(Correcting name)

Puducherry, Nov 16 (UNI) Veterinary doctor K C Panickker from Kerala today performed surgery on an elephant of the Manakkula Vinayagar temple to remove a tumour on the inner side of its tail.

The elephant, Lakshmi, was donated to the temple by Chemfab Alkalis Limited about ten years ago. She had undergone treatment for overweight recently, but was shaping well after that.

Meanwhile, a tumour developed on its tail and since temple elephants are not sent out for treatment, Dr Panickker used to pay occasional visits to examine her.

For the surgery, Dr Panickker administered a local anaesthetic to the pachyderm and removed the tumour at the Vedapureeswarar temple here.

The 'mahout' later informed mediapersons that the elephant had recovered completely.

UNI PAB SB DB1339