Perth Zoo's big python goes under the knife
Perth Zoo’s oldest and biggest snake went under the knife on Tuesday, and came out 20 centimetres shorter.
Cuddles the Python had two fractures at the tip of his tail, forcing vets to amputate the injury.
At the age of 25, Cuddles’s circulation isn’t where it used to be, leading zoo staff to send the almost 5m reticulated python for X-rays.
'Cuddles' the python feeling un-well. Had day surgery today at the @PerthZoo. https://t.co/6rm43QpgOj #7Newshttps://t.co/fp6bVN0Eyo
— 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) July 19, 2016
According to vet Katja Geschke, Cuddles is on pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication with the surgery deemed a success.
Cuddles was found dumped in a bag outside Sydney’s Taronga Zoo 20 years ago, moving to Perth just a year later.
He is currently recovering after his operation.
It's just over a year since Cuddles was taken to Murdoch Veterinary Hospital and folded in half to fit through a $180,000 scanner.
On that occasion, zoo staff noticed the 46kg python was off his food and took him for specialist care.
