Bob the 660-pound alligator undergoes an X-ray
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Gator-aid! Bob the 660-pound alligator is moved from Florida reptile farm to veterinary clinic in mammoth operation for X-ray on his leg
- Bob the 38-year-old reptile underwent tests at University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine after experiencing pain in his rear leg
- Bob was strapped to a gurney, with his jaws tied shot, and wheeled into radiology department
- Tests showed bone infection in Bob’s right leg, which caused lameness
- Alligator was prescribed pain medications and antibiotics for the infection
Florida veterinarians had their hands full when bringing in Bob the 660-pound alligator for an X-ray.
The 38-year-old reptile that lives at the St Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park in Gainesville was transported earlier this month to the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine for tests after experiencing pain in his right rear leg.
Staff at the alligator farm strapped the scaly patient to a long wooden board, tied his massive jaws shut and covered his eyes with a towel to spare him stress.
Gator-aid: Bob the 660-pound alligator is pictured being prepared for transport to a veterinary clinic in Florida
The 38-year-old reptile living at the St Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park in Gainesville, Florida, required medical help for pain in his right rear leg
Staff at the alligator farm strapped the scaly patient to a long wooden board, tied his jaws shut and covered his eyes with a towel. Bob is pictured arriving at University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine
Bob was then wheeled on a gurney inside the radiology department to undergo X-rays
Once Bob arrived at the veterinary clinic on the campus of the University of Florida – home of the Gators football team – he was placed on a gurney and tightly secured with straps, allowing staff to wheel him in for radiographs, reported CBS Miami.
Officials with UF veterinary medicine said the tests have determined that Bob has a bone infection called osteomyelitis.
The middle-aged reptile has been prescribed pain relief medications and antibiotics for the infection, which zookeepers on the alligator farm have been administering to him inside dead rats.
‘For me, it’s a great pleasure and a great privilege to be able to work on these animals,’ Darryl Heard, UF associate professor of zoological medicine, told WCJB. ‘In particular such a large animal and also to be able to work with them safely.’
Officials said the tests have determined that Bob has a bone infection called osteomyelitis
A veterinary radiology technician is pictured handling the hulking, scaly patient
The middle-aged reptile has been prescribed pain relief medications and antibiotics for the infection
Bob is being fed medicine inside his favorite snack – dead rats – and is said to be on the mend
Days after his trip to the doctor, Bob is said to be doing better.
‘What about Bob,’ the farm tweeted on September 8. ‘He is doing great! Taking his medicine like a perfect patient. Bob has been back in the Lagoon, eating his pain relievers and antibiotics inside his favorite snacks (rats!). #ChompChomp #GoGators #StAugustine.’
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