International team delivers long-awaited dental treatment for 16-year-old elephant in Pakistan

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An international team of veterinary specialists gathered in Pakistan recently to provide long-awaited treatment for Madhubala, a 16-year-old elephant.

Madhubala is one of four elephants undergoing treatment in Karachi as part of a project run by Four Paws, a global animal welfare charity. The group previously hit the headlines after moving Kaavan, who was described as ‘the world’s loneliest elephant,’ from Islamabad to Cambodia in 2020.

Madhubala developed a dental infection caused by a broken tusk and had been in pain for a long period before Four Paws stepped in. The group was granted access to the elephants after concerns were raised about the welfare of the animals last year. The Sindh High Court in Karachi issued an order, enabling a team of experts to assess the elephants. Madhubala is named after a famous Indian actress.

During a complex procedure, a team of specialists used heavy-duty drills and other instruments to extract pieces of the broken tusk. Dr Marina Ivanova explained that it wasn’t possible to remove the entire tusk in one go, due to the fragility of the structure caused by chronic inflammation. After removing the tusk, the team will monitor Madhubala closely to minimise the risk of infection, as the procedure has left a large, open wound.

The operation to treat Madhubala took almost six hours and it was a different kind of procedure for the individuals working on the elephant. She was sedated while standing and remained vertical throughout, supported by grills at each side of her legs. This was done to reduce the risk of complications, as anaesthetising elephants in the sleeping position can be fatal, according to the team leader, Dr Aamir Khalil.

The Four Paws team will continue to work with the group of elephants to treat existing issues and improve their health.

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