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d'Ovidio D, Pantchev N, Santoro D. Hirstiella spp. Infestation in A Client-Owned Iguana (Iguana Iguana) Associated With Skin Lesions on its Owner. Top Companion Anim Med 2023; 55:100802. [PMID: 37499793 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcam.2023.100802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
A green iguana (Iguana iguana) was presented for severe pruritus, dysecdysis, reduced appetite, lethargy, and the presence of dark red spots on the entire body. A pruritic dermatitis was present on the owner's arms as well. Parasitological examination (light microscopy) performed on the affected iguana, via skin scraping and acetate tape test, revealed numerous Hirstiella spp. mites. Resolution of clinical signs occurred 3 weeks after daily water bath and 3 weekly applications of a 0.25% fipronil solution (sprayed on a glove and then rubbed on the skin of the lizard) along with application of diluted fipronil (1:5 in water). This is the first case report of potential Hirstiella spp. dermatitis in an adult human. Although uncommon, Hirstiella spp. infestation should be considered as a possible differential in pruritic pet lizards specifically in cases in which the owner presents a papular dermatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Domenico Santoro
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Sollom HJ, Baron HR. Clinical presentation and disease prevalence of captive central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) at veterinary clinics in Australia. Aust Vet J 2023; 101:200-207. [PMID: 36892098 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) are one of the most popular reptile pets in Australia and around the world. Diseases, including metabolic bone disease, periodontal disease, and gastrointestinal endoparasites commonly affect captive animals. To determine the common reasons these lizards were presented to the veterinarian and to establish the prevalence of disease seen in captive P. vitticeps in Australia, this retrospective study evaluated the clinical records of three exotic pet veterinary hospitals. Records from 724 P. vitticeps were analysed, with 70 reasons for presentation and 88 diseases identified across 1000 visits to the veterinarian. Lethargy was the most reported reason for presentation (n = 181). The gastrointestinal tract (18.25%) and skin (18.25%) were the equally most commonly affected organ systems, followed by the musculoskeletal system (15.17%). Endoparasites were the most common single disease process (n = 103), followed by metabolic bone disease (n = 65), skin wounds (n = 59) and periodontal disease (n = 48). Of the patients that presented for routine preventive health examinations (n = 159), 45.30% received some form of intervention to treat or prevent disease. Many of the conditions that were identified by the veterinarians in this study are traditionally correlated with suboptimal husbandry and may be easily prevented. This study identified the common reasons for presentation to the veterinarian and the prevalence of disease in captive P. vitticeps in Australia, providing the first extensive retrospective analysis of objective reference literature for central bearded dragon owners and aspiring reptile veterinarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- H J Sollom
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, Australia
| | - H R Baron
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, Australia.,The Unusual Pet Vets, Frankston, Australia
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Fatal Disseminated Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infection in a Captive Green Iguana (Iguana iguana). ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/acve-2021-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Infections with various bacteria, especially gram-negative aerobes, are a well-recognized problem in captive cold-blooded animals with immunocompromised health status, or in those kept under poor conditions. Pseudomonas is one of the most represented genera. Here, we present a case of fatal disseminated infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a captive green iguana kept at the “Pionirska dolina” Zoo in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. At necropsy, severe stomatitis, pneumonia, hepatitis and nephritis, accompanied with focally extensive dermatitis were observed. Histopathology revealed multifocal necrosis in various visceral organs. Culture and subsequent MALDI-TOF MS analysis were conducted to identify the isolate as P. aeruginosa. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed a wide susceptibility of the isolate, however applied therapy was instilled too late in the presented case. This case demonstrates the significance of timely and accurate identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacterial isolates implicated in the pathology of captive reptiles. The importance of monitoring the adequate environmental conditions (enclosure temperature, humidity and conformation), health status and possible clinical signs of illness are highlighted.
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Brockmann M, Aupperle-Lellbach H, Gentil M, Heusinger A, Müller E, Marschang RE, Pees M. Challenges in microbiological identification of aerobic bacteria isolated from the skin of reptiles. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240085. [PMID: 33075077 PMCID: PMC7571677 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bacterial pathogens are often involved in dermatitis in reptiles. Exact identification of reptile-specific but otherwise uncommon bacterial species may be challenging. However, identification is crucial to evaluate the importance of the detected bacterial species. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the number of aerobic bacterial isolates cultured from skin-derived samples of reptiles which were not reliably identified by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and to determine their identity. MATERIAL AND METHODS Routine bacterial diagnostics were performed on 235 skin samples, and 417 bacterial isolates were analysed by MALDI-TOF MS. The isolates were grouped into categories based on their first score: category I (≥ 2.00), category II (≥ 1.70 and < 2.00), and category III (< 1.70). Isolates from category III were further investigated by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and the following criteria were applied: query cover 100%, e-value rounded to 0.0 and sequence identity (%) > 98.00% for genus identification, and > 99.00% for species identification. RESULTS The majority of bacterial isolates were in category I (85.1%) or category II (8.4%). In category III (6.5%) results achieved at first by MALDI-TOF MS corresponded to the results of the molecular analysis in 8.0% of isolates at the species level and in 24.0% at the genus level. Bacterial isolates classified as category III were heterogenic in genus (e.g. Chryseobacterium, Devriesea, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Uruburuella), and some have only been described in reptiles so far. CONCLUSIONS Most of the aerobic bacterial isolates cultured from reptile skin achieved high scores by MALDI-TOF MS. However, in the majority of category III isolates MALDI-TOF MS results were different from those of the molecular analysis. This strengthens the need to carefully examine low-scored results for plausibility and to be familiar with the occurrence and morphology of relevant reptile-specific bacterial species (e.g. Devriesea agamarum) as well as with the limits of the database used.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Bacteria, Aerobic/chemistry
- Bacteria, Aerobic/genetics
- Bacteria, Aerobic/isolation & purification
- Gram-Negative Bacteria/genetics
- Gram-Negative Bacteria/isolation & purification
- Gram-Negative Bacteria/metabolism
- Gram-Positive Bacteria/genetics
- Gram-Positive Bacteria/isolation & purification
- Gram-Positive Bacteria/metabolism
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/chemistry
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/metabolism
- Reptiles/microbiology
- Skin/microbiology
- Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael Pees
- Clinic for Birds and Reptiles, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Blind Trading: A Literature Review of Research Addressing the Welfare of Ball Pythons in the Exotic Pet Trade. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020193. [PMID: 31979065 PMCID: PMC7070511 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Ball python is a small species that is commonly kept as an exotic pet across the world. Despite huge numbers of these snakes being kept and traded in the pet industry, there is very little information available about how catching, breeding, transporting and housing them in captivity could impact their welfare. Our study reviewed the published literature for this species and found 88 relevant peer-reviewed scientific papers. Physical health was the predominant focus of research, with numerous studies reporting on disease, injury or clinical treatments. Far fewer papers focused on other aspects of Ball python wellbeing, including behaviour, nutrition, environment or mental condition. We also found that very few studies focused on wellbeing prior to pet ownership, i.e., during the early stages of the trade chain when they are caught from the wild, transported, or bred in captivity. We recommend that more research is needed to assess the impact of the exotic pet trade on this species’ welfare. In particular, research on welfare conditions during capture and transportation of wild Ball pythons, and the potential effects of captive breeding, could help reduce suffering throughout the trade. Abstract Extensive numbers of Ball pythons are caught, bred, traded and subsequently kept in captivity across the world as part of the exotic pet industry. Despite their widespread availability as pets, relatively little is known about the potential welfare challenges affecting them. We reviewed the literature for research focused on the health and welfare of Ball pythons in the international pet trade. From a total of 88 articles returned from the search criteria, our analysis showed that very few actually focused on trade (10%) or animal welfare (17%). Instead, the majority (64%) of articles focused on veterinary science. There was a considerable bias towards physical health, with most studies neglecting the four other domains of animal welfare (behaviour, nutrition, environment and mental health). Furthermore, very few studies considered Ball pythons prior to resulting pet ownership, during wild capture and transportation or captive breeding operations. Our review demonstrates that our current understanding of welfare for Ball pythons traded as exotic pets is limited. We recommend that future research should focus on aspects of the industry that are currently overlooked, including the potential consequences of genetic selection during captive-breeding and the conditions provided for snakes prior to and during international transportation.
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Han D, Young BA. The rhinoceros among Serpents: Comparative anatomy and experimental biophysics of Calabar burrowing python (Calabaria reinhardtii
) skin. J Morphol 2017; 279:86-96. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Han
- Department of Biology; Truman State University; Kirksville Missouri
| | - Bruce A. Young
- Department of Anatomy; Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University; Kirksville Missouri
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Masters NJ, Alexander S, Jackson B, Sigler L, Chatterton J, Harvey C, Gibson R, Humphrey S, Rawdon TG, Spence RP, Ha HJ, McInnes K, Jakob-Hoff R. Dermatomycosis caused by Paranannizziopsis australasiensis in five tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) and a coastal bearded dragon (Pogona barbata) in a zoological collection in New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2016; 64:301-7. [DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2016.1177473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- NJ Masters
- Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - S Alexander
- New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine, Auckland Zoo, Western Springs 1022, New Zealand
| | - B Jackson
- New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine, Auckland Zoo, Western Springs 1022, New Zealand
| | - L Sigler
- University of Alberta Microfungus Collection and Herbarium, Devonian Botanic Garden, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - J Chatterton
- New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine, Auckland Zoo, Western Springs 1022, New Zealand
| | - C Harvey
- New Zealand Veterinary Pathology, Western Springs 1022, New Zealand
| | - R Gibson
- New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine, Auckland Zoo, Western Springs 1022, New Zealand
| | - S Humphrey
- Ministry for Primary Industries, PO Box 40742, Upper Hutt 5140, New Zealand
| | - TG Rawdon
- Ministry for Primary Industries, PO Box 40742, Upper Hutt 5140, New Zealand
| | - RP Spence
- Ministry for Primary Industries, PO Box 40742, Upper Hutt 5140, New Zealand
| | - HJ Ha
- Ministry for Primary Industries, PO Box 40742, Upper Hutt 5140, New Zealand
| | - K McInnes
- Department of Conservation, PO Box 10420, Wellington 6143, New Zealand
| | - R Jakob-Hoff
- New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine, Auckland Zoo, Western Springs 1022, New Zealand
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Tamukai K, Tokiwa T, Kobayashi H, Une Y. Ranavirus in an outbreak of dermatophilosis in captive inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Vet Dermatol 2016; 27:99-105e28. [PMID: 26940568 DOI: 10.1111/vde.12288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various pathogens cause skin diseases in lizards. An outbreak of skin disease occurred in a population of 100 inland bearded dragons at a breeding facility in Japan; 50 developed skin lesions and 15 mortalities were reported. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES To identify the pathogens responsible for the skin lesions and to determine the cause of death. ANIMALS Eight specimens (three dead, two euthanized, three living) were randomly selected from a group of inland bearded dragons with skin lesions consisting of multifocal superficial dermatitis. METHODS Biopsy samples were taken from skin lesions and healthy skin of the live specimens. Postmortem examinations were performed on the dead and euthanized specimens. Skin samples were processed for microbiological culture, 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing for bacteria, ranavirus major capsid protein (MCP) gene sequencing and histopathological examination. Histopathological examinations were also performed on postmortem tissue samples. RESULTS Both Austwickia chelonae and ranavirus (DNA) were detected in the skin lesions. Pathological examination revealed no significant visceral lesions caused by A. chelonae or ranavirus infection in dead specimens. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE To the best of the authors' knowledge this is the first report of dermatophilosis due to A. chelonae infection in lizards and the first description of a concurrent infection with a ranavirus. The combined infection associated with the skin lesions may have been the primary cause of death. Co-infection with a ranavirus should be considered as a possible factor in cases of reptilian dermatophilosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Tamukai
- Den-en-chofu Animal Hospital, 2-1-3 Denenchofu, Ota-ku, Tokyo 145-0071, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Tokiwa
- Division of Pathobiological Analysis, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, 1-7-1 Kyonancho, Musashino, Tokyo 180-8602, Japan
| | - Hideki Kobayashi
- Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Animal Health, 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan
| | - Yumi Une
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan
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Nardini G, Barbarossa A, Dall'Occo A, Di Girolamo N, Cagnardi P, Magnone W, Bielli M, Roncada P, Zaghini A. Pharmacokinetics of cefovecin sodium after subcutaneous administration to Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni). Am J Vet Res 2014; 75:918-23. [DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.75.10.918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Abstract
Skin disease is an extremely common presenting complaint to the exotic animal practitioner. A systematic diagnostic approach is necessary in these cases to achieve a diagnosis and formulate an effective treatment plan. In all exotic species, husbandry plays a central role in the pathogenesis of cutaneous disease, so a thorough evaluation of the husbandry is critical for successful management. The clinical approach to skin disease in exotic animal patients is reviewed with specific focus on structure and function of the skin, diagnostic testing, and differential diagnoses for commonly encountered cutaneous diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian S Palmeiro
- Lehigh Valley Veterinary Dermatology and Fish Hospital, 4580 Crackersport Road, Allentown, PA 18104, USA.
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Hausmann JC, Hollingsworth SR, Hawkins MG, Kass PH, Maggs DJ. Distribution and outcome of ocular lesions in snakes examined at a veterinary teaching hospital: 67 cases (1985–2010). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2013; 243:252-60. [DOI: 10.2460/javma.243.2.252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Effectiveness of a single application of 0·25% fipronil solution for the treatment of hirstiellosis in captive green iguanas (Iguana iguana): an open-label study. Parasitology 2013; 140:1144-8. [PMID: 23721613 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182013000772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Hirstiella spp. are common ectoparasites of captive green iguanas (Iguana iguana). Suggested treatments are empirical and some of them are of low efficacy and potentially toxic. The objective of this open-label study was to investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of a single application of 0·25% fipronil solution for the treatment of hirstiellosis. The skin of 50 green iguanas was thoroughly examined with the aid of bright light and magnifying lenses. A total of 21 iguanas were found to be infested, harbouring 1-24 mites (median: 5). All 35 mites collected from 17 iguanas were identified as Hirstiella sp. Both infested and non-infested lizards, sharing the same enclosure, were carefully wiped with 0·25% fipronil solution. The safety and the efficacy of the treatment were evaluated after 2 days in 47/50 (94%) and 7 days in 29/50 (58%) iguanas. Compared with pre-treatment levels, the parasitic load did not changed significantly on the second day but was significantly lower on day 7 (P = 0·006). No adverse reactions were noticed. Based on these results a single whole-body application of 0·25% fipronil solution can be considered a safe and effective treatment for the reduction of parasitic burden in captive green iguanas infested by Hirstiella sp. mites.
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