ABSTRACT

An adult female spotted salamander, Ambystoma maculatum, developed multiple tail cysts and subsequently died. Histopathology demonstrated hypertrophied and cystic cutaneous granular glands that had ruptured and ulcerated. This is the first report of this condition in captive or wild specimens. In the wild, salamanders use these gland secretions for predator determent and, in at least one species, as food depots during periods of starvation.