KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Wildlife Department will use a non-invasive approach to treat the last female Sumatran rhinoceros, who is suffering from uterine cancer.
Its director Augustine Tuuga said the authorities have agreed to stem the blood flowing out of her cervix and vagina.
“We hope that this (method) will give her time to heal and stop the bleeding.
“The approach is new but it has to be done,” he said in a statement today.
The female rhino, Iman, was diagnosed with uterine cancer last month.
Augustine said the department held several consultations with wildlife veterinarians from the United States, Africa and Germany on Iman’s treatment.
He said endoscopic cauterising of the bleeders was the best option. He, however, said the procedurue would be risky due to Iman’s weak condition.
Iman, who is kept at Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Lahad Datu with another male rhino Kertam, is lethargic and is sleeping most of the time after losing significant amounts of blood.
“When she sleeps, Iman will get her mud packs thrice a day.
“Iman's appetite varies each day but has increased slowly.
“She would come into the chute to be hand-fed by the keeper. We are also making sure that she takes her meds,” he said, adding that she was being fed with 15kg of food daily.