Lymphoid leukemia in five bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

Evaluation of Neoplasia, Treatments, and Survival in Lizard Species

Neoplasia has been reported in lizards, but more research is needed to accurately document the prevalence and prognosis of the various known neoplasms that affect lizards. This study reviewed medical records from an online database, the Exotic Species Cancer Research Alliance (ESCRA), and reviewed published literature to determine the prevalence of neoplasia, malignancy, metastasis, treatment strategies, and outcomes by species and sex. Records from 55 individual lizards, 20 different species, and 37 different tumors were identified. In the literature, 219 lizards, 59 species, and 86 unique tumors were identified from 72 published case reports. Potential signalment factors such as age, sex, and species were evaluated to see if they affected case outcome. Additional factors including neoplasia type, presence of metastasis, and types of pursued treatments were also evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed to determine whether a factor was significantly associated with animal death due to the identified neoplasia or with animal survival or death due to other causes (non-neoplastic outcomes). Komodo dragons and savannah monitors were more likely to die from neoplasia compared to other lizard species. Cases where the status of metastasis was unknown were significantly associated with death due to neoplasia. Having an unknown status of male versus female was significantly associated with non-neoplastic outcomes of death. Leukemia and islet cell carcinoma were significantly associated with death due to neoplastic causes. Chondrosarcoma, myxosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and squamous cell carcinoma were significantly associated with non-neoplastic outcomes of death. Surgery alone and radiation therapy alone each were significantly associated with non-neoplastic outcomes of death, while lizards not receiving treatment were significantly associated with death due to neoplasia. Benign neoplasia was significantly associated with non-neoplastic outcomes of death. These results will aid in the improved diagnosis and management of neoplasia in lizard species, as well as expanding our understanding of prognostic indicators of neoplasia in lizards.

Hepatoprotective effect of nanoniosome loaded Myristica fragrans phenolic compounds in mice-induced hepatotoxicity

In this study, nanoniosome‐loaded Myristica fragrans' (MF) phenolic compounds (NLMP) were synthesized and characterized for their physical properties, and hepatoprotective effects on mice with liver toxicity induced by L‐asparaginase (LA) injection. According to the results, NLMP has a spherical shape with a 263 nm diameter, a zeta potential of −26.55 mV and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.192. The weight and feed intake of mice induced with hepatotoxicity were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased after they were treated with NLMP (2.5 mg/kg body weight of mice). In addition, the blood levels of triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (Chol), liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) and total bilirubin were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased. A significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the blood levels of the antioxidant defence system (glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)) were also reported after NLMP treatment. NLMP was also led to a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in inflammatory‐related gene expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and Interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) in the liver, as well as a meaningful (p ≤ 0.05) increase in the expression of SOD as an antioxidant status biomarker. Consequently, the NLMP is recommended as a potential dietary supplement to alleviate the symptoms of LA‐induced hepatotoxicity.

Diagnostic Clinical Pathology of the Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

The bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), an omnivorous Agamid lizard native to inland Australia, is one of the most popular reptile pets due to their sociable behavior, tame demeanor, low-maintenance care, and relative ease of breeding. Because they are generally stoic animals, thorough physical examination in conjunction with routine clinicopathologic data can prove invaluable in identifying disease and implementing appropriate therapy in a timely manner. The goal of this article is to assist the practicing clinician, based on literature review, on how to approach the diagnostic challenge encountered in everyday practice when working up various conditions in bearded dragons.