S.K. Panda

Oesophageal obstruction in an Indian Mud Turtle Lissemys punctata

Manuscript 1758;

A case of ventral hernia in a mongoose

A captive-born, approximately one-year old mongoose weighing 1.2kg was presented with multiple puncture wounds and epiplocele due to dog bite. It was anaesthetized with a mixture of atropine sulphate (0.02mg), xylazine hydrochloride (0.2mg) and ketamine hydrochloride (12mg) injected intramuscularly. The mongoose was recumbent within two minutes. A cover of hypodermic needle cut at closed end was applied to both canine teeth to serve as a mouth gag and the tongue was pulled out. The skin and abdominal muscles were incised to enlarge the hernial ring. The omentum and interestines were flushed with normal saline and herniorrhaphy was performed using No.1 chromic catgut after reducing the contents. Similar procedure was repeated at two more sites. The animal was given 10ml of DNS 5% intravenously using an Insulin Syringe. Cefotaxin sodium 125mg was administered intramuscularly once for five post operative days. The animal took six hours to recover from anaesthesia. Skin stitches were removed after 12 days. The animal had an uneventful recovery.

A case of multiple abscesses in a baby elephant

A captive-born three month-old baby elephant weighing about 100kg at Jenabil Elephant Camp developed multiple wounds at its navel region, left knee joint, area below left ear and sternal region. It was treated with povidone-iodine (Betadine) lotion and a course of parenteral strepto-penicillin (Bistrapen). The wounds healed in a month, with development of two fluctuating swellings one at right stifle joint and other at left carpal joint. The elephant calf was limping in the affected limbs. It was decided to explore the swellings surgically to drain the contents under sedation.