In the first reported case of its kind in Karnataka, captured rock python at Chitradurga Aadumalleshwar, suffers a benign tumor, underwent a successful surgery to rescue and nature conservation in Bengalur.
The veterinarians and officials from Karnataka Forest Department said Hindu that benign tumors are very rare in Python in Karnataka, without previously recorded cases, especially in rock python, which are “almost endangered” in the International Union to preserve the red list of nature. Last year, however, a similar case was reported in Mumbai, where the snake was reportedly successfully treated.
On 3 July, the authorities of the Aadumalleshwara zoo sent the Karnataka forest department, a rock python with a tumor in the mouth to Bengaluru’s animal people (PFA) for operation and rehabilitation. After two months of intensive care, Python, previously unable to eat, he regained his hunting ability and was later returned to the zoo.
The source in the Aadumalleshwara zoo confirmed Hindu that the snake has fully recovered and now lives normally.
Nirupama Jaisingh, a veterinarian in private nature conservation, who performs tasks for the forest department, said she had never met a benign tumor in Python. “Usually snakes develop lumps, but the recorded history largely points to parasitic infections as a cause. This benign tumor can be a random finding,” Hindu said.
Dr. Zalaz Shariff, the main veterinarian of the wilderness in PFA, who treated Python, explained that the location of the benign tumor is a critical factor in determining its impact. “In this case, the tumor was limited to the lower jaw, making it difficult for the snake to open the mouth for hunting. Without intervention, the reptile would die of starvation,” he said.
The initial Smear tests were revealed by abundant nucleed red blood cells, but very few neutrophils, indicating a weakened immune system. “Then we gathered the tissue around the growth and sent it for histopathology that confirmed the tumor, but it turned out that it was not metastatic,” Dr. Shariff and added that the treatment was started immediately.
Since Python was unable to feed, doctors had to use assisted feeding methods. Laser CO2 was used to remove affected tissues surgically, commonly used for fine and reptile tissues. The snake was then kept under the observation and recovered within a month.
Dr. Shariff suggested two possible causes of the tumor, zoo and genetics environment, but he said that nothing convinced, even after discussions with the zoo caregivers.
Published – 23 September 2025 17:37
