MADURAI: A team of animal husbandry veterinary doctors in Madurai successfully treated a Jallikattu bull, which had severely fractured its hind leg. After removing the external skeletal fixators on Friday, the bull started to walk again.
A Karthick of Kandavarayanpatti village in Sivaganga has been rearing several Jallikattu bulls. Ramu, a 3-year-old hill cattle breed bull, was being prepared for this year’s Jallikattu. However, in October, 2024, Ramu went for grazing and did not return. Karthick was informed that the bull was hit by a vehicle and was on the road with severe fractures on its left hind leg.
"Many asked me to sell the bull as wounds were severe and the broken bone pierced out of the skin. Towards the love for the bull, we contacted doctors in Madurai and explained the situation. Using a vehicle we took the bull to Madurai for treatment," Karthick said.
After examination, the vet team in Madurai performed an orthopedic surgery for realigning the bone, and an external skeletal fixator was fixed on its leg.
"Such orthopedic procedures are performed in institutions and rarely on field. Usage of an external skeletal fixator on a jallikattu bull is a first in Madurai," said Dr C Meril Raj, Orthopaedic Vet Surgeon from animal husbandry department in Madurai.
"It is appreciated that the bull owner maintained and ensured that a proper diet was followed. This has resulted in successfully treating the bull," Meril added.
On Friday, the external skeletal fixtor was removed from the bull's leg at the Polyclinic Animal husbandry department in Madurai.
A team of veterinary doctors including Dr C Merilraj, Dr N Arivalagan, Dr S R Muthuram, Dr Gurusamy, Dr Velayutham, Dr P Sangeetha, Dr N Vijayashree and Dr Unnati Singh were involved.
"The fixator was removed and the bull is able to stand and walk on its own now. In another month, the injuries will heal. The bull will undergo protocol including regular exercises like swimming, running on soft sand and will be given nutritious diet and supplements to gain weight. Within a year, he will be back to his original form,” Meril said.
Karthick said, "Ramu was preparing for this year’s Jallikattu but could not participate due to the injury. Once his injuries heal we will start training and will participate next year."
"Such medical procedures are lacking in Sivaganga. We request for such treatments to be made available in all districts," added Karthick.
Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry Dr S Nanthagopal, Regional Joint Director Dr M Subbaiyan, Polyclinic Assistant Director Dr N R Saravanan and Thirumangalam Assistant Director Dr M S Saravanan supervised the external skeletal fixator removal procedure.