{"title":"Wound Management, Including the Use of an Extracellular Matrix Powder, in a Blue-Tongued Skink (Tiliqua scincoides)","authors":"J. Llinas","doi":"10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00018","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract A 10 year old intact male, blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides) presented with large dorsal wounds penetrating deep into the coelomic cavity. After initial debridement, decontamination, and bandaging, a powdered form of porcine extracellular matrix (ECM) was applied to the wound and covered with a non-adhesive bandage. Three days following application, a thin crust formed over the wound bed. Within 7 days of application, reduced wound depth and granulation tissue were present, at which point the crust was removed and a second application of ECM powder was made. Eleven days after initial application, approximately 50% of the wound was covered by thin epithelial tissue extending from the wound margins. Fifteen days after the first application, 100% of the wound appeared to be covered with thin epithelial tissue with marginal crusting. The patient was discharged 24 days post presentation (15 days post initial ECM application) with no further treatment. The owner was instructed to remove the bandage 7 days post discharge. Twenty-four days after the initial application, the owner reported a full shed with complete epithelization and no further crusting. The patient was followed up 31 days after the initial presentation and was assessed as recovered from the initial wounds. To the author's knowledge, this is the first reported use of an ECM powder, or a xenogeneic material, used to treat a traumatic wound in a Tiliqua.","PeriodicalId":16054,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery","volume":"7 1","pages":"146 - 154"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72725820","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effects of Exogenous Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Administration on Plasma Testosterone and Semen Production in the Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus)","authors":"S. Perry, Sarah R Camlic, M. Lierz, M. Mitchell","doi":"10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00038","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00038","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Gamete collection, gamete preservation, hormone analysis, and artificial insemination have become integral parts of in situ and ex situ conservation programs for threatened and endangered species. Although these methods have been used to assist conservation in many different vertebrate groups, limited work has been done in reptiles. For example, semen collection in lizards has only recently been described and determined to be safe. The purpose of this study was to determine effective doses of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for increasing plasma testosterone concentrations in the veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus), as well as to determine whether the rise in testosterone impacts semen collection. A crossover design was used. Initially, chameleons were given injections of 100, 200, and 300 IU of hCG per animal, and serial plasma testosterone measurements were collected over 24 h. The 100-IU/animal dose was determined to increase plasma testosterone concentrations at a similar level to that of the 200- and 300-IU/animal doses. Next, we determined weekly injections of hCG (100 IU/animal) would maintain elevated testosterone concentrations over 30 days. In addition, we determined that elevated testosterone secondary to repeated injections of hCG decreased testicular size as determined by ultrasound. Repeated hCG injections and long-term elevation of plasma testosterone concentrations did not increase the likelihood to collect a semen sample with electroejaculation or improve ejaculate quality. Further research is needed to exogenously stimulate spermatogenesis and increase ejaculate quality to perform timed semen collections in male reptile species.","PeriodicalId":16054,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery","volume":"8 1","pages":"180 - 191"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90851920","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Reproduction in Sea Turtles, a Review","authors":"T. F. Scheelings","doi":"10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00041","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Sea turtles are among the most ancient vertebrates on Earth, having existed for more than 120 million years. They are a monophyletic group, comprised of two families and seven extant species. Despite the close phylogenetic relationships sea turtles share, there are significant differences in life history traits and reproductive strategies between the species, including migration, reproductive output, and neonatal behavior. Understanding these differences may be critical to reversing the declining population trends seen in most sea turtle populations.","PeriodicalId":16054,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery","volume":"76 1","pages":"82 - 90"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87856631","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"In Memoriam for Richard S. Funk, MA, DVM","authors":"","doi":"10.5818/jhms.33.2.68","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5818/jhms.33.2.68","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16054,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery","volume":"1 1","pages":"68 - 71"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90524136","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Report on the First Global Amphibian and Reptile Disease (GARD) Conference 2022","authors":"C. Leineweber, Rachel E Marschang","doi":"10.5818/JHMS-D-23-00001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5818/JHMS-D-23-00001","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The first Global Amphibian and Reptile Disease Conference took place 4–10 August 2022 in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA. More than 230 professionals from 25 countries on 6 continents discussed the most important pathogens in amphibians and reptiles in a combined in-person and virtual conference that included 8 keynotes, 5 focal talks, 105 oral presentations, and 31 poster presentations as well as 6 workshops and 4 field trips. In total, over 15 pathogens were discussed. The largest number of talks were on chytrid fungi (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans) in amphibians, ranaviruses in amphibians and reptiles, the snake fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, and the emerging pentastomid Raillietiella orientalis.","PeriodicalId":16054,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery","volume":"17 1","pages":"121 - 129"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75291785","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cutaneous Iridophoroma in an Argentine Horned Frog (Ceratophrys ornata)","authors":"Charlotte Cournoyer, P. Mouser, Patrick Sullivan","doi":"10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00013","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract A 14-yr-old Argentine horned frog (Ceratophrys ornata) presented for evaluation of a chronic, cutaneous mass. A white, semifirm raised mass was present in the skin on the right cranial dorsum. Excisional biopsy was performed. Fine-needle aspiration cytology and histopathology were consistent with an iridophoroma, a type of chromatophoroma. Recurrence occurred and removal was repeated 4 months and again 2 yr following the initial surgery. The original mass did not have definitive criteria of malignancy but did extend to surgical margins, which may account for repeated local recurrence. Although chromatophoromas are relatively common cutaneous neoplasms in reptiles and amphibians, iridophoromas are rarely reported in amphibians. This is the first report of an iridophoroma in an Argentine horned frog.","PeriodicalId":16054,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery","volume":"5 1","pages":"91 - 95"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72875917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rachel E Marschang, Silvana Schmidt-Ukaj, J. Bogan
{"title":"Infectious Agents of Reptiles and Amphibians: Peer-Reviewed Publications, July–December 2022","authors":"Rachel E Marschang, Silvana Schmidt-Ukaj, J. Bogan","doi":"10.5818/2374-9504-33.2.72","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5818/2374-9504-33.2.72","url":null,"abstract":"Alfaro-Alarcón A, Hetzel U, Smura T, Baggio F, Morales JA, Kipar A, Hepojoki J. 2022. Boid inclusion body disease is also a disease of wild boa constrictors. Microbiol Spectr, 10(5):e0170522. Colmant AMG, Charrel RN, Coutard B. 2022. Jingmenviruses: ubiquitous, understudied, segmented flavi-like viruses. Front Microbiol, 13:997058. Leineweber C, Marschang RE. 2022. Antibodies against two testudinid herpesviruses in pet tortoises in Europe. Animals (Basel), 12(17):2298. Lintala A, Szirovicza L, Kipar A, Hetzel U, Hepojoki J. 2022. Persistent reptarenavirus and hartmanivirus infection in cultured boid cells. Microbiol Spectr, 10(4):e0158522. Marenzoni ML, Stefanetti V, Del Rossi E, Zicavo A, Scuota S, Origgi FC, Deli G, Corti C, Trabalza Marinucci M, Olivieri O. 2022. Detection of testudinid alphaherpesvirus, Chlamydia spp., Mycoplasma spp., and Salmonella spp. in free-ranging and rescued Italian Testudo hermanni hermanni. Vet Ital, 58(1):25–34. Mifsud JCO, Costa VA, Petrone ME, Marzinelli EM, Holmes EC, Harvey E. 2022. Transcriptome mining extends the host range of the Flaviviridae to nonbilaterians. Virus Evol, 9(1):veac124. Ogola EO, Kopp A, Bastos ADS, Slothouwer I, Marklewitz M, Omoga D, Rotich G, Getugi C, Sang R, Torto B, Junglen S, Tchouassi DP. 2022. Jingmen tick virus in ticks from Kenya. Viruses, 14(5):1041. Tillis SB, Josimovich JM, Miller MA, Hoon-Hanks LL, Hartmann AM, Claunch NM, Iredale ME, Logan TD, Yackel Adams AA, Bartoszek IA, Humphrey JS, Kluever BM, Stenglein MD, Reed RN, Romagosa CM, Wellehan JFX, Ossiboff RJ. 2022. Divergent serpentoviruses in free-ranging invasive pythons and native colubrids in southern Florida, United States. Viruses, 14(12):2726. Vorbach BS, Clayton LA, Roosenburg WM, Norton TM, Adamovicz L, Hadfield CA, Allender MC. 2022. Prevalence of multiple reptilian pathogens in the oropharyngeal mucosa, cloacal mucosa, and blood of diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) populations from Maryland and Georgia, USA. J Wildl Dis, 58(4):782–790. Waller SJ, Lamar S, Perry BJ, Grimwood RM, Holmes EC, Geoghegan JL. 2022. Cloacal virome of an ancient host lineage the tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) reveals abundant and diverse diet-related viruses. Virology, 575:43–53.","PeriodicalId":16054,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery","volume":"108 1","pages":"72 - 81"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88633131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Intestinal Torsion and Volvulus Through a Mesenteric Rupture in a Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)","authors":"Jessica May Hornby, J. Hedley, S. Spiro","doi":"10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00040","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00040","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract A female spayed bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) of unknown age presented with a 48 h history of anorexia and lethargy. On presentation, the patient had a black beard, sunken eyes, and a full coelomic cavity on palpation, although no specific thickening or masses were noted. Diagnostic investigations were conducted in the form of radiographs and ultrasonography. The owner elected euthanasia due to deterioration in the patient's condition. Gross and microscopic postmortem examination revealed a torsion and volvulus of the gastrointestinal tract through a rupture in the mesentery, with marked red-black, segmental discoloration to the intestines. Limitations of this study include no further diagnostic tests other than imaging and decision to euthanize hindering the ability to explore surgical correction. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of intestinal torsion and volvulus through a mesenteric rupture in a bearded dragon.","PeriodicalId":16054,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery","volume":"24 1","pages":"139 - 145"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77204762","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Guillaume Douay, Wenjing Clara Yeo, P. Oh, Delia Chua, S. Sekar
{"title":"Hematologic and Biochemical Reference Intervals of a Single Population of Captive Burmese Roofed Turtles (Batagur trivittata)","authors":"Guillaume Douay, Wenjing Clara Yeo, P. Oh, Delia Chua, S. Sekar","doi":"10.5818/JHMS-D-20-00021","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5818/JHMS-D-20-00021","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The Burmese roofed turtle (Batagur trivittata), endemic to Myanmar, is a critically endangered species. Little is known about their physiology and health. Therefore, establishing physiologic reference intervals is essential for the implementation of conservation plans. This study establishes hematology and biochemistry reference intervals of a group of 23 captive Burmese roofed turtles. The animals were sampled during a 4 month period, outside the breeding season. Most blood values did not differ significantly based on animal sex. However, in females, lymphocyte count and concentrations of glucose and calcium were relatively higher, and potassium was lower compared to that of males. Better understanding of blood analytes will help strengthen ex situ management and healthcare protocols as well as improve ongoing conservation efforts for this important species.","PeriodicalId":16054,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery","volume":"39 1","pages":"162 - 168"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91092395","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sabrina Vieu, C. Jondeau, Matthieu Bott, Edouard Reyes Gomez, T. Donnelly, S. Chahory
{"title":"Corneal Perforation Associated with Providencia rettgeri in an African Helmeted Turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa)","authors":"Sabrina Vieu, C. Jondeau, Matthieu Bott, Edouard Reyes Gomez, T. Donnelly, S. Chahory","doi":"10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00039","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00039","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract A 4-yr-old, male, captive-born African helmeted turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa) was presented for an ocular disorder of 3 days duration. Physical examination showed edema of all limbs and blepharedema of the left eye. Ophthalmic examination revealed severe blepharoconjunctivitis, a large melting corneal ulcer, and stromal densification that prevented evaluation of the anterior chamber. Examination of the right eye was unremarkable. Ultrasonography of the left eye revealed corneal perforation associated with severe anterior uveitis. Enucleation was performed based on the poor prognosis for the eye and the risk of septicemia. Providencia rettgeri was identified from bacterial culture. Fungal culture was negative. Histopathology of the eyeball revealed a corneal perforation associated with edema and heterophilic infiltration of the corneal stroma. Three weeks after surgery, the enucleation wound had healed. Providencia rettgeri has been reported as a rare cause of keratitis in humans. A systematic literature review showed one case of a melting corneal ulcer in an Asian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) associated with this infectious agent. This is the first report of corneal perforation associated with P. rettgeri in a reptile.","PeriodicalId":16054,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery","volume":"34 1","pages":"134 - 138"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84107118","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}