National Veterinary Hospital

31/03/2026

Trauma Management in a Senior Patient

A 13-year-old dog, Zeko, was presented with a history of road traffic accident resulting in separation of the mandibular symphysis. The patient was in severe pain and unable to prehend or ingest food.

An inter-mandibular transphyseal wiring procedure was performed to achieve anatomical reduction and stabilization of the mandibles. This technique helps:
• Restore normal alignment
• Maintain functional occlusion and cosmetic appearance
• Facilitate early return to feeding

⚠️ Public Advisory
Road accidents remain a significant cause of preventable injuries in animals. Please:
• Drive cautiously, especially in residential areas
• Always check under and around your vehicle before moving

Small precautions can save lives.

22/03/2026

Public Announcement
Department of Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan@topfansBhutan Food and Drug Authority

21/03/2026

As an advancing veterinary institution in the country, despite increasing attrition, we continue to work round the clock to deliver critical clinical services and save every possible animal life.

A decade ago, we lacked advanced diagnostic tools and surgical capacity. Today, with improved technical expertise and modern equipment, we are able to perform a wide range of major procedures—from orthopedic to complex abdominal and thoracic surgeries—many of them life-saving.

Veterinary medicine is a continuously evolving field that demands skill, precision, and constant adaptation. Regardless of the challenges, we have always placed animal welfare above personal comfort and have successfully saved countless lives.

However, it is deeply disheartening to see overwhelming negativity when we lose one case, while the many lives saved often go unrecognized. Such perspectives risk creating unnecessary disharmony in a small society like ours. Constructive support and balanced understanding are essential if we are to continue progressing as a profession and as a nation.

19/03/2026

Department of Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan@topfans.
A clinical case of hydroallantois which is a pathological condition of excessive allantoic fluid associated with placental dysfunction in late gestation—was successfully managed by a veterinary team led by Dr. Tenzin Wangchuk with Dr. Tshogyal Lhamo and vet nurse Karma Tshomo.

The case was resolved through surgical intervention, resulting in the delivery of a live female calf. This outcome underscores the importance of timely diagnosis, skilled obstetrical management, and coordinated veterinary response in addressing high-risk reproductive conditions.

Such interventions reinforce the critical role of veterinary professionals in advancing animal health, ensuring food security, mitigating zoonotic risks, and contributing to the broader goals of the ambitious 13th five year plan.

18/03/2026

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

We have recently observed an increasing number of cases involving the illegal import of pets across the border. Such imports occur without complying with the requirements set by the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority, including obtaining an import permit prior to acquiring the pet.

Please be informed that these practices pose a significant risk of introducing infectious diseases into the country.

All legally imported pets must be accompanied by the following supporting documents from the seller:
1. Authorized breeding certificate
2. Vaccination certificate (DHPPi+L – two doses, and anti-rabies vaccination along with rabies antibody titre report)
3. Pedigree or family history of the pet

However, recent verifications have revealed that many imported pets lack these essential documents, and some animals have already been infected at the source. It also came to our notice that few taxi drivers were also involved in transporting the pets.

Therefore, we strongly urge the general public and pet owners to refrain from importing pets through illegal means. Non-compliance will result in penalties in accordance with the provBhutan Food and Drug Authority Department of Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutanod and Drug Authority Department of Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan Royal Bhutan Police

17/03/2026

Public announcement
Pet dogs which are not registered and microchipped will be considered as unowned dogs. These dogs will be caught, neutered, ear notched and released or hand over to the dog shelter as per the prevailing rules and regulation under the Livestock act of Bhutan 2001.

13/03/2026

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

The general public is kindly informed that tonight at 7:30 PM, representatives from the National Veterinary Hospital under the Department of Livestock, Nakulu Dog Shelter, and the Bhutan Food and Drug Regulatory Authority (BFDA) will participate in a panel discussion on BBS.

The discussion aims to raise public awareness on the prevailing rules and regulations related to pet ownership, focusing on the following key topics:
1. Responsible pet ownership
2. Illegal import and sale of pet animals within the country
3. Abandonment of pets to dog shelters

All pet owners and members of the public are encouraged to watch the program and stay informed about their roles and responsibilities under the existing regulations.

12/03/2026

On 11th March 2026, A WOAH PVS (Performance of Veterinary Services) mission team visited the National Veterinary Hospital (NVH) as part of its ongoing evaluation of Bhutan’s veterinary services. The mission aimed to review the progress made since the previous assessment conducted in 2015 and to identify existing gaps and opportunities to further strengthen veterinary services in the country.

During the visit, the Head of the National Veterinary Hospital briefed the mission team on the hospital’s organizational structure, mandates, and the range of veterinary services provided. The team was also introduced to the hospital’s role in delivering clinical care, disease diagnosis, treatment, and specialized veterinary services that support the national animal health system.

The visit provided an opportunity for the mission team to assess improvements made over the years, understand current operational challenges, and provide recommendations that will contribute to enhancing the efficiency and quality of veterinary services in Bhutan.

05/03/2026

02/03/2026

A female dog has been found freely roaming in the Motithang area on multiple occasions. Despite being caught and returned to the owner several times, the dog continues to be released unsupervised.

The dog is not neutered, posing a significant risk of uncontrolled mating with stray and owned dogs. This directly undermines objectives of the National Dog Population Management. We have repeatedly notified the public through our social media platforms regarding responsible pet ownership practices. Such negligence also constitutes a violation of the Livestock Act of Bhutan 2001 and its rules and regulation (Amendment 2022).

⚠️ Advisory to the Owner

The rightful owner is hereby requested to:
• Keep the pet securely confined within the residential compound.
• Ensure sterilization to prevent unintended breeding.
• Comply fully with national livestock regulations.

❗ Non-Compliance

Failure to comply may result in:
• The dog being captured,
• Sterilization procedures being carried out,
• Transfer to a designated dog shelter,
• Imposition of penalties as per prevailing regulations.

26/02/2026

📢 Public Notice – National Veterinary Hospital (NVH)

To improve accessibility and maintain a pleasant environment, the parking areas in front of the hospital have been designated to provide ample parking space and reduce congestion within the premises.

As part of campus beautification, the hospital gardens are now secured with new fencing to prevent littering and dog fouling.

Visitors are kindly requested to use the hand-wash stations installed outside the hospital to maintain proper hand hygiene and help reduce the spread of infection.

🐾 Attention Pet Owners:Please do not allow your dogs to defecate in the garden or dispose of pet waste there. Carry a plastic bag to collect your dog’s f***s and dispose of it in the designated bins.

Let us work together to keep the hospital surroundings clean, safe, and hygienic for everyone.

26/02/2026

As part of our ongoing Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) efforts aligned with Veterinary Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), the National Veterinary Hospital has installed alcohol-based hand sanitizer stations at critical points across the facility.

This simple yet impactful intervention aims to reduce hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), minimize cross-contamination among patients, staff, and clients, and promote the culture of hand hygiene within the hospital environment.

While hand hygiene may appear to be a small measure, it remains one of the most effective and evidence-based strategies to prevent infection transmission. By reducing infection burden, we also reduce the need for antimicrobial use—an essential step in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Strengthening infection prevention is strengthening antimicrobial stewardship. Small actions, when implemented consistently, create meaningful impact for animal health, public health, and One Health.