Columbus Zoo snake treated for skin cancer

The Columbus Zoo and a local pet cancer medical facility have teamed up to treat a state-endangered snake for skin cancer. The reptile involved is a plains garter snake, a participant in a breeder program designed to help bolster the snakes’ population in Ohio. Before treatment, the plains garter had littered 100 offspring and has given birth to 12 since. She is one of only three females in the program residing at the Columbus Zoo.

The snake’s unique cancer treatment came thanks to services provided by MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets. The zoo says that this is a great partnership for them, allowing MedVet’s staff to do something out of the norm while providing creatures like this one to have the best care possible. 

MedVet says that finding a way to immobilize the snake for specialized radiation therapy was the trickiest part of the procedure. They were hesitant to use dangerous sedatives, but technicians needed to be out of the room while the radiation was administered. In the end, a tube was used to hold the snake in place. 

“MedVet greatly values the mission of the Zoo and is happy to provide its services and resources without cost to support the Zoo’s non-profit efforts on behalf of wildlife. Our doctors and staff love this type of work and seeing their efforts extend the lives of these noble wild creatures.”

– Dr. Deborah Prescott, MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets

(jj)

BROUGHT TO YOU BY