Tiger at Brookfield Zoo that had hip-replacement surgery needed an second operation

An Amur tiger that underwent hip-replacement surgery at Brookfield Zoo last week but then dislodged the orthopedic implant within hours has been operated on again.

A team of veterinary specialists removed the original implant over the weekend and performed an alternative procedure on 10-year-old Malena to allow a fibrous joint to form and let her leg muscles provide stability to the joint.

She might not be able to perform the kind of “high-energy and high-impact activities” of a normal tiger as she recovers under close observation, but severe arthritis already was limiting Malena’s movements, according to the zoo.

“We anticipate Malena will have better use and mobility of her leg than she did before surgery and most importantly, her hip will be free of pain,” said Dr. Mike Adkesson, vice president of clinical medicine for the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo.

The need for a second operation wasn’t a total surprise to the veterinarians who performed what was believed to be the first full hip-replacement surgery with a custom, patient-designed implant to be attempted on a tiger in North America. They already had planned the second surgery to relieve the tiger’s discomfort in the event there were any complications.

The medical staff was encouraged by the sight of Malena moving around on Sunday and drinking water and eating on Monday.

“We feel hopeful and optimistic about the procedure and Malena’s recovery from the second surgery,” Adkesson said. “We have seen her rolling on her back, pawing at things and making other movements that are all normal behaviors for a content, resting cat.”