Orphaned rhino undergoes life-saving surgery in north of Pretoria
A white rhino calf had to get a laparotomy procedure to relieve her suffering. The surgery was successful and the calf is back at the The Rhino Orphanage.
A five-month-old orphaned white rhino from The Rhino Orphanage in Limpopo has been saved after undergoing life-saving surgery at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Faculty of Veterinary Science in the north of Pretoria.
The 125kg calf was suffering from severe abdominal pain, a condition that prompted her urgent referral in August to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH) after she stopped drinking milk from her bottle.
UP spokesperson Sashlin Girraj said the calf was immediately attended to by a dedicated team of veterinary specialists upon arrival.
Girraj said after sedation, an ultrasound revealed serious gastrointestinal issues, including swollen and thickened loops of the small intestine, pointing to a potentially fatal blockage.
“Dr Elza Hollenbach explained that the calf was diagnosed with colon impaction, a condition more commonly observed in horses but critical in this case for the young rhino,” said Girraj.
He said the team performed an explanatory laparotomy [incision through the abdominal wall] to address the blockage.
The procedure was led by Dr Hollenbach, Dr Yolandi Smit, and Sister Adelle Rossouw, with anaesthesia overseen by Dr Chris Blignaut and Sister Celine Lamprecht.
Guidance from wildlife veterinarian Professor Katja Koeppel further ensured the calf received the best care possible.
“During surgery, the blockage in the large intestine was removed, and the small intestine was decompressed, effectively relieving the source of the calf’s suffering.”
Dr Hollenbach expressed relief that the young rhino recovered well from the anaesthesia and quickly became alert and hungry post-surgery.
“The calf’s recovery was closely monitored with IV fluids, antibiotics, and pain management provided by the veterinary team, including Dr Graeme Piketh.
“Within just a few days, the calf showed remarkable improvement and was back on her feeding schedule. After six days, she was strong enough to return to The Rhino Orphanage, where she continues to thrive,” said Girraj.
Dr Blignaut highlighted the significance of this successful intervention, noting that the calf has the potential to contribute to the conservation of the critically endangered white rhino species by becoming a breeding female in the future.
“Every life saved plays a vital role in the ongoing efforts to protect these majestic creatures,” he said.
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