Surgical removal and recurrence of Leiomyosarcoma in a King Cobra, Ophiophagus hannah

Abstract

An adult male wild-caught king cobra, Ophiophagus hannah, of unknown age was raised in captivity for seven years. The snake showed swelling at the caudal third of the body. Physical examination revealed an approximately 15×10 cm firm mass in coelomic cavity. Radiography showed soft tissue density causing complete obstruction of intestinal tract. The mass was surgically removed and diagnosed as leiomyosarcoma. The snake was monitored and the mass recurred two months post-surgery. A second surgical exploration showed severe adhesion of the mass to dorsal aorta, intercostal muscle, ribs and stomach. The snake was euthanized and the recurrent masses were diagnosed as leiomyosarcoma.