Abstract

In recent years, many nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species have been recognized as pathogens for humans and animals. Molecular diagnostic techniques enable rapid identification and characterization of the different species of mycobacteria. NTM are inhabitants of the soil and water, and enter the body through a defect in the skin or mucosa, causing infections in immunocompromised subjects. Mycobacteriosis has been described in reptiles, especially in chelonians, but the incidence seems to be low in captivity. To date, mycobacteriosis has been described only in three tortoise species. This report involves a captive Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni) diagnosed with cloacal mycobacteriosis and subsequent systemic dissemination by histopathology and PCR. A Mycobacterium sp. belonging to the M. terrae complex was identified as the etiologic agent, and this is the first report of infection in reptiles by this organism.

Abstract

A 27-yr-old female green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) presented with coelomic distention in the posterior half of its body. On examination with imaging diagnostics, a fluid-filled cavity that seemed to be related to reproductive tissue was discovered. Diagnostics of this fluid confirmed cystic fluid, and a fine-needle aspirate of the mass determined that it was ovarian tissue. Ovariectomy and mass removal surgery was performed. During surgery, there was discovery of an additional unrecognized organ near the reproductive tract. Histopathology revealed an ovarian cystic neoplasm consistent with a granulosa cell tumor, and biopsy of the unknown structure was identified as a testis. Postoperatively, the green anaconda was administered fentanyl transdermal patches for analgesia and developed a severe adverse reaction, which improved after administration of the opioid reversal agent naltrexone. This is the first report of hermaphroditism in a snake as well as suspected negative side effects of transdermal fentanyl in a snake.

Abstract

Chronic ovoretention, or egg binding, is a common cause of morbidity in captive female snakes. Both oviparous and viviparous species can be affected, but most literature is focused on management in oviparous species. The epidemiology and preferred treatment of chronic, unfertilized ovoretention in viviparous species, such as rattlesnakes, are not well described. This study reviewed the prevalence, morbidity, and mortality associated with ovoretention in Crotalus and Sistrurus rattlesnakes over 10 yr at a single institution. Period prevalence in mature female rattlesnakes (n = 63) was 15.9%. Ovoretention was the single most common clinical diagnosis for this cohort, comprising 32% of presentations (n = 25), and was the leading identified cause of death, with attribution in 20.8% of necropsies (n = 24). Data were abstracted from 10 cases, spanning eight crotalid species. Median age was 10 yr (range, 4–18 yr), and case fatality was 50%. Affected animals had variable parity and sperm exposure and presented with diverse clinical signs. Medical management alone was infrequently successful; most cases required procedural intervention. Salpingotomy had positive outcomes, including future reproductive success. Bacterial salpingitis, oophoritis, or both were detected in four cases. Serious comorbidities included uterine rupture, sepsis, and disseminated mycobacteriosis. Although prevalence of ovoretention in rattlesnakes likely varies across institutions, it can become a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in rattlesnake collections. Cases may have a long subclinical period despite significant pathologic lesions, and conservative management may be unrewarding. A more proactive, evidence-based approach to ovoretention could potentially improve the survival, welfare, and fertility of female rattlesnakes in human care.

One hundred thirty-one clinically healthy Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanii) were studied to evaluate serum and plasma levels of symmetrical dimethylarginine (SDMA). The animals were mostly sourced from a rescue center in Germany. 98 males and 33 females were included in the study, weighing on average 1.1kg. Blood was collected from the dorsal tail vein without sedation in most animals as part of routine health screening. Blood samples were centrifuged and sent to IDEXX reference laboratory for analysis of SDMA using a novel high-throughput homogenous competitive immunoassay. SDMA ranged from 1-21 ug/dL. No difference was noted between male and

Mycobacterial Cloacitis with Systemic Dissemination in a Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni)

Abstract

Fentanyl Overdose after Cystic Ovarian Tumor Removal Surgery in a Hermaphrodite Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus)

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Review of Chronic Ovoretention in Rattlesnakes (Crotalus and Sistrurus spp.) at a Single Zoological Institution

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Survey of Feeding Practices and Supplement Use in Pet Inland Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps) of the United States and Canada

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Pharmacokinetics of Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole in the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)

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Attitudes of Brazilian Veterinarians Towards Anesthesia and Pain Management in Reptiles

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Characterizing Tissue Enzyme Activities in the Marine Toad (Rhinella marina)

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Effects of Artificial Ultraviolet B Radiation on Plasma 25-Hydroxyvitamin D₃ Concentrations in Juvenile Blanding's Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii)

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Cytological Characterization of the Oral Cavity of the Inland Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

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Capsule Reports

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

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

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

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