Denver Zoo gives a shark a CT scan, here's how

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DENVER (KDVR) — Specialists will put on their scrub tops and gloves to help a patient who needs a CT scan and an ultrasound, except this time, the medical equipment is at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance and the patient is a shark.

This is considered a normal day for the workers at the zoo.

Last year, an Angelfish needed a CT scan, so specialists tucked it between a sponge and ran water over its gills. On other days, veterinarians have been pictured performing dental work on lions or fitting a bear onto a CT scan.

On the Denver Zoo’s most recent social media post, animal specialists were helping Moon, an epaulette shark usually seen swimming around Stingray Cove.

Two months ago, the zoo said the little guy was seen biting his tail, which is sometimes a sign of injury or pain. Specialists took him to get a CT scan and ultrasound to check out his spine and internal structures.

For the CT scans, the shark is anesthetized and put on a towel beforehand. The zoo told FOX31 that the scans are super quick, so the shark can be out of water for a short time.

After the CT scan and an ultrasound, the zoo said no obvious lesions were found. The shark was then given a short course of treatment with pain medications.

In July, the zoo reported that Moon is doing well, and he isn’t biting his tail anymore.

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Maddie Rhodes

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