Abstract

Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae, commonly marketed as Calciworms® (Timberline Fisheries Corp., Marion, IL, USA) or Phoenix Worms® (Insect Science Resource, LLC, Tifton, GA, USA), have become increasingly popular as a feeder insect for reptiles. Their popularity stems from the larvae's potentially calcium-rich nature, capable of surpassing a 2:1 calcium to phosphorus ratio without the need for dusting or gut loading. Despite their popularity, there has been limited research regarding their use as a food item for reptiles. They have, however, been studied extensively in food animal production as a less expensive source of animal protein and as part of an integrated waste management system. This review is meant to provide exotic animal veterinarians with evidenced-based research regarding the BSF's natural history, standard rearing practices, and the larvae's nutritive value in various animal systems, including captive reptiles. The authors hope this review will help veterinarians make better feeding recommendations for their reptile patients.

Abstract

A 3-yr-old male inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) presented for progressive right forelimb lameness of 3-wk duration, anorexia, dyspnea with increased lung sounds, open–mouth-breathing, and compulsive neck thrashing. The owners opted for euthanasia. Necropsy revealed a yellow, opaque, soft tissue mass in the right axillary region dorsal to the brachial plexus. This round focal mass was well demarcated, measuring 1.3 cm in diameter, 0.4 cm in height, and incorporated a large unidentified blood vessel. Histopathology revealed an expansile, infiltrative, unencapsulated, poorly demarcated mass composed of neoplastic spindle cells forming streams and bundles separating adjacent muscle fascicles and infiltrating into surrounding vertebral bone and extending into a bone process. These spindle cells exhibited eosinophilic to amphophilic cytoplasm and a round to oval nucleus with finely stippled chromatin and a mitotic rate of 23 per 10 high-power fields. Immunohistochemistry (smooth muscle actin) identified the mass as a leiomyosarcoma. Despite local neoplastic infiltrates into the surrounding vertebral bone, there were no systemic metastases discovered grossly or on histopathology. The lungs exhibited interstitial mixed inflammation alongside mineralization and edema within the respiratory parenchyma consistent with interstitial pneumonia, which was believed to be the reason for the respiratory signs. This is the first report of an axillary leiomyosarcoma in a reptile and represents an unusual differential for unilateral lameness.

Abstract

Two male inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) of 5 and 6 yr of age were presented for anorexia with and without lethargy, respectively. In both cases, a firm, spherical, and mobile mass, measuring 2 cm in diameter, was palpated in the cranio-medial coelom. Radiographs were unremarkable. Ultrasonographic evaluation was highly suggestive of cholecystolithiasis. Coeliotomy confirmed the presence of a markedly enlarged gallbladder containing a cholecystolith in both cases, and cholecystectomies were performed. Both dragons resumed eating after 1–7 days and were doing well 3–6 months postoperatively. The gallbladder wall was unremarkable on histology, and the choleliths were composed of protein and calcium carbonate crystals. Cholecystolithiasis in bearded dragons has been the subject of very few case reports, probably due to its low occurrence. The lack of available data on the diagnosis and management may have led to this condition being underdiagnosed in this species. Ultrasonography was essential to the clinical diagnosis of cholecystolithiasis in our two cases and should be recommended as part of the diagnostic approach of bearded dragons with cranio-medial coelomic masses.

The Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery (JHMS) is designed to be a source of information for veterinarians and others involved in the health of reptiles and amphibians. JHMS is interested in all aspects of care for these species, including natural history and maintenance in captivity as well as particular medical and surgical problems.

Manuscripts are expected to be original works that have not been previously published (with the exception of abstracts of 250 words or less). All authors are welcome to submit manuscripts for consideration. Student authors (including undergraduate, veterinary, graduate, residents, interns, etc.) enrolled in a full-time

The Value of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens) as a Food Source: A Review

Abstract

Axillary Leiomyosarcoma in an Inland Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

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Diagnosis and Surgical Management of Cholecystolithiasis in Two Adult Inland Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

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A Survey of Husbandry and Breeding Techniques in the Ball Python (Python regius) Pet Trade

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Measuring the Level of Agreement between Osmometer and Calculated Plasma Osmolalities in Two Species of Chameleons, Furcifer pardalis and Chamaeleo calyptratus

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Absence of Herpesvirus in a Survey of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) in Illinois and Louisiana

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Effect of Bone Morphogenetic Protein on Experimental Carapace Defects in Turtles

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Effect of Manual Restraint and Visual Security on Heart Rate in Dyeing Poison Dart Frogs (Dendrobates tinctorius azureus) and Leopard Frogs (Lithobates pipiens)

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Detection of Infectious Agents in Samples from Reptiles Presented at Veterinary Clinics in Poland

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Effect of Positioning on Coelomic Radiography with and without Contrast in the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)

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Capsule Reports

Guidelines for Authors

Ophidiomycosis Outbreak in Captive Green Anacondas (Eunectes murinus): Management and Therapeutic Trials

Impact of Commercial Diets on the Nutritional Value and Mortality Rates of Dubia Roaches (Blaptica dubia)

Measuring the Physiologic Effects of Tricaine Methanesulfonate Sedation in Juvenile Lemur Tree Frogs (Agalychnis lemur)

Development of a Standardized Coelomic Veterinary Point of Care Ultrasound (VPOCUS) Exam in Multiple Snake Species: Pilot Study

Characterization of Pre-prandial and Post-prandial Plasma Bile Acid Concentrations in Krefft's River Turtle (Emydura macquarii krefftii)