescued from failed adoptions and the controversial Kopi Luwak coffee trade. Join me as we delve into their world, from surgery to the intriguing origins of civet coffee… and yes these boys are in visiting the vet for castration today!

The Civet Patients

1. Rocket: The Javanese Explorer

• Rocket, our Java-based Asian Palm Civet, exudes an air of mystery. He’s not mean; he’s just profoundly wary of humans. His distinctive appearance and cautious demeanor set him apart from typical patients.

• Sedation is administered orally while Rocket remains in his cage, minimizing stress for both him and our veterinary staff. Unfortunately, the medicine doesn’t taste like strawberries or bananas—Chewy’s favorite flavors!

2. Chewy: The Sumatran Barking Civet!

• Chewy, the Sumatran White Masked Palm Civet, is less cooperative. His barking protests reveal that he’s not fully sedated. A quick injection is needed to ensure a smooth procedure.

• Civets like Chewy have become popular pets during the pandemic, leading to a surge in breeders across Indonesia. However, they’re expensive to care for, and many end up abandoned or released in non-native habitats.

Surgery and Recovery

1. Prepping Rocket

• Rocket’s front leg is clipped, allowing us to place an IV line for fluid support and medication during surgery. He’s then shaved and prepped for anesthesia.

• A heat pad keeps Rocket warm during the procedure, while close monitoring ensures his safety.

2. Chewy’s Surgical Adventure

• Chewy’s surgery also goes smoothly, his breathing and heart rate are monitored closely during the procedure.  He has impressively large teeth!

• After surgery, both civets receive pain relief and wake up gradually. Chewy rests in his familiar cage, feeling secure.

The Curious Case of Civet Coffee and Exotic perfumes!

• Kopi Luwak: Also known as civet coffee, this Indonesian delicacy is one of the world’s most expensive brews.

• Origins: Civets play a crucial role in its production. They consume coffee cherries, digest the outer layer, and excrete the beans. These beans are then collected, cleaned, and roasted.

• Ethical Concerns: Historically, wild civets were the source of these beans. However, intensive farming methods now confine civets to cages, where they’re force-fed coffee cherries.

• Civet Musk: Rocket is a stinky boy! But did you know that Civet musk was a highly prized ingredient in perfumes?!  It used to be traded with Zanzibar, Egypt and India!

• Ethical Concerns: Synthetic musk has replaced civet musk in perfumes due to ethical considerations.

From surgery tables to coffee plantations, civets continue to captivate our curiosity. As we care for Rocket and Chewy, we’re reminded of our responsibility to protect all species of animals and ensure their welfare!

Make sure you watch the full story on You Tube, they are fascinating animals!