Igor's fight with Helmut...

It was September 23rd, 2000. My friends from Belgium (Bart & Debby) were visiting, as well as my friend from Ohio (Jim Goodrich). We went to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo during the day and when we got back I immediately went upstairs to check on the lizards. I'm pretty much obsessive compulsive when it comes to checking latches on cage doors, so I was shocked to find Helmut all puffed up in front of me when I got into the room. My first thought was "Oh my God!!! Where's Igor???" I found Igor underneath CDR's cage. He had three very severe lacerations (all three cuts were from what appeared to be one bite. All of the cuts were completely through all layers of skin and in two places it was completely through the muscle wall), and I knew it wasn't a "put some Neosporin on it and call it a night" injury. I am positive Igor unlatched Helmut's cage while busy threatening Helmut through the cage door.

Jim and I took Igor to St. Joe Center Veterinary Hospital. It's where I usually go and they also have emergency services as well (24 hours a day/ 7 days a week). Dr. Bronson anesthetized Igor with Isoflorane gas, checked and cleaned the lacerations completely before stapling them closed. Igor seemed unphased by the injuries or the treatment. He was also put on a course of Baytril because of the severity of the bite.

Helmut squeezed out of a 2" opening at the bottom of the cage. I now have spring latches on the cages to prevent it from ever happening again.

I'll be adding some pics of Igor with the staples very soon. He's all healed up and the scarring is very minimal.