Morganella sp. infection in scent gland of corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) - case report

Abstract

The corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is a non-venomous snake from the Colubridae family. The pair of scent glands is indispensable in the physiology of reproduction and defense of the species. This structure is located caudal to the cloaca. It is responsible for releasing a thick material based on lipids containing pheromones that perform functions associated with animal behavior and survival. This work aims to report infection by Morganella sp. in a scent gland in a female corn snake, evidencing the diagnosis and treatment. An increase in volume was seen in the final third, proximal to the cloaca, firm consistency, immobile, and approximately 4 cm long and painful to touch. Samples of the material were collected for bacterial culture and antibiogram examination, being positive for bacteria of the genus Morganella. Based on the result of the antibiogram, it was possible to determine the most appropriate therapeutic protocol, with the referral to perform the surgical procedure to remove the tissue compromised by the infection, remaining stable until the removal of the stitches 40 days after the procedure, with total surgical wound healing.