A free-ranging plains garter snake (Thamnophis radix) with a brown, encrusted, cutaneous facial lesion presented depressed, emaciated, and dehydrated. It developed respiratory distress and was later euthanized after it failed to respond to antibiotics and supportive treatment. Disseminated granulomatous disease with prominent lung involvement was diagnosed at necropsy. Intralesional hyaline fungal elements, consisting of septate hyphae, were detected histologically among the necrotic core of granulomas and aggregates of epithelioid macrophages. Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola was cultured from tissue specimens and identification was confirmed using 18S rRNA ITS DNA sequencing. Isolation of O. ophiodiicola from lesions that contain morphologically consistent fungal elements strongly incriminates this fungus as the cause of disease in this garter snake.

A 1.85-kg, 6-yr-old, captive-bred, male boa constrictor (Boa constrictor imperator) was presented for lethargy, anorexia, postural abnormalities, and had an elongated mass on its ventrum, 20 cm distal to the snout. Clinical examination revealed a firm, nonmobile coelomic mass (4 cm × 2 cm) and loss of the righting reflex. Hematology showed a significant increase in white blood cells, lymphocytosis, and anemia. Cytologic examination of the blood smears showed the presence of lymphoid leukemia and eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions consistent with inclusion body disease (IBD). Hyperphosphatemia was suggestive of renal failure. Radiography and ultrasound revealed a soft tissue mass at the level of the thymus proximal to, and distinct from, the heart. Cytology and postmortem histopathology confirmed the presence of a multicentric lymphoblastic lymphoma, lymphoid leukemia, and IBD. It remains unclear whether the neoplasms began their proliferation within the bone marrow or whether leukemia was a feature of disseminated, end-stage lymphoma.

Protein electrophoresis is commonly used to assess the different protein fractions in vertebrates. This information can provide important clinical information regarding the health status of an individual patient or a population of animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate plasma protein fractions of clinically normal, captive, male adult Nile crocodiles (Crocodilus niloticus) over a 12 month period. Blood was collected from the ventral coccygeal vein into heparinized syringes and immediately placed into vacutainer tubes. Samples were centrifuged, plasma removed, and the total protein content of each sample determined using the biuret method. Plasma proteins were separated using gel electrophoresis and scanned using a laser densitometer. No changes in total protein concentration were detected over time. Albumin values were significantly higher in December through March and lower from April through September. Beta globulin values were significantly higher in August through September and significantly lower in December through April. Gamma globulin values were significantly higher in March through May and again in June. The albumin/globulin (AG) ratio for January was significantly different from April through December. February and March AG ratios were both significantly higher than values collected in April through September. April through September AG ratios were significantly lower than were November and December AG ratios. The significant differences noted in the protein electrophoresis values suggest that seasonal changes occur in the healthy animals and should be taken into consideration when evaluating a clinical case involving a crocodilian.

Using ultra performance liquid chromatography, voriconazole concentrations in plasma samples from red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans) were quantified after single subcutaneous (SC) injections of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, and after twice-daily SC injections for 7 days at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Voriconazole was rapidly absorbed after SC injection. Plasma concentrations obtained after the last of multiple doses (10 mg/kg SC q 12 h for 7 days) revealed a mean (SD) observed time of maximum concentration = 1.29 (1.28) h; observed maximum concentration = 7.58 (5.39) μg/ml; and time above 1.0 μg/ml = 7.43 (2.16) h. Doses of 10 mg/kg administered twice daily for 7 days resulted in trough concentrations that were subtherapeutic based on current recommendations for clinical efficacy of antifungal therapy in humans. Clinical abnormalities were seen in several turtles during and after the study, but these effects could not be definitively attributed to voriconazole administration.

The effects of intramuscular (IM) alfaxalone were evaluated in three species of Australian frogs: Australian green tree frogs, (Litoria caerulea); green and golden bell frogs (Litoria aurea); and booroolong frogs (Litoria booroolongensis). Heart rate, respiration rate, responses, reflexes, spontaneous movement, time to effect, and duration of effect were measured. Other observations, including change in color and pupil size, were also noted. Alfaxalone administered IM at 30 mg/kg in Australian green tree frogs and 20 mg/kg in green and golden bell frogs achieved sedation and caused bradypnea. In booroolong frogs, a light plane of anesthesia and bradypnea occurred at 20 mg/kg IM. Apnea was not observed in any of the frogs, and there was no statistically significant bradycardia. No mortalities or adverse effects were noted.

Venomoid surgery is currently performed in many countries and it is possible to find venomous snakes rendered inoffensive in “specialized markets.” However, it should be stressed that in some countries it is illegal to perform this kind of surgery and that venomoid surgery does not change the status of a venomous snake in the eyes of the law. Despite this, there are very few papers in the veterinary literature that describe the techniques, the indications, the possible complications, and the ethics of such a procedure. In this paper the authors describe state of the art for venomoid surgery and discuss in detail venom duct ligation and resection techniques in Elapidae and Viperidae. Intraoperative duct identification techniques, ethics of the procedure, and follow up are also discussed.

The ball python, Python regius, is known for its docile demeanor and unique protective mechanism. This native West African species is relatively simple to care for, making it a popular snake among first-time reptile keepers and hobbyists alike. Natural history, husbandry, and common health problems are reviewed in this article, which is intended to supplement discussion between the veterinarian and client.