Wildlife Dept Successfully Performs Corneal Repair Surgery On Leopard Cat

Srinagar- In a significant step, the Department of Wildlife Protection, Kashmir Division, has successfully carried out a corneal repair surgery on a leopard cat with impaired vision.Officials of the department said that this marks a crucial intervention in wildlife healthcare, highlighting the department’s commitment to the conservation and rehabilitation of injured wild animals.

The Leopard Cat, found in distress, was rescued and provided with medical attention by experts, ensuring its chances of survival in the wild, officials said.

An official said that a leopard cat having approximate weight of 2.5-3 kg’s was presented from Ajas control room Bandipora from north division with a history of trauma and injury in the left eye.

“The animal on examination showed signs of pain, distress, redness and swelling of left eye, corneal edema and cloudiness. The clinical examination also revealed that the animal was having a prolapsed mass of aqueous humor that had been solidified in the area inside the eye,” he said.

Giving details of the surgical procedure, Veterinary Officer Department of Wildlife Protection Kashmir, Dr Mohsin Ali Gazi said the operation required utmost care due to the delicate nature of the eye and precautions before and after the surgical procedure were also taken care of.

“At first the pre-surgical examination of the animal was conducted including tests and anesthesia was given keeping in view the body weight and other parameters of the animal” he said.

“The surgical technique involved superficial lamellar keratectomy, antibiotics, analgesics, topical medications, ophthalmic solutions, multivitamins and other necessary medication was given” he added.

Gazi further said that the animal exhibited immediate post-operative visual recovery.

He said that post-operative care is critical for successful recovery and has been a big challenge after completion of this surgery and it took a lot of effort from our team.

“Post-operative care included pain management, administration of regular antibiotics , analgesics, topical medications , regular follow-ups to monitor sings of infection and signs of recovery, even restricted movement inside premises and avoiding allergens which has been a big challenge and has been taken care in a very professional manner”

He thanked the Staff of Dept of Wildlife protection Kashmir Bashir Ahmed Reshi and Mehrajuddin who, according to him, provided all possible care to the animal during follow-ups.

“All necessary follow ups, feeding was done in hygienic manner and after a few days the animal was released into its natural habitat,” he said. (KO)