Retrospective review of neoplasms of captive lizards in the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND: Neoplasia has historically been regarded as an unusual occurrence in reptiles. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of neoplasms in routine diagnostic samples submitted to a specialist exotic animal laboratory. METHODS: Over a 10-year period, 690 lizard samples were submitted for histopathological or cytopathological examination by Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons specialists in Veterinary Pathology (Zoo and Wildlife). Records were reviewed retrospectively and non-neoplastic diagnoses excluded from further analysis. RESULTS: 158 neoplasms were diagnosed in 149 lizards, with 22.9% of submissions resulting in a diagnosis of neoplasia. The skin was the most commonly affected organ, and squamous cell carcinomas were the most common neoplasms identified (17.7% of all neoplastic diagnoses).Bearded dragons and panther chameleons had a statistically significant higher proportion of neoplasia diagnosis than the lizard population as a whole, and geckos had a statistically significantly lower proportion.Several neoplasms identified in this study have not been previously reported in lizards, including a testicular Sertoli cell tumour, testicular granulosa cell tumour, splenic haemangiosarcoma, gastric adenocarcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the prevalence of neoplasia in captive lizards may be higher than previously reported, and that there is variation in prevalence between different lizard species and families. It is unclear whether these differences relate to genetic or management factors.

Determination of vertebral heart score in three species of Spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps, A. hybridus and A. paniscus).

BACKGROUND: The vertebral heart score (VHS) is a method of evaluation of cardiac size well documented in domestic mammals and in other primate species, and the aim of this study was to determine the VHS in three species of Spider monkey. METHODS: In this retrospective study, right lateral radiographs of thirty clinically well animals were reviewed and VHS determined. The species included were Ateles fusciceps (n=17), Ateles hybridus (n=8) and Ateles paniscus (n=5). RESULTS: The VHS was found to vary between species and was 9.73±0.81 for A. fusciceps, 10.53±0.37 for A. hybridus and 10.45±0.27 for A. paniscus. CONCLUSIONS: The observed values appear consistent with values determined for other primate species. There was statistically significant variation noted between species, and so VHS should be considered species-specific in this genus. The values determined may be of benefit in objectively evaluating cardiac size in the species investigated.

The Influence of a Combined Butorphanol and Midazolam Premedication on Anesthesia in Psittacid Species.

Premedication is considered routine for domestic animal and human anesthesia but is rarely applied to avian patients, and few controlled studies exist to document effects of premedication in avian species. To determine the effects of a butorphanol and midazolam premedication on general anesthesia and quality of induction and recovery phases in psittacid species, 17 clinically healthy birds undergoing anesthesia were randomly allocated into either a premedicated or control group. Anesthetic parameters were subsequently compared. Induction time and isoflurane concentration required for anesthetic maintenance were reduced in the premedicated group. Induction quality scores were improved in the premedicated group and no adverse effects on anesthesia and cardiovascular stability were observed. Use of a combined butorphanol and midazolam premedication in clinically healthy psittacine birds appears safe and effective. Premedication provides a beneficial effect at induction and enables maintenance levels of anesthetic gas to be reduced.

Determination of vertebral heart score in Goeldi's monkeys (Callimico goeldii).

BACKGROUND: Goeldi's monkeys (Callimico goeldii) are callitrichid primates commonly kept in zoological collections, and to date, no cardiac parameters have been recorded. The vertebral heart score (VHS) is an objective method of evaluation of cardiac size well documented in domestic mammals, and the aim of this study was to determine the VHS in Goeldi's monkeys. METHODS: In this retrospective study, right lateral radiographs of thirteen clinically well animals were reviewed and vertebral heart score determined. RESULTS: The vertebral heart score was found to be 9.35 ± 0.31. CONCLUSIONS: The observed value appears consistent within the study population and with values for other primate species. The value determined may be of benefit in objectively evaluating cardiac size in this species.