Big cat gets a CAT scan at London Zoo for the first time

A large cat with earache obtained the star treatment method at London Zoo on Monday.

The veterinary team employed a mobile CAT scanner to examine their Asiatic lion’s recurrent ear infections.

Veterinarians treating the 12-calendar year-old lion introduced the scanner to the London Zoological Modern society (ZSL) conservation zoo to thoroughly examine his troublesome still left ear canal, after other actions failed to resolve the concern.

“Bhanu is an significant member of the European-huge breeding programme for endangered Asiatic lions and deserves the incredibly greatest treatment,” says the zoo’s senior veterinary officer Taina Strike.

“So we arranged the comprehensive VIP treatment method bringing a CAT scanner to a big cat for the initial time, so we could see deeper into his ear with no him needing to vacation.”

Bhanu was safely and securely anaesthetised right before currently being diligently transported to the cell CAT scanner on the back of a flatbed truck.

From there, it took six members of ZSL’s crew to gently carry the 180kg lion into the correct posture on the scanner.

The diagnostics also associated professionals from across the world, as a scan professional in Australia with encounter of performing with massive cats was also present by means of video website link to reside assess the outcomes.

The group could quickly rule out any worst-situation situations, these as a tumour or a deep-seated an infection, which would exhibit up on a CAT scan promptly.

They concluded that Bhanu had a really slim remaining ear canal, which was prone to blockages and infections.

“Just like your pet cat at home, large cats can by natural means get ear bacterial infections too, which are usually addressed with ear drops,” states Taina.

Vets took the chance to give Bhanu’s ear a thorough clean and therapy, before taking the huge cat back again to his house to wake up.

The staff have since shaped a lengthy-expression procedure strategy for his treatment.

In its place of ear drops, the crucial feline will receive typical oral treatment to decrease swelling in his ear canal, anti-fungals to regulate any infection and a thorough ear thoroughly clean in the course of his yearly overall health check.

View the online video earlier mentioned to see how Bhanu had his CAT scan.