Vertebral Osteomyelitis in a Black Spiny-Tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura similis) and a Red Tegu (Salvator rufescens)

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.