How to translate text using browser tools
1 December 2014 COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY–GUIDED BONE BIOPSIES FOR EVALUATION OF PROLIFERATIVE VERTEBRAL LESIONS IN TWO BOA CONSTRICTORS (BOA CONSTRICTOR IMPERATOR)
Nicola Di Girolamo, Paolo Selleri, Giordano Nardini, Daniele Corlazzoli, Paolo Fonti, Christophe Rossier, Leonardo Della Salda, Lionel Schilliger, Massimo Vignoli, Laura Bongiovanni
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Two boa constrictors (Boa constrictor imperator) presented with paresis of the trunk originating cranial to the cloaca. Radiographs were consistent with proliferative bone lesions involving several vertebrae. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated the presence of lytic/expansile lesions. Computed tomography–guided biopsies of the lesions were performed without complications. Histology was consistent with bacterial osteomyelitis and osteoarthritis. Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella sp. and Pseudomonas sp.) were isolated from cultures of the biopsies. Medical treatment with specific antibiotics was attempted for several weeks in both cases without clinical or radiographic improvements. The animals were euthanized, and necropsy confirmed the findings observed upon CT. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of the use of CT-guided biopsies to evaluate proliferative vertebral lesions in snakes. In the present report, CT-guided biopsies were easily performed, and both histologic and microbiologic results were consistent with the final diagnosis.

Copyright 2014 by American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Nicola Di Girolamo, Paolo Selleri, Giordano Nardini, Daniele Corlazzoli, Paolo Fonti, Christophe Rossier, Leonardo Della Salda, Lionel Schilliger, Massimo Vignoli, and Laura Bongiovanni "COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY–GUIDED BONE BIOPSIES FOR EVALUATION OF PROLIFERATIVE VERTEBRAL LESIONS IN TWO BOA CONSTRICTORS (BOA CONSTRICTOR IMPERATOR)," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 45(4), 973-978, (1 December 2014). https://doi.org/10.1638/2014-0049.1
Received: 5 March 2014; Published: 1 December 2014
KEYWORDS
Biopsy
Boa constrictor
computed tomography
osteoarthritis
snakes
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top