14-Foot Mega Celebrity Saltwater Crocodile 'Scarface' Suffers From Severe Tooth Abscess

An enormous saltwater crocodile named "Scarface" is unwell with a very swollen tooth abscess. The 14-foot crocodile has sparked a health scare after experts noticed a change in his appearance, Daily Star reported.

David White, the owner of the river cruise company Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile and Wildlife Cruises, said that he named the crocodile Scarface because of his gangster look and many scars on his face. However, the gangster is now swollen with abscess and its condition seems to be getting worse.

(Photo : Unsplash/Daniel Pelaez Duque)
Celebrity Saltwater Crocodile 'Scarface' is Spotted With Worsening Health Condition in Australia

Long Live the King: Online Fans Offer Prayers for Scarface

A few months ago, Scarface was featured in one of Science Times' articles as it was seen "chilling" by the Daintree River. He was the star among the crocodiles in the river since he is the largest among them.

White has been observing Scarface in the wild for 20 years and he was deeply concerned as the crocodile's appearance changed due to its worsening swollen abscess. He warned that the saltwater crocodile's condition is worsening and not even antibiotics could help.

Wildlife vets have suggested an operation to help relieve the abscess, but that would mean Scarface would not be able to return to the wild due to government policy. Knowing the mega crocodile, he will not be suited for captivity as he is king in his area, Newsweek reported.

In a Facebook post, Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile and Wildlife Cruises wrote that they have decided to just leave Scarface in his natural habitat. The vets also believe that the swelling has already spread given its severity.

White and his team are not the only ones worried for Scarface. His recent photo has people flocking to social media and offering prayers for him. They all wish his speedy recovery with one person even saying "Long live the King!" Many are expecting him to recover given his unusual healing abilities after being injured several times in the past.

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Bacterial Diseases in Crocodiles and Other Reptiles

According to MSD Manual, bacterial diseases are common in reptiles and a comprehensive approach is necessary to ensure the success of a therapeutic plan. Experts usually recommend cytology or histopathology, gram stains, culture, and sensitivity to identify the appropriate therapy for the infection.

There could be a number of infectious conditions that look the same regardless of species. Some of these conditions are septicemia, septicemic cutaneous ulcerative disease (SCUD), ulcerative or necrotic dermatitis, infectious stomatitis, mycoplasmosis, pneumonia, spinal osteopathy/osteomyelitis, mycobacteriosis, and abscesses.

Scarface is currently experiencing swollen abscesses as evident in his mouth. Abscesses can be caused by infections due to traumatic injuries, bite wounds, and sometimes poor management. Subcutaneous abscesses are seen as swellings although vets are careful to differentiate them from other similar-looking diseases.

Small localized abscesses are typically excised to avoid recurrence, while larger ones are recommended to be surgically removed followed by aggressive local wound treatment. Wildlife vets may recommend systemic antibiotics if necessary, which is no longer applicable to Scarface's case.