Celiotomia e gastrotomia para remoção cirúrgica de corpos estranhos em axolote (Ambystoma mexicanum): relato de caso / Celiotomy and gastrotomy for surgical removal of foreign bodies in axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum): case report

A ingestão de corpos estranhos em aquários artificiais é uma ocorrência frequente observada na clínica cirúrgica de anfíbios criados como pets, o que inclui os axolotes (Ambystoma mexicanum). O presente relato descreve um caso de ingestão de sete corpos estranhos em um axolote macho, de cinco meses de idade, com histórico de abaulamento irregular e irredutível da superfície corpórea ventral, de consistência firme. Na anamnese foi informado que o animal habitava um aquário com substrato de cascalhos. Ao exame físico, o axolote apresentou bom estado geral e parâmetros vitais dentro da normalidade para a espécie. Os materiais deglutidos foram identificados em região gástrica por meio de exame radiográfico corpóreo total, e suas características condiziam com o substrato utilizado no aquário do paciente. Como protocolo anestésico, foi priorizada a imersão em Isofluorano e gás oxigênio, com o objetivo de atingir a via branquial e, ocasionalmente, transdérmica. A remoção cirúrgica foi feita através de celiotomia e gastrotomia em ambiente aquático com temperatura, pH e coleção bacteriana controlados, conforme literatura disponível e tendo em consideração a natureza, diâmetro e localização dos corpos estranhos. Após cinco e quinze dias do procedimento, acompanhou-se a cicatrização da ferida cirúrgica, sendo possível constatar bom restabelecimento da continuidade dos tecidos e bom estado geral do paciente.

The ingestion of foreign bodies in artificial aquariums is a frequent occurrence observed in the surgical clinic of amphibians raised as pets, which includes axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum). The present report describes a case of ingestion of seven foreign bodies in a male axolotl, five months old, with a history of irregular and irreducible bulging of the ventral body surface, with firm consistency. In the anamnesis, it was reported that the animal inhabited an aquariums with gravel substrate. On physical examination, the axolotl showed good general condition and vital parameters within the normal range for the species. The swallowed materials were identified in the gastric region by means of total body radiographic examination, and their characteristics were consistent with the substrate used in the patient’s aquarium. As anesthetic protocol, immersion in Isofluorane and oxygen gas was prioritized, in order to reach the branchial and, occasionally, transdermal route. Surgical removal was performed through celiotomy and gastrotomy in an aquatic environment with controlled temperature, pH and bacterial collection, according to available literature and taking into account the nature, diameter and location of foreign bodies. After five and fifteen days of the procedure, the healing of the surgical wound was monitored, showing a good restoration of tissue continuity and a good general condition of the patient.

Celiotomia e gastrotomia para remoção cirúrgica de corpos estranhos em axolote (Ambystoma mexicanum): relato de caso / Celiotomy and gastrotomy for surgical removal of foreign bodies in axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum): case report

A ingestão de corpos estranhos em aquários artificiais é uma ocorrência frequente observada na clínica cirúrgica de anfíbios criados como pets, o que inclui os axolotes (Ambystoma mexicanum). O presente relato descreve um caso de ingestão de sete corpos estranhos em um axolote macho, de cinco meses de idade, com histórico de abaulamento irregular e irredutível da superfície corpórea ventral, de consistência firme. Na anamnese foi informado que o animal habitava um aquário com substrato de cascalhos. Ao exame físico, o axolote apresentou bom estado geral e parâmetros vitais dentro da normalidade para a espécie. Os materiais deglutidos foram identificados em região gástrica por meio de exame radiográfico corpóreo total, e suas características condiziam com o substrato utilizado no aquário do paciente. Como protocolo anestésico, foi priorizada a imersão em Isofluorano e gás oxigênio, com o objetivo de atingir a via branquial e, ocasionalmente, transdérmica. A remoção cirúrgica foi feita através de celiotomia e gastrotomia em ambiente aquático com temperatura, pH e coleção bacteriana controlados, conforme literatura disponível e tendo em consideração a natureza, diâmetro e localização dos corpos estranhos. Após cinco e quinze dias do procedimento, acompanhou-se a cicatrização da ferida cirúrgica, sendo possível constatar bom restabelecimento da continuidade dos tecidos e bom estado geral do paciente.

The ingestion of foreign bodies in artificial aquariums is a frequent occurrence observed in the surgical clinic of amphibians raised as pets, which includes axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum). The present report describes a case of ingestion of seven foreign bodies in a male axolotl, five months old, with a history of irregular and irreducible bulging of the ventral body surface, with firm consistency. In the anamnesis, it was reported that the animal inhabited an aquariums with gravel substrate. On physical examination, the axolotl showed good general condition and vital parameters within the normal range for the species. The swallowed materials were identified in the gastric region by means of total body radiographic examination, and their characteristics were consistent with the substrate used in the patient's aquarium. As anesthetic protocol, immersion in Isofluorane and oxygen gas was prioritized, in order to reach the branchial and, occasionally, transdermal route. Surgical removal was performed through celiotomy and gastrotomy in an aquatic environment with controlled temperature, pH and bacterial collection, according to available literature and taking into account the nature, diameter and location of foreign bodies. After five and fifteen days of the procedure, the healing of the surgical wound was monitored, showing a good restoration of tissue continuity and a good general condition of the patient.

Orthopedics in Reptiles and Amphibians.

Musculoskeletal disorders are a common cause for presentation of reptiles and amphibians to the veterinarian. A clinical approach to orthopedic cases starts with a thorough history and review of husbandry, and identification of any underlying or concomitant disease. Medical management is indicated for pathologic fractures. Traumatic fractures may require surgical intervention. Stabilization options include external coaptation and/or external and internal fixation. Special considerations must be given to shell fractures in chelonians. Many techniques used in mammalian practice can be applied to reptiles and amphibians, although some species may require prolonged healing times by comparison.

UTERINE RUPTURE AND CESAREAN SURGERY IN THREE RIO CAUCA CAECILIANS (TYPHLONECTES NATANS).

A uterine rupture of unknown etiology during gestation causing the death in a Rio Cauca caecilian ( Typhlonectes natans ) and successful anesthesia using tricaine methanesulfonate and cesarean section in three occasions in two other specimens because of suspected dystocia are described. One of the surgeries was performed at an early stage of embryo development, thereby preventing the survival of the neonates.

Surgery in Amphibians.

Amphibian surgery has been especially described in research. Since the last decade, interest for captive amphibians has increased, so have the indications for surgical intervention. Clinicians should not hesitate to advocate such manipulations. Amphibian surgeries have no overwhelming obstacles. These patients heal well and tolerate blood loss more than higher vertebrates. Most procedures described in reptiles (mostly lizards) can be undertaken in most amphibians if equipment can be matched to the patients' size. In general, the most difficult aspect would be the provision of adequate anesthesia.

Eye Removal Surgeries in Exotic Pets.

This article covers considerations and techniques of eye removal surgeries in exotic pets. After issues including surgical indications, anesthesia, patient preparation, and instrumentation are explored, surgical techniques are described. Enucleation/exenteration and modified evisceration are discussed, with species-specific nuances of small mammals, birds, reptiles, snakes, amphibians, and fish highlighted.

Reptilian and amphibian pediatric medicine and surgery.

Herpetological medicine and surgery requires knowledge and understanding of many different species. Herpetological pediatrics requires even more knowledge and understanding of the differences between adult and neonate, juvenile, and subadult patients. Proper environmental conditions and diet are critical to the health of growing reptiles, and providing the proper conditions and care for hospitalized patients is a vital component of treatment. Challenges often exist due to patient size. Exams, diagnostics, treatments, and surgeries can all be performed successfully on most pediatric patients. Flexibility in thought processes and techniques, the ability to adjust to the specific needs of each case, and some special small or fine equipment enable veterinarians to provide high-quality veterinary care to pediatric patients.

Amphibian resources on the internet.

The use of amphibians in classrooms and research laboratories has increased, along with a corresponding increase in the amount of information about these animals on the Internet. This review is intended to aid both novices and experts in the search of such information. The bibliography of Internet resources is organized by discipline and includes general and selected species information, taxonomy, natural history, anatomy and histology, physiology, ontogeny, genetics, conservation, toxicology, medicine and surgery, sources (for animals, housing, and research tools), listservs, databases, associations, educational sources, and husbandry. For each web site, descriptive titles, web addresses, and a brief review are provided. Note that the authors of this review cannot assure the accuracy of content in these web resources.

Medicine and surgery of amphibians.

Amphibians are most notably characterized by their glandular skin, which they shed regularly and ingest routinely. It is advisable to handle amphibians only with protective gloves to avoid damaging their skin. These animals absorb water readily across the skin as a means of maintaining hydration. They also easily absorb drugs and anesthetics that are applied directly to the skin. Investigators commonly utilize cutaneous respiration in amphibians and evaluate skin abnormalities via wet mount preparations, skin scrapes, and biopsy. The examination of blood samples can be useful in evaluating the status of ill amphibians, although the similarity in function of amphibian blood cell types and those of other species is largely unknown. If surgery is required, it is necessary to fast the animals before surgery, and to monitor their hydration. The wet environment required for amphibian surgery makes sterile technique challenging, and it is advisable to institute prophylactic antibiotic therapy before the procedure. The anesthetic of choice for amphibian surgery is tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222). Postoperative recommendations include fluids, nutritional support if necessary, and analgesia. If euthanasia is required, MS-222 overdose or pentobarbital injection are the preferred methods.

Success of intracoelomic radiotransmitter implantation in the treefrog (Hyla versicolor).

Concern about the effects of habitat modification on the natural movements and behavior of amphibians has led researchers to devise several methods to follow individual animals as they migrate among seasonal resources; one such method is the surgical insertion of radiotransmitters. Intracoelomic implantation has come into general use despite the relative lack of specific procedural guidelines and information about the effects of transmitter insertion and removal. The author outlines the surgical implantation procedures used on a small amphibian (gray treefrog) and provides insight into the effects of multiple major surgical invasions on the long-term survival of amphibians. Multiple survival surgeries were successful in this study and may be an alternative to euthanasia in some instances.

Surgery of amphibians.

This article is an introduction to common amphibian surgical techniques. No overwhelming obstacles preclude incorporating amphibian surgeries into the repertoire of veterinary clinicians. With the proper tools and reference materials and a little practice, the skills needed may be readily acquired.