Epipterygoid Bone Salmonella Abscess in a Savannah Monitor (Varanus exanthematicus)

Abstract

Abstract A 5-year-old savannah monitor (Varanus exanthematicus) was presented for left-sided facial swelling. Examination revealed left hemi-maxilla and eyelid swelling causing caudoventral displacement of the left eye. Computed tomography (CT) of the head was conducted prior to surgical exploration, debridement, and culture of the swelling. CT images revealed a mass extending from the left retrobulbar area to the temporal muscle with extensive lysis of the epiterygoid bone resulting in compression of the brainstem. Surgical exploration allowed for partial debridement of the mass and sample collection for bacterial culture. Salmonella enterica Kintambo was isolated from the swelling and was sensitive to several antibiotics. Ceftazidime (40 mg/kg) and piperacillin (100 mg/kg) mixed with poloxamer 407 gel was subsequently injected into the swelling. Oral enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg q24h weaned to 5 mg/kg q24h) was prescribed and continued for 5 months prior to discontinuation. Over the following 5 months, extern...