CASE STUDIES

Rupture of Oesophagus in python

A 5 ½ foot long Indian Rock python was brought to the clinic. There were 2 inch gashes on both sides of its neck, probably due to injury with some sharp object. The object had pierced the python through one side and exited through other, cutting through the oesophagus of the reptile at two places diagonally opposite to each other.

On initial examination, the python was severely dehydrated and the wound edges were infected and necrosed. Antibiotics and saline was given to the python and the wound cleaned and extent determined.

After 4 days of hydration and antibiotics, the python seemed fit enough to take anesthesia to suture the wound.

The python was anesthetized using Isoflurane gas anesthesia in preparation for surgery.

The torn mucosal edges of the oesophagus were opposed and sutured using 4-0 Vicryl simple interrupted sutures. The muscle layer was then sutured along with the subcutaneous tissue. The skin was also sutured with Simple interrupted sutures.

The other side of the torn oesophagus was also sutured similarly.

Post operatively, Antibiotics and saline was given to the python. The wound started healing well and it became active soon after. Stitches were removed 10 days after the surgery by which the wound had healed completely. Python was fed a mixture of egg yolk and shredded chicken through a stomach tube on day 15 after surgery. It retained the feed and is doing well. The wounds have healed completely and it is ready for release back into the wild!!

Traumatic Cleft Palate

Suturing the Cleft Palate

A 3 yr old Female Persian Cat had fallen off the 3rd floor balcony. Miraculously she survived the fall; just a little bleeding from her mouth and nose was reported by the owners. When we checked her oral cavity, we found that her palate had split open – traumatic cleft palate, as said in medical terms. After preparing her for surgery, the cleft was sutured and she is now doing just fine.

Sutured Cleft Palate