Panda Undergoes Eye Surgery

December 19, 2007 - 5:33am

Dr. Nancy Bromberg, a veterinary ophthalmologist from SouthPaws Veterinary Referral Center in Fairfax, Va., works on Tian Tian. (National Zoo/Jessie Cohen)

WASHINGTON - One of the National Zoo's biggest attractions is doing well after having eye surgery on Sunday.

Tian Tian, the 10-year-old male giant panda, had surgery to treat an inflamed third eyelid in his right eye. The cause of the inflammation was unclear.

Initial treatment with topical medication did not resolve the inflammation, so doctors performed an examination under anesthesia. The affected tissue was then removed.

Veterinarians are now treating Tian Tian with antibiotic eye drops and ointment, and he is responding well. Tian Tian is expected to make a full recovery.

A panda's third eyelid is rarely seen and usually covers the eye protectively when the outer lids are closed.

Tian Tian is one of three pandas at the National Zoo's Giant Panda Habitat: Mei Xiang is an adult female, and Tai Shan is the 2-year-old cub born to Mei Xiang and Tian Tian.

WASHINGTON - One of the National Zoo's biggest attractions is doing well after having eye surgery on Sunday.

Tian Tian, the 10-year-old male giant panda, had surgery to treat an inflamed third eyelid in his right eye. The cause of the inflammation was unclear.

Initial treatment with topical medication did not resolve the inflammation, so doctors performed an examination under anesthesia. The affected tissue was then removed.

Veterinarians are now treating Tian Tian with antibiotic eye drops and ointment, and he is responding well. Tian Tian is expected to make a full recovery.

A panda's third eyelid is rarely seen and usually covers the eye protectively when the outer lids are closed.

Tian Tian is one of three pandas at the National Zoo's Giant Panda Habitat: Mei Xiang is an adult female, and Tai Shan is the 2-year-old cub born to Mei Xiang and Tian Tian.

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