San Antonio Zoo Use New Therapy To Treat Komodo Dragon

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: January 8, 2022 3:47 pm

A Komodo Dragon from San Antonio Zoo is treated for arthritis

Photo Credit: San Antonio Zoo

A Komodo dragon from San Antonio Zoo has become the first animal in the world treated with an innovate treatment developed to reduce the effects of arthritis. 27 year old Bubba will benefit from the innovative procedure developed for dogs in 2019.

The new treatment known as Synovetin OA, works to break down the cycle of pain and inflammation between joints for up to a year. Bubba was taken to Sage Veterinary Imaging in Austin, Texas where the treatment is offered.

“Bubba has severe arthritis,” explained Dr. Jaime Sage following the procedure. “We’re happy

to know Synovetin was successful in improving his mobility and making him more comfortable in his environment. He has more spring in his step these days.”

Bubba has developed joint stiffness over recent years. “Even with Bubba’s regular acupuncture treatments, we saw his mobility slowly decreasing over the past few years,” explained Tim Murrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo. “Since the procedure, we have seen an increase in movement, now find him in more areas of his habitat and no longer hear the audible sound he would make from the discomfort.”

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“We are excited to collaborate with the San Antonio Zoo on this exciting procedure – the first

exotic animal to be treated with Synovetin,” explained Dr. John Donecker, chief veterinary

officer at Exubrion, maker of Synovetin.

“For dogs – or Komodo dragons — with chronic elbow pain, Synovetin OA is a new, convenient, long-lasting, and safe option. It treats the pain right where it happens and doesn’t go through the animal, like pills that can have side effects.”

Komodo dragons are the world’s largest lizard. Unfortunately they are listed as endangered wild with as few as 6000 remaining.

Learn more about Komodo Dragons here – Komodo Dragon Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about the San Antonio Zoo on their website – San Antonio Zoo

A Komodo Dragon from San Antonio Zoo is treated for arthritis

Photo Credit: San Antonio Zoo