Maharashtra: Tiger cub to be discharged from hospital in Thane

The couple had found an hour old tiger cub who had been dumped in a ditch in Ambernath nullah on December 30th. They immediately rushed the cub to a nearby hospital, but after the brain infections, Baby Tiger was admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Wadia Hospital on January 28th. The cub was suffering from a serious brain infection called Meningitis & Ventriculitis.

This infection had caused obstruction within the brain affecting the circulation of the fluid (Cerebrospinal fluid) within the brain. The cub was given Intravenous antibiotics of high potency to treat the infection. However, in spite of giving antibiotics, the infection persisted & a neurosurgery was performed to insert a reservoir beneath the skin,which connected to the CSF space within the brain. Through this reservoir we could do therapeutic tapping of the fluid & could also instill antibiotics into the ventricles.

Tiger needed a prolonged course of antibiotics in view of the severity of infection. He needed multiple Ultrasound examinations, CT Scans & MRI at regular intervals to check on the progress of the Cerebrospinal fluid obstruction. Tiger is doing well currently & is ready for discharge. His admission weight was 1.8kg & currently he weighs 3.4kg. He is receiving physiotherapy currently which will have to be continued after discharge.

Dr Minnie Bodhanwala, CEO, Wadia hospital says, “I am very happy today that our hospital doctors were able to save Baby Tiger and is ready for discharge on such an auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa. After discharge, he will need regular follow up to monitor his head growth & his development. ”
Shivaji Ragade, Social worker says, “I am very thankful to the hospital and everyone who helped Baby Tiger. It was because of the collective effort of all, that the baby is fit for discharge and we pray for his bright and healthy future. ”