Editorial Type:
Article Category: Brief Report
 | 
Online Publication Date: 17 Sept 2021

Ovarian Torsion with Resulting Constipation in a Panther Chameleon (Furcifer pardalis)

,
,
, and
Page Range: 264 – 271
DOI: 10.5818/JHMS-S-20-00012
Save
Download PDF

Abstract

A 3-yr-old female panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) was presented with a history of long-term inactivity, anorexia, and difficulty defecating. Using sonographic examination, we diagnosed preovulatory follicular stasis with suspected ovarian cysts. Surgical management was elected, and the ovaries were intertwined and showed severe torsion and morphologic changes. The colon was caught within the entanglement, resulting in obstipation and urate retention. After ovariectomy, the animal was able to pass feces 17 h postsurgery and regained appetite. Preovulatory follicular stasis, as well as constipation, are commonly seen conditions in reptiles; however, torsions are rarely described.

Keywords: Adnexial rotation; coprostasis; Furcifer pardalis ; panther chameleon; oophoritis; preovulatory follicular stasis
Figure 1.
Figure 1.

Dorsoventral radiograph of a panther chameleon with multiple, rounded, soft tissue densities within the coelom (arrows). Suspected ovarian development with follicles of different shapes and sizes. Arthritic changes visible in the right elbow and left knee joints (asterisk).

Figure 2.
Figure 2.

Lateral radiograph of a panther chameleon with multiple rounded, soft tissue densities within the coelom: suspected ovarian development with follicles of different shapes and sizes (arrows). Accumulation of radiodense material in the caudal coelom is suggestive of urate buildup (arrowhead). A renal silhouette of homogenous soft tissue density is notable in the caudal abdomen (asterisk). Kyphosis of the lumbar region, potentially secondary to a fracture or vertebral deformity, can be seen.

Figure 3.
Figure 3.

Sonographic sagittal plane image of a panther chameleon ovary. The globoid structure with a hyperechoic rim and anechoic content are characteristic of cystic change in the ovary (arrow). No free fluid was visible.

Figure 4.
Figure 4.

Sonographic sagittal plane of a panther chameleon ovary. The smaller globoid structure of irregular hypo- and anechoic echogenicity and a hyperechoic rim is suspected to be a degenerated follicle (arrow). The asterisk marks the liver with granulated parenchyma. No free fluid was visible.

Figure 5.
Figure 5.

Blood chemistry results from a panther chameleon with ovarian torsion.

Figure 6.
Figure 6.

Intra-operative photo of the affected, intertwined ovaries. Torsions of individual pedicles can be seen (asterisk) as well as fluid buildup and enlargement of individual follicles (arrow).

Figure 7.
Figure 7.

Ovaries after ovariectomy. Entanglement of the ovarian pedicles and resulting torsions are clear (asterisk). Arrows point to individual, fluid-filled follicles of varying colors resulting from hemostasis.

Figure 8.
Figure 8.

Photo of the ectopic, degenerated follicles found caudal to the liver. There was a notable difference to the coloration and consistency compared with the rest of the removed follicles.

Figure 9.
Figure 9.

Connective tissue from ovarian follicle. Note the moderate dilation of blood vessels post-torsion. H&E, 200×.

Figure 10.
Figure 10.

Ovarian follicle: multifocal, mild-to-moderate numbers of macrophages, some with a markedly foamy cytoplasm. H&E stain, 200×.

Figure 11.
Figure 11.

Immunohistochemistry stain of ovarian follicle with mild-to-moderate numbers of macrophages, stained brown with anti-human IBA1 antibody. Some macrophages have markedly foamy cytoplasm, 400×.

  • Download PDF