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
15x10 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.