Procedure for thymectomy in the lizard, Calotes versicolor

Abstract

The procedure for thymectomy in the lizard, C. versicolor has been described. The thymus is situated in the cervical region, attached to the midventral aspect of the internal jugular vein. It is medial to the hypoglossal nerve, dorsal to the internal carotid artery, anterior to the ductus caroticus and caudal to the acute angle formed by the hypoglossal nerve and the internal jugular vein. Sodium pentobarbital and ether were used as anaesthetics. The thymus was approached through a lateral incision in the cervical region. The intervening sternomastoid muscle was pushed aside and the thymus was removed using a pair of fine forceps. Streptopenicillin powder was sprinkled over this area to avoid infection and the wound was closed with a film of kollodium. The feasibility of applying this surgical procedure for the ablation of other organs in the lizard is discussed.