Bob gets medical attention in Gator Country

GAINESVILLE – This 660-pound alligator from St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park came to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine through the zoological medicine service for radiographs to assess his right rear leg for a cause for lameness.

 Dr. Darryl Heard, an associate professor of zoological medicine, had noticed the alligator’s femur was painful and recommended he be transported to UF for further diagnostics. The 38-year-old alligator, named Bob, was unloaded in the large animal hospital area and taken to radiology, where the necessary images were obtained. Preliminary evaluation of the radiographs showed evidence of osteomyelitis of the proximal femur. The zoo med team, which makes regular visits to the park, will continue to monitor Bob’s progress.

Bob is back at the Park, according to their website. Vets are due to check on Bob who gets his pain relievers and antibiotics inside rats, his favorite snacks. After the day trip he was returned to the center lagoon where the alligator shows are done.