Osteosarcoma in a woma python (<i>Aspidites ramsayi</i>)

Cowan, ML; Monks, DJ; Raidal, Shane R.

doi:10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00853.x

Cited by 18 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…Bone tumours in snakes and lizards are described as masses with a mixed lytic and productive radiographic appearance (Schonbauer and others 1982, Hernandez-Divers and Garner 2003, Garner and others 2004, Gál and others 2007, Cowan and others 2011). …”

Section: Diagnostic Imaging Modalitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review of diagnostic imaging of snakes and lizards

Banzato

Hellebuyck

Caelenberg³

et al. 2013

Veterinary Record

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Snakes and lizards are considered 'stoic' animals and often show only non-specific signs of illness. Consequently, diagnostic imaging--along with clinical examination and laboratory tests--is gaining importance in making a final diagnosis and establishing a correct therapy. The large number of captive snake and lizard species commonly kept as pets, together with the high inter- and intraspecific morphological variability that is innate in these animals, make the analysis of diagnostic images challenging for the veterinary practitioner. Moreover, a thorough knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the species that are the object of clinical investigation is mandatory for the correct interpretation of diagnostic images. Despite the large amount of clinical and scientific work carried out in the past two decades, the radiographic features of snakes and lizards have not undergone systematic description, and therefore veterinarians often have to rely mostly on anatomical studies rather than radiological literature. The aim of this paper is to review the most commonly used diagnostic imaging modalities, as well as to provide an overview of the available international original studies and scientific reviews describing the normal and pathological imaging features in snakes and lizards.

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Section: Diagnostic Imaging Modalitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review of diagnostic imaging of snakes and lizards

Banzato

Hellebuyck

Caelenberg³

et al. 2013

Veterinary Record

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“…Three retrospective studies examining 100 years of reptile necropsy results at zoological institutions found that neoplasia had become more frequently diagnosed over this time period . Improved husbandry and subsequent increased life span, improved diagnostics and increased numbers in the captive population have been suggested as contributing factors …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gastric adenocarcinoma in a diamond python (Morelia spilota spilota)

et al. 2014

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Case report A 5-year-old captive male diamond python (Morelia spilota spilota) was presented with a 1-month history of regurgitation and anorexia and discrete coelomic distention. Physical examination revealed a firm, immobile mass at approximately two-thirds of the snout-vent length from the front of the head. Ultrasoundguided fine needle aspirate biopsy of the mass in the region of the stomach showed necrosis with bacterial infiltration and possibly neoplastic changes. A gastroscopy was conducted, but showed grossly normal gastric mucosa, confirmed by biopsy. On exploratory coeliotomy, it was confirmed the mass involved most of the stomach wall and occluded the gastric lumen. The mass was completely excised and based on histopathology, a diagnosis of gastric adenocarcinoma was made. The snake was found dead 12 h postoperatively, but no specific cause of death was found on postmortem examination. A ntemortem diagnosis of neoplasia in reptiles is uncommonly documented in the literature. Most of the published cases of adenocarcinoma in snakes have been diagnosed at postmortem examination and so provide very little information on clinical signs, diagnosis and clinical classification. As reptile husbandry improves and life span in captivity increases, neoplasia in snakes is being reported more frequently. Several authors have reviewed neoplasia rates in captive reptile collections and a variety of neoplasms were reported, 1-3 but because those large studies were based on postmortem examination it is difficult to extrapolate the findings to the clinical setting to aid in antemortem diagnosis. Coelomic swelling in snakes is a common reason for presentation to the exotics veterinarian and the presenting signs vary markedly because the aetiology is so varied. Clinically, the most common differential diagnoses include abscesses or granulomas, dystocia, constipation, foreign body ingestion and neoplasia. ConclusionWe report on the clinical signs, diagnostic process and treatment outcome in a case of gastric adenocarcinoma in an adult diamond python, which to our knowledge is the first recorded case in the literature in an Australian python. Case reportA 5-year-old male diamond python (Morelia spilota spilota) was presented to the University of Queensland Veterinary Medical Centre for regurgitation, anorexia and evaluation of a discrete, firm swelling located approximately two-thirds along the snout-vent length. The snake had been obtained 8 months prior to presentation from a wildlife education organisation and was housed alone in its enclosure, but alongside a Centralian python (Morelia bredli). One month prior to presentation, the snake had regurgitated 24 h after eating and had refused food since then. The owner first noticed the swelling 6 days prior to presentation and it had increased in size rapidly, with the snake becoming reluctant to move in its enclosure, but restless.On physical examination, the snake was found to be slightly overweight. Coelomic palpation revealed a firm, non-painful, approximately 8 × 2 cm,...

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“…Neoplasia is rarely reported in reptiles. In this case report and clinical review, an 18‐month‐old woma python was presented with a discrete mass 8 . The snake behaved normally, was fed bimonthly, and defecated regularly.…”

Section: Wildlife and Zoosmentioning

confidence: 93%