A subglossal impaction was diagnosed in an American toad (Anaxyrus [Bufo] americanus), which presented because of a change in vocalizations. The obstruction was determined to be an impaction of ingested epidermal shed. Differential diagnoses for this clinical presentation include upper respiratory infection, nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, vitamin A deficiency, trauma to the oral cavity, or environmental changes. This case demonstrates a potential problem that can be associated with the normal behavior of keratophagy.

Renal adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in three Cape coral snakes (Aspidelaps lubricus lubricus) by histopathologic examination. A hereditary basis was suspected, because all affected snakes were genetically related. Presentations included caudal coelomic swelling as well as anorexia, regurgitation, and constipation. Moderate amounts of urate tophi throughout the kidneys were noted in all three animals. Nephrectomy appeared to prolong life if the disease was caught early and the remaining kidney was functional.

Cryptosporidia are regularly detected during routine coprologic screenings of healthy bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). The objectives of this study were to histologically characterize infections by Cryptosporidium sp. in bearded dragons and to evaluate the effect of paromomycin treatment in bearded dragons infected by Cryptosporidium sp. Ten four-month-old bearded dragons were initially infected with an isolate of Cryptosporidium sp. that was acquired from a naturally infected adult bearded dragon. The infection was confirmed in both groups by coprologic examination. The infected animals were then divided into two groups: a treatment group and a control group. Oral treatment with paromomycin began seven weeks after infection in the treatment group using the following regimens: 100 mg/kg q 24 h for seven days; then twice a week for six weeks; and 360 mg/kg q 48 h during the final 10 days of the study. Cryptosporidia were only detected in the intestinal lumens in the non-treated lizards. None of the treated lizards showed evidence of cryptosporidia excretion on either coprologic or histopathological examination. This finding suggests that the treatment with paromomycin was effective. All bearded dragons from both groups remained fully asymptomatic. Nevertheless, because of the highly contagious nature of these parasites and the pathogenicity to species that may be housed in the vicinity of asymptomatic carriers, and because a possible pathogenic effect for immunocompromised bearded dragons cannot be ruled out, treatment of infected bearded dragons remains a recommended practice.

Twelve adult male corn snakes, Pantherophis (Elaphe) guttatus guttatus, were used for this study. Blood samples were collected via cardiocentesis or caudal tail venipuncture. Plasma chemistries were measured using a standard laboratory chemistry analyzer; these parameters were used to calculate plasma osmolality. Osmolality also was measured using a freezing point osmometer. The osmolality measured with the osmometer in the corn snakes ranged from 304.5 to 373.0 mOsm/kg, with a mean value of 344.5 mOsm/kg. These values are higher than the osmolality of Ringer's solution (310 mOsm/L), lactated Ringer's solution (272 mOsm/L), Plasma-Lyte A^® (294 mOsm/L), and Normosol R^® (295 mOsm/L) and should be taken into account when replenishing fluids to avoid large shifts in plasma osmolality. Bland Altman plots were used to assess the level of agreement between the measured and calculated osmolalitites. The results of the comparisons showed the highest level of agreement between the measured and calculated osmolality when using the following formula: (2 × [Na K ]) (glucose concentration/18). Two other formulas, 2 × (Na K ) and 2 × [Na K ] (glucose concentration/18) (uric acid/16.8), likewise showed good agreement with the measured osmolality. One formula, 2 × Na , showed a fair level of agreement with the measured osmolality. Additional studies are needed in snakes to investigate fluid replacement using commercially available crystalloid fluids, develop appropriate isotonic fluids, and evaluate osmolality as changes in hydration status occur in healthy and unhealthy animals.