Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe CLEARWATER, Fla., May 23 (UPI) -- Veterinarians in Florida said a 400-pound tiger was found to have a hairball so massive it had to be removed via surgery. BluePearl Veterinary animal hospital in Clearwater said the 18-year-old tiger, Ty, was brought in Monday by Vernon Yates, founder of Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Inc., and Dr. Don Woodman, a veterinarian and owner of Animal Hospital of Northwood in Safety Harbor, Central Florida News 13 reported Thursday. Advertisement The men said they were concerned because the tiger had not eaten in two weeks. "He's sort of like my biggest baby. This is my kid. This tiger means more to me than any cat that I have," Yates said. BluePearl veterinarians said they used a scope with a camera and discovered a hairball so massive it had to be removed via surgery. They said Ty is doing well after the procedure and is expected to be fully recovered within a couple weeks. "There's nothing else that we found. So, with domestic cats they bounce right back," said Dr. Brian Luria, BluePearl internal medicine specialist. "So, hopefully he's going to be feeling like a million bucks." Advertisement Read More Woman accused of wielding garden gnome in domestic assault Illinois school has 23 sets of twins in fifth grade Police: Woman stole from son's bar, lost it gambling, claimed robbery German brothers make frozen yogurt for dogs 'Topless Terrace' street sign auctioned for charity
