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Pituitary cystadenoma, enterolipidosis, and cutaneous mycosis in an Everglades ratsnake (Elaphe obsoleta rossalleni).

Authors :
Dadone LI
Klaphake E
Garner MM
Schwahn D
Sigler L
Trupkiewicz JG
Myers G
Barrie MT
Source :
Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine : official publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians [J Zoo Wildl Med] 2010 Sep; Vol. 41 (3), pp. 538-41.
Publication Year :
2010

Abstract

An 11-yr-old captive-born male Everglades ratsnake (Elaphe obsoleta rosalleni) presented with dysecdysis, hyperkeratosis, and inappetance. Two skin biopsies demonstrated a diffuse hyperkeratosis with both a bacterial and fungal epidermitis. Fusarium oxysporum was cultured from both biopsies and considered an opportunistic infection rather than a primary pathogen. Medical management was unsuccessful, and the snake was euthanized. Histologic findings included a pituitary cystadenoma arising from the pars intermedia, severe intestinal lipidosis, generalized epidermal hyperkeratosis, and lesions consistent with sepsis. It is hypothesized that endocrine derangements from the pituitary tumor may have caused the skin and intestinal lesions.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1042-7260
Volume :
41
Issue :
3
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine : official publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
20945658
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1638/2009-0124.1