Surgical team led by Dr Diki Palmu Sherpa, Superintendent, SVPC along with Dr. Karma Dorjee Bhutia, Dr Basant Ramudamu, Dr Menuka Gurung, Dr Devendra Manger, Dr Sajivhang Limboo, Dr Thinlay Ongmoo Lepcha and Dr. Pema Salden Bhutia. The Vet team was assisted by Vet-Aides Hissay Dorjee Bhutia, Phurba Tsh. Bhutia, Dupchen Bhutia and Sonam Lepcha saves the life of a rescused Himalayan Black bear through a 75 minutes long surgery
The Himalayan Black Bear which was resuced from the State Zoo and was referred to the State Veterinary Polyclinic under AH & Veterinary Services Department for emergency treatment to save its life.
The injured black bear had a self-inflicted major injury on its right forelimb, which would result in septicemia, with a grave prognosis. The Bear had mutilated forelimb beyond repair due to significant loss of soft tissue and multiple irreparable fracture of the Right Forelimb.
The team of Veterinarians in the State Poly Clinic on assessing the conditions of the Bear found it appropriate to perform reconstructive surgery of a right forelimb and amputate the irreparable portion of forelimb from humerus bone.
The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department about the surgery said that “All necessary surgical materials and medicines including anesthetics from the poly clinic was used as per the standard reconstructive surgical procedure on the bear. The surgical procedure took about 75 minutes. After surgical procedure, the bear recovered smoothly from anesthesia and is currently being given post-operative care at the Zoo Hospital of State Himalayan Zoo.”
“This reconstructive surgery on a wild bear is historic and it is first of it kind in the state. The Himalayan black bear is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The contribution, effort and technical skills of the veterinarians of the State Veterinary Poly Clinic is commendable and is at par with the any set standards on reconstructive surgery in the veterinary field.” Added the statement
Furthermore after the successful surgery of the black bear Dr PS Kumar Secretary, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services assured to support in strengthening the State Poly Clinic in future.