An X-ray has revealed gunshot injuries in the right forelimb of a wild tiger that was rescued from the outskirts of Sollepura Reserve Forests in H.D. Kote on March 26. The injury has reportedly caused a multiple fracture of the lower humerus.
The tiger, which is in critical condition, was first shifted to the Chamundi Animal Conservation, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre at Koorgalli near here after its rescue. It was taken to the Mysuru zoo on Wednesday for a detailed examination.
The revelation came to light when an X-ray was taken find the cause behind the tiger’s swollen right limb. The X-ray revealed several gunshot pellets embedded in the soft tissues of the shoulder at the fracture site.
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Eminent veterinary surgeon Pampapathi and Dhanalakshmi, Assistant Professor, College of Veterinary Sciences, Shivamogga, examined the tiger on Wednesday.
The experts suspected lower leg paralysis due to radial nerve injury and advised amputation of the limb for saving the animal’s life.
Treatment, surgical intervention and long-term management is challenging in this case because of the severity of tiger’s condition. However, chances of recovery is poor, according to Dr. Dhanalakshmi.
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Overall health condition, risk factors of surgical interventions and post-operative management risks needs to be assessed before any surgical intervention, she said in a press release here.
Zoo Executive Director B.P. Ravi said the rescued tiger was tranquilised on Wednesday and subjected to a detailed physical examination.
“There are two open wounds on both sides of the limb. Radiographs of swollen right forelimb were taken. The radiographs revealed fracture in the last part of elbow region (distal extremity of humerus bone). The bone is broken into many small pieces and a few pieces are chipped out. Few chipped out pieces of the bone were removed and the wounds are dressed. The fracture might have occurred due to the impact of the hit (may be a gunshot),” he said, in the release.
The animal is unable to lift its limb which may be due to damage of radial nerve. Surgical intervention is necessary. “Amputation of the limb is recommended. However, further treatment will be done after seeking experts’ opinion about the same,” he said.
X-ray revealed gunshot pellets in the big cat’s right forelimb
Experts recommend amputation of the limb to save tiger’s life