Great strides have been taken in veterinary healthcare, but an enormous milestone has been achieved with the first-ever successful CT scan of a live rhino in South Africa.
This incredible achievement was made possible with the collaboration of Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary (CFWRS) and the University of Pretoria‘s Faculty of Veterinary Science in Onderstepoort.
The CT scan was performed on Oz, a white rhino who was unfortunately orphaned by poachers and taken to Care for Wild for rehabilitation. In a short statement released via their social media, CFWRS explains that rhino monitors noticed an unusual swelling on Oz‘s face, and after hefty discussions with experts in the field of Veterinary Science, the decision was made to “transport the one tonne bull to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH) for further investigation.“
This decision to ensure the well-being of this beloved rhino has since catalysed a landmark moment, and victory within the world of rhino care and animal healthcare in general.
“We cannot save a species alone but together we can achieve remarkable things. In acknowledgement of the team of specialists who came together, we thank them for their passion, dedication and immense commitment,” expressed Care for Wild Founder and CEO, Petronel Nieuwoudt.
So, just what was causing Oz‘s swelling? The landmark CT scan found that the white rhino is suffering from a tooth root abscess, however, the appropriate treatment will be taken to ensure that he gets back in tip-top shape again!
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While this may be a landmark victory for veterinary healthcare in South Africa, this is not the first time a live CT has been performed. In 2018, a live CT scan of Lucy the rhino was performed at the oo in Brookfield, Illinois, United States. The gentle giant was found to have been suffering from a sinus infection.
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