In a remarkable story from Uttar Pradesh, a stray dog in Bijnor that captured public attention for its unusual behavior around a Hanuman idol has been successfully rescued and is now on the road to recovery. The canine, affectionately named Bhairav by local residents, was found performing circumambulation or parikrama around the idol, leading many devotees to believe it was a divine manifestation.
Medical Reality Behind the Mystery
Veterinary experts who examined Bhairav revealed that the dog's circular movements were not driven by spiritual instinct but by a serious medical condition. The unusual behavior was caused by a neurological disorder resulting from a tick-borne bacterial infection known as anaplasma, commonly referred to as tick fever. This condition can cause animals to move in repetitive circles due to neurological impairment.
The Challenging Rescue Operation
Animal activists and veterinarians who saw viral videos of Bhairav immediately recognized the potential medical emergency and devised a plan to rescue the canine. Sandhya Rastogi, an animal activist involved in the operation, described the challenging circumstances. "Bhairav was visibly weak, dehydrated and had stopped eating altogether," she told TOI.
The rescue team faced significant obstacles as they tried to convince temple authorities and devotees that the dog needed urgent medical attention. "We pleaded with temple authorities for permission to at least administer fluids," Rastogi explained. "They agreed but said it should be done only after dark when devotees were not around."
Late-Night Rescue and Medical Treatment
By the time permission was granted, Bhairav's condition had deteriorated significantly. "He could barely stand when we rescued him late in the night," Rastogi revealed. The dog was whisked away to a Delhi hospital where comprehensive medical tests were conducted.
Sanjay Mohapatra, founder of Noida-based House of Stray Animals who is currently caring for Bhairav, provided detailed medical findings. "An MRI confirmed neurological disorder caused by a recent accident or injury, and blood tests confirmed anaplasma, the tick-borne bacterial disease," Mohapatra explained.
Recovery and Future Plans
As of Friday, veterinarians at the Delhi hospital reported that Bhairav was "much better" and ready to return to Bijnor. The dog's recovery represents a significant turnaround from his earlier critical condition.
Mohapatra emphasized their commitment to Bhairav's wellbeing, stating, "Bhairav is now recovering. We will ensure he gets back to Bijnor soon." The case highlights several important aspects of animal welfare and public perception:
- The importance of recognizing medical symptoms in animals rather than attributing unusual behavior to supernatural causes
- The challenges animal rescuers face when intervening in situations involving religious sentiments
- The prevalence of tick-borne diseases in stray animals and their serious neurological effects
- The dedication of animal activists who work tirelessly to save animals in distress
This incident serves as an educational moment about animal health while also showcasing the compassion of those who worked to save Bhairav despite numerous challenges. The dog's journey from being perceived as a divine entity to receiving proper medical care underscores the importance of scientific understanding in interpreting animal behavior.
