Pododermatitis Surgical Intervention in a Savannah Monitor (Varanus exanthematicus)

Abstract. A five-year-old Varanus exanthematicus weighing 3.4 kg was presented with a solid mass on the palmar surface of its rear left foot. During clinical examination, the monitor had gait movement abnormalities, and radiography revealed the mass was radiopaque. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of the mass revealed some cocci-shaped bacteria. Pododermatitis with an encapsulated abscess was diagnosed after both diagnostic methods were performed. Surgery was performed with the lizard under general anesthesia. Fluid therapy, antibiotics, NSAID and topical ointment was administered post-surgery. The wound healed up well and no further gait abnormalities were noticed two weeks post-surgery. Suture materials were removed six weeks post-surgery.