On Monday, February 13, the UTCVM had an opening in their schedule for surgery. Lovey Bear was to have the necessary repair to his broken right femur!

Curator Coy and Seasonal Curator Reagan go to the Recovery Center to get Lovey ready. Coy checks the yearling’s location.

Coy uses the Cubby Persuasion Tool to get Lovey to move.

Curator Reagan gives a gentle poke with the tool.

Curator Tom stands ready with the carrier, in the Acclimation Pen.

Lovey goes in the right direction – into the carrier!

On the way to UT.

Lovey Bear is prepared for surgery.

Vitals are checked and blood is drawn.

The X-ray shows that there is some splintering in the break that had to be cleaned up. It wasn’t going to be quite as easy as they had thought.

Lovey had to be shaved for surgery.

Lovey now has a permanent plate in his right femur. It will expand as he grows. A long recovery period is ahead of him.

The vets found him to be calcium deficient, which makes his bones more fragile. This also explains his poor teeth. He will be on a high calcium diet, including a daily Tums tablet. He needs sunlight to help him metabolize the calcium, but since there is no sunlight in the Recovery Center, Curator Tom installed UV lamps to provide the equivalent. Here is Lovey after his return to ABR, where he immediately ate his food. Good Bear!

Lovey Bear will continue to take antibiotics, pain meds, and anti-inflammatory meds, as well as anti-anxiety medication. He is expected to remain at ABR for at least 6 weeks.

We will continue to provide updates about his progress. Our fingers are crossed!