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I was told that a savanah moniter has the same kind of bacteria in its saliva as komoto dragons, only not as lethal. Is this true? do you need to be put on anti-biotics if you get bitten?

Hi,

The Komodo dragon, V. komodoensis, has several species of bacteria, predominant among them, "Proteus morgana" which is quite lethal to mammals and other prey (see Auffenberg's book, The Komodo Monitor (1981); as far as I know the savanna monitor, V. exanthematicus does not carry this bacteria in its oral fauna.

However, being bitten by a monitor should be treated with proper disinfectant treatment, and if the lacerations are deep/bloody, perhaps a trip to your MD for proper treatment there. I have recieved some nasty (secondary) infections from vara-bites, one nearly fatal.

There has been some recent reports of desert monitor, V. griseus biting zoo-keepers and others, and has had some very serious results, with surgery and extensive medical treatment; It is speculated that V. griseus may have a venom-like saliva with a as-yet unknown potency (with 5 published reports since 1971); other reports of V. salvator bites causing numerous stitches upon the victims and associated nerve damage - but these are big lizards with big teeth; a savanna monitor does not get this large, but it can still squash your capillaries and blood vessells pretty darn good (aka 'the throbbing sensation after being bitten)!

The bacteria associated with varanids has been pseudomonas, bascillus, coccidiae, salmonella, cryptosporidia among the most common pet-trade varanids, and only Proteus in the Komodo monitor. So just be careful when handling a varanid - and when bitten, if possible, try not to "pull away" which is a natural reaction, as this tears more tissue and causes more damage - apply some sour apple, vinegar, and they will usually release. Pulling away can also damage the lizards jaws, and teeth (which do renew).

cheers,
mbayless

So in other words I was mis-led? I have had snakes for a long time, but this is my first lizard.....I really have no idea of how concerned I should be if I get bitten. When I get bitten by snakes (non-venemous of course) I just make sure I wash the bitten area good and forget it. Would I need to look for some kind of symtoms if my monitor bit me? How strong are their jaws anyway? Would it be like a turtle with teeth?

Their jaws are REALLY strong. And I have snakes, so I can compare. A bite from my four foot carpet python is nothing, but I like to have gloves on to handle my 22 inch Timor monitor. Never been bitten by a turtle though (cross fingers, I have a nasty turtle too). I think you'd just need to watch for signs of local infection, and know when to go to a doctor to get it cleaned out. It's basically like a cat bite, it's just bacteria, but it might be nasty bacteria.