Sydney Faculty of Veterinary Science experts help Indira the tiger
A team of experts at the University of Sydney Veterinary Teaching Hospital were recently visited by “Indira” the famous tiger to prepare for an operation to arrest her deteriorating eyesight.
“Indira,” who has appeared in numerous movies and TV series such as George of the Jungle and Anaconda, is in the care of Zambi Wildlife Retreat, which among other things provides a home for retired animals from the entertainment industry.
Anaesthesia specialist Dr Alastair Mair and radiologist Dr Mariano Makara at the University of Sydney’s veterinary teaching hospital collaborated with Taronga Zoo chief veterinarian Dr Larry Vogelnest and affiliate veterinary ophthalmologist Dr Cameron Whittaker to anaesthetise the tiger. Diagnostic imaging work including ultrasound, MRI and computerised tomographic CT/CAT scan took longer than exptected, so Indira will return for surgery in a few weeks’ time.
The hospital’s veterinary director, Professor Vanessa Barrs from the Sydney Faculty of Veterinary Science, said the multi-specialist team ensured the exotic animal received the best possible treatment.
“This is the first time in more than a decade that we have had a tiger in our facility,” Professor Barrs said.
Zambi director Donna Wilson said the 15-year-old Bengal tiger had been born at the Bullen’s Animal World facility and as a cub underwent cataract surgery with good results.
“Indira is a very quiet, happy girl who is exceptionally well behaved and easy to handle, but unfortunately her eyesight has deteriorated over the years to the point that she now walks into objects, falls into open ditches and at times has trouble finding her food,” Ms Wilson said.
Veterinary Science
The Sydney DVM aims to produce career ready graduates with excellent fundamental knowledge and skills in managing animal health and disease; and in protecting and advancing animal, human and environmental health and welfare locally and globally.
The program encourages enrolment of students from diverse backgrounds and aims to help them achieve their goals to become veterinary medical professionals in the global community. Teaching is research-driven to ensure students learn from the latest developments and advances in evidence-based practice, veterinary science research, animal behaviour and welfare science and veterinary public health.
Program: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
Semester intake: March
Program duration: 4 years
Application deadline: September 14, 2016
Apply to the Sydney Veterinary School!
*
Wildlife Health
The Master of Wildlife Health and Population Management is an innovative program offered by the University of Sydney that provides holistic training in wildlife population management. Students will be taught by experts from academia, industry, and government in one of the most beautiful and ecologically diverse settings in the world yet will only be a short distance from the cosmopolitan and vibrant city of Sydney.
Program: Master of Wildlife Health and Population Management
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
Semester intake: March and July
Duration: 1 year
Application deadline: January 31 for the March intake; June 30 for the July intake. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible, as offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited.
Apply to the University of Sydney!
*
Ask A Question
Ask us about your program of interest, or if you have a question about our services.
CONTACT US TODAY