Intrapericardial Encephalitozoon pogonae-associated arteritis with fatal hemopericardium in two juvenile central bearded dragons

Endoparasite Infections in Captive Inland Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps) in Italy

The inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is a lizard species commonly kept as a pet worldwide. Endoparasites are among the most important pathogens affecting bearded dragons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the endoparasites in captive P. vitticeps in Italy. Faecal samples from 30 P. vitticeps were analysed by fresh faecal smears, flotation tests, the Mini-FLOTAC technique, and a rapid immunoassay to detect Cryptosporidium spp. To search for microsporidia, PCR and sequencing were performed on the faecal samples. Data were statistically analysed. The overall positivity rate for endoparasites was 83.3% (25/30). The identified endoparasites were oxyurids (17/30, 56.7%), Isosospora amphiboluri (13/30, 43.3%), Encephalitozoon pogonae (4/18, 22.22%), and Cryptosporidium sp. (1/30, 3.33%). The positivity for protozoa was significantly higher in juveniles compared to adults. Moreover, the frequency of clinical signs was significantly higher in the positive animals. The results obtained here emphasize the importance of regular veterinary examinations of captive P. vitticeps, aimed at the diagnosis, treatment, and control of endoparasites. This study is one of the largest surveys on microsporidia infections in living bearded dragons, suggesting that E. pogonae may be widespread in this lizard.

Aneurysm Associated with Vascular Wall Degeneration in Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

This study describes the clinical, gross, and histologic findings in 17 cases of aneurysms in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). The clinical presentation ranged from incidental to sudden and unexpected death. The affected vasculature was predominantly arterial; however, based on the topographical locations of the lesions, gross structure, and drainage, some veins were likely involved. Magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography scans of 1 animal showed a large aneurysm of the internal carotid artery extending from near its aortic origin into the caudal head. Aneurysms were organized in 5 groups based on their anatomical locations: cephalic, cranial coelom (for all near the heart), caudal coelom (for the mesenteric vessels and descending aorta), limbs, and tail. The cranial coelomic region was the most prevalent location. Gross findings were large hematomas or red serosanguineous fluid filling the adjacent area, as most of the aneurysms (94%) were ruptured at the time of the study. The main histological findings were degenerative changes of the vessel walls characterized by moderate to severe disruption of the collagen and elastic fibers of the tunica media and adventitia (100%), followed by thickening of the intima with thrombi formation (54%) and dissecting hematoma of the vessel wall (47%). Vasculitis (29%), mineralization (6%), and lipid deposits (6%) in the vessel wall were observed occasionally. Based on these findings, the vascular dilations and ruptures observed in bearded dragons likely are associated with weakness of the vessel walls caused by degenerative changes in the intimal and medial tunics.

Mycotic Diseases in Chelonians

Turtles and 'tortoises' populations are declining in number, the factors driving extinction risks being related to habitat loss and degradation, climate change, introduction of invasive plant and animal species, consumption by humans for food and medicinal use, and collection for international pet trade. Fungal infections represent one of the main threats for ecosystem health. The present narrative review deals with conventional and emerging mycoses of Chelonians. Although conventional mycoses in captive and pet reptiles would depend on poor husbandry, being the agents mostly opportunistic pathogens, some fungal species were reported to occur more frequently, such as the entomopathogen Purpureocillium lilacinum. Furthermore, emerging agents such as the Fusarium solani species complex have been recognized as a real threat for the surviving of some aquatic species, acting as primary pathogens. This complex has been recently included within pathogens in One Health issues. Emydomyces testavorans is recognized as an emerging threat, although, due its recent identification, information about its epidemiology is limited. Data about treatments and outcomes of mycoses in Chelonians are also referred.