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,

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.

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.

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.

In Memoriam for Richard S. Funk, MA, DVM

Infectious Agents of Reptiles and Amphibians: Peer-Reviewed Publications, July–December 2022

GENERAL

VIRUSES

Reptiles

Reproduction in Sea Turtles, a Review

Abstract

Cutaneous Iridophoroma in an Argentine Horned Frog (Ceratophrys ornata)

Abstract

Heterotopic Ossification of the Soft Tissues Overlying the Carpal Bones of a 2-year-old Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

Abstract

Vertebral Osteomyelitis in a Black Spiny-Tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura similis) and a Red Tegu (Salvator rufescens)

Abstract

A Unique Disease Presentation Associated with a Mesomycetozoean-Like Organism in the Jeweled Chameleon (Furcifer campani)

Abstract

Use of Caudoventral-Craniodorsal and Cranioventral-Caudodorsal Oblique Radiographic Views made at 45° to the Frontal Plane for the Evaluation of Pelvic Girdles in Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta)

Abstract

Report on the First Global Amphibian and Reptile Disease (GARD) Conference 2022

Abstract

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)