Recently rescued moon bear Su Su has undergone surgery to resolve a large growth on her stomach and end chronic dental issues.

When rescued from Pleiku in November along with three other bears, Su Su caused her rescuers a great deal of worry.

This poor bear had a huge growth on her abdomen, which had been left untreated for years.

Thankfully, surgery last week at Animals Asia’s Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre confirmed the growth was a hernia – and through sheer luck – had not been a threat to her life.

Vets were able to repair the hernia which would have caused great pain when it occurred several years ago but is not thought to have been painful in recent years.

Su Su’s health check also revealed she had suffered from agonising dental issues that saw her badly broken teeth cause infection all the way into the jawbone.

Animals Asia Senior Veterinarian Mandala Hunter-Ishikawa said:

“We were relieved to find the worrying growth on Su Su’s abdomen was a hernia rather than a tumor. We were able to perform corrective surgery so that this longstanding issue will be just a distant memory within a few months.

“The abscesses and the bone infection in her mouth would have caused Su Su years of excruciating pain and infection while she languished on the farm with no vet care. Thankfully, with surgery and medication, we can take this pain away too.”

The veterinary examination also confirmed Su Su is missing all the digits from both her front and hind right paws, a mutilation most likely inflicted by the use of snare traps to capture wild bears for bile farms.

Animals Asia Vet Weng Yan Ng said:

“What has been done to Su Su’s paws cannot be corrected but at least there is no sign that the mutilation has caused related issues such as arthritis from Su Su compensating for her missing toes. It’s something we’ll keep a close eye on but hope it won’t cause her too much discomfort in the future.”

Su Su was rescued alongside fellow bear farm survivors Dau Phu, Jarai and Binh Minh who also received health checks at the sanctuary.

Jarai

In the few weeks since her rescue Jarai has already proven herself to be a sweet natured bear. She is small and easily stressed by noise so the bear managers have been giving her extra attention and treats when necessary to help her relax.

Mandala Hunter-Ishikawa said:

“Jarai’s health check was quite positive. The ultrasound detected a small polyp on her gallbladder as a result of bile extraction which we’ll keep an eye on but does not require surgery at this time.

“She needed only one broken tooth removed, which is surprising for a bile farm bear, but the real concern is her eyes. She has signs of hypertension and areas of likely degeneration. Medication has been prescribed to address this and we are hopeful that we can minimise the long-term impact but it is likely she will never have perfect vision.”

Dau Phu

The veterinary team found Dau Phu to be hugely underweight at just 95kg. The team suspect his natural weight could be double that due to his huge paws and frame. Underfeeding and being trapped in a tiny cage for a decade have left Dau Phu with very little muscle tone.

Weng Yan Ng said:

“Dau Phu is a lovely curly-haired bear but his weight is a real worry. With a healthy diet, generous portions and the opportunity to forage, climb and play we think he will blossom into a totally different bear – strong, handsome and fun-loving.”

Binh Minh

Big and handsome, Binh Minh has settled well into the sanctuary. His right forelimb had previously been amputated at the shoulder, most likely as a result of being trapped by a snare in the wild. His canine teeth were badly damaged from trying to chew his way through the metal bars which held him for a decade. Two rotten and infected canines were removed and Binh Minh is on a diet of soft food to compensate while he heals.

Weng Yan Ng said:

“Binh Minh’s arm is absent from near the shoulder and the stump is extensively scarred, but there is no current infection or inflammation.

“He will never be able to use the dramatically-shortened limb when walking, but it should pose no threat to his comfort, except as a horrible reminder of the pain and trauma he suffered being trapped many years ago.

“Once he builds up some muscle and puts on a bit of weight, Binh Minh will be an undeniably handsome bear.”

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