Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 01 October 2025
A veterinary team from the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS) successfully performed a life-saving surgery on a 16-year-old cow belonging to Mr. Shyamal Mondal of Guptapara village, South Andaman, on September 29.
The cow had been diagnosed with ruminal impaction caused by the ingestion of large amounts of foreign material. To address the severe digestive obstruction, the veterinary team carried out a rumenotomy, during which nearly 3 kilograms of plastic and jute material were removed from the animal’s rumen.
The surgery was led by Dr. Ninad S. Lawhale, Senior Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Dispensary Manglutan, assisted by Senior Veterinary Compounder Mr. Abdul Majeed, along with compounders Mr. Pranab Deewan and Ms. P. Laxmi. Following the procedure, the cow was stabilized and is reported to be on the path to recovery.
Officials noted that the case underlines a serious issue—plastic ingestion by livestock. Stray grazing in areas littered with waste often exposes animals to plastic, jute, and other harmful materials, leading to life-threatening health conditions.
Expressing his gratitude, the cow’s owner, Mr. Mondal, thanked the veterinary team for their swift action and dedication, which saved his animal’s life.
