Devilish cure for Rupert's paws

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Devilish cure for Rupert's paws

By Don Woolford

HOBART, April 10 AAP - Acupuncture may be the last hope for Rupert, a young Tasmaniandevil hit by a car a month ago.

If intensive treatment on his twisted and paralysed front paws doesn't work, he'llprobably have to be put down, Alastair Ross of Parks and Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitationservice said today.

Mr Ross said that unless the one-year-old's paws regained 90 per cent efficiency, hecould not survive in the wild.

"Even in captivity, especially as he's a male, he'd be picked on by other devils andcould starve," he said.

"And you'd have to question whether going into isolation would be in Rupert's best interests.

"For all their aggression and competitiveness, they're social animals."

Mr Ross and Devonport vet Bob Clippingdale started Rupert's treatment with cortisoneinjections, followed by physiotherapy. They didn't work.

Hydrotherapy brought small improvements.

A week ago Dr Clippingdale started acupuncture and that is definitely helping, particularlyon the Devil's less damaged left paw.

Rupert, whose strong jaws are still in top biting condition, is putting up with histreatment well.

Mr Ross said Rupert tried to get out of the bath during hydrotherapy sessions, butthat was good because it made him use his paws.

Dr Clippingdale said Rupert was very vocal as about 10 needles were put into him athis first acupuncture session.

"If Alastair hadn't had a good grip, he'd have nailed me for sure," he said.

But he hardly twitched a whisker at his second session, almost as if he knew he was being helped.

Mr Ross said the treatment would continue for a month before a decision was made onRupert's future.

AAP dw/cjh

KEYWORD: DEVIL