SIT DOWN WITH US, INTERVIEWING DR RANI MARIA THOMAS

A blog by International Veterinary Students' Association (IVSA), India Magazine team in collaboration with International Veterinary Students' Association (IVSA) Wild and Exotic Animal Network (WEAN)

An interview by Imon Dutta and Vrinda Borkar

Meet Dr. Rani Maria Thomas, an avian and exotic animal specialist with extensive experience in veterinary medicine, the founder and director of Sara's Birds and Exotic Animal Hospital in Kerala, India. Mastered in Veterinary Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine (KVASU, India) and also holds a postgraduate diploma in One Health & Therapeutic Management of Pets and Birds.

Received training in Avian Medicine from institutions like Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital and F3 Falcon Team, UAE and participated in internship training, Panalai Veterinary hospital, Thailand. Dr. Rani won many awards like Young Veterinarian Award (2019) for contributions to avian medicine, Multiple oral presentation awards at national veterinary conferences. She was also featured in Times of India, Deccan Chronicle, and women’s magazine "Kumkumamthozhi". She delivered various webinars and lectures on avian medicine, nutrition, paramyxoviral infections, and exotic animal diseases and published research on infectious diseases in pigeons and psittacine, avian endoscopy, and fungal infections in birds. She has also participated in numerous workshops, externships, and international veterinary conferences, making her a well-recognized expert in avian and exotic animal medicine.

Q1. After reviewing your achievements, it is evident that you have a strong passion for avian and exotic medicine. In the veterinary curriculum, the focus on avian medicine is often limited, rather mostly the focus is onto the business aspects like poultry, while subjects such as avian anatomy, pathology, and medicine are often sidelined or skipped. How did you develop your interest in this field, and what steps can undergraduate students take to gain early exposure to avian and exotic medicine?

"It was evident from my parents' enthusiasm for animals that we had an exotic animal and bird farm, and I grew up among them. I used to observe dogs, cats, monkeys, and different exotic birds like macaws from childhood. After my junior college exams, it was my father who suggested I opt for Veterinary Medicine, and given my vibrant past with animals, it was a spontaneous yet confirmed decision. Many people do not know that veterinary care is not just about large animals; even my professors were astonished when I shared my knowledge of exotic cockatoos, macaws, and others. I used to learn about these species in the library through books, and the basic management protocols for breeding, feeding, and maintenance I had observed in my childhood. My exposure to the medical aspects of exotic animals came after graduation when I started internships at various institutions. The roots of my passion for handling and caring for animals lie in my childhood, and it was never a new thing for me—rather, it was a path that took me back to my childhood in a better way."

Q2. You have mentioned attending several conferences, volunteering at bird camps, and participating in workshops at institutions such as CSIR and TANUVAS during your academic journey. How have these experiences shaped your perspective on the vast scope of veterinary medicine? Additionally, how can students gain access to such opportunities, and what initial steps would you recommend for them?

"It is very important to gain confidence in facing the stage, so students should be enthusiastic about participating in events like quizzes, drama, and other extracurricular activities. Students should also expose themselves to various fields to understand what they truly want to pursue, rather than just following their peers. They should approach institutions through different websites that offer internships and fellowships for students pursuing their Post Graduation or MVSc. Many students don’t know what to do after graduation, so they should start investing time in areas they are passionate about during vet school. For example, I was exposed to a family farm with birds like macaws, pigeons, and certain exotic mammals like monkeys, which made it clear to me what I wanted to do. Students have many options, but they should start thinking outside the box and developing a genuine interest in their area of expertise."

Q3. In your undergraduate journey as a veterinary student, how did you balance your academic learning with your co-curricular activities? Did Participating in such activities helped you to balance yourself and today as a practitioner how do you manage your stress?

"As a veterinary practitioner, it is easy for me to manage stress since I get to interact with so many animals. A simple hug from a dog helps relieve my stress. During college, we had many co-curricular activities like NSS, intercollegiate art festivals, sports events, drama, dance, NCC camps, etc. Students should try to get involved in several events to help cope with exam stress and enjoy their college life to the fullest, as that time will not return. However, students should also focus on their curriculum during exams."

Q4. Zoonotic diseases and the One Health approach are critical issues in veterinary medicine. How did your experience studying epidemiology at The University of North Carolina changed your perspective on these topics? What steps should veterinarians take to balance the principles of One Health while dealing zoonotic risks?

"As a post graduate student, I worked on Preventive medicine and epidemiology and this course which I did in North Carolina was part of my PG work. Gaining this knowledge has vastly helped me in my current exotics medicine. Since, I work with different exotics species, I first take care of myself by learning about the zoonosis of particular disease. It helps me to protect myself and my staff from any communicable disease. I also teach my clients regarding all the necessary precautions that needs to be taken. We are kind of aware with zoonotic diseases caused by dogs and cats, but when it comes to birds especially exotics, more precautions should be taken. That’s how study of epidemiology helped me at ground level. The theory I studied at North Carolina has been helping me identify disease differentials. The exams there were particularly challenging, and we dived deep into the study of various diseases, which has given me a strong foundation for recognizing and distinguishing between them."

Q5. First of all, Heartiest Congratulations on winning the First Prize for your oral presentation on "Endoscopic Detection of Aspergillosis in Captive Bred Falcons" at the 8th Kerala Veterinary Science Congress in 2016. Endoscopy is a developing tool in Indian veterinary medicine. Can you throw some light on how has it transformed diagnostic capabilities in avian medicine? What factors help your decision to use endoscopy for diagnosis?

"Thankyou so much. Basically, this conference was the first conference I ever attended and the paper which I presented was my work at Falcon hospital Abu Dhabi. When I went to the Falcon hospital, it felt like I was stepping into a very different and a new world. A proper procedure for examination of birds was carried out. Once, the bird entered examination room, it was properly sedated even for a general health checkup. Endoscopy was part of this general health checkup. In general, Falcons were used for flying, so it was necessary to rule out any issues like aspergillosis or air sac worm affecting air sacs and any respiratory diseases, to maintain the bird’s flight efficiency. I would perform around 60 to 80 endoscopies daily. It’s believed by senior avian veterinarians abroad that, “if you cannot perform avian endoscopy, you are not a true avian veterinarian”. Endoscopy is a simple yet very effective and important method where we give incision between the last two ribs and insert the scope to see all the organs and organ systems. This allows us to check all the organs right from the heart, spleen, kidney to the respiratory and reproductive system of birds. We can also use a scope orally and per rectally to check choanal and cloacal regions respectively. Endoscopy in birds give much clearer view than radiographs. Diseases like aspergillosis are diagnosed even at the very early stage. Hence, if I suspect such patients I usually suggest endoscopy. In my clinic I regularly use endoscopy to find out stages of different disease condition, to check if bird is reproductively active, etc. So, endoscopy is actually a routine procedure just like how we do regular blood tests. Only thing with endoscopy is, we have to sedate the bird and I prefer inhalation anesthesia over injectable ones. So, actually it’s a quick procedure and very useful for diagnosis of diseases."

Q6. How does avian medicine in India compare to that practiced in other countries? Could you share your experiences on same and explain the advantages and challenges faced in both?

"In India Avian medicine is still developing. Recently, people have started to recognize the differences between species like cockatoos, macaws, and others. However, only a few veterinarians are focusing on learning about the anatomy, physiology, pathology, medicine, and proper care and management of different birds. Sometimes, avian medicine doesn't receive the attention it needs in our country, and at times medications meant for mammals are used for birds, which may not always be useful. But I’m trying my level best to get all the advanced facilities which are available abroad to our country. I have installed different facilities in my clinic which I saw in different institutes like Falcon hospital Abu Dhabi, Thailand, etc. But I think down the line say in next 10 years India will be par on with other countries when it comes to avian medicine. For me personally, learning about birds was because I grew up in a farm with many animals and birds. Local people from Kerala knew about me since childhood and for them it felt like their daughter grew up became an avian specialist and now practicing. Having said that, definitely it is quite challenging to practice avian medicine in India, but I remain dedicated to advancing the field of avian care here."

Q7. Wildlife and exotic animal medicine are pretty much parallel paths in veterinary practice. What advice would you give to budding veterinarians who wish to explore and establish their careers in these fields?

"Many students misinterpret and often confuse wildlife and exotics medicine. I believe, wildlife and exotics are two completely different sectors, yes, they are interlinked but the work is very different. Majorly wildlife sectors come in the government sector while exotics comes under private sector. Practicing as a wildlife veterinarian in India can be challenging due to a lack of facilities. In other countries, there have been instances of cataract surgeries performed on wild animals, but in India, strict laws and regulations make such procedures difficult. In wildlife medicine, there is a hierarchy of authorities, and veterinarians must take permission before handling wild species. In general, the focus in wildlife is more on conservation than on direct medical treatment. Most of the time, veterinarians are called to examine dead animals, perform post-mortems, diagnose the cause of death, and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of diseases. On the other hand, owners of exotics animals, are ready to invest on diagnostic procedures. Many exotic animal breeders also take efforts to set up an entire unit for bird's diagnostic procedures. Since exotics come under private sector, veterinarian get a freedom to work as per their choice, and if owner is ready, we can go deeper in diagnosis. While in wildlife, at times there are financial constraints and yearly budget makes it difficult opt for specialized diagnostics techniques. But I would say, compared to past few years, different upcoming projects, rescue centers for wild animals are developing and big business men of India are financing those. So, while there are challenges for wildlife veterinarians, with proper planning and perseverance, it's possible to excel and become one of the best in the field."

Q8. Beyond birds, which exotic species do you enjoy treating the most? What are some of the common medical issues you treat with these species?

"Although I started my career as avian veterinarian but, I also love working with monkeys. I work with different macaques like bonnet, gibbons, small marmoset, squirrel monkeys, etc. I also love to work with reptiles like turtles, tortoises, etc. I also handle small mammals and rodents like rabbits, guinea pigs, etc. Initially even in birds I thought people might only get these big birds like macaw but eventually people started getting variety of birds like Ibis, Hornbills, vultures, toucans, barbets, Bali mainas, conures, etc. and I feel so blessed that I can help variety of species. I still remember when I was a kid looking at cranes’ photographs, I always thought of clicking at least one photo with such birds and today as a veterinarian I can help and work with all of them. I can collect their blood, do their endoscopy and help to diagnose disease, which is why I feel blessed. Recently Siamung monkey was admitted and I did foreign body removal from his intestine. So, I personally love birds, but after birds I feel monkeys are my favorite. But yes, as a veterinarian I enjoy treating different species."

Q9. Neonatal care is crucial in avian medicine. Could you elaborate on best practices when caring for neonatal birds?

"I feel, taking care of neonate birds, is similar to taking care of a human baby. Clean environment, clean water, clean food, proper humidity and proper temperature are extremely important. One common mistake people make in choosing the hand feeding formula. There are several brands which are good but we must consider to buy an effective and safe formula for the particular species. Also, the temperature of the formula should be checked - it should be around 39-40°C after mixing with hot water. Any food which is below that temperature may cause crop stasis in birds due to fungal/ bacterial infection, and higher temperature can cause crop burn. Always prepare a fresh batch of formula for each meal; do not reuse the same feed for subsequent meals. Make sure you don't overfeed the bird otherwise the bird can end up in aspirating."

Q10. Your experience in research and development, along with your expertise in avian medicine, is truly inspiring. Beyond endoscopy, what other diagnostic tools do you prefer using in avian medicine? Furthermore, could you provide insights into surgical procedures like laparoscopy and their application in avian species?

"Endoscopy is a common tool for diagnostic procedure used in birds as well as in mammals. We also perform blood tests, blood PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests. We should first perform proper diagnosis or rule out all differential diagnosis through such procedures. For example, if a bird is brought with complaints of vomiting - it can occur due to bacterial/ yeast infection or foreign body inside the crop. So prescribing antifungal or antibiotics in such cases without a thorough understanding of the case should not be encouraged. You should confirm with the diagnosis- for that you can perform cytology tests, culture analysis, X-Ray plate analysis, endoscopies, and blood tests to check bacterial or viral antigens, check kidney or liver values - we should apply different methods of differential diagnosis in animals to be sure with the treatment procedure"