Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary and the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science in Onderstepoort performed the first successful CT scan on a live rhino in South Africa in October.

Oz the white rhino was orphaned by poachers in 2015. He was sent to the sanctuary for rehabilitation, release and ongoing protection. When rhino monitors noticed that Oz’s face was swollen, Care for Wild founder and CEO Petronel Nieuwoudt consulted with veterinarian Dr Albertus Coetzee of Nelspruit’s West Acres Animal Hospital. 

Opinions were also sought from wildlife veterinarian Dr Jacques O’Dell and veterinary maxillofacial surgeon at the Faculty of Veterinary Science Prof Gerhard Steenkamp. Louis van Wyk of Wildlifevets.com was also involved and after extensive consultation, it was decided to transport the one-ton bull to the faculty’s Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH) for further investigation. 

The result was a ground-breaking procedure – the first CT scan on a live adult rhino in South Africa. 

“The logistical experience, information and knowledge gained from this is phenomenal progress in the fight to save a keystone species from extinction,” says Chris van Blerk, the spokesperson for the faculty.  

The CT scan revealed a tooth root abscess, which was treated by Steenkamp. Oz was soon back at his Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary home, happily eating and drinking.

“We cannot save a species alone, but together we can achieve remarkable things,” says Nieuwoudt. 

World Veterinary Day falls on April 30 this year. The theme, set by the World Veterinary Association, is ‘Strengthening veterinary resilience’. This is an apt topic in South Africa, where a shortage of vets places strain on those in the profession. The upside is that veterinary science is a great career choice for youngsters, who will have an excellent chance of securing employment.