Dedicated vets at Animals Asia are determined to prolong the sight of a rescued moon bear for as long as possible despite her slowly deteriorating vision.

Moon bear Longo, who was rescued from China’s bear bile industry and lives at the charity’s bear rescue centre in Chengdu, has a history of eyesight problems.

Longo had her right eye removed several years ago due to permanent damage caused by a luxated lens - a condition where the ligaments within the eye become weakened. At the same time, eye experts also performed surgery on her left eye.

And several years on, thanks to that operation, she can still see today.

Animals Asia Resident Veterinarian Dr Emily Drayton, said:

“When she first came to us in 2003 Longo was among several bears who had problems with their eyes. Later she underwent tests to assess whether she was suitable for surgery. Vets found she had a ‘near total retinal detachment’ in her right eye and a ‘partial retinal detachment with a large tear” in her left. Basically, it looked certain she would go blind in the near future. We operated to completely remove the former, as it couldn’t be saved, but also did some damage limitation surgery on the latter.

“Of course, you do what you can and hope for the best outcome, but its hard to predict what will happen longer term, even if the surgery is successful at the time.”

In the last few months, concern grew among the Chengdu team that Longo’s left eye had also deteriorated. However tests showed that parts of her retina still remain intact, suggesting she still has some vision in this eye.

Dr Drayton said:

“We all owe a debt of gratitude to the UK organisation, Animal Health Trust, as it was their surgeons Dr Claudia Hartley and Dr David Donaldson that operated on Longo. It is likely that the procedures they performed six years ago have helped to preserve what little vision she has left to this day. Whilst it may not be perfect, Longo appears unhindered when playing, foraging and interacting with her bear friends at house number 7 where she lives. It means she can still live a relatively normal life; playing, eating, and generally finding her way around.

“We’re so pleased that Longo has managed to avoid total blindness, which at one point seemed a foregone conclusion. Obviously we will do everything we can to make sure she can see for as long as possible and, when the inevitable does happen, we’ll make her as comfortable and cared for as possible.”

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