AssetID: 54721008
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Houston Zoo's Caiman Lizard Phillip Beats Rare Jaw Cancer
Caption: Houston Zoo’s northern Caiman lizard Phillip has successfully beaten a rare form of jaw cancer. After months of expert veterinary care, Phillip has reunited with his companion George and resumed his role as an ambassador for his species. Phillip’s remarkable journey to being cancer-free is a testament to the extraordinary care provided by the Zoo’s animal health and care teams, as well as the collaborative expertise from veterinary specialists in Houston. Last spring, Phillip's animal care team noticed unusual swelling on the right side of his face. After a thorough evaluation by the Zoo’s veterinary team and consultation with Dr. Todd McCoy, a board-certified veterinary dentist, it was confirmed that Phillip had developed cancer in his jaw. He underwent surgery in the fall where the part of his jaw containing cancer was surgically removed. Thanks to the skill and dedication of Dr. McCoy and his staff and the Zoo’s veterinary and animal care teams, Phillip made a remarkable recovery. He was given a clean bill of health and is back in his habitat, where guests can see him enjoying his normal diet and charismatic presence in the Reptile & Amphibian House daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Native to the northern regions of South America, northern Caiman lizards are semi-aquatic reptiles with skills uniquely adapted for life on land, trees and water. Their strong limbs and powerful tails make them excellent swimmers, while their sharp claws and muscular bodies enable them to climb and burrow with ease. Caiman lizards’ greatest threat is habitat loss and water pollution in their native range.
Keywords: feature,houston,lizard,cancer,animals,nature
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