Vol. 16 No. 4 (2001): April
Case Report

Prevention of Rubbery-Snout and X-Ray Revealations on HunchBack Condition in Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris)

Published 2001-04-21

Abstract

Mugger crocodiles in captivity are prone to osteological problems such as hunchback and rubbery-snout.  Detection of hunchback is possible only in advanced sages and is observed generally in young muggers.  Externally, the vertex of the hunch appears at the level of the fifth or sixth row of dorsal scutes. X-ray photographs of affected muggers in Ramtirtha revealed points of deossification at three sites aroung the eighth, twentieth and twenty-seventh vertebrate.  Yearlings suffering from rubbery-snout showed normalcy in seven days when fed with Calciu, tablets.  Calcium-rich feed is recommended in crocodile husbandry to avoid osteological defects.