Black Bear cub #16-1654 update

Dr. Dave and licensed veterinary technician Leigh-Ann took the bear cub to surgery within an hour of her admission. Dr. Dave was able to successfully stabilize the cub's jaw fracture with an external fixator; four metal pins were inserted perpendicular into the bear's jaw, then a metal bar was attached to the pins parallel to the bottom jaw.

 

Leigh-Ann placed a protective e-collar around the bear's head to ensure that the cub couldn't disturb her new piece of hardware; Leigh-Ann opted for some "supergirl" duct tape in honor of the cub.

 

The bear was placed in a zinger crate in the Center's holding room and recovered well from the emergency surgery. The staff will offer a liquid diet to the cub this weekend; if the cub doesn't eat on her own, a feeding tube may need to be placed. The next 72 hours following surgery will be critical, particularly because the bear has so much internal trauma.