Panda "Yuan Bao" Undergoes Health Check Before Lunar New Year: Zoo Reports Improvement in Esophageal Ulcers

The giant panda family at Taipei Zoo, particularly Yuan Bao, is currently lively and active, enjoying a good diet and ample sleep. As the anniversary of last year's health examination approaches, during which some abnormal indicators were noted, the zoo has scheduled a follow-up check-up on January 10, just before the Lunar New Year. Fortunately, improvements have been observed in Yuan Bao's esophageal ulcer.

The health check was conducted by a collaborative team including the zoo's caretakers, the College of Veterinary Medicine at National Taiwan University, the College of Veterinary Medicine at National Chung Hsing University, and specialists from the anesthesiology and dental departments of National Taiwan University Hospital, along with Enya Veterinary Hospital.

The examination included various assessments such as physical examinations, hematological tests, dental checks, and ophthalmological evaluations. Advanced imaging techniques were utilized to conduct ultrasounds of Yuan Bao's heart, abdominal cavity, and upper digestive tract, as well as endoscopic examinations of the esophagus and stomach, along with CT scans.

Results from the check-up indicated that most health indicators for Yuan Bao are normal. Although Yuan Bao has inherited genes from its mother, Yuan Yuan, which predispose it to enamel dysplasia in its teeth, diligent care from zookeepers and regular dental hygiene practices have prevented any significant decline in dental health this year. As for the endoscopic examination of the digestive tract, improvements have been noted in the previously identified esophageal ulcer; however, occasional medication and dietary adjustments are still necessary. Overall, Yuan Bao's condition is progressing positively.

The zoo reports that Yuan Bao remains spirited and robust. With attentive care from its keepers and support from a professional medical team, Yuan Bao continues to thrive towards becoming a healthy adult panda while preparing to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year with visitors.