In the heart of Denver Zoo, a unique medical case unfolded that involved a fancy-looking French angelfish. French angelfish are known to be foragers, feasting on a variety of invertebrates and plants. Interestingly, juvenile angelfish also serve an important role in their ecosystem by cleaning parasites and loose scales off of large fish. The vibrant blue and yellow fish was found one day swimming with a peculiar tilt, a sight that immediately caught the attention of a vigilant zoo worker. This abnormality in the fish’s swimming pattern was indicative of potential health issues, prompting an immediate visit to the facility’s on-site hospital.
The angelfish was subjected to an ultrasound and a CT scan, a procedure typically reserved for larger animals. The CT scan machine, large enough to accommodate a 700-pound grizzly bear, required special adjustments to cater to the seven-inch fish. The angelfish was sedated, balanced upright on a sponge, and had water poured over its gills to keep it alive during the scan.
The diagnosis revealed a case of enteritis, or inflamed intestines, which had resulted in increased internal gas affecting the fish’s buoyancy. This explained the fish’s unusual swimming pattern and the tilt it had developed. The treatment involved a course of antibiotics, which thankfully, led to a significant improvement in the angelfish’s condition.
Today, the angelfish can swim normally and showing no signs of the buoyancy issues that had once plagued it. This successful medical intervention stands as a testament to the Denver Zoo’s commitment to providing the highest level of care to its animal residents, irrespective of their size. From the tiniest tree frog to a full-grown grizzly bear, every resident is assured the best possible care.
This incident at the Denver Zoo is not an isolated one. Just weeks prior, a 376-pound alligator behaving strangely at a Florida zoo was diagnosed with an ear infection after undergoing CT scans and X-rays. These instances highlight the lengths to which zoos go to ensure the well-being of their residents, making use of advanced medical technology to diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues.
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