Fatal cutaneous mycosis in tentacled snakes (Erpeton tentaculatum) caused by the Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii.

The fungus Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii was identified as the cause of fatal, multifocal, heterophilic dermatitis in four freshwater aquatic captive-bred tentacled snakes (Erpeton tentaculatum). Pale, 1- to 4-mm focal lesions involving individual scales, occurred primarily on the head and dorsum. Histology showed multifocal coagulation necrosis of the epidermis, with marked heterophilic infiltration without involvement of the underlying dermis. Septate, irregularly branched hyphae, and clusters of 4- to 8- by 2- to 3-microm rod-shaped cells (arthroconidia) were present within the lesions and in a superficial crust. Failure to maintain an acidic environment was likely a predisposing factor in the development of these lesions.     

Deep fungal dermatitis caused by the Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii in captive coastal bearded dragons (Pogona barbata)

Deep fungal dermatitis caused by the Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii (CANV) was diagnosed in a group of coastal bearded dragons (Pogona barbata). The outbreak extended over a 6-month period, with four of six lizards from the same zoological outdoor enclosure succumbing to infection. A fifth case of dermatomycosis was identified in a pet lizard originally sourced from the wild. Diagnosis of infection with the CANV was based on similar clinical signs and histopathology in all animals and confirmed by culture and sequencing of the fungus from one animal. This is the first report of the CANV causing disease in a terrestrial reptile species in Australia and the first in the coastal bearded dragon.     

Dermatomycosis in a pet inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) caused by a Chrysosporium species related to Nannizziopsis vriesii

A Chrysosporium sp. related to Nannizziopsis vriesii was isolated in pure culture from squames and biopsies of facial lesions in a pet inland bearded dragon ( Pogona vitticeps ) in Spain. The presence in histological sections of morphologically consistent fungal elements strongly incriminates this fungus as the aetiological agent of infection. Lesions regressed following treatment with oral ketoconazole and topical chlorhexidine and terbinafine until the lizard was lost to follow up 1 month later. The ITS-5.8S rRNA gene of the isolate was sequenced and a search on the GenBank database revealed a high match with the sequences of two Chrysosporium sp. strains recently isolated from green iguanas ( Iguana iguana ) with dermatomycosis, also in Spain. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences revealed that all these strains are related to N. vriesii . This is the first report of dermatomycoses caused by a Chrysosporium species related to N. vriesii in a bearded dragon outside North America.     

Pulmonary hyalohyphomycosis caused by Fusarium spp in a Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempi): an immunohistochemical study

AIM: To describe the microscopic and immunohistochemical findings in a case of pulmonary hyalohyphomycosis in a Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempi). METHODS: Samples of lung, liver and kidney from a stranded, dead Kemp's ridley sea turtle were routinely processed for histopathological studies. Two monoclonal antibodies that reacted specifically with antigens of Aspergillus spp and the Mucorales (Zygomycetes) group, and a panel of polyclonal antibodies raised against Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Geotrichum candidum, Fusarium solani, and Scedosporium apiospermum were used for immunohistochemical or immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Histologically, a severe multifocal granulomatous pneumonia associated with fungal infection was diagnosed. All hyphae were identified as Fusarium spp because a strong and uniform reactivity was obtained only with a heterologously-absorbed polyclonal antibody raised against somatic antigens of Fusarium solani. CONCLUSIONS: Fusarium spp should be included in the differential diagnosis of mycotic pneumonia in Kemp's ridley sea turtles. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is the first report of a pulmonary mycotic infection in a sea turtle diagnosed using immunohistochemistry. Wildlife rehabilitators and pathologists should be aware of the availability of immunohistochemical techniques for identifying fungi in sea turtles.     

First description of onychomycosis caused by Chrysosporium keratinophilum in captive Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus)

Seven Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus) presented within a period of several months with onychodystrophy, onychomadesis, and severe digital tumefaction. Histopathologic findings included a pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia of the claw matrix surrounding a cavity filled with keratin and septate hyphae stained with periodic acid Schiff reagent. The fungal species Chrysosporium keratinophilum was identified on cultures. The wallabies were orally treated with ketoconazole (15 mg/kg s.i.d.) for 20 wk. Material and enclosures were cleaned and sprayed with 0.2% enilconazole solution once a month over a period of 4 mo. No improvement of advanced cases was observed, but no new case appeared for the next 6 mo. The positive mycological culture and the invasion of tissues on histopathologic examination suggested that the fungal species C. keratinophilum was implicated in this claw disease. This is the first report of onychomycosis caused by C. keratinophilum in animals.     

Metastatic Osteolytic Angioleiomyosarcoma Induced by a Foreign Body in a Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus)

An adult female Eastern Grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) was examined for lameness due to a mass located at the right tibiotarsal joint. Radiographs revealed a metal arrowhead‐shaped foreign body within the mass alongside a pathologic fracture. Grossly, at necropsy, there was a multilobulated and haemorrhagic mass with intralesional metal fragments, associated osteolysis of the tibiotarsus and pulmonary metastatic nodules. Histologically the neoplasm was composed of plump elongated and fusiform cells that often formed concentrically around small vessels. The pulmonary nodules were composed of similar neoplastic cells, necrosis and haemorrhage. Neoplastic cells were positive immunohistochemically for vimentin and smooth muscle actin. The histological features, immunohistochemical profiles and behaviour of this tumour support a diagnosis of a primary angioleiomyosarcoma with lung metastasis associated with a metal foreign body.     

Infection of the subcutis of the nose in a cat caused by Mucor species: successful treatment using posaconazole

A 14-year-old neutered female domestic shorthair cat was presented for investigation of a non-painful subcutaneous swelling of the nasal dorsum at the site of a scratch injury. Cytological evaluation demonstrated a granulomatous reaction and many variably shaped organisms consistent with yeasts/fungi. Subsequent biopsy and culture yielded a pure growth of a Mucor species. The cat was treated with the second-generation triazole antifungal agent posaconazole for 5 months. Complete resolution was seen with no recurrence 12 months after discontinuing treatment.     

Reactivation of a macropodid herpesvirus from the eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) following corticosteroid treatment.

The family Herpesviridae is a large group of viruses which contain double stranded DNA genomes. Biological characteristics, such as host signs, site of replication and site of latency have been used to describe three major subfamilies, Alphaherpesvirinae, Betaherpesvirinae and Gammaherpesvirinae within the family Herpesviridae. Macropodid herpesviruses (MaHV) have been implicated in fatal outbreaks amongst the captive marsupial populations of Australia. These outbreaks have resulted in the isolation of nine MaHV strains which have been classified into two species called macropodid herpesvirus 1 and 2 (MaHV-1 and MaHV-2). Biological characteristics have been used to place MaHV-1 and -2 within the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae. Molecular phylogenetic reconstructions indicate an unusual position for MaHV-1 and -2 within the alphaherpesviruses. Current isolates of MaHVs have all been obtained from marsupials exhibiting clinical disease. A common biological characteristic of herpesviruses is the establishment of latent infections in nervous tissue. We have determined that MaHV are able to latently infect eastern grey kangaroos through reactivating and isolating a herpesvirus by inducing immunosuppression. We have investigated the possible sites of latency for MaHV-1 using molecular techniques. Detection of herpesvirus DNA in the trigeminal ganglia taken from two naturally infected eastern grey kangaroos indicates dissemination via a respiratory route.     

PCR-sequence characterization of new adenoviruses found in reptiles and the first successful isolation of a lizard adenovirus

A consensus nested PCR was used to screen diagnostic samples from approximately 70 reptiles for the presence of adenoviruses (AdV) in the years 2006-2007. Classical virus isolation methods were also used with all samples. After adenoviruses were detected in a group of helodermatid lizards in a Danish zoo, a follow-up study was also carried out on lizards from this group (10 Mexican beaded lizards and 24 Gila monsters) over the period of a year. Adenoviruses were detected in a total of 26 lizards and snakes by PCR. The PCR amplicons from all positive animals were sequenced and the resulting polymerase gene sequences were used for phylogenetic analysis. Altogether six Agamid AdVs were amplified, with a minimal sequence variation between one another and between these and GenBank Agamid AdVs. The sequence obtained from one of the Gila monsters is identical with the GenBank Helodermatid AdV, while the sequences from the Mexican beaded lizards differ from this. In a snake collection we have detected a new AdV from an Asp viper. All of the above mentioned adenoviruses cluster in the Atadenovirus genus. However, the sequence from a new Varanid AdV detected in this study clusters outside this genus. On cell culture, viruses were isolated from three of the AdV positive helodermatid lizards (one Mexican beaded lizard and two Gila monsters) and identified as AdVs based on electron microscopy and PCR and sequencing using cell culture supernatant. This is the first report of the successful isolation of a lizard AdV.     

Subconjunctival voriconazole for the treatment of mycotic keratitis in a horse

Fungal keratitis in the horse is a common but challenging disease. This report describes the successful treatment of Fusarium keratitis with both topical and subconjunctival voriconazole 1%. Voriconazole is a new triazole antifungal that has demonstrated efficacy against common fungal pathogens. Topical voriconazole is able to penetrate the intact corneal epithelium making it a good choice for superficial or deep mycotic keratitis. Reports of subconjunctival use of antifungal drugs are sparse in the veterinary literature. We found subconjunctival voriconazole was well tolerated and easy to safely administer.     

Hip luxation in a woodchuck (Marmota monax): successful treatment by closed reduction and a modified Ehmer sling.

An elastic tape sling successfully maintained reduction of a craniodorsal right coxofemoral luxation in a woodchuck (Marmota monax). No complications were encountered during the 14 days that the sling was in place. The animal remained normal through the following 8 mo.     

Diagnosis and successful treatment of Eimeria infection in a pair of pet domestic rats (Rattus norvegicus) with ponazuril

Two newly acquired, one-month-old, intact male pet domestic rats (Rattus norvegicus) that were housed together presented for a wellness examination. One of the rats had malodorous, green-colored, soft feces. A pooled microscopic fecal examination demonstrated presence of Eimeria oocysts. Both rats were treated individually with ponazuril (30 mg/kg p.o.) administered in two treatments 48 hours apart. Three weekly pooled fecal samples following treatment were negative, suggesting clearing of the infection. No adverse clinical signs were noted. Most reported anticoccidian treatments in rodents describe prolonged treatment protocols or administration of treatment in the water, which can result in unnecessary stress and handling, or ineffective and uncontrolled level of drug administration, respectively. This is the first report of the favorable clinical experience of this treatment protocol, suggesting it is efficacious, easy to administer, and safe when treating similar infections in rats.     

Pulmonary candidiasis caused by Candida albicans in a Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca) and treatment with intrapulmonary amphotericin B.

An adult female Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca) presented with dyspnea, lethargy, and anorexia. Severe unilateral pulmonary candidiasis was diagnosed and confirmed by histologic and microbiologic evaluations. Initial treatment with ketoconazole resulted in plasma elevations of aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and bile acids consistent with imidazole-induced hepatotoxicity. Plasma chemistry abnormalities resolved upon withdrawal of the drug. Temporary osteotomy permitted access to the diseased lung and facilitated intrapulmonary catheterization. Intrapulmonary amphotericin B therapy at 0.1 mg/kg s.i.d. for 34 days proved to be both safe and effective in this case.     

Description of a new species of Cordylus Laurenti (Reptilia: Cordylidae) from the south-western Cape,South Africa

A new species of girdled lizard in the Cordylus genus is described from the south-western Cape, South Africa. Unlike other Cordylus taxa the new form usually has only two supraciliaries per side, the posterior parietals are usually separated mesially by a small post-interparietal scale and the lateral body scales are larger than the dorsal scales. The relationships of this new form to other members of the Cordylus group are discussed.     

Diagnosis and successful treatment of a presumptive case of aspergillosis in a Micronesian kingfisher (Halcyon cinnamomina cinnamomina)

A 4-yr-old male Micronesian kingfisher was suspected of having an aspergillus infection. The infection was thought to be related to stress associated with movement to a new enclosure/exhibit and cage-mate aggression. The diagnosis was based on an elevated white cell count, positive antibody and antigen aspergillus titers, and abnormal plasma protein electrophoresis characterized by a moderate elevation of alpha2 and severe elevation on the beta protein fractions. The bird was treated with antifungal medication administered systemically and by nebulization for 10 wk. Response to treatment was monitored by serial white cell counts and plasma electrophoresis. Clinical improvement in this bird was correlated with a return of the white blood cell count to normal levels and what was considered a normal protein electrophoresis distribution.