Surat: A 49-year-old Non-Resident Indian (NRI) escaped the risk of permanent disability after doctors in Surat successfully reattached the severed tip of his thumb, which was bitten off by a horse at his farmhouse in Mangrol on Sunday morning.

The incident took place while the man was feeding carrots and other food items to a horse at the farmhouse. The animal suddenly bit his hand, severing the tip of his thumb. The force of the bite was so intense that a tendon remained connected to the detached portion.

He was immediately taken to a private hospital in Adajan, where a team of specialists, including a plastic surgeon, anaesthetist, and supporting medical staff, performed an emergency microsurgical procedure to save the thumb.

Dr Viral Patel, the plastic and reconstructive surgeon who led the operation, said the procedure required the use of a microscope to reconnect tiny blood vessels and arteries. He noted that in cases involving severed body parts, the first six hours are considered the “golden period,” significantly improving the chances of successful reattachment.

During the surgery, doctors also repaired the damaged tendon and secured the fractured bone using a small wire. As the injury resulted from an animal bite, the patient was given anti-rabies vaccination and rabies immunoglobulin as a preventive measure.

Doctors said the patient will remain under observation for five days to monitor the viability of the reattached thumb. He will subsequently undergo physiotherapy for several months to restore movement and function.

According to sources, the NRI is a passionate horse enthusiast who owns several high-value horses at his farmhouse and frequently visits his hometown to personally oversee their care and upkeep. DeshGujarat