The tongue of Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius): LM,SEM and confocal laser study

The leopard gecko is a crepuscular and insectivorous reptile. The role of the tongue in this reptile is fundamental for the prey capture and ingestion and is not related with eyes cleaning as usual in other geckos. The elongated tongue can be divided into a foretongue with a slightly bifurcated apex and a hindtongue. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that several different papillae are present on the dorsal surface, foliate and dome-shaped in the foretongue, becoming thicker and stouter with reduced interpapillary spaces in the lateral parts. The hindtongue is characterised by wide foliate papillae with indented margins and deep fissures of the mucosa. Light microscopy showed the presence of a stratified slightly keratinized squamous epithelium in the apex of the foretongue, a stratified non-keratinized squamous epithelium in the fore and in the hindtongue. In the foretongue, numerous muciparous caliciform cells were observed. Moreover, the presence of taste buds on the tongue ventral surface was demonstrated for the first time in this species and the confocal laser study revealed a strong immunoreactivity for the S-100 protein in the sensory cells. Therefore, the results obtained could give a contribution to the knowledge of the tongue anatomy and are a basis for eventual further studies regarding the feeding habits in a reptile become a popular pet.     

Evaluation of β‐carotene assimilation in leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius)

Although leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) are commonly kept under human care, their vitamin requirements are largely unknown. Many invertebrate preys display a low vitamin A concentration; thus, gut‐loading insects with vitamin A or carotenoids is a common practice. The objective of this prospective experimental study was to investigate whether dietary supplementation with β‐carotene, including prey gut‐loading, leads to sufficient vitamin A hepatic storage and prevents epithelial squamous metaplasia development in leopard geckos. Ten clinically healthy female leopard geckos were randomly divided in two groups with various supplementations: a group receiving vitamin A supplementation and a group receiving β‐carotene. Insects were gut‐loaded continuously with a supplement containing vitamin A or β‐carotene, depending on the group. Oral supplementation with cod liver oil or carrot juice was administered weekly to each lizard from “vitamin A group” and “carotenoid group” respectively. After 10 weeks of supplementation, surgical hepatic biopsies were obtained in three geckos of each group while the two remaining geckos were euthanized to undergo complete necropsy. Hepatic vitamin A concentration was determined for each lizard (n = 10) by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography. Histopathology revealed hepatocellular vacuolization and vitellogenic follicles in five females. Epithelial squamous metaplasia was not observed in any of the geckos. Hepatic vitamin A concentration was significantly higher in the carotenoid‐supplemented group than in the vitamin A‐supplemented group (p = 0.03). Our results suggest that in leopard geckos, dietary supplementation with β‐carotene allows sufficient vitamin A hepatic storage.     

Corneal stromal sequestration and keratoconjunctivitis sicca in a horse

A 19-year-old Shetland pony presented with unilateral ocular discomfort and abnormal ocular appearance. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, ulcerative keratitis and brown discoloration of the corneal stroma were identified on ophthalmic examination. The etiology of keratoconjunctivitis sicca was not determined in this case. For practical and financial reasons, the owners requested enucleation of the affected eye. Histopathologic examination revealed extensive loss of corneal epithelium overlying a zone of hypereosinophilic, degenerate, and necrotic corneal stroma. This well-circumscribed region of corneal stromal sequestration was surrounded by stromal vascularization, and an intense inflammatory, predominantly polymorphonuclear, cellular infiltrate. The clinical and histopathologic features of this case were considered remarkably similar to those observed in feline corneal stromal sequestration.     

Clinical and pathological observations on natural infections of cryptosporidiosis and flagellate protozoa in leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius)

A group of adult leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) which had been losing weight for several months were found to be infected with Cryptosporidium species. Histological and electron microscopical investigations on the intestines of five of the lizards revealed the presence of large numbers of the developmental stages of Cryptosporidium species attached to the mucosal surface of the lower intestine, and large numbers of flagellate protozoa, suspected to be predominantly Trichomonas species, in the gut lumen. The clinical signs were attributed to the presence of one or both types of parasites.     

Once in a blue moon: Lipid keratopathy and intrastromal hemorrhage in a Mission golden‐eyed tree frog (Trachycephalus resinifictrix)

Mimicking natural anuran biology is a major challenge faced in the husbandry management of frogs, and the quandary of lipid keratopathy in frogs under human care has plagued keepers and practitioners for decades. Unlike corneal lipid dystrophy or lipidosis secondary to degeneration, where there is limited or no vascular in‐growth or inflammatory response, lipid keratopathies are associated with vascularization, most often following the appearance of lipid. Hemorrhage from stromal neovascularization has not been described in a frog; however, the presence of vessels in lipid keratopathy certainly heralds the possibility. We report a rather unique case of lipid keratopathy in a 6‐year‐old female Mission golden‐eyed tree frog (Trachycephalus resinifictrix) that not only had concurrent intrastromal hemorrhage, but blue plasmoid staining of the corneal stroma. Current views on both the function of blue plasma in several species and lipid keratopathy are briefly discussed. Overall, evidence suggests that the cause of lipid keratopathy is probably multifactorial and will not successfully be rectified until anuran biology and husbandry are better understood.     

Prevalence of equine ulcerative keratomycosis in Colorado and association of environmental factors: A retrospective and descriptive study (2002–2017)

Equine ulcerative keratomycosis is relatively commonly presented to teaching hospitals in North America, with a prevalence from 24 to 86%. Horses in Colorado may have lower risk due to the dry mountain climate, but data are lacking. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ulcerative keratomycosis amongst horses with ulcerative keratitis presented to Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (CSU-VTH) ophthalmology service and to evaluate environmental factors (season, temperature, humidity, wind speed and elevation) associated with ulcerative keratomycosis in Colorado. A database search identified horses with ulcerative keratitis presented to the ophthalmology service at CSU-VTH from January 2002 to August 2017. Sixty-one horses met the inclusion criteria of a corneal cytology and/or culture or histopathology at the time of diagnosis; cases lacking that were excluded. Environmental factors at the boarding sites, including season, temperature, humidity, wind speed and elevation and clinical outcomes for fungal cases, were recorded. Prevalence of fungal infection amongst equine ulcerative keratitis was 16.4% (10/61), suggesting that CSU-VTH has considerably fewer ulcerative keratomycosis cases than other veterinary teaching hospitals in North America. Spring (50%, 5/10) and fall (40%, 4/10) had the highest prevalence of fungal ulcerative keratitis in Colorado. Only one case was reported in summer (10%, 1/10); no horses were positive (0%, 0/10) in winter. Only wind speed seemed to influence the development of ulcerative keratomycosis with higher wind speeds associated with greater rates of fungal involvement (P = 0.047). Other environmental factors did not show a detectable association (all P-values >0.05). Outcomes were variable. It was concluded that horses from the area of CSU-VTH appear to be at lower risk for ulcerative keratomycosis than from the areas around other North American veterinary teaching hospitals that have reported data. Most horses with keratomycosis in this area present in the spring and fall.     

Cutaneous melanophoroma in a green iguana (Iguana iguana)

An adult, male, green iguana (Iguana iguana) of unknown age was presented with a history of an enlarging, dark, skin mass in the right axillary region. The mass was excised because neoplasia was suspected. Impression smears of the cut surface of the mass were prepared for cytologic examination, and the mass was fixed for histologic examination. The impression smears contained numerous, discrete, pigmented, neoplastic cells consistent with melanin-producing neoplastic chromatophores. Histologic findings were consistent with a cutaneous melanophoroma. By transmission electron microscopy, the intracytoplasmic pigment granules corresponded to numerous melanosomes and lower numbers of premelanosomes. Tissue sections of the tumor were immunoreactive for Melan A antigen and were negative for S-100 antigen. The cytologic, histologic, electron microscopic, and immunohistochemical findings of the neoplasm were consistent with those of melanophoroma, an uncommon neoplasm of reptiles. The present report augments the limited body of knowledge on cytomorphologic and immunohistochemical characteristics of pigmented neoplasms in reptiles.     

Bacterial and fungal pathogens isolated from corneal ulcerations in domesticated elephants (Elephas maximus maximus) in Sri Lanka

Infective corneal diseases are common among the domesticated elephants in Sri Lanka, causing morbidity including blindness leading to loss of revenue to their owners. From 140 elephants of different ages and both sexes, 36 animals (25.7%) had evidence of keratitis, corneal ulcers, corneal opacities, and some had foreign bodies in their eyes. Nine elephants (6.4%) had lesions in both eyes (6.41%). Cultures for both bacteria and fungi were obtained from 26 corneal ulcers, including the nine elephants with bilateral lesions. The other 10 animals could not be restrained for sample collection. Swabs from the normal corneas of an additional 20 elephants without signs of any ophthalmic diseases were also collected. Twenty-three of the 35 (65.71%) samples from affected corneas yielded bacterial pathogens, and 14 (40%) also had fungal isolates. None of them yielded a fungal isolate alone. The predominant bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus , beta hemolytic streptococci and coliforms. Fusarium , Cladosporium , Curvularia and Aspergillus species were the primary fungal isolates. No bacteria or filamentous fungi were isolated from the eyes with the normal corneas. Microbial identification including fungal isolations is suggested in the management of infective corneal diseases in elephants.     

Clinical findings and outcomes of ulcerative keratomycosis in 30 horses in the mid‐Atlantic United States (2006–2007)

The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical course and outcome associated with keratomycosis in horses in the mid‐Atlantic USA. Records of horses diagnosed with keratomycosis at New Bolton Center from November 2006 to November 2007 with positive fungal culture were retrospectively studied. Neither horses with ulcerative keratitis and a negative fungal culture nor those with stromal abscesses were included. Subject details, history, clinical findings, therapy and outcome were recorded. Thirty horses fitted both inclusion criteria (diagnosis of keratomycosis and positive corneal fungal culture). Fourteen of 30 cases occurred during summer. Aspergillus was the most commonly cultured fungal genus (17/30, or 57%) followed by Alternaria (4/30). Seventeen horses had positive bacterial and fungal cultures. Fifteen of 30 horses were treated surgically by a keratectomy and amnion (8) or conjunctival (7) graft. Itraconazole was the most common topical anti‐fungal therapy and was utilised in 25/30 horses. Globe survival was 97% (29/30). All surviving globes had a positive menace response and were visual at the last examination. It was concluded that in the mid‐Atlantic USA, fungal keratitis is common, has the highest incidence in summer, and is usually associated with a positive outcome. Aspergillus may be a relatively more common corneal pathogen in this region than elsewhere in the USA. Surgical cases were more likely to have fungal hyphae identified on cytology and tended to be hospitalised longer than medical cases. There was no apparent association between surgical disease and all other patient, organism and treatment variables.     

Surgical correction of congenital entropion in related Boer goat kids using a combination Hotz‐Celsus and lateral eyelid wedge resection procedure

Five related Boer goat kids (≤4 months of age) were presented to the University of Missouri, Veterinary Teaching Hospital (MU‐VMTH) with epiphora and blepharospasm of several weeks duration and commencing prior to 1 month of age in all animals. Clinical examination confirmed euryblepharon and entropion bilaterally in two females and one male and unilaterally in two female kids. Deep stromal corneal ulceration was present in two eyes, and corneal granulation tissue and fibrosis were present in half (5/10) the affected eyes. A combination Hotz‐Celsus and lateral eyelid wedge resection procedure was performed on all affected eyelids. Recheck examinations and long‐term follow‐up confirmed resolution of the entropion, preservation of normal eyelid conformation, and restoration of ocular comfort. Pedigree analysis ruled out sex‐linked and autosomal dominant inheritance patterns; a specific mode of inheritance could not be determined. The Boer goat breed may be at increased risk for the development of entropion. This cases series represents the first report of entropion in the caprine species.     

Ultrasonographic appearance of the coelomic cavity organs in healthy veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis)

Veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) are the most popular chameleons over the world, and consequently, two of the most frequent species presenting to veterinary practices. However, published studies on normal ultrasonographic anatomy for these lizards are currently lacking. The objectives of this prospective anatomic study were to develop an ultrasound protocol for evaluation of the coelomic cavity in these species and describe the normal ultrasonographic anatomy of the coelomic organs. Seventeen healthy veiled chameleons and 15 healthy panther chameleons were included. A linear 18 MHz transducer was used. Chameleons were sedated and restrained in right lateral recumbency by an assistant. Longitudinal and transverse images were acquired, and authors recorded qualitative and quantitative ultrasonographic characteristics of the coelomic structures. The kidneys, liver, caudal vena cava, hepatic veins, portal vein, gallbladder, wall of the stomach and intestine, gonads and, when distended, urinary bladder could be visualized during ultrasonography of the coelomic cavity in both species. The spleen, pancreas, and adrenal glands could not be identified. Findings from the current study supported the use of ultrasonography for veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) with suspected intracoelomic diseases and provided normal reference information for future studies of these chameleon species.     

Validation of a thermal threshold nociceptive model in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

Objectives

To validate a thermal threshold (TT) nociceptive model in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) and to document TT changes after administration of morphine.

Molecular characterization of Hepatozoon species in a Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) from Thailand

Abstract: Hepatozoon gamonts were observed by light microscopy in neutrophils of a male, wild‐caught Leopard Cat. Complete blood counts at presentation and 6 months later were unremarkable. Serologic tests were negative for both FIV and FeLV. A partial sequence of the 18S rRNA gene from the Hepatozoon found in the cat indicated that, compared with all species examined, the protozoan had the closest relationship (99.2% sequence similarity) with the Hepatozoon of the water python (Stegonotus cucullatus). The cat was clinically healthy at last report. Although Hepatozoon has been found in another wild cat in Thailand, this is the first report in a Leopard Cat. The pathogenicity of Hepatozoon in these cats remains uncertain.     

Body condition scoring (BCS) in corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) and comparison to pre-existing body condition index (BCI) for snakes

In the veterinary profession, the body condition score (BCS) plays an important role in the assessment of patients. It is a subjective, tactile method of evaluating body fat and muscle mass and is used in numerous species. Recognizing obesity (or the contrary, emaciation) is important for veterinarians treating reptiles and could be facilitated by a BCS. An existing form of body condition assessment already used is the body condition index (BCI), where the residuals from a regression of body mass on body length are calculated. Therefore, the goal of this study was to provide practitioners with a BCS system for corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) and to test it against the BCI. A total of 22 corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus), stationed at the “Auffangstation für Reptilien” in Munich (reptile rescue centre, RRC), were subject of this study. Each had the following measurements taken: body weight (BW), snout–tail tip length (STL), snout–vent length (SVL) and circumference in the middle (C). Manual palpation of spine, area between vertebral spinous and transverse process, ribs and neck of each snake was performed by three veterinarians and assigned to specific scores by each examiner. A BCS (mean of examiners’ scores) was given to each snake according to manual palpation. The BCS system was chosen to be out of 5 in 0.5-point steps with 2.5 considered as ideal BCS. In the studied snakes, the BCS ranged from 1.5 to 3.5, with a median of 2.5. The median BW was 309 g (75–967 g), the median STL was 123 cm (79–153 cm), the median SVL was 104 cm (73–133 cm) and the median C was 7.5 cm (4.3–11 cm). BCS and BCI were positively correlated. A BCS includes a manual palpation of the animal and thus gives the examiner additional information to the objectively measured/calculated index.