A bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) with liver cancer needs some assistance getting to Florida from Maine for an emergency liver surgery, accordi
A bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) with liver cancer needs some assistance getting to Florida from Maine for an emergency liver surgery, according to her veterinarian, Dr. Sandra Mitchell of Animal Medical Associates in Saco, ME.
Read More
Bearded Dragon With Swollen, Irritated Beard
“If this lizard does not receive surgery, she will undoubtedly die very soon,” Mitchell told ABC’s WMTW 8 news.
Mitchell said none of the major airlines she contacted would agree to fly Beardie, who is 8-years-old, in the cabin and the cargo hold is not feasible as it would get too cold. Only dogs and cats, and sometimes birds can fly in the cabin of the airlines that she contacted, but not lizards.
“The real shame of this situation is that the lizard is smaller than the average pet allowed on a plane, could not possibly escape from a typical cat carrier, makes no noise, has no smell, and would be wrapped in blankets for warmth and therefore would not even be visible to someone looking closely – much less trouble than the average pet on the plane,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell said the other options would be to hire a private pilot to fly Beardie to Florida, or drive.
If you are a private pilot flying from Maine to Florida any time real soon, or are driving and want to help Beardie get to Florida, contact the hospital at (207)-282-5151.
John B. Virata keeps a western hognose snake, a ball python, two corn snakes, a king snake, and two leopard geckos. His first snake, a California kingsnake, was purchased at the Pet Place in Westminster, CA for $5. His first pet reptile was a green anole that arrived in a small box via mail order. Follow him on Twitter @johnvirata
