Surgical management of an odontogenic tumor in a banded Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum cinctum) with a novel herpesvirus

Abstract

(2016) Surgical management of an odontogenic tumor in a banded Gila monster (Helodermasuspectumcinctum) with a novel herpesvirus, Veterinary Quarterly, 36:2, 109-114,

Herpesviruses in Reptiles

“…Also, tortoise HV species (TeHV-1,−2,−3,−4) have been identified and placed in the proposed genus Chelonivirus ( 43 – 46 ), although TeHV-3 has been formally assigned to the genus Scutavirus ( 32 ). Other unassigned reptilian HVs in the family Herpesviridae include the Iguanid herpesvirus 1 (IgHV-1), Gerrhosaurid herpesvirus 1-3, Varanid herpesvirus (VHV-1,−2,−3) and Helodermatid herpesvirus 1 (HeHV-1) in lizard species ( 25 , 47 – 51 ), Opheodrys herpesvirus 1 in snakes ( 52 ), Crocodyline herpesvirus 1-3 (CrHV-1,−2,−3) in crocodiles ( 53 ), and, Chelonid herpesvirus 1-4 (ChHV-1,−2,−3,−4) in green turtles ( Chelonia mydas -ChHV-1) ( 54 ), freshwater turtles ( Clemmys marmorata -ChHV-2; Chrysemis picta -ChHV-3) ( 55 , 56 ), and Argentine tortoise ( Geochelone chilensis -ChHV-4) ( 57 ). Notably, some of these unassigned HVs were identified decades ago based on their morphological and biological characteristics using techniques (virus isolation, electron microscopy and histopathology) that were available at that time, thus making it challenging to place them taxonomically.…”

“…Infections in tortoises result in ulcerative to diphtheroid-necrotizing stomatitis, conjunctivitis, glossitis, rhinitis, dyspnoea, liver disease and neurological disease and could be accompanied by anorexia, regurgitation, neck oedema, lethargy and death ( Figure 8 ) ( 112 – 115 ). Papillomas, stomatitis, and hepatitis are commonly described in lizards infected with HV ( 25 , 47 – 49 , 116 , 117 ). Recently, five green snakes ( Opheodrys vernalis ) housed together presented with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and molecular analysis confirmed the presence of a novel Opheodrys herpesvirus-1 ( Alphaherpesvirinae ) ( 52 ).…”

“…Herpesviruses have also been described in various species of squamates and crocodilians ( 25 , 47 , 48 , 52 , 106 , 116 – 118 , 149 ). A recent outbreak of a lethal HV infection in a private facility housing 127 snakes resulted in the death of all 71 horned vipers at the premises after a brief illness ( 150 ).…”

“…Surgical excision, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser surgery and cryosurgery are some of the commonly used therapeutic strategies for the management of HV-associated tumours ( 25 , 110 , 111 , 120 , 200 – 202 ). High rates of recurrence and the risk of secondary bacterial infections have greatly reduced the efficacy of surgical excision ( 200 , 203 ).…”