Denver Zoo's Komodo Dragon Undergoes Life-Saving Surgery
DENVER (CBS4)- A Komodo dragon at the Denver Zoo is recovering from abdomen surgery that saved the animal's life.
Anika, a 6-year-old Komodo dragon had surgery after she showed early signs of peritonitis, an inflammation of the membrane that lines the abdominal wall and organs.
Zoo keepers noticed that she suffered from abdominal swelling, loss of body weight without diet change, a dramatic increase in appetite and changes in behavior.
After an exam, veterinarians determined that blood had leaked into the abdomen and large follicles and eggs were present, signs that Anika had developed dystocia or an inability to deposit her eggs. Dystocia is a dangerous reproductive complication for Komodo dragons.
During surgery, veterinarians removed yolk from multiple eggs that had ruptured and also removed her ovaries and associated eggs to avoid future ovulation in the abdomen.
"We are so happy that Anika is still with us today," said Gwen Jankowski, MS, DVM, Denver Zoo Staff Veterinarian and Technician Supervisor, in a statement. "Komodo dragons are considered a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Being able to save one has been deeply meaningful to the entire Denver Zoo."
Denver Zoo has two female Komodo dragons, Anika and her sister. Veterinarians estimate that her life expectancy has increased by 10 years because of the surgery.
