Animal Condition is Severe
In cooperation with specialists from the Environmental Protection Department under the Ministry of Environment (AAD) on Wednesday, August 26, LSMU LGGC specialists took four animals from the Klaipėda Zoo – a lion, a gray kangaroo, a mountain goose, and a golden pheasant.
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The task of LGGC specialists was to assess the health condition of the animals indicated by AAD specialists, take them, and provide the necessary veterinary care. During the examination, signs of health disorders were found in all four animals.
“All the animals taken require veterinary care, but the condition of the lion, gray kangaroo, and mountain goose required particularly urgent assistance – these animals showed signs of pain. The lion was especially emaciated, so comprehensive treatment was immediately started,” said Justina Morkūnaitė, head of LSMU LGGC.
According to LSMU LGGC specialists, the lion’s condition was particularly severe. During the examination, the animal was emaciated and exhausted, with bald patches visible around both eyes. A blood morphology test revealed severe anemia, and a biochemical test showed kidney function insufficiency. Cytological examination of wounds detected bacterial and fungal infections, and a skin scraping test showed infestation with ectoparasites.
The gray kangaroo was sluggish, apathetic, and emaciated. The animal avoided putting weight on its right hind leg. An X-ray examination revealed changes in the right knee joint, suspected to be osteosarcoma – a malignant bone tissue tumor. However, the final diagnosis has not yet been confirmed – additional diagnostic tests are required.
The mountain goose was found to have severe soft tissue swelling near the elbow joint, with a significantly reduced range of joint motion. The animal also showed signs of pain. Arthritis is suspected, and further tests will be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.
During the examination of the golden pheasant, it was found that the fracture of the right leg’s tibia had healed irregularly. Even before being taken, the animal avoided putting weight on the right leg and held it crookedly.
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Temporary Care Provided to Animals
Such operations, according to LSMU LGGC specialists, are carried out in cooperation with AAD specialists and take into account the specific species of the animal as well as its behavioral and safety characteristics.
“During the capture of dangerous animals, the LGGC veterinarian applies sedation to the animal. The lion was sedated using an injection gun. After the animal fell asleep, a clinical examination was performed, blood samples were taken, skin scrapings, and samples from the wound for cytological examination. Other animals were caught using special animal-catching nets, and clinical examinations were performed. All four animals were transported to LSMU LGGC in special transport boxes,” said the head of LSMU LGGC.
Currently, all animals taken from the Klaipėda Zoo are housed in LSMU LGGC enclosures and are receiving veterinary care. The lion has been prescribed supplements to treat anemia, antiparasitic drugs, antibiotics, as well as pain and anti-inflammatory medications. Painkillers have also been prescribed for the kangaroo and goose, and their health condition will continue to be assessed through additional diagnostic tests.
“Temporary care has been provided to the animals at LSMU LGGC until information about their further legal status is received from AAD. If the animals are confiscated, permanent caretakers will be sought who can ensure conditions for keeping and caring that meet the needs of the specific species,” said J. Morkūnaitė.
Considering the lion’s age and health condition, it is currently believed that it could remain living at LSMU LGGC for the rest of its life. According to data provided by AAD, the lion is 19 years old, and lions in captivity typically live about 20 years. The lifespan is significantly influenced by proper and responsible care, a balanced diet, and timely veterinary assistance, including preventive care.
LSMU LGGC specialists will continue to monitor the animals’ condition, perform necessary diagnostic tests, and adjust treatment based on the animals’ health status.
