A Triumph of Surgery Long Answer Type Question

This page offers A Triumph of Surgery long answer type question for Class 10 from the book Footprints Without Feet. We’ve put together a bunch of long answer type question based on assumption, creativity, extrapolation and critical thinking. These types of questions are introduced after 2024 in CBSE Board. So, practice to understand A Triumph of Surgery long answer type question

Question 1. If Tricki could talk, what would he say to Mrs. Pumphrey about his diet and lifestyle before and after his stay with Dr. Herriot?

Answer- Tricki’s transformation after his stay with Dr. Herriot made a significant impact on his life and the community. Before his recovery, Tricki was a pampered and overweight dog who could hardly move due to his poor health.
Before his stay with Dr. Herriot, Tricki might say, “Mrs. Pumphrey, I appreciate all the treats and love all the food give me, but I’ve been feeling sluggish and heavy. It’s hard for me to enjoy playtime like I used to because I get tired so quickly. I miss being able to run around freely without feeling out of breath.”
After his recovery, Tricki might express, “Mrs. Pumphrey, my time with Dr. Herriot has been life-changing. I feel so much lighter and full of energy now. It’s wonderful to be able to play and run without feeling weighed down. I hope we can continue this healthier lifestyle, with fewer treats and more exercise. I’ve learned that being healthy makes me much happier and allows me to enjoy our time together even more.”

Question 2. Imagine a day in the life of Dr. Herriot. What challenges does he face, and how does he feel about treating animals like Tricki?

Answer. Dr. Herriot’s days are full of various tasks, including diagnosing and treating different animals. He also must be addressing pet owners’ concerns and emotions. Pets like Tricki sometimes have problems because they eat too much and don’t exercise enough. This is often because of what their owners do. Dr. Herriot is very professional, kind, and patient when he deals with these issues.
He also makes sure to teach pet owners how to take better care of their pets, along with treating the pets themselves. In Tricki’s situation, Dr. Herriot had to delicately offer medical advice while being considerate of Mrs. Pumphrey’s feelings to ensure Tricki received the needed care without causing any upset.
The satisfaction Dr. Herriot derives from his work, particularly when witnessing the recovery and improved well-being of animals like Tricki, reinforces his passion for veterinary practice and his dedication to ensuring the welfare of animals.

Question 3. Write a letter from Mrs. Pumphrey to Dr. Herriot expressing her gratitude after Tricki’s recovery. What would she say?

Dear Dr. Herriot,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the miraculous recovery of my dear Tricki. When you took Tricki to your clinic, he was in such a poor state that I feared the worst. Your assurance and professionalism gave me hope during a time of great distress.
The transformation in Tricki since his stay with you is nothing short of a miracle. He is now full of life, energy, and joy, which I hadn’t seen in him for a long time. Your guidance on his diet and care has been invaluable, and I assure you, I am following your advice truly.
I cannot thank you enough for not only restoring Tricki’s health but also for teaching me the importance of proper pet care. Your patience and understanding throughout this process have been a great support.
Please accept my heartfelt thanks for everything you have done for Tricki and me. You are truly a remarkable veterinarian and a kind person.

With warm regards,

Mrs. Pumphrey

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Question 4. How might the story change if Mrs. Pumphrey had decided to take Tricki to a different vet? Describe the possible outcomes.

Answer- If Mrs. Pumphrey had decided to take Tricki to a different vet, the story could have taken several different turns. One possible outcome is that the new vet might not have been as observant as Dr. Herriot. The other doctor might have done a less effective treatment for Tricki. The vet might have focused on immediate solutions like medication without addressing the root cause of Tricki’s condition, which was his lifestyle and diet.
Another possibility is that the new vet could have been equally skilled but with a different approach, perhaps emphasizing more on educating Mrs. Pumphrey about pet nutrition and exercise from the start. But Mrs. Pumphrey might not have followed the advice and the condition would remain the same.
If the new vet hadn’t taken Tricki’s condition seriously, he might have thought his lack of energy was just because of his breed or age. This could have led to Tricki’s health getting worse over time. Mrs. Pumphrey would have been more upset, and Tricki could have faced more serious health problems later on.

Question 5. If Tricki had a diary, what entries might he make during his stay at the clinic? Describe his journey from illness to health.

If Tricki had a diary, his entries during his stay might include the following points:

1. “Arrived at a new place, missing home and treats. Too tired to explore much, but everyone’s nice here.”
2. “No treats today, just regular food. Felt hungry but then a bit better. Made a new dog friend.”
3. “Played for the first time in ages! Enjoying the different food and feeling more energetic.”
4. “Making lots of friends, running and playing a lot. Noticed I’m losing weight and feeling happier.”
5. “Dr. Herriot says I’m healthier. I don’t get all he says, but I feel good. Excited to go home but will have fun.”
6. “Going home tomorrow. Excited to see Mrs. Pumphrey but will miss my clinic friends. Learned a lot and hope to stay well.”

Question 6. From the perspective of another pet at the clinic, describe the arrival and change of Tricki.

Answer- From the perspective of another pet at the clinic, the arrival of Tricki would have been quite noticeable. “When Tricki first arrived, he was different from the rest of us. He was round, quiet, and didn’t move much. It was clear he wasn’t used to being around so many other animals. We all wondered why he seemed so sad and tired.
As days passed, we saw changes in Tricki. He started eating the same food as us, and at first, he seemed to miss his old treats. But soon, Tricki began to join in our playtimes. It was surprising to see him become more active and lively. Each day, he had more energy and seemed happier.
Watching speedy changes in Tricki was inspiring. He went from barely moving to running and playing with the rest of us. It was like he was rediscovering how to be a dog. By the time he left, Tricki was one of the gang, full of life and joy. His transformation reminded us all of the magic of this place and the care we receive here.”

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Question 7. Imagine a conversation between Dr. Herriot and a veterinary student about the importance of diet in pet health, inspired by Tricki’s case.

Answer- Dr. Herriot: “One of the most important lessons in veterinary medicine is understanding the impact of diet on pet health. Take, for example, a recent case I had with a dog named Tricki.”
Veterinary Student: “What was special about Tricki’s case, Dr. Herriot?”
Dr. Herriot: “Tricki was severely overweight due to overfeeding by his owner. It’s a common issue, but it highlights how a poor diet can lead to serious health problems.”
Veterinary Student: “So, what did you do?”
Dr. Herriot: “We placed Tricki on a strict but balanced diet at the clinic, cutting out all the unnecessary treats and focusing on proper nutrition. It wasn’t just about reducing his weight; it was about restoring his overall health and vitality.”
Veterinary Student: “That sounds like quite a transformation.”
Dr. Herriot: “Absolutely. Within days, Tricki became more active and playful. Remember, as veterinarians, our advice on nutrition can make a great difference in our patients’ lives.”
Veterinary Student: “I’ll definitely keep that in mind. Tricki’s story is really inspiring.”

Question 8. Write a sequel to the story where Mrs. Pumphrey hosts a pet health awareness event inspired by Tricki’s recovery. What happens?

Answer- After Tricki got better, Mrs. Pumphrey was so inspired that she decided to organize a big event about pet health. She wanted all pet owners to see how important it is to take good care of their pets, with the right food and enough exercise.
The event had many activities. There were talks by vets like Dr. Herriot, who shared stories and tips on how to keep pets healthy. There were stalls selling healthy pet food and demonstrations on how to exercise with pets. Pet owners could join in and learn new ways to look after their pets’ health.
Tricki was the main attraction. He was full of energy and showed everyone how much he had changed. Mrs. Pumphrey told everyone about Tricki’s journey, and it made a lot of people think about making changes for their own pets.
The event ended with a big walk where all the pets and their owners walked together. It was a way for everyone to show they were committed to keeping their pets healthy. Mrs. Pumphrey’s effort brought the community closer and made a big difference in how pets were taken care of in the neighborhood.

Question 9. If Tricki had not been taken to Dr. Herriot, how might his life have been different? Consider the potential long-term effects of his previous lifestyle on his health and behavior.

Answer- If Tricki hadn’t gone to Dr. Herriot, things might have gotten worse for him. If he stayed at home, being overfed and not exercising much, his health would likely go downhill. He could become slower and face big health problems like diabetes, joint pain, and heart issues, which are common in dogs that are too heavy.
Not eating right and not exercising could also make him feel sad and less interested in playing or meeting other dogs. Over time, Tricki’s life would be less about fun and more about feeling uncomfortable.
This shows how important it is to take care of pets the right way. It’s not just about giving them treats; it’s about making sure they eat healthily and get enough exercise to stay happy and well.

Question 10. Suppose Dr. Herriot started a community program for pet health awareness inspired by Tricki’s case. What activities and lessons do you think he would include in the program, and how would it benefit the community’s pets and their owners?

Answer- If Dr. Herriot initiated a community program for pet health awareness inspired by Tricki’s case, he would likely include a variety of informative and activities.
Workshops on proper pet nutrition, highlighting the dangers of overfeeding and the importance of a balanced diet, would be included. Exercise sessions for pets and their owners, possibly including fun courses or group walks, would emphasize physical activity’s role in pet health.
Dr. Herriot might also hold Q&A sessions, allowing pet owners to seek personalized advice, and invite experts to talk about common pet health issues and preventive care. The program could include success stories, like Tricki’s, to motivate and educate pet owners about the positive impacts of proper care.
Such a program would greatly benefit the community’s pets and their owners by increasing awareness of pet health needs, reducing common health problems among pets, and fostering a stronger bond between pets and owners through shared activities. Ultimately, it would lead to a healthier, happier pet community.

Question 11. If Tricki could communicate with Mrs. Pumphrey after his stay with Dr. Herriot, what might he express about his experience and his new understanding of health and happiness?

Answer- If Tricki could talk after his time with Dr. Herriot, he’d have a lot to say to Mrs. Pumphrey. He’d start by saying a big thank you for taking him to the doctor. He’d tell her how amazing he feels now, full of energy and ready to play, which is a big change from before when he just wanted to lie around.
Tricki would explain how eating less treats and getting more exercise has made him feel so much better. He’d talk about the fun he has now, running and playing with other dogs, and how this has made him much happier.
Tricki might also tell Mrs. Pumphrey that showing love isn’t just about giving treats. He’d suggest having good, healthy food and setting aside time for play every day. He’d share his joy in his new healthy lifestyle and express his hope to keep living this way, with Mrs. Pumphrey’s help, focusing on staying fit and happy.

Question 12. Think about how Mrs. Pumphrey first took care of Tricki the wrong way. How does the story show us that knowing the right way to take care of someone is better than just showing love?

Answer- At first, Mrs. Pumphrey thought she was taking good care of Tricki by giving him lots of treats and cuddles. She didn’t realize that what she was doing was not really good for Tricki’s health. The story shows us that taking care of someone means making smart choices for them, like giving the right kind of food and making sure they move and play, not just giving them whatever they want.
Mrs. Pumphrey learned that caring means doing what’s best for Tricki’s health, even if it means not giving him every treat he wants. This teaches us that when we look after someone, we need to think about what’s really good for them to keep them happy and healthy in the long run.

Question 13. Consider Dr. Herriot’s approach to Tricki’s treatment. What does the story teach us about the value of professional integrity and the ethical responsibilities?

Answer- Dr. Herriot took great care of Tricki, showing he really knows his job well and cares about doing it right. He made sure Tricki’s health was the top priority, even if it meant making decisions that Mrs. Pumphrey didn’t like at first.
The story shows us that to really look after someone, you need to make smart choices for them, not just do what makes them happy right away. Dr. Herriot didn’t just go with easy fixes; he put together a good plan for Tricki’s food and exercise.
This helped Tricki get back to being a healthy dog, and also taught Mrs. Pumphrey a valuable lesson. The story tells us that when we care for others, we should use our knowledge and do what’s best for them. This helps them get better and live a happier life.

Question 14. Look at how Tricki changed from a slow, tired dog to a lively, active one. How does this show that how we live affects how we feel? What can people learn from Tricki’s story?

Answer- Tricki’s change from an overweight dog to an energetic, playful one powerfully shows the impact of lifestyle on well-being. When Tricki stayed with Dr. Herriot, he got a new diet and started exercising regularly.
This change wasn’t just about getting Tricki to lose weight; it made him a happier and more energetic dog. Before, Tricki was slow and didn’t have much energy. He didn’t play much and seemed tired all the time. But after Dr. Herriot changed his food and got him moving, Tricki began to enjoy life more.
This part of the story shows us how important it is to eat healthy food and exercise, not just for pets like Tricki, but for people too. It’s a reminder that eating too much of the wrong things and not moving enough can make us feel bad.
But if we eat well and stay active, we can feel better and have more fun, just like Tricki did. Tricki’s story teaches us to take good care of our health by choosing the right foods and making sure we move and play.

Question 15. Think about how Tricki’s story shows us what can happen when we do too much of something, like eating too many treats. What can we learn from this about finding a good balance in our own lives?

Answer- Tricki’s story goes beyond just what happens to him. It’s like a lesson about what happens when we do too much of something, like eating too much or spending too much money. Tricki getting sick because he ate too much makes us think about where we might be doing too much in our own lives.
The story shows us that not controlling ourselves can end up badly, just like with Tricki. It tells us we need to pay attention, control ourselves, and make smart choices that are good for us in the long run.
The story also tells us it’s okay to ask for help, just like Mrs. Pumphrey did with Dr. Herriot. And when we make changes to fix what’s bad, like Tricki did, we can have a better, happier life. This story is a reminder that being careful and making good choices can help us live better.

Question 16. In what ways does Mrs. Pumphrey’s affection contribute to Tricki’s initial poor health, and how can love be shown differently to ensure a pet’s well-being?

Answer- Mrs. Pumphrey’s love for Tricki was shown through giving him lots of treats and making sure he was always comfortable, but this wasn’t the best for Tricki’s health. He ended up overweight and not very energetic because he wasn’t eating right or getting enough exercise.
To really take care of pets, it’s important to give them healthy food and make sure they stay active. Love for pets means looking after them properly, not just giving them treats. Pets need to play and move around to be happy and healthy.
It’s also good to spend quality time with them, like playing games or going for walks. This way, pets can have a good life and stay fit. Showing love in this way helps pets live their best life.

Question 17. What does the story ‘A Triumph of Surgery’ suggest about our community responsibilities toward animal welfare, and how does this relate to broader animal care issues?

Answer- The story tells us that everyone in the community should help take care of animals. It points out how not knowing the right way to look after pets can cause them problems. This happened with Tricki and Mrs. Pumphrey. The story suggests that people should learn about proper animal care.
This includes making sure pets are healthy and get the care they need. Vets like Dr. Herriot play a big role in teaching pet owners the right way to care for their pets. The story encourages everyone to be kind and smart in how they treat pets.
It says that when we all work together, we can make a big difference in the lives of animals. This helps to stop neglect and build a community that is kind and caring towards all animals.

Question 18. How does Dr. Herriot’s treatment of Tricki reflect ethical practices in veterinary care, and what can we learn about the moral duties of healthcare professionals?

Answer- Dr. Herriot treated Tricki by looking deeply into why he was unwell, not just treating the symptoms. He kept Tricki in the clinic to watch over him and make sure he ate right. Mrs. Pumphrey was worried at first, but Dr. Herriot assured her it was for the best. This story teaches us about the big responsibilities doctors and vets have.
They must always do what’s best for their patients, even if it means making tough decisions.
They also need to teach pet owners how to properly care for their pets. Being honest, brave, and caring is crucial in their role to ensure the health and well-being of the animals they treat. This approach not only helps the pets get better but also educates the owners, making them more aware of their pets’ needs.

Question 19. How does Mrs. Pumphrey learn about taking care of pets better by the end of the story, and what does that show us about learning and changing in our own lives?

Answer- Mrs. Pumphrey started by caring for Tricki with a lot of love, but not in the best way for his health. She gave him too many treats, which made him unwell. As the story goes on, she learns from Dr. Herriot how to better care for Tricki with the right food and exercise.
This shows us how learning and changing are part of taking care of someone properly. Mrs. Pumphrey’s change teaches us about being open to new information and willing to change our ways for the better.
Just like her, we can learn from our experiences and improve how we do things, especially when it comes to taking care of others, whether they are pets or people. This is a big part of growing and making better choices in life.

Note- Following are the old types of questions. These are more of memory based. These were asked before 2022. Still you may find them useful. Have a look-

Question- 20 Herriot enjoyed the lavish meal during Trick’s stay but still, he felt compelled to inform Mrs Humphrey about the recovery of Tricky. Why did he not keep Tricky for a longer time? Did he feel concerned for Mrs Humphrey? Was it not in his attitude to break the trust of others. Discuss the values he possessed in 100-120 words.

Answer. Tricky was a fat dog, a pet of Mrs Humphrey. He became listless and seemed to have no energy. It fell ill. So, Mrs Humphrey called the veterinary surgeon, Dr Herriot for help. Dr Herriot took Tricky to his surgery. He kept an eye on him for two days and gave him no food but plenty of water.
At the end of the second day, he started showing some interest in his surroundings and on the third day, began to whimper on the sound of dogs. During his stay at the surgery, Mrs Humphrey started to bring round fresh eggs to a dozen at a time. She also sent bottles of wine and brandy for Trick’s health.
But that was consumed by Mr Herriot and his eel leagues. Hence, Herriot enjoyed the stay of Tricky. He did not want to keep Tricky for a longer time because he felt concerned for Mrs Humphrey. He did not want to separate the pet from his owner. He could understand Mrs Pumphrey’s concern for the little dog. So he returned! him back.

Question- 21 The story shows how too much care from rich people like Mrs. Pumphrey can be harmful, as seen with Tricki’s health. Can such behavior be dangerous for their loved ones? What values should they learn and why? Answer in 100-120 words.

Answer. MrsPumphrey was a wealthy lady with a fat pet dog named Tricky. Tricky was too dear to MrsPumphrey. Hence, she took extra care of him. She had pampered the dog with all kinds of comforts.
The dog had many coats worn according to the weather, had different cushions for his comfort and also had various dishes to eat. Some extras between meals were given to him, some malt, cod- liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks at night to make him sleep.
He was also given cream cakes and chocolates. This made him fat and lethargic. He became hugely fat like a bloated sausage. His eyes bloodshot and rheumy, stared straight ahead and his tongue lolled from his jaws.
I think Mrs Pumphrey’s extra-caring nature resulted in Trick’s declined health. Such an attitude can result to be fatal for the health of their kins. One should not over care for them. Exercise and proper meal are important for one’s health. The same was taken care by Dr Herriot, which resulted in the speedy recovery of Tricky.

Question- 22 “He had never been known to refuse food; he would tackle a meal at any hour of the day or night.” Herriot believed that Trick’s problem was his greed. Did he lack tolerance? What values would you like Tricky to imbibe? Elucidate.

Answer. Dr Herriot was not entirely wrong in believing that Trick’s problem was greed. Tricki was indeed greedy, but MrsPumphrey only made matters worse by stuffing him with rich food. Herriot did not lack intolerance, he was just stating the obvious.
Trick’s ill-health made him concerned, and he madethe observation as a veterinary doctor. Tricky, on the other hand, needed to exercise control on his eating habits.
It would have been good if he did not greedily gobble up everything that was placed in front of him. MrsPumphrey herself reveals that Tricky loved cream cakes and chocolates very much. Thus, Tricky ought to have been less gluttonous and luxury-loving, and behaved more like a dog!

Question- 23 Herriot seems to be a duty-bound doctor who values others ’emotions’ than his personal interests. Elucidate the above statement. Mention those values of Herriot which you would like to emulate in yourself also and give reasons for the same. Write your answer in 100-120 words.

Answer. Herriot was a duty-bound veterinary doctor. He used to visit Mrs Pumphrey’s house regularly for the regular check-up of her dog Tricky. Mrs Pumphrey was a very rich lady who had pampered her dog. Dr Herriot was quite worried about Trick’s health.
He knew that the dog was over-fed by his owner. He advised Mrs Pumphrey to keep him on a rich diet and give him a lot of exercises. But she didn’t bother. Hence, in order to improve Trick’s health, he decided to take him away from MrsPumphrey. He told her that Tricki needed surgery.
He made Tricky cut down his diet and made him do certain exercises. which improved his health. Although he knew MrsPumphrey was very rich and much attached to the dog, he did not take any advantage of it. He just performed his duties. should also learn the same values in our life.

Question- 24 Mrs Pumphrey says, “This is a triumph of surgery.” Why did she say so? Did she know what Tricki’s ailment was?

Answer. Mrs. Pumphrey said “This is a triumph of surgery” because she was extremely happy and impressed by Tricki’s recovery. She might not have fully understood that Tricki’s problem was mainly due to overeating and lack of exercise, rather than a condition needing surgery.
Her statement reflects her relief and gratitude towards Dr. Herriot, whom she credits for Tricki’s transformation. It shows her lack of awareness about the real cause of Tricki’s ailment, attributing the improvement to medical intervention rather than lifestyle changes. For more details, you can refer to the chapter in “Triumph of Surgery.”

Question- 25 Dr James Herriot was a competent veterinary surgeon. His practical approach and common sense helped in the rapid recovery of Tricki. Comment.

Answer. Dr James Herriot, no doubt, was a competent veterinary surgeon. He was really worried about Tricki. He understood that the real fault of the dog was his greed for food. He never refused food.
The dog had become hugely fat and listless. Dr Herriot instructed Mrs Pumphrey to keep Tricki on a very strict diet. He also asked her to give him a lot of exercises. Dr Herriot also suggested cutting down sweets. He advised her that Tricki must be hospitalised for a fortnight under his observation.
Dr James Herriot was practical and pragmatic. He didn’t give any medical treatment to the dog. The dog was not given any food but lots of water. His method worked. Tricki’s recovery was surprisingly rapid.
Tricki was transformed into a flexible and hard-muscled dog. He was not only out of danger but was soon handed over to his mistress. The grateful mistress thanked Dr Herriot and called his feat “a triumph of surgery!”

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