Fitz the Rhino: How the Montgomery Zoo used maggot therapy in a road to recovery
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The Montgomery Zoo has shared a remarkable story about one of its animals + its long road to recovery after an invasive surgery.
The zoo had to look to a unique treatment option after finding a bacterial infection in the horn of its Greater One-horned Indian Rhino named Fitzgerald.
Keep reading to learn more about the rhino’s recovery process + when you can expect to see him back at the exhibit in Montgomery.
Fitz the Rhino
Fitzgerald, also known as Fitz, is a rhino at the Montgomery Zoo + Mann Wilidlife Museum. In April, the zoo was forced to take the rhino off exhibit after discovering a type of bacteria in his horn.
The rhino was fully sedated and received surgery on April 16. But it wasn’t just about the horn, the zoo also had to find a way to remove the bacteria.
“Due to the specific species of bacteria found in his horn—and the limited antibiotics rhinos can tolerate because of their sensitive digestive systems—our team had to get creative with treatment. The most fascinating solution? Over 1,500 medical maggots, specially sourced from Monarch Labs, the only provider of medical maggots in the United States.”
Montgomery Zoo
You read that correctly. Maggot therapy. The tiny bugs are released on to a specific location of the skin before consuming the infected tissue and before being removed.
The zoo said once the therapy was over, Fitz was transitioned into more common treatments like topical medications + hydrotherapy to help the horn area heal. It will take time for the keratin horn to regrow but the zoo said it has already seen progress.
“While he’s been off display, our devoted zookeepers have showered him with extra care and attention. We’re thrilled to report that Fitz is expected to return to his exhibit within the next few weeks!”
Montgomery Zoo
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