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Aguilar G, Mitchell MA. Reptile Dermatology. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2023; 26:409-424. [PMID: 36965878 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Reptiles are being presented more frequently to veterinarians because they increase in popularity. As with domestic pets, dermatologic conditions are common findings in captive reptiles and can be associated with husbandry and nutritional deficiencies, infectious diseases, and neoplasia. To have success with these cases, it is important to take a stepwise and strategic approach, starting with a thorough anamnesis and physical examination. From there, diagnostic tests should be pursued, with an understanding of the limitations of each diagnostic test. By understanding these limitations, the veterinary scientist can determine the best path to a diagnosis and treatment for the case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graciela Aguilar
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, 1909 Skin Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Mark A Mitchell
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, 1909 Skin Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
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Charles van Zanten T, Craig Simpson S. Managing the Health of Captive Groups of Reptiles and Amphibians. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2021; 24:609-645. [PMID: 34366012 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Managing the health of reptile and amphibian collections is centered on providing appropriate environmental parameters, husbandry conditions, and nutrition as well as maintaining good welfare and careful collection planning. Disease transmission is reduced through quarantine, appropriate diagnostic testing, and annual veterinary health assessment."
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Affiliation(s)
- Trent Charles van Zanten
- Conservation, Research and Veterinary Services, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, Jurong Bird Park, 2 Jurong Hill, Singapore 628925.
| | - Shane Craig Simpson
- The Unusual Pet Vets, 210 Karingal Drive, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia
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Oonincx DGAB, Diehl JJE, Kik M, Baines FM, Heijboer AC, Hendriks WH, Bosch G. The nocturnal leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) uses UVb radiation for vitamin D 3 synthesis. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 250:110506. [PMID: 32950659 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2020.110506] [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: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D is an important regulator of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis in animals. It can be acquired from the diet or synthesised de novo when skin is exposed to UVb. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a complex of diseases collectively called metabolic bone disease (MBD). Diurnal lizards without access to UVb are prone to develop vitamin D deficiency, even when dietary vitamin D3 is provided. A trial was conducted to determine whether juvenile nocturnal lizards require access to UVb to prevent vitamin D deficiency. All leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) were supplemented with dietary vitamin D3. One group was exposed to low level UVb radiation (33-51 μW/cm2) from hatching until 6 months of age and a second group remained unexposed. Animals were fed ad libitum and their growth and weight gain compared with non-exposed controls. At the end of the trial, blood samples were analysed for vitamin D3 metabolites. The concentration of the vitamin D3 metabolite, 25(OH)D3, was higher in UVb exposed animals (61 ± 20 vs. 38 ± 8 nmol/L), confirming cutaneous synthesis with UVb exposure. Growth and weight gain were similar in both groups, and this, together with the absence of clinical symptoms, suggests that dietary vitamin D3 alone can meet the vitamin D requirements for growth of this nocturnal gecko, during the first six months of life. It remains to be investigated whether the higher vitamin D metabolite levels holds other health benefits for this species, such as improved bone density or immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- D G A B Oonincx
- Animal Nutrition Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Entomology, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - J J E Diehl
- Animal Nutrition Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - M Kik
- Pathology division, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - F M Baines
- UV Guide UK, Greenfield, School Lane, Govilon, Abergavenny, NP7 9NT, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - A C Heijboer
- Endocrine Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - W H Hendriks
- Animal Nutrition Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - G Bosch
- Animal Nutrition Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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Vergneau-Grosset C, Péron F. Effect of ultraviolet radiation on vertebrate animals: update from ethological and medical perspectives. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2020; 19:752-762. [PMID: 33856678 DOI: 10.1039/c9pp00488b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Many animals under human care are kept indoors to prevent infectious diseases vectored by wildlife, facilitate environment control, or due to the lifestyle of their owners. However, ultraviolet radiation has documented effects on animal vision, vitamin synthesis, immunity, behavior, psychogenic disorders and on their environment. Ultraviolet-emitting lights are commercially available and the documentation of their effect on indoor-housed animals is increasing. This article reviews published information about ultraviolet effects in vertebrate animals from veterinary and ethological perspectives, and techniques used to assess ultraviolet exposure across animal taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Vergneau-Grosset
- Department of Clinical sciences, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 rue Sicotte, J2S 2 M2, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.
| | - Franck Péron
- 15 Rue de la Johardière, 44 800, Saint-Herblain, France
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Abstract
Over the last 10 years, exotic animal clinical pathology has been evolving, improving health assessment in avian, mammal, fish, reptile, and amphibian patients. These advances are reviewed in this article. Species-specific reference intervals for blood parameters are becoming more available (eg, for ionized calcium, endocrine panels, and vitamin D plasmatic concentrations). In addition, new technologies are being developed to facilitate targeted metabolite detection and result acquisition by veterinarians. Novel techniques, biomarkers, and clinical changes related to disease have been described in avian, mammal, fish, reptile and amphibian species. The use of mobile applications may also be helpful.
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