𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬

…𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔-𝒐𝒏 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎 𝒆𝒏𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒓𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚

By Tashi Tshewang

In a significant move to improve animal healthcare in Bhutan, the National Veterinary Hospital under the Department of Livestock conducted nationwide hands-on training on veterinary critical care and emergency management. Supported by the Government of India through GoI-PTA funding and endorsed under the Royal Civil Service Commission’s short-term training program for fiscal year 2024-2025, the initiative aims to enhance emergency response and clinical decision-making across the veterinary sector.

Conducted in Gelephu and Paro from April 2 to 14, the training covered 47 veterinarians and paraprofessionals from western, southwestern, west-central, and central regions. A final session for the eastern region is scheduled from April 21 to 26 in Trashigang, targeting 18 more participants.

Blending theory with practical application, the training focused on managing trauma, poisoning, and system-specific emergencies in pets, livestock, and wildlife. Participants represented dzongkhag and regional veterinary hospitals, the National Veterinary Hospital, the College of Natural Resources, and other field units.

With rising veterinary emergencies driven by increased pet ownership, expanding livestock populations, and changing disease dynamics, the training addressed real-world challenges and promoted peer learning through case discussions. It represents a critical step toward building capacity for timely, effective emergency care using existing resources.

Kinga Dorji, Gewog Livestock Supervisor of Dogar, said, “Timely intervention during emergencies like difficult calving, bloat, or poisoning can save lives and prevent long-term health issues. For farmers, livestock is a major income source, and losing an animal can be a serious setback. After attending the training, our diagnosis has improved, we carry essential emergency kits, and farmers trust our services more.”

He added that improved local veterinary services have led to faster response times, better collaboration with central hospitals, and greater community awareness. “We need stronger support from the gewog administration, including emergency equipment, drugs, transport, and budget allocation for veterinary services,” he said. “Flexible duty schedules and recognition of veterinary care in gewog planning are essential.”

The training also highlighted the role of emergency care in early detection and containment of infectious diseases, which supports breeding, feeding, and livestock development programs. Educating farmers on parasitic infections, reproductive health, mastitis, poultry diseases, and nutrition further enhances rural livestock sustainability.

Dr. Shekhar Chhetri, Associate Lecturer at the College of Natural Resources, said the training covered key areas like triage, client communication, pain management, and emergency procedures including fluid therapy and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. “Modules on blood pressure measurement, transfusion techniques, gastrointestinal emergencies, and wildlife immobilization should be included in the next curriculum review with the Department of Livestock,” he said.

He also suggested the college could support continuing education through refresher courses, certificate programs, and collaborative research with field veterinarians.

Tashi Dorji, a pet owner, recalled an emergency when his dog collapsed. “The vet stayed calm and explained everything. It wasn’t just medical care- it was the reassurance. These trainings are saving lives and giving pet owners peace of mind.”

Dr. Tshogyal Lhamo, Veterinary Officer at the National Veterinary Hospital, said, “Serving as resource persons allowed us to reflect on and refine our protocols. These trainings are critical as we often operate in emergency mode.”
She emphasized that while the referral hospital has diagnostic and emergency facilities, many district units lack such infrastructure. “This is the first training of its kind in Bhutan, and it must be institutionalized and supported by better infrastructure across the country.”

Dr. Meena, another participant, noted the importance of triage and communication during high caseloads. “We have learned to prioritize severe cases and sharpen our clinical judgment. Skills like endotracheal intubation, CPR, urinary catheterization, and eye emergency diagnostics are now part of our toolkit.”

She added, “This training must be held regularly with dedicated funding to build national capacity in emergency veterinary care and save animal lives.”