Special cases and emergency procedures: How animals are treated in Moscow Oblast

Unusual patients, from tropical parrots to sables, are increasingly appearing in veterinary clinics across Russia. One such private facility in Golitsyno, just outside Moscow, has compiled an impressive record of cases in recent years, where veterinarians have provided care requiring not only professional expertise but also creative, non-standard approaches.

Among these cases is a blue-and-yellow macaw, brought in for an initial examination by its new owners shortly after purchase. Under the care of veterinarian Sergey Tereshchenko, the bird underwent a thorough health assessment, and a tailored plan was developed covering diet, housing, and disease prevention. This exotic species demands meticulous attention: even minor dietary mistakes can lead to serious health complications.

Another memorable patient was a one-year-old sable named Maya. She was brought in showing signs of illness and, after examination, was diagnosed with acute cystitis. Thanks to prompt treatment and close monitoring by head veterinarian Andrey Vorobyov, Maya made a swift recovery.

Challenging parasitic cases are handled by Bankole Guillaume Adentudji, a veterinarian from Togo with international experience. His practice includes treating exotic pets arriving from BRICS countries, such as African pygmy hedgehogs, Senegal bushbabies, fennec foxes, mini pigs, and streaked tenrecs. These animals are rarely kept in Russian homes, making diagnosis particularly demanding and requiring extensive specialist knowledge.

The story of the rescue of a malamute named Vita deserves special attention. After running away from the yard, the dog was in trouble: open fractures with displacement, foreign bodies in the stomach and inflammation of the uterus. Three operations were performed as an emergency: orthopaedic stabilisation of the joint, gastrotomy and ovariohysterectomy (removal of the uterus and ovaries). Despite the complexity of the condition, after two days Vita started to stand on the operated leg and show appetite. Now she is doing well!

Assistance is provided not only in the clinic. Veterinarians travel to farms, zoos and private farms – to places where it is difficult to transport an animal, but medical assistance is necessary. It is not just a matter of convenience, but often a matter of saving a life.

Such stories show that veterinary medicine in Russia is not just about cats and dogs. It is about working with a whole zoo of patients, where each case is unique and requires professional flexibility, patience and precise knowledge.

Photo: personal archive of Anatoly Sokolov