Amphibians With Dermatological Disease: A Retrospective Study of 223 Cases at Five University Veterinary Teaching Hospitals (1986-2024).

Abstract

Background: Amphibian skin has unique structural properties and physiological functions that make it vulnerable to environmental influences and trauma. Based on a comprehensive literature search, no large-scale study has assessed the most common causes of dermatopathies or diagnostics clinically employed in these taxa.

Hypothesis/objectives: This study aimed to evaluate aetiologies of dermatological disease, diagnostic methods, treatments and incidence of antemortem versus postmortem diagnosis of dermatological disease in amphibians under human care.

Animals/materials and methods: This descriptive retrospective study reviewed the medical records of 223 amphibians with dermatological disease evaluated at five institutions between 1 January 1986 and 1 January 2024.

Results: The most common aetiologies of dermatological disease were infectious (47.1%; 105 of 223), undefined (21.5%; 48 of 223) and inflammatory (20.6%; 46 of 223). Diagnosis of bacterial skin disease or chytridiomycosis was most often made based on histological results. Antemortem diagnostic testing was performed in 22.9% (51 of 223) of amphibians. A diagnosis was determined antemortem in 31.4% (70 of 223) of cases, and postmortem in 68.7% (153 of 223) of cases.

Conclusions and clinical relevance: Although dermatopathies are common in amphibians under human care, an antemortem diagnostic approach was uncommon, representing areas for improvement in the medical management of this taxon.