Leopard cub dies at IWMB Rescue Centre

Islamabad:The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) on Thursday announced the death of a young leopard cub that was rescued from Haripur district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

According to an IWMB official, the cub, Sultan, died from chronic kidney disease after a brief but valiant battle despite extensive medical care at its Rescue Centre. Sultan was brought to the centre exhibiting signs of illness, including vomiting.

A series of diagnostic tests, including blood work and X-rays, confirmed the diagnosis of CKD, a common but often undetectable renal condition in felines. The disease had advanced significantly by the time of diagnosis, leading to irreversible damage.

The official said staff members of the rescue centre worked around the clock to provide Sultan with the best possible care. He said the leopard cub was diagnosed with arthritis at a young age but it showed signs of improvement through vitamins and supplements that helped him regain weight and health.

The official, however, said the relentless progression of CKD ultimately proved too severe. He emphasised that chronic kidney disease was recognised as the most prevalent renal pathology in cats, often going unnoticed in its early stages due to the lack of obvious symptoms.

The official said by the time that condition was identified, it was typically in an advanced state, making treatment increasingly difficult and often ineffective. He said following Sultan's passing, autopsy samples had been sent to the lab for further analysis to better understand the factors that contributed to its bad condition.