Richard S. Funk was a long-time member of the ARAV and a good friend to many of us. He was well known for his extensive knowledge of herpetological biology and medicine. He first completed a master's degree in zoology with a thesis in herpetology before earning his DVM from The Ohio State University. He worked at various practices before settling in the Phoenix, Arizona, area. Rich was an active member of ARAV and was a past president and long-time member of its board of directors and chair of the Legislative & Animal Welfare Committee. He was also actively involved in
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IN MEMORIAM
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GENERAL
Olson DH, Gray MJ, Grayfer L, Wilber MQ, Carter ED, Cunningham AA. 2022. The rising tide of herpetological disease science and management. Herpetol Rev, 53(3):416–417.
VIRUSES
Reptiles
Alfaro-Alarcón A, Hetzel U, Smura T, Baggio F, Morales JA, Kipar A, Hepojoki J. 2022. Boid inclusion body disease is also a disease of wild boa constrictors. Microbiol Spectr, 10(5):e0170522.
Colmant AMG, Charrel RN, Coutard B. 2022. Jingmenviruses: ubiquitous, understudied, segmented flavi-like viruses. Front Microbiol, 13:997058.
Leineweber C, Marschang RE. 2022. Antibodies against two testudinid herpesviruses in pet tortoises in Europe. Animals (Basel), 12(17):2298.
Lintala A, Szirovicza L, Kipar A, Hetzel U,
REVIEW
Abstract
Sea turtles are among the most ancient vertebrates on Earth, having existed for more than 120 million years. They are a monophyletic group, comprised of two families and seven extant species. Despite the close phylogenetic relationships sea turtles share, there are significant differences in life history traits and reproductive strategies between the species, including migration, reproductive output, and neonatal behavior. Understanding these differences may be critical to reversing the declining population trends seen in most sea turtle populations.
IN MY EXPERIENCE
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Abstract
A 14-yr-old Argentine horned frog (Ceratophrys ornata) presented for evaluation of a chronic, cutaneous mass. A white, semifirm raised mass was present in the skin on the right cranial dorsum. Excisional biopsy was performed. Fine-needle aspiration cytology and histopathology were consistent with an iridophoroma, a type of chromatophoroma. Recurrence occurred and removal was repeated 4 months and again 2 yr following the initial surgery. The original mass did not have definitive criteria of malignancy but did extend to surgical margins, which may account for repeated local recurrence. Although chromatophoromas are relatively common cutaneous neoplasms in reptiles and amphibians, iridophoromas are rarely reported in amphibians. This is the first report of an iridophoroma in an Argentine horned frog.
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Abstract
A 2-yr-old female bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) presented to the clinic exhibiting lameness and significant swellings bilaterally in the carpal region. On physical examination the lizard was determined to be in obese body condition and pododermatitis was observed on the palmar aspects of both carpi. The rest of the examination was unremarkable. Radiographs revealed opacities present in both carpal joints with possible fluid accumulation. Biochemistry revealed hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. A joint aspirate was performed and submitted for cytology and culture. The sample was sterile and only inflammatory cells were seen. Despite these results, the swelling initially improved with daily lincomycin 5 mg/kg intramuscularly (IM) but recurred after 1 month, and the lizard was referred to a specialist center for further investigations. A tissue biopsy was performed and submitted for histology and culture. Histopathologic examination revealed periarticular soft tissue ectopic bone characterized by a proliferation of ectopic cartilage and both lamellar and woven bone with hematopoietically active bone marrow within a fibrous connective tissue stroma. Bacterial culture revealed a scant growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Serratia marcescens. The lizard received ceftazidime 20 mg/kg every 72 h IM for 3 wk. Clinical signs resolved until 8 months later when the swellings returned.
CASE SERIES
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Abstract
This report describes the clinical, gross pathologic, and radiologic features of vertebral osteomyelitis in a black spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura similis) and a red tegu (Salvator rufescens). Both lizards were presented with hind limb ataxia and proprioception deficits. Based on radiographic imaging and computed tomography, a presumptive diagnosis of vertebral osteomyelitis was made. Microbiological examination of vertebral body biopsies revealed Morganella morganii and Enterococcus faecalis infection in the black spiny-tailed iguana and Enterobacter cloacae infection in the red tegu. Failure of antimicrobial treatment in both lizards was considered to be at least partly attributable to the tardy onset of clinical signs resulting in a late diagnosis and pronounced chronicity of the vertebral lesions. Although vertebral osteomyelitis has been repeatedly reported in snakes, reports in saurian species are scarce and anecdotal. Based on the findings in these cases, however, vertebral osteomyelitis should be considered as an important differential diagnosis for hind limb ataxia in lizards.
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Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that lizards of the family Chamaeleonidae are one of the most heavily parasitized groups of reptiles kept in captivity; however, little is known about the clinical implications of these infections. Relative to other host species, there is a paucity of information on reptile parasites and the breadth of parasites that infect chameleons is not well described. We report a parasitic infection most consistent with organisms belonging to the Mesomycetozoea group in male and female wild-caught jeweled chameleons (Furcifer campani). Clinical features of infection included persistent weight loss, despite increased food intake; cachexia; abnormally increased light- and heat-seeking behavior; coelomic distention; and loose, watery stools. Histologically, there was extensive granuloma formation present in the liver and widespread localization of periodic acid–Schiff- and Grocott's methenamine silver–positive spores resembling those of Dermocystidium sp. in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and other tissues. A second case of infection with this pathogen also presented with concurrent Mycobacterium sp. throughout the body, suggesting that infection with mesomycetozoean organisms may serve as a primary cause of death, or conversely, may render the infected individual susceptible to secondary, opportunistic infection. The rapid health decline associated with infection in these cases indicates a need to better characterize prevalence and pathogenicity of parasites in captive chameleons.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
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Abstract
Turtles often present to wildlife rehabilitation centers for trauma secondary to motor vehicle collisions. Injuries to the pelvic girdles in turtles are challenging to assess on standard radiographic views due to the superimposition of bones. Pelvic trauma may have long-term consequences for ambulation and reproduction. The novel use of caudoventral-craniodorsal and cranioventral-caudodorsal 45° oblique radiographic views in western painted turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota has improved differentiation of bones in the pelvic girdle. Using dorsoventral radiographs, 45% of western painted turtles with caudal carapace fractures had suspected injuries to the pelvis. After using oblique views, 98% of western painted turtles with caudal carapace fractures were found to have pelvic involvement. These radiographic views improve diagnostic ability, facilitate medical and surgical interventions, and aid in monitoring the healing process.
CONFERENCE REPORT
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Abstract
The first Global Amphibian and Reptile Disease Conference took place 4–10 August 2022 in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA. More than 230 professionals from 25 countries on 6 continents discussed the most important pathogens in amphibians and reptiles in a combined in-person and virtual conference that included 8 keynotes, 5 focal talks, 105 oral presentations, and 31 poster presentations as well as 6 workshops and 4 field trips. In total, over 15 pathogens were discussed. The largest number of talks were on chytrid fungi (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans) in amphibians, ranaviruses in amphibians and reptiles, the snake fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, and the emerging pentastomid Raillietiella orientalis.
Evaluation of Sedative Behavior Associated with Midazolam, Before and After Flumazenil, in Corn Snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) and Mexican Black Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis californiae nigrita)
Chelsey M. Tournade,
Rachel E. Illgen,
Abigail J. Martinson,
Stephen M. Johnson, and
Kurt K. Sladky
Plasma Concentrations of Amikacin During Clinical Use in Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles (Lepidochelys kempii)
Melissa J. Joblon,
Mark G. Papich,
Charles A. Peloquin,
Adam Kennedy,
Kathryn A. Tuxbury, and
Charles J. Innis
Effects of Oral Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Growth, But Not on Development of Shell Deformities in Juvenile Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtles (Apalone spinifera spinifera)
Benjamin T. Jakobek,
Émilie L. Couture,
Shannon T. Ferrell,
Cédric B. Larouche,
Véronique Bellavance, and
Stéphane Lair
eISSN: 2374-9504 ISSN: 1529-9651
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