A snake named after the Hollywood star Jodie Foster has made a full restoration after receiving cancer therapy usually utilized in people.
The 4m (15ft) reticulated python, who lives at Chester Zoo, was given electrochemotherapy after a cancerous tumour was found in its jawbone.
The reptile is believed to be the primary snake on this planet to obtain this type of therapy, in accordance with the veterinary crew at Chester Zoo.
Working alongside specialists at the University of Liverpool, the crew tailored the therapy for the snake.
Zoo keepers first grew to become involved when the snake started consuming much less and spending extra time inactive.
Tests confirmed the reptile had a fibrosarcoma – a malignant tumour – within the jaw.
Although vets initially eliminated the tumour, it later returned.
Ian Ashpole, veterinary officer at Chester Zoo, stated: “When the tumour came back and started destroying part of her jawbone, we knew more surgery on its own probably wasn’t going to be enough.
“We had been going through the potential of dropping her because the tumour made it an increasing number of tough for her to eat, so we labored with cancer specialists to see whether or not we may adapt electrochemotherapy for a snake.
“As far as we’re aware, this is the first time it’s ever been used in one.”