ABSTRACT

Non-tuberculous mycobacteriosis is infrequently reported in frogs and toads. This case report describes a captive marine toad, Bufo marinus, which presented with spontaneous acute fracture of the left tibia. In spite o f amputation and antibacterial therapy, this toad continued to decline, so elective euthanasia and subsequent post-mortem examination were performed. Microscopic evaluation of the fracture site and additional organs including one front limb, lungs, heart, liver and kidneys exhibited granulomatous inflammation associated with numerous acid-fast positive bacilli. Mycocbacterium marinum and M. terrae were isolated from lung and liver. The toad also had pigmented fungi within granulomas in a number of different tissues, including bone.