A 23-year-old reticulated python named Jodie Foster has become the first snake to receive electrochemotherapy, a groundbreaking cancer treatment typically used in humans. This innovative procedure was necessary after Jodie developed a malignant fibrosarcoma in her jaw, which returned after initial surgery and threatened her ability to eat.
Veterinary staff at Chester Zoo collaborated with cancer specialists to adapt the treatment for Jodie, who required a specially designed operating platform due to her size. The electrochemotherapy involved administering a cancer drug alongside electrical pulses to enhance drug absorption by the cancer cells.
Following the treatment, Jodie has shown remarkable recovery, returning to her usual feisty behaviour and eating normally. This success not only highlights the potential for advanced veterinary care but also sets a precedent for future treatments in reptiles, contributing valuable insights to the veterinary community.
The case will be documented formally, allowing other veterinary professionals worldwide to learn from this pioneering approach. This collaboration exemplifies how innovative solutions can emerge from the intersection of veterinary science and human medical advancements.
Source: The Guardian
