Editorial Type:
Article Category: Research Article
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Online Publication Date: Dec 01, 2022

Colonic Diverticulosis in a Black Pine Snake (Pituophis Melanoleucus Lodingi)

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Page Range: 3 – 10
DOI: 10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00028
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Abstract

A 6-yr-old captive-bred male black pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi) weighing 0.49 kg with a snout-to-vent length of 127 cm was presented for evaluation of a caudal coelomic swelling that had been present for 3 days. Survey radiographs showed focal distention of the body wall with a mass of soft tissue and mineral opacity. Anti-inflammatory and empiric antibiotic treatments were initiated, with no significant improvement. Coelomic ultrasound showed effusion and intestinal changes consistent with an intussusception. On exploratory celiotomy, the mass was found to be a 10-cm-long colonic diverticulum. A colotomy was performed and inspissated fecal material was removed from the lumen of the diverticulum prior to its resection and closing of the bowel defect. Histological examination of the excised tissue was consistent with an intestinal diverticulum and complete absence of the smooth muscle layers, indicating nonperforating rupture of the bowel wall. The snake recovered uneventfully and began eating 5 days after surgery. On physical and ultrasound examinations 8 months after surgery, the snake's body condition had improved and there was no recurrence of clinical signs, with the snake remaining normal 30 months postsurgery at home.

Keywords: Colotomy; diverticulosis; enterotomy; intussusception; obstipation
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Figure 1.
Figure 1.

Right lateral radiographic image of the caudal coelom of a black pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi) showing distention of the body by a soft tissue opacity with interspersed opacities interpreted as bone fragments within the intestinal lumen.

Figure 2.
Figure 2.

Transverse ultrasonographic image of the caudal coelom of a black pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi) centered on a coelomic swelling. The image was interpreted as a possible colonic intussusception due to multiple concentric rings of colonic wall (“target lesion”). Open arrows point to the outer intestinal wall section and solid arrows point to the inner intestinal wall section of the suspected intussusception.

Figure 3.
Figure 3.

Sagittal ultrasonographic view of the coelom of a black pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi) just caudal to the area of the coelomic swelling showing free fluid (*) and an adjacent loop of intestine containing echogenic material (arrowheads). Left is cranial.

Figure 4.
Figure 4.

Colonic diverticulum in a black pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi) in situ prior to surgical excision. The snake is in right lateral recumbency.

Figure 5.
Figure 5.

Colonic diverticulum in a black pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi). The border of the diverticulum with adjacent intact intestine (>) is demonstrated by the sharply delineated loss of the muscular layers in the diverticulum. Mucosa is marked by (^); serosa is marked by (V). Hematoxylin and eosin. Scale bar: 1 mm. (A) Higher magnification of the border (>) between the diverticulum (left) with adjacent intact intestine (right). Note the smooth muscle cells (S) in the wall of the intact intestine as well as the prominent inflammatory infiltrates (*) on both sides of the border. Hematoxylin and eosin. Scale bar: 50 µm. (B) Higher magnification of the ulcerated mucosal surface of the diverticulum with necrosis of the submucosa and associated inflammation (^). Scale bar: 50 µm.

Contributor Notes

2 Current address: Southwest Veterinary Medical Center, 10141A Coors Boulevard Northwest, Albuquerque, NM 87114, USA

4 Current address: Antech Imaging Services, 17620 Mount Herrmann Street, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, USA

6 Current address: CSU-OBRL, 200 West Lake Street, Campus Delivery 0912, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA