Even dragons need TLC

2003-08-20 11:32

Singapore - A Komodo dragon in Singapore's zoo has been receiving traditional Chinese acupuncture treatment for a nerve disorder.

Eight-year-old male lizard, Tirto, has been receiving twice-weekly treatments for a neurological disorder for the past three weeks.

"Tirto is now more relaxed and is beginning to enjoy his treatments," a spokesperson for the Singapore Zoological Gardens, Vincent Tan, said.

Komodo dragons, the world's largest lizards, are prehistoric-looking reptiles that can grow up to 3 metres long and weigh more than 90kg. They have long claws and serrated teeth that help them tear meat from the animals they prey upon.

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years in many parts of Asia, where it's believed that pricking a patient with stainless steel needles in strategic places helps nerve and circulatory functions.

Tirto had been having problems swallowing and eating. The zoo initially tried steroid treatment, but eventually turned to the ancient traditional treatment still widely used in this wealthy, modern Southeast Asian country.

Tirto will receive antibiotics along with the spine-tingling needle treatments. - AP

- AP