Cholecystectomy for the treatment of enterococcal cholecystitis and cholelithiasis in an inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps): A case report

BackgroundInflammatory conditions involving the biliary system in reptiles appear to be rarely described. They are mostly reported as postmortem findings, and their clinical management is therefore not often documented.Case descriptionA 6.5-year-old captive-born, male inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) presented with a 1-year history of intermittent lethargy. On physical examination, a mobile mid-coelomic mass was palpable. A computed tomography scan was performed and showed marked gallbladder distension with several dependent choleliths and intrahepatic biliary dilatation. Cholecystectomy was performed and Enterococcus faecalis was cultured. The cholecystoliths were analyzed as 95% calcium carbonate, 5% magnesium carbonate. Based on culture and sensitivity testing, the bearded dragon was treated with 30 mg/kg of oral trimethoprim sulphonamide BID for 14 days. The patient recovered completely and has had no reported issues since.Conclusion and case relevanceCholecystectomy is a rarely performed procedure in reptiles and has only been described for treatment of bacterial or protozoal cholecystitis in snakes.This case describes the management, diagnostic techniques, and successful treatment of enterococcal cholecystitis by cholecystectomy in a bearded dragon.