Born on 18 December 1955 in Napasar Village of Bikaner District of Rajasthan State of India
Graduated BVSc &AH in 1979, MVSc in veterinary surgery and radiology in 1982 from College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
Did PhD in 1989 from College of Veterinary Sciences, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India
How became a CAMEL VET?
Dr.Gahlot had a fascination for camels since birth because he was born in desert land where there were lots of camels around. Then incidently he joined veterinary profession and was distressed to learn that many camels could not be treated properly due to lack of published literature on this desert species.
Dr.Gahlot could understand various diseases of camels ever since he was attending the college clinics as a student since 1978. Dr.Gahlot decided to join Masters of Veterinary Science in Veterinary Surgery and Radiology.
Dr.T.K.Gahlot visting expert.
Innovations:
Dr.Gahlot realised that there are many surgical problems of camels which need appropriate treatment. For example mandibular fracture which was a major problem in male camels during breeding season. There was no appropriate treatment. Earlier transfixation with plaster of Paris cast was being used but was not successful as camel dips entire mouth in the water bucket or trench and device use to get wet and infected.
Dr.Gahlot brought few mandibles from carcass centres and studied the feasibility of interdental wiring. He tried this treatment earlier with silver wire and found is highly successful, economic and effective to treat the mandibular fracture. Animal had freedom of prehension, browsing and mastication soon after recovery from sedation. Silver wire was later replaced by copper wire which was easily available in market and even in house hold. This was a unique example of a clinical research and technique became famous as IDW (Inter Dental Wiring) technique and was adopted in other countries also.
Similarly Dr.Gahlot invented the treatment of deep punctured wounds in camels where there was prolapsed of digital cushion. Treatment of injury to soft palate was also established.
Creativity:
Published exclusive clinical reports on camel surgery, anaesthesia, orthopaedics, radiology, training etc, many of these were first time published.
2.Published first ever book entitled, “Camel Surgery” (first edition 1992) and was released in International Camel Conference held at Dubai, February 2-6, 1992.
3.Brought out the exclusive journal on camels entitled, “Journal of Camel Practice and Research” published by Camel Publishing House and edited by Dr.T.K.Gahlot since 1994
4.Edited the following multiauthored and multieditor books:
a.Selected Topics on Camelids (first edition 2000)
b.Selected Bibliography on Camelids 1992-2000 (first edition 2002)
c.Selected Research on Camelid Physiology and Nutrition (first edition 2004)
Turning points of my career:
Dr.D.S.Chouhan, Professor and Head (Retired), Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Science: He was a meticulous and clinically sound veterinary surgeon. He taught me the abcd of surgery and particularly camel surgery and was a great source of inspiration for me. He was my major advisor in MVSc programme. Dr.Jit Singh, Professor of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, Additional Director of Research, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar , Haryana, India: He was co-editor of my books namely Camel Surgery and Selected Topics on Camelids and was the member of Editorial board of Journal of Camel Practice and Research. He had immense capabilities of a scientist, author and editor. The tips and support given by him has helped me a lot to upkeep the standards of the journal and books. He was my major advisor in PhD.
Gratitude:
I am highly thankful to the following persons /organizations who helped me to become a camel vet
1.Camel Keepers for offering their camels for surgery
2.Border Security Force for offering their camels for surgery
3.All staff and students working in the department
