Falicia Dickerson, J. Bogan, Michelle Hoffman, C. Cray, Frederick B. Antonio
Abstract Eastern indigo snakes (EIS; Drymarchon couperi) have unique physiological features that are not well understood. A useful tool to better understand the physiology of this species is reference intervals for plasma biochemical analytes; however, reported values for such analytes are often specific to the analyzer used. To determine whether a point-of-care analyzer would produce results comparable with those of a veterinary reference laboratory analyzer, this study aimed to compare plasma biochemical analyte values between these two types of analyzers, regardless of EIS health status. Plasma biochemical analyte values were obtained from 31 EIS and were compared between analyzers. The analytes were albumin (ALB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total calcium (Ca), creatinine kinase (CK), glucose (GLU), potassium (K), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), total protein (TP), and uric acid (UA). A very high correlation between analyzers was found for AST (r = 0.923), K (r = 0.916), and UA (r = 0.965); a high correlation for Ca (r = 0.724), CK (r = 0.789), GLU (r = 0.889), and TP (r = 0.812); and a moderate correlation for P (r = 0.528), a low correlation for ALB (r = 0.471), and no correlation for Na (r = -0.138). A point-of-care analyzer offers many benefits such as portability, rapid results, small sample-size requirements, and the ability to use whole blood. The Vetscan VS2 point-of-care analyzer produces similar values for only some analytes, signifying the need for method-specific reference intervals for plasma biochemical analytes in EIS.
{"title":"Comparison of Biochemical Test Results with a Portable Point-of-Care Analyzer and a Reference Laboratory Analyzer in Eastern Indigo Snakes (Drymarchon couperi)","authors":"Falicia Dickerson, J. Bogan, Michelle Hoffman, C. Cray, Frederick B. Antonio","doi":"10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00036","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00036","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Eastern indigo snakes (EIS; Drymarchon couperi) have unique physiological features that are not well understood. A useful tool to better understand the physiology of this species is reference intervals for plasma biochemical analytes; however, reported values for such analytes are often specific to the analyzer used. To determine whether a point-of-care analyzer would produce results comparable with those of a veterinary reference laboratory analyzer, this study aimed to compare plasma biochemical analyte values between these two types of analyzers, regardless of EIS health status. Plasma biochemical analyte values were obtained from 31 EIS and were compared between analyzers. The analytes were albumin (ALB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total calcium (Ca), creatinine kinase (CK), glucose (GLU), potassium (K), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), total protein (TP), and uric acid (UA). A very high correlation between analyzers was found for AST (r = 0.923), K (r = 0.916), and UA (r = 0.965); a high correlation for Ca (r = 0.724), CK (r = 0.789), GLU (r = 0.889), and TP (r = 0.812); and a moderate correlation for P (r = 0.528), a low correlation for ALB (r = 0.471), and no correlation for Na (r = -0.138). A point-of-care analyzer offers many benefits such as portability, rapid results, small sample-size requirements, and the ability to use whole blood. The Vetscan VS2 point-of-care analyzer produces similar values for only some analytes, signifying the need for method-specific reference intervals for plasma biochemical analytes in EIS.","PeriodicalId":16054,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery","volume":"27 1","pages":"169 - 174"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87061311","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
J. Bogan, M. Mitchell, Michelle Hoffman, M. Garner, A. Childress, J. Wellehan
Abstract Squamate gastric cryptosporidiosis (SGC) is a common parasitic disease in captive snakes and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Typical medications used to treat parasitic infections are ineffective against SGC. The purpose of this study was to evaluate new drug regimens for treating SGC in captive eastern indigo snakes (EIS; Drymarchon couperi). Twenty-six EIS naturally infected with Cryptosporidium serpentis were randomly divided into three groups: Group A (n = 9) received 10 mg/kg clofazimine in corn oil twice weekly by oral gavage for 6 wk; Group B (n = 9) received 5 mg/kg curcumin in corn oil twice weekly by oral gavage for 6 wk; and Group C (n = 8) received corn oil twice weekly by oral gavage for 6 wk as a control. Cloacal swabs were collected every 2 months for 6 months to measure C. serpentis shedding by probe hybridization quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis (qPCR). Snakes that were qPCR negative after 6 months were immunosuppressed with a single dose of 4 mg/kg dexamethasone sodium-phosphate subcutaneously. These snakes were then screened by qPCR for an additional 6 months as described above. Prior to immunosuppression, 1/9 (11%) snakes from Group A, 2/9 (22%) snakes from Group B, and 2/8 (25%) snakes from Group C had tested qPCR negative. Following immunosuppression, all snakes were qPCR positive within 6 months. These findings suggest that 10 mg/kg clofazimine and 5 mg/kg curcumin administered orally twice weekly for 6 wk are ineffective in eliminating C. serpentis in naturally infected D. couperi.
{"title":"Open Label, Multi-Arm Randomized Clinical Evaluation of Clofazimine and Curcumin Treatments for Cryptosporidium serpentis Infection in Eastern Indigo Snakes (Drymarchon couperi)","authors":"J. Bogan, M. Mitchell, Michelle Hoffman, M. Garner, A. Childress, J. Wellehan","doi":"10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00043","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00043","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Squamate gastric cryptosporidiosis (SGC) is a common parasitic disease in captive snakes and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Typical medications used to treat parasitic infections are ineffective against SGC. The purpose of this study was to evaluate new drug regimens for treating SGC in captive eastern indigo snakes (EIS; Drymarchon couperi). Twenty-six EIS naturally infected with Cryptosporidium serpentis were randomly divided into three groups: Group A (n = 9) received 10 mg/kg clofazimine in corn oil twice weekly by oral gavage for 6 wk; Group B (n = 9) received 5 mg/kg curcumin in corn oil twice weekly by oral gavage for 6 wk; and Group C (n = 8) received corn oil twice weekly by oral gavage for 6 wk as a control. Cloacal swabs were collected every 2 months for 6 months to measure C. serpentis shedding by probe hybridization quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis (qPCR). Snakes that were qPCR negative after 6 months were immunosuppressed with a single dose of 4 mg/kg dexamethasone sodium-phosphate subcutaneously. These snakes were then screened by qPCR for an additional 6 months as described above. Prior to immunosuppression, 1/9 (11%) snakes from Group A, 2/9 (22%) snakes from Group B, and 2/8 (25%) snakes from Group C had tested qPCR negative. Following immunosuppression, all snakes were qPCR positive within 6 months. These findings suggest that 10 mg/kg clofazimine and 5 mg/kg curcumin administered orally twice weekly for 6 wk are ineffective in eliminating C. serpentis in naturally infected D. couperi.","PeriodicalId":16054,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery","volume":"59 1","pages":"175 - 179"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90054653","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
L. Robson, Dvm Mrcvs, V. Baldrey, J. Hedley, Dylan Yaffy, Norelene Harrington, Fhea Mrcvs
Abstract A 2-yr-old female bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) presented to the clinic exhibiting lameness and significant swellings bilaterally in the carpal region. On physical examination the lizard was determined to be in obese body condition and pododermatitis was observed on the palmar aspects of both carpi. The rest of the examination was unremarkable. Radiographs revealed opacities present in both carpal joints with possible fluid accumulation. Biochemistry revealed hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. A joint aspirate was performed and submitted for cytology and culture. The sample was sterile and only inflammatory cells were seen. Despite these results, the swelling initially improved with daily lincomycin 5 mg/kg intramuscularly (IM) but recurred after 1 month, and the lizard was referred to a specialist center for further investigations. A tissue biopsy was performed and submitted for histology and culture. Histopathologic examination revealed periarticular soft tissue ectopic bone characterized by a proliferation of ectopic cartilage and both lamellar and woven bone with hematopoietically active bone marrow within a fibrous connective tissue stroma. Bacterial culture revealed a scant growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Serratia marcescens. The lizard received ceftazidime 20 mg/kg every 72 h IM for 3 wk. Clinical signs resolved until 8 months later when the swellings returned.
摘要一只2岁的雌性须龙(Pogona vitticeps)向临床展示跛行和显着肿胀的双侧腕区。在体格检查中，这只蜥蜴被确定为肥胖的身体状况，并在两只腕部的掌部观察到足皮炎。考试的其余部分都很平常。x线片显示双侧腕关节混浊，可能有积液。生物化学显示高钙血症和高磷血症。进行联合抽吸并提交细胞学和培养。样品无菌，只见炎性细胞。尽管有这些结果，肿胀最初通过每日5 mg/kg肌肉注射林可霉素(IM)得到改善，但1个月后复发，蜥蜴被转到专家中心进行进一步调查。进行组织活检，并提交组织学和培养。组织病理学检查显示关节周围软组织异位骨，其特征是异位软骨、板层骨和编织骨增生，在纤维结缔组织基质中有造血活性的骨髓。细菌培养显示少量金黄色葡萄球菌和粘质沙雷氏菌生长。给予头孢他啶20 mg/kg，每72 h IM，连续3周。临床症状消退，直到8个月后肿胀复发。
{"title":"Heterotopic Ossification of the Soft Tissues Overlying the Carpal Bones of a 2-year-old Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)","authors":"L. Robson, Dvm Mrcvs, V. Baldrey, J. Hedley, Dylan Yaffy, Norelene Harrington, Fhea Mrcvs","doi":"10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00044","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract A 2-yr-old female bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) presented to the clinic exhibiting lameness and significant swellings bilaterally in the carpal region. On physical examination the lizard was determined to be in obese body condition and pododermatitis was observed on the palmar aspects of both carpi. The rest of the examination was unremarkable. Radiographs revealed opacities present in both carpal joints with possible fluid accumulation. Biochemistry revealed hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. A joint aspirate was performed and submitted for cytology and culture. The sample was sterile and only inflammatory cells were seen. Despite these results, the swelling initially improved with daily lincomycin 5 mg/kg intramuscularly (IM) but recurred after 1 month, and the lizard was referred to a specialist center for further investigations. A tissue biopsy was performed and submitted for histology and culture. Histopathologic examination revealed periarticular soft tissue ectopic bone characterized by a proliferation of ectopic cartilage and both lamellar and woven bone with hematopoietically active bone marrow within a fibrous connective tissue stroma. Bacterial culture revealed a scant growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Serratia marcescens. The lizard received ceftazidime 20 mg/kg every 72 h IM for 3 wk. Clinical signs resolved until 8 months later when the swellings returned.","PeriodicalId":16054,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery","volume":"121 1","pages":"96 - 100"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90781747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Antimicrobial drugs (AMDs) are frequently used and misused in the treatment of reptiles and amphibians. Although the general reliance on advanced broad-spectrum antimicrobials implies a low level of skill and expertise on the part of the clinician, the continued use of large-volume antibiotic baths for treating amphibians presents obvious concerns regarding disposal and environmental contamination. Unfortunately, there are very few studies that have fulfilled Koch’s postulates and confirmed the pathogenicity of isolated bacteria through transmission studies. Those studies that are available have often recommended advanced antimicrobials over more basic drugs. For example, Devriesea agamarum is a bacterium that is known to cause dermatitis in lizards; however, despite demonstrable sensitivity to clindamycin, erythromycin, penicillin, potentiated sulfonamides, and tylosin, ceftiofur (a third generation cephalosporin) was still the primary recommendation (Hellebuyck et al., 2009). There continues to be a bias in the herpetological pharmacokinetic research with a persistent focus on the newer more advanced drugs than on more basic drug classes. Consequently, practitioners are often compelled to use these more advanced drugs for which pharmacokinetic data are known (Hedley et al., 2021). Finally, there are issues of antimicrobial availability, outside of the veterinary profession, and owners may be tempted to obtain (legally or illegally) antimicrobials without veterinary prescription. Veterinarians should restrict prescription volumes to those required to treat a particular case and not provide a stock volume for clients with multiple animals or larger collections. Typically, such prescribing restrictions are governed by veterinary licensing bodies to which veterinary professionals should adhere. Importantly, there is a need to appreciate that more could be done to prevent infections and the need for antimicrobials through improved biosecurity and quarantine, improved husbandry, and nutrition (Divers and Stahl, 2019). Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an emerging problem that can affect the ability to treat individual patients as well as control infectious diseases in animal populations, and many healthcare-associated infections (HAIs; infections not present on hospital admission but associated with the delivery of healthcare) can be attributed to bacteria and fungi resistant to antimicrobials (Sidhu et al., 2007; Portner and Johnson, 2010). AMR can evolve through the acquisition of chromosomal mutations and resistance genes and can be transferred between bacteria from different taxonomic and ecologic groups through mobile genetic elements (e.g., plasmids, transposons, or bacteriophages). Acquired resistance genes can confer resistance to a single antimicrobial, a single antimicrobial class, or a broad group of antimicrobials. Theoretically, all uses of AMDs have the potential to promote the evolution of resistance in bacterial populations by providi
抗菌药物(AMDs)在治疗爬行动物和两栖动物中经常被使用和滥用。尽管对先进广谱抗菌剂的普遍依赖意味着临床医生的技能和专业知识水平较低，但继续使用大量抗生素液来治疗两栖动物，显然存在处置和环境污染方面的问题。不幸的是，很少有研究能够满足Koch的假设，并通过传播研究证实分离细菌的致病性。现有的研究往往建议使用先进的抗菌剂，而不是更基本的药物。例如，一种已知会引起蜥蜴皮炎的细菌;然而，尽管对克林霉素、红霉素、青霉素、增强型磺胺类药物和泰洛菌素有明显的敏感性，头孢替福(第三代头孢菌素)仍然是主要推荐药物(Hellebuyck等，2009年)。在爬行动物药代动力学研究中仍然存在一种偏见，即持续关注更新更先进的药物而不是更基本的药物类别。因此，从业者经常被迫使用这些已知药代动力学数据的更先进的药物(Hedley et al.， 2021)。最后，在兽医专业之外，还有抗微生物药物的可用性问题，业主可能会在没有兽医处方的情况下(合法或非法)获得抗微生物药物。兽医应将处方数量限制在治疗特定病例所需的数量，而不是为拥有多只动物或更大收藏的客户提供库存数量。通常，这种处方限制是由兽医执照机构管理的，兽医专业人员应该遵守。重要的是，有必要认识到，通过改善生物安全和检疫、改善畜牧业和营养，可以做更多的工作来预防感染和对抗菌剂的需求(Divers和Stahl, 2019)。抗菌素耐药性(AMR)是一个新出现的问题，可影响治疗个体患者以及控制动物种群传染病的能力，以及许多卫生保健相关感染(HAIs;入院时不存在但与提供医疗保健有关的感染可归因于对抗菌素具有耐药性的细菌和真菌(Sidhu等人，2007;Portner and Johnson, 2010)。抗菌素耐药性可以通过染色体突变和抗性基因的获得而进化，并可以通过可移动的遗传元件(如质粒、转座子或噬菌体)在不同分类和生态群的细菌之间转移。获得性耐药基因可赋予对单一抗微生物药物、单一抗微生物药物类别或广泛的一组抗微生物药物的耐药性。从理论上讲，抗菌素类抗生素的所有使用都有可能通过为耐药细菌提供生存优势来促进细菌种群的耐药性进化。与一种抗菌素耐药性相关的基因可以与其他抗菌素和消毒剂的耐药基因联系起来，从而促进多药耐药菌株的发展，这些菌株可能更难以治疗和从医院环境中消除(Sidhu等人，2002;Levy and Marshall, 2004;Rajamohan et al.， 2010)。必要时，抗菌素类药物应用于治疗细菌感染患者;然而，他们应该明智地使用，考虑到以下八个因素(AVMA, 2008):
{"title":"ARAV Antimicrobial Stewardship Policy","authors":"S. Divers, B. Burgess","doi":"10.5818/JHMS.33.1.61","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5818/JHMS.33.1.61","url":null,"abstract":"Antimicrobial drugs (AMDs) are frequently used and misused in the treatment of reptiles and amphibians. Although the general reliance on advanced broad-spectrum antimicrobials implies a low level of skill and expertise on the part of the clinician, the continued use of large-volume antibiotic baths for treating amphibians presents obvious concerns regarding disposal and environmental contamination. Unfortunately, there are very few studies that have fulfilled Koch’s postulates and confirmed the pathogenicity of isolated bacteria through transmission studies. Those studies that are available have often recommended advanced antimicrobials over more basic drugs. For example, Devriesea agamarum is a bacterium that is known to cause dermatitis in lizards; however, despite demonstrable sensitivity to clindamycin, erythromycin, penicillin, potentiated sulfonamides, and tylosin, ceftiofur (a third generation cephalosporin) was still the primary recommendation (Hellebuyck et al., 2009). There continues to be a bias in the herpetological pharmacokinetic research with a persistent focus on the newer more advanced drugs than on more basic drug classes. Consequently, practitioners are often compelled to use these more advanced drugs for which pharmacokinetic data are known (Hedley et al., 2021). Finally, there are issues of antimicrobial availability, outside of the veterinary profession, and owners may be tempted to obtain (legally or illegally) antimicrobials without veterinary prescription. Veterinarians should restrict prescription volumes to those required to treat a particular case and not provide a stock volume for clients with multiple animals or larger collections. Typically, such prescribing restrictions are governed by veterinary licensing bodies to which veterinary professionals should adhere. Importantly, there is a need to appreciate that more could be done to prevent infections and the need for antimicrobials through improved biosecurity and quarantine, improved husbandry, and nutrition (Divers and Stahl, 2019). Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an emerging problem that can affect the ability to treat individual patients as well as control infectious diseases in animal populations, and many healthcare-associated infections (HAIs; infections not present on hospital admission but associated with the delivery of healthcare) can be attributed to bacteria and fungi resistant to antimicrobials (Sidhu et al., 2007; Portner and Johnson, 2010). AMR can evolve through the acquisition of chromosomal mutations and resistance genes and can be transferred between bacteria from different taxonomic and ecologic groups through mobile genetic elements (e.g., plasmids, transposons, or bacteriophages). Acquired resistance genes can confer resistance to a single antimicrobial, a single antimicrobial class, or a broad group of antimicrobials. Theoretically, all uses of AMDs have the potential to promote the evolution of resistance in bacterial populations by providi","PeriodicalId":16054,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery","volume":"11 1","pages":"61 - 64"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82652435","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract Turtles often present to wildlife rehabilitation centers for trauma secondary to motor vehicle collisions. Injuries to the pelvic girdles in turtles are challenging to assess on standard radiographic views due to the superimposition of bones. Pelvic trauma may have long-term consequences for ambulation and reproduction. The novel use of caudoventral-craniodorsal and cranioventral-caudodorsal 45° oblique radiographic views in western painted turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota has improved differentiation of bones in the pelvic girdle. Using dorsoventral radiographs, 45% of western painted turtles with caudal carapace fractures had suspected injuries to the pelvis. After using oblique views, 98% of western painted turtles with caudal carapace fractures were found to have pelvic involvement. These radiographic views improve diagnostic ability, facilitate medical and surgical interventions, and aid in monitoring the healing process.
{"title":"Use of Caudoventral-Craniodorsal and Cranioventral-Caudodorsal Oblique Radiographic Views made at 45° to the Frontal Plane for the Evaluation of Pelvic Girdles in Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta)","authors":"Miranda R. Torkelson, Ashley Koetz","doi":"10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00027","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Turtles often present to wildlife rehabilitation centers for trauma secondary to motor vehicle collisions. Injuries to the pelvic girdles in turtles are challenging to assess on standard radiographic views due to the superimposition of bones. Pelvic trauma may have long-term consequences for ambulation and reproduction. The novel use of caudoventral-craniodorsal and cranioventral-caudodorsal 45° oblique radiographic views in western painted turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota has improved differentiation of bones in the pelvic girdle. Using dorsoventral radiographs, 45% of western painted turtles with caudal carapace fractures had suspected injuries to the pelvis. After using oblique views, 98% of western painted turtles with caudal carapace fractures were found to have pelvic involvement. These radiographic views improve diagnostic ability, facilitate medical and surgical interventions, and aid in monitoring the healing process.","PeriodicalId":16054,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery","volume":"34 1","pages":"116 - 120"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87420130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ferran Solanes Vilanova, A. V. Van Caelenberg, J. Pontes, T. Hellebuyck
Abstract This report describes the clinical, gross pathologic, and radiologic features of vertebral osteomyelitis in a black spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura similis) and a red tegu (Salvator rufescens). Both lizards were presented with hind limb ataxia and proprioception deficits. Based on radiographic imaging and computed tomography, a presumptive diagnosis of vertebral osteomyelitis was made. Microbiological examination of vertebral body biopsies revealed Morganella morganii and Enterococcus faecalis infection in the black spiny-tailed iguana and Enterobacter cloacae infection in the red tegu. Failure of antimicrobial treatment in both lizards was considered to be at least partly attributable to the tardy onset of clinical signs resulting in a late diagnosis and pronounced chronicity of the vertebral lesions. Although vertebral osteomyelitis has been repeatedly reported in snakes, reports in saurian species are scarce and anecdotal. Based on the findings in these cases, however, vertebral osteomyelitis should be considered as an important differential diagnosis for hind limb ataxia in lizards.
{"title":"Vertebral Osteomyelitis in a Black Spiny-Tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura similis) and a Red Tegu (Salvator rufescens)","authors":"Ferran Solanes Vilanova, A. V. Van Caelenberg, J. Pontes, T. Hellebuyck","doi":"10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00031","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00031","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This report describes the clinical, gross pathologic, and radiologic features of vertebral osteomyelitis in a black spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura similis) and a red tegu (Salvator rufescens). Both lizards were presented with hind limb ataxia and proprioception deficits. Based on radiographic imaging and computed tomography, a presumptive diagnosis of vertebral osteomyelitis was made. Microbiological examination of vertebral body biopsies revealed Morganella morganii and Enterococcus faecalis infection in the black spiny-tailed iguana and Enterobacter cloacae infection in the red tegu. Failure of antimicrobial treatment in both lizards was considered to be at least partly attributable to the tardy onset of clinical signs resulting in a late diagnosis and pronounced chronicity of the vertebral lesions. Although vertebral osteomyelitis has been repeatedly reported in snakes, reports in saurian species are scarce and anecdotal. Based on the findings in these cases, however, vertebral osteomyelitis should be considered as an important differential diagnosis for hind limb ataxia in lizards.","PeriodicalId":16054,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery","volume":"14 1","pages":"101 - 108"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81354040","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Michael Nash, Emily A. Mcdermott, Ashley K. McGrew, J. Muñoz, Dayna Willems
Abstract Recent evidence suggests that lizards of the family Chamaeleonidae are one of the most heavily parasitized groups of reptiles kept in captivity; however, little is known about the clinical implications of these infections. Relative to other host species, there is a paucity of information on reptile parasites and the breadth of parasites that infect chameleons is not well described. We report a parasitic infection most consistent with organisms belonging to the Mesomycetozoea group in male and female wild-caught jeweled chameleons (Furcifer campani). Clinical features of infection included persistent weight loss, despite increased food intake; cachexia; abnormally increased light- and heat-seeking behavior; coelomic distention; and loose, watery stools. Histologically, there was extensive granuloma formation present in the liver and widespread localization of periodic acid–Schiff- and Grocott's methenamine silver–positive spores resembling those of Dermocystidium sp. in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and other tissues. A second case of infection with this pathogen also presented with concurrent Mycobacterium sp. throughout the body, suggesting that infection with mesomycetozoean organisms may serve as a primary cause of death, or conversely, may render the infected individual susceptible to secondary, opportunistic infection. The rapid health decline associated with infection in these cases indicates a need to better characterize prevalence and pathogenicity of parasites in captive chameleons.
{"title":"A Unique Disease Presentation Associated with a Mesomycetozoean-Like Organism in the Jeweled Chameleon (Furcifer campani)","authors":"Michael Nash, Emily A. Mcdermott, Ashley K. McGrew, J. Muñoz, Dayna Willems","doi":"10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00033","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Recent evidence suggests that lizards of the family Chamaeleonidae are one of the most heavily parasitized groups of reptiles kept in captivity; however, little is known about the clinical implications of these infections. Relative to other host species, there is a paucity of information on reptile parasites and the breadth of parasites that infect chameleons is not well described. We report a parasitic infection most consistent with organisms belonging to the Mesomycetozoea group in male and female wild-caught jeweled chameleons (Furcifer campani). Clinical features of infection included persistent weight loss, despite increased food intake; cachexia; abnormally increased light- and heat-seeking behavior; coelomic distention; and loose, watery stools. Histologically, there was extensive granuloma formation present in the liver and widespread localization of periodic acid–Schiff- and Grocott's methenamine silver–positive spores resembling those of Dermocystidium sp. in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and other tissues. A second case of infection with this pathogen also presented with concurrent Mycobacterium sp. throughout the body, suggesting that infection with mesomycetozoean organisms may serve as a primary cause of death, or conversely, may render the infected individual susceptible to secondary, opportunistic infection. The rapid health decline associated with infection in these cases indicates a need to better characterize prevalence and pathogenicity of parasites in captive chameleons.","PeriodicalId":16054,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery","volume":"68 1","pages":"109 - 115"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80268512","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Perry, Sarah R Camlic, I. Konsker, M. Lierz, M. Mitchell
Abstract Chameleons represent one of the most endangered groups of lizards, with most being characterized as threatened or near-threatened. Anthropogenic impacts on their native habitat are responsible for their declines. To protect these animals, we must develop functional assisted reproductive programs. However, a full understanding of their basic reproductive biology is required to develop such a program. This study represents the first attempt at characterizing the reproductive cycles of male chameleons. Sixteen veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and 16 panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) being housed in captivity under static conditions were used for this study. Chameleons were anesthetized twice monthly for semen collection via electroejaculation, blood sampling to measure plasma testosterone concentrations, and ultrasonographic testicular measurements. Plasma testosterone concentrations were found to be significantly different between species (P= 0.02) and in the interaction of species and month (P= 0.04). In veiled chameleons, plasma testosterone concentrations were significantly elevated during October through December, while for panther chameleons plasma testosterone concentrations were elevated in July through September, and December. Electroejaculation success was found to be seasonal in both species. In veiled chameleons, semen collection was highest in April, May, and June, while in panther chameleons semen collection success was highest in March, April, May, and June. Median spermatozoa concentrations for veiled and panther chameleons were 6.66 and 7.52 × 107 sperm/ml, respectively. Motility was lower than expected for both veiled (median 23%) and panther chameleons (median 25%). Spermatozoa clumping was a common finding. The majority of the spermatozoa (mean 51%) were found to have normal morphology. The results of this study confirm that veiled chameleons have a prenuptial reproductive strategy, while panther chameleons have a postnuptial reproductive strategy. Additionally, this study demonstrated that chameleons can undergo repeated electroejaculations under anesthesia, twice monthly, for a year without significant mortality or clinical disease associated with the procedures.
{"title":"Characterizing the Annual Reproductive Cycles of Captive Male Veiled Chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and Panther Chameleons (Furcifer pardalis)","authors":"S. Perry, Sarah R Camlic, I. Konsker, M. Lierz, M. Mitchell","doi":"10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00037","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00037","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Chameleons represent one of the most endangered groups of lizards, with most being characterized as threatened or near-threatened. Anthropogenic impacts on their native habitat are responsible for their declines. To protect these animals, we must develop functional assisted reproductive programs. However, a full understanding of their basic reproductive biology is required to develop such a program. This study represents the first attempt at characterizing the reproductive cycles of male chameleons. Sixteen veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and 16 panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) being housed in captivity under static conditions were used for this study. Chameleons were anesthetized twice monthly for semen collection via electroejaculation, blood sampling to measure plasma testosterone concentrations, and ultrasonographic testicular measurements. Plasma testosterone concentrations were found to be significantly different between species (P= 0.02) and in the interaction of species and month (P= 0.04). In veiled chameleons, plasma testosterone concentrations were significantly elevated during October through December, while for panther chameleons plasma testosterone concentrations were elevated in July through September, and December. Electroejaculation success was found to be seasonal in both species. In veiled chameleons, semen collection was highest in April, May, and June, while in panther chameleons semen collection success was highest in March, April, May, and June. Median spermatozoa concentrations for veiled and panther chameleons were 6.66 and 7.52 × 107 sperm/ml, respectively. Motility was lower than expected for both veiled (median 23%) and panther chameleons (median 25%). Spermatozoa clumping was a common finding. The majority of the spermatozoa (mean 51%) were found to have normal morphology. The results of this study confirm that veiled chameleons have a prenuptial reproductive strategy, while panther chameleons have a postnuptial reproductive strategy. Additionally, this study demonstrated that chameleons can undergo repeated electroejaculations under anesthesia, twice monthly, for a year without significant mortality or clinical disease associated with the procedures.","PeriodicalId":16054,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery","volume":"2 1","pages":"45 - 60"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90459246","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract This report describes double locking compression plate fixation of a moderately comminuted middiaphyseal right femur fracture in a Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis). The animal was restrained for a routine examination, during which the dragon struggled to escape restraint. When returned to the exhibit, the dragon did not use the right pelvic limb to walk. A right-sided, closed, middiaphyseal comminuted (type C3) femur fracture was diagnosed using palpation and radiographs, and the animal was transported to a specialty clinic within a few hours for fracture repair. Two locking compression plates were applied in bridging fashion for fracture repair. Radiographs performed at the 4-month postoperative recheck revealed a healed fracture with significant callus formation and stable implants. The dragon was transitioned from cage rest in a restricted space to his normal large exhibit after healing was confirmed, no lameness was observed, and normal limb use was noted. After almost three years, he is still ambulating normally and without lameness. This is the first report of successful femur fracture stabilization using bone plate fixation in a Komodo dragon.
{"title":"Repair of a Comminuted Femur Fracture in a Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) Using a Double Plating Technique","authors":"K. Coleman, C. Hudson, Joe Flanagan","doi":"10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00020","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This report describes double locking compression plate fixation of a moderately comminuted middiaphyseal right femur fracture in a Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis). The animal was restrained for a routine examination, during which the dragon struggled to escape restraint. When returned to the exhibit, the dragon did not use the right pelvic limb to walk. A right-sided, closed, middiaphyseal comminuted (type C3) femur fracture was diagnosed using palpation and radiographs, and the animal was transported to a specialty clinic within a few hours for fracture repair. Two locking compression plates were applied in bridging fashion for fracture repair. Radiographs performed at the 4-month postoperative recheck revealed a healed fracture with significant callus formation and stable implants. The dragon was transitioned from cage rest in a restricted space to his normal large exhibit after healing was confirmed, no lameness was observed, and normal limb use was noted. After almost three years, he is still ambulating normally and without lameness. This is the first report of successful femur fracture stabilization using bone plate fixation in a Komodo dragon.","PeriodicalId":16054,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery","volume":"551 1","pages":"11 - 17"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88830520","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
B. Jourdan, Caitlin Hemby, M. Allender, Ivana Levy, Eliana Foltin, K. Keller
Abstract Nannizziopsis guarroi, a keratinophilic fungus, is an important cause of dermatomycosis in companion lizards. At present, effective disinfection protocols are unknown and additional information is needed to prevent contamination of surfaces and equipment used in the care of these animals. To this aim, the qualitative in vitro–disinfecting capability of eight commonly used household and laboratory disinfectants (Novalsan®, 3% and 10% dilutions of commercial bleach, Virkon®-S, Lysol® household cleaner with hydrogen peroxide, 70% ethanol, 409®, and household cleaning ammonia) were tested at two different contact times (2 and 10 min) with three different aqueous fungal concentrations of four molecularly confirmed N. guarroi isolates. A positive control after contact with saline was also grown. After contact with disinfectant or saline, the isolates were incubated, and photographic images were taken of plate growth on day 10. Images of each plate were scored using a semiquantitative scoring system. The only disinfectant that completely inhibited growth for all four isolates at both contact times and at all three isolate dilutions was the 10% dilution of commercial bleach. All four isolates grew after contact with ammonia, regardless of contact time or isolate dilution, and the other disinfectants showed variable inhibition of growth that was either isolate or concentration dependent, or both. In conclusion, a minimum of 2 min of exposure to a 10% dilution of commercial bleach is recommended for disinfection of surfaces and instruments contaminated with N. guarroi.
{"title":"Effectiveness of Common Disinfecting Agents against Isolates of Nannizziopsis guarroi","authors":"B. Jourdan, Caitlin Hemby, M. Allender, Ivana Levy, Eliana Foltin, K. Keller","doi":"10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00004","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Nannizziopsis guarroi, a keratinophilic fungus, is an important cause of dermatomycosis in companion lizards. At present, effective disinfection protocols are unknown and additional information is needed to prevent contamination of surfaces and equipment used in the care of these animals. To this aim, the qualitative in vitro–disinfecting capability of eight commonly used household and laboratory disinfectants (Novalsan®, 3% and 10% dilutions of commercial bleach, Virkon®-S, Lysol® household cleaner with hydrogen peroxide, 70% ethanol, 409®, and household cleaning ammonia) were tested at two different contact times (2 and 10 min) with three different aqueous fungal concentrations of four molecularly confirmed N. guarroi isolates. A positive control after contact with saline was also grown. After contact with disinfectant or saline, the isolates were incubated, and photographic images were taken of plate growth on day 10. Images of each plate were scored using a semiquantitative scoring system. The only disinfectant that completely inhibited growth for all four isolates at both contact times and at all three isolate dilutions was the 10% dilution of commercial bleach. All four isolates grew after contact with ammonia, regardless of contact time or isolate dilution, and the other disinfectants showed variable inhibition of growth that was either isolate or concentration dependent, or both. In conclusion, a minimum of 2 min of exposure to a 10% dilution of commercial bleach is recommended for disinfection of surfaces and instruments contaminated with N. guarroi.","PeriodicalId":16054,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery","volume":"31 1","pages":"40 - 44"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88466080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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