ABSTRACT

A captive male black-throated monitor, Varanus exanthematicus ionidesi, died at a zoological park after a five-day history of lethargy, ataxia, weakness, and leukocytosis. Significant erosive gastritis associated with encysted mucosal and submucosal nematode parasites was diagnosed histologically. Multisystemic inflammatory lesions were also observed. Whole worms dissected were identified as Abbreviata sp. Significant inflammatory lesions have not previously been associated with Abbreviata spp. infection in a Varanus species; it is uncertain whether these lesions contributed to the death of this animal.