Computed tomography for the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of bacterial pneumonia in Indian pythons (Python molurus)

Eight Indian pythons (Python molurus) with clinical and microbiological evidence of pneumonia were examined by computed tomography (ct) before and after treatment. The results were assessed subjectively and measurements were taken following a standard protocol. Changes in the lung tissue of all the pythons were diagnosed, and the extent of the disease could be assessed. ct examinations after treatment showed an improvement in the six pythons whose clinical condition had improved, but in the other two pythons they demonstrated the severity of the disease. The subjective assessments were superior to the evaluation of measurements of attenuation in regions of interest. However, the average and the maximum attenuation provided additional information on the extent of the disease. Except for one python with only mild clinical signs, the attenuation after successful treatment was still higher than in healthy pythons.     

Retroviral particles in neoplasms of Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus)

Neoplastic diseases associated with retroviruses were diagnosed in four Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivattatus) from a single collection. Snake No. 1 was a 7-year-old female with recurrent undifferentiated mesenchymal round cell tumor (lymphosarcoma) of the oral cavity. At necropsy, similar neoplastic masses were evident in the uterus and ovary, and there was diffuse involvement of the spleen. Snake No. 2 was a 4.5-year-old female that was euthanatized because of complications following resection of a segmental colonic adenocarcinoma. Snake No. 3 was a 5-year-old female that was euthanatized because of a large transitional cell carcinoma of the right kidney. Snake No. 4 was a 19-year-old female that was euthanatized following recurrence of an intermandibular fibrosarcoma. Ultrastructural examination revealed few to numerous extracellular and intracellular (intravacuolar) type C-like retroviral particles in all tumors. Tumors were about 90-95 nm in diameter, with an electron-dense core and bilaminar external membrane. The relationship of the intraneoplastic viral particles to the etiology of the tumors is uncertain.     

Septicaemia secondary to infection by Corynebacterium macginleyi in an Indian python (Python molurus)

A seven-year-old female Indian python (Python molurus) weighing about 35kg was euthanased after several clinical episodes of stomatitis, pneumonia, ophthalmitis and dystocia over a period of four years. The animal had been maintained in a terrarium in a circus truck at an adequate temperature. During shows, however, the snake was considered to be exposed to stressful conditions for several hours at a time at low temperatures and with noise and bright lights. A post-mortem examination indicated ulcerative stomatitis, osteomyelitis, severe pneumonia and numerous granulomata and multifocal necrosis in stomach and spleen. Corynebacterium macginleyi was isolated in pure culture from the ulcerative stomatitis, and mixed with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia from the lungs and spleen. The findings indicated that the snake had died from a septicaemic process caused by C. macginleyi, probably originating from the stomatitis. The role of S. maltophilia as a secondary agent is discussed. The stress of the circus show and poor husbandry may have predisposed the animal to infection and septicaemia. This is the first report of C. macginleyi causing disease in a snake.     

缅甸蟒在上海动物园人工繁殖成功

缅甸蟒是重要的观赏动物,但是在高纬度地区人工饲养缅甸蟒成功例子较少。我们在上海动物园,模仿自然环境设计笼舍,以活鸡为主要饲料,试验研究在人工条件下缅甸蟒的饲养与繁殖。结果表明,缅甸蟒在28～32℃时(5～9月),食欲旺盛,活动频繁;温度低于23℃时(10月～翌年1月)就停止进食,减少活动;温度在20℃左右时,开始进入冬眠。交配可在水中和陆地发生,持续时间从35 min到180 min。每胎产卵39枚,产卵后雌蟒抱卵孵化,不断收缩身体以产生热量,卵的温度维持在31±1℃,湿度为(80±5)%时,孵化期为56 d左右。最终孵出30条幼蟒,孵化率为76.9%。     

Computed tomography of the lungs of healthy captive red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria)

Respiratory tract diseases of various origins are commonly diagnosed in captive testudines. In tortoises, computed tomography is considered the method of choice for evaluation of the lung. Our objective was to describe the anatomy of the lung parenchyma of red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) using computed tomography to estimate the normal radiodensity of the lung and lung volume. We selected 10 healthy adult red-footed tortoises of similar size. Computed tomography images were obtained using lung window settings and multiplanar reconstructions for quantitative evaluation using the histogram method. The tortoises were not sedated and were allowed to maintain their head and limbs retracted during the exam. Data were expressed in mean and standard deviation. In testudines, the lung is divided into left and right, and there are no lobes. There is a main bronchus in each lung. Mean values for radiodensity and lung volume were −811.30 ± 19.82 Hounsfield units and 942.12 ± 189.29 cm³, respectively. These findings can be useful as a normal range for evaluating red-footed tortoises in a clinical setting. It also serves as a basis for future studies regarding specific patterns in lung disease.     

缅甸蟒的人工饲养与繁殖

缅甸蟒分布于东南亚的泰国、缅甸、越南、马来西亚和印度尼西亚等国家的雨林地区,在我国云南等地也有分布,是典型的潮湿雨林性品种。缅甸蟒是我国国家Ⅰ级、CITES附录Ⅱ保护动物,由于缅甸蟒的蛇皮和蛇肉具有很高的经济价值、营养价值,野生种群数量不断减少。缅甸蟒性情温顺,体质强健,适于人工养殖。本文主要介绍了缅甸蟒的外部形态特征,生活习性,养殖场的建设,繁殖习性,人工饲养与管理,越冬技术和疾病防治等,以期对我国蟒蛇养殖业的健康发展起到一定的指导作用。     

Pharmacokinetics and tissue concentrations of azithromycin in ball pythons (Python regius)

OBJECTIVE: To determine pharmacokinetics and tissue concentrations of azithromycin in ball pythons (Python regius) after IV or oral administration of a single dose. ANIMALS: 2 male and 5 female ball pythons. PROCEDURES: Using a crossover design, each snake was given a single dose of azithromycin (10 mg/kg) IV. After a 4-week washout period, each snake was given a single dose of azithromycin (10 mg/kg) orally. Blood samples were collected prior to dose administration and 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after azithromycin administration. Azithromycin was quantitated by use of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: After IV administration, azithromycin had an apparent volume of distribution of 5.69 L/kg and a plasma clearance of 0.19 L/h/kg. Harmonic means for the terminal half-life were 17 hours following IV administration and 51 hours following oral administration. Mean residence times were 37 and 94 hours following IV and oral administration, respectively. Following oral administration, azithromycin had a peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of 1.04 microg/mL, a time to Cmax of 8.4 hours, and a prolonged mean absorption time of 57 hours. Mean oral bioavailability was 77%. Tissue concentrations ranged from 4 to 140 times the corresponding plasma concentration at 24 and 72 hours after azithromycin administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Azithromycin is well absorbed and tolerated by ball pythons. On the basis of plasma pharmacokinetics and tissue concentration data, we suggest an azithromycin dosage in ball pythons of 10 mg/kg, orally, every 2 to 7 days, depending upon the site of infection and susceptibil ity of the infective organism.     

Osteitis deformans (Paget's disease) in a Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus)--a case report

Osteitis deformans (Paget's disease of bone) is a chronic focal disorder of bone remodelling characterized by an initial increase in osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, with subsequent compensatory increase in new bone formation, resulting in a disorganized mosaic of woven and lamellar bone. In the Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus) of this report, multifocal gross swellings involving the proximal third of the vertebral spine were observed and associated with anorexia, a relative inability to move or to fully extend the body, and to strike at prey. Serum biochemistry revealed elevated alkaline-phosphatase activity. Radiographic changes (irregular bone proliferation along the vertebral margins), computed tomography scan results (abnormal mineral density), and histopathological features (generalized thickening of the bony trabeculae at the expense of the intertrabecular spaces and irregular patches of lamellar bone with a characteristic "mosaic" pattern) indicated osteitis deformans.     

A new dosing schedule for gentamicin in blood pythons (Python curtus): a pharmacokinetic study

Gentamicin is frequently used in the treatment of aerobic Gram-negative infections in reptiles. Pharmacokinetic data to ensure proper dosing are scant, especially for large snakes. A pharmacokinetic study of gentamicin was therefore conducted in four blood pythons. Snakes were given intramuscular injections of either 2.5 mg kg-1 or 3.0 mg kg-1 loading dose followed by 1.5 mg kg-1 at 72 and 96 hours. A linear pharmacokinetic relationship between gentamicin serum concentrations and time was demonstrated in each of the four snakes studied. Peak serum concentrations occurred six to 10 hours after injection and ranged from 4.6 to 8.9 micrograms ml-1. Half-life was variable and ranged from 32 to 110 hours. Total body clearance and apparent volume of distribution varied little between the individual snakes studied. There was no evidence of renal toxicity. For blood pythons a loading dose of 2.5 mg kg-1 followed by 1.5 mg kg-1 at 96 hour intervals is recommended. If higher concentrations are desired, a loading dose of 3.0 mg kg-1 followed by 1.5 mg kg-1 at 96 hours can be given. These dosing schedules will provide serum concentrations in excess of the minimum inhibitory concentrations for most aerobic Gram-negative bacilli that are pathogenic in snakes; gentamicin accumulation with subsequent renal dysfunction should not occur.     

Partial tracheal obstruction due to chondromas in ball pythons (Python regius).

Over a 9-mo period, three adult ball pythons (Python regius) (one male, two females) were evaluated for severe dyspnea. Partial obstructions of the tracheal lumen were identified radiographically and/or visualized with a 3.0-mm rigid laparoscope inserted into the tracheal lumen in all three snakes. Administration of systemic antibiotics and nebulization resulted in partial improvement of the dyspnea. In two snakes, the tracheal lesions were removed with a rigid laparoscope and a flexible biopsy instrument inserted into the tracheal lumen. The other snake died and was necropsied. Histologically, the lesions from two snakes were determined to be benign chondromas. The chondromas were composed of a variably disorganized chondroid matrix populated by quiescent, normal-appearing chondrocytes within lacunae, although the chondrocytes were increased in density compared with normal hyaline cartilage and contained rare mitotic figures. The tracheal masses in one snake grew by expansion, not invasion, and were focally continuous with a mineralized cartilage tracheal ring, suggesting a benign nature. This is the second report of tracheal chondroma in ball pythons. Tracheal chondromas are exceedingly rare in humans and domesticated animals, suggesting a possible predisposition of ball pythons for this neoplasm.     

Identification and comparison of marbofloxacin metabolites from the plasma of ball pythons (Python regius) and blue and gold macaws (Ara ararauna)

Marbofloxacin is a veterinary only, synthetic, broad spectrum fluoroquinolone antimicrobial agent. In mammals, approximately 40% of the oral dose of marbofloxacin is excreted unchanged in the urine; the remaining is excreted via the bile as unchanged drug in the feces. The V _d ranges from 1.1 (cattle) to 1.3 (dog, goat, swine) L/kg. Because of extra-label use of marbofloxacin in birds and reptiles, this study was designed to determine the profile of metabolites in plasma and compare the circulating metabolite profile between a reptile and an avian species. Six adult ball pythons ( Python regius ) and 10 blue and gold macaws ( Ara ararauna ) were used in this study. The macaws were dosed both i.v. and p.o. with a single 2.5 mg/kg administration where as the pythons received a single 10 mg/kg dose both i.v. and p.o. The metabolite profiles of marbofloxacin in the plasma of these species were determined using a high performance liquid chromatography system with a mass spectrometer for detection (LC/MS/MS). Mass spectra data generated from the snake and bird plasma samples were compared with previously reported LC/MS/MS mass spectral data. Evidence does not suggest differences due to route of administration (i.v. vs. p.o.) in either species. Four chromatographic peaks with resulting daughter spectrum were identified and represent 12 possible metabolite structures. All of the proposed metabolites, except for the N-oxide, appear to be unique to macaws. The potential metabolites identified in macaws appear to be very different than those reported for chickens.     

Computed tomography (CT) of the lungs of the dog using a helical CT scanner, intravenous iodine contrast medium and different CT windows

The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of helical computed tomography (CT) for visualizing pulmonary parenchyma and associated formations in normal dogs. CT scan was performed by using intravenous contrast medium and by applying different types of CT windows: soft tissue and lung windows, and high-resolution computed tomography of the lung. This technique allowed, especially with lung window types, a good view of the parenchyma, bronchial tree, vascular structures and pleural cavity. The selected images, with high anatomical quality and tissue contrast, may be a reference for future clinical studies of this organ. Thus, helical CT is a promising non-invasive method of diagnosing a wide variety of pulmonary diseases in dogs.     

Lectin Histochemical Aspects of Mucus Function in the Oesophagus of the Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus)

Using lectin histochemistry, the study characterizes basic functional aspects of the mucus produced by the oesophageal epithelium of the Reticulated python ( Python reticulatus ). Reaction staining varied as related to the two epithelium types present, containing goblet cells and ciliary cells. Remarkable intensities were achieved especially in the luminal mucus layer and the fine mucus covering the epithelial ciliary border for Con A (α-D-Man; α-D-Glc) as part of neutral glycoproteins, Limax flavus agglutinin (NeuNac = NeuNgc), emphasizing that water binding hyaluronan provides a hydrated interface conductive to the passage of material and UEA-I (α-L-Fuc), corroborating the view that fucose-rich highly viscous mucus is helpful against mechanical stress during prey transport.     

Computed tomography and cross-sectional anatomy of the head in the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

The aim of this study was to identify the anatomical structures in the head region of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) using computed tomography. For this, three giant anteater corpses, adult and female, were used. The tomographic analysis was performed in sequential order in rostrocaudal direction. Subsequently, the heads of these animals were sectioned in cross sections of approximately 1.5 cm each. Tomographic images were compared with anatomical sections. The association between computed tomography and anatomical sections allowed the visualization of anatomical structures found in the nasal, oral, cranial, pharyngeal and ear cavities. An elongated oral cavity delimited by the elongated mandible was observed. The oral cavity was mainly occupied by a thin and elongated tongue formed mainly by the union of the sternoglossal muscles. The nasopharynx and oropharynx extended up to the neck at the level of the fifth cervical vertebra. The findings of this study suggest that the giant anteater has a head with structures morphologically adapted to its feeding habits, such as an elongated skull, tongue, styloid bones and mandible. In addition, based on the results of this study, it is possible to suggest that computed tomography is a pivotal tool for the veterinary routine of wild animals, since it allowed the identification of anatomical structures found in the head of the giant anteater.