Adult Bearded Dragons Research Articles

Caso antemortem de insuficiência valvar atrioventricular em dragão barbudo (Pogona vitticeps) – relato de caso

An atrioventricular valve insufficiency is a common form of cardiac disorder in mammals, whereas it has rarely been reported in reptiles. A two-year-old male bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) was presented with acute onset of lethargy, inappetence and general weakness, increased respiratory effort, dark skin color, and arched back. A gastrointestinal foreign body was suspected, but radiography showed coelomic fluid accumulation. Ultrasound heart examination revealed turbulent blood flow at the level of the atrioventricular valves. Electrocardiography by modified Einthoven lead system (lead configuration 1) as described for Squamata, did not show significant changes. A tentative diagnosis of congestive heart failure as a result of valvulopathy was made. Treatment consisted of parenteral furosemide and fluid administration and assisted feeding with appropriate food intended for adult bearded dragons. The patient was weekly evaluated and successfully recovered over the four months. Echocardiography and electrocardiography were repeated 12 months later. The prescribed treatment was successful with complete resolution of clinical signs, and long-term surveillance of the bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps).

Pneumocoelomogram as a novel negative contrast diagnostic imaging technique to evaluate coelomic organs in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

Contrast radiography is used to combat poor coelomic detail encountered in reptilian radiographs. This study describes pneumocoelomography, a novel negative contrast technique using room air in bearded dragons ( Pogona vitticeps ). The feasibility of this technique, its tolerance by the study subjects, and obtained images were evaluated. Six clinically healthy, adult bearded dragons had standard and pneumocoelomogram radiographs performed under anesthesia. Pneumocoelom was induced by insufflating 0.2mL/mm coelomic length of room air via an over-the-needle catheter introduced into the coelom. Pre-, post-, and positive intravenous contrast-enhanced post-pneumocoelom computed tomography scans were also performed. Packed cell volume, total protein, and blood films were evaluated at time of imaging and two weeks post-procedure to assess potential systemic consequences of this technique. Procedures were well tolerated with no adverse anesthetic, recovery, post-procedural, hematologic, or behavioral declines in health status. The pneumocoelomogram consistently revealed the gonads (6/6 cases) in both sexes. There was an inconsistently improved characterization of other coelomic organs: the cardiac silhouette was improved in 4/6 cases, trachea in 2/6, lungs in 3/6, stomach in 3/6, cecum in 3/6, colon in 5/6, and kidneys in 2/6. The liver, spleen, and small intestines did not show improved characterization in any case. Room air pneumocoelomography offers a well-tolerated, readily-available technique and provides additional coelomic organ characterization to that of standard radiographs. Future studies should evaluate if this technique provides diagnostic utility in pathological states.

Prevalence and risk factors of hepatic lipid changes in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

Hepatic lipidosis is a common disease of captive bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of this condition are challenging, as there is minimal information in the literature. Our study determined the prevalence and epidemiological risk factors associated with the grade and severity of hepatic lipid changes in bearded dragons submitted for necropsy in 2 North American institutions. A total of 571 postmortem cases were retrieved, and from each pathology report the demographic data (age, sex) and the list of final diagnoses were extracted. For each case diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis, the archived sections of liver were reviewed and the severity of lipid change was stratified using a standardized histologic grading system. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate the prevalence of each grade and severity class. Associations between grade and severity, as well as demographic data and concurrent diseases, were explored using ordinal logistic regression analysis. On multiple logistic models, the occurrence of infectious disease and neoplasia was associated with decreased grade and severity of hepatic lipid changes, while the female sex and adult age were associated with an increased grade and severity. None of the other variables were significantly associated with hepatic lipid changes. These results suggest that reproductively active females and adult bearded dragons are predisposed to increasing hepatic lipid changes, while those with an underlying disease process have reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and changes, possibly due to increased fat catabolism. Data in this study can serve to benchmark the prevalence of hepatic lipidosis in bearded dragons and allow further investigations.

Survey of Feeding Practices and Supplement Use in Pet Inland Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps) of the United States and Canada

Abstract Nutrition is an important aspect of inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) health, and improper diet is thought to be a predisposing factor for many health disorders. The objective of this study was to survey owners of bearded dragons to learn more about their feeding practices and supplement use. Self-selecting bearded dragon owners were invited to participate in the survey if they were >18 yr of age or had guardian consent and resided in Canada or the United States. A survey titled “Nutritional Survey of Bearded Dragon Dietary Habits in North America” was available online following research ethics board approval from the University of Guelph, Canada. In total, 405 responses representing subadult and adult bearded dragons were evaluated. The most common diet offered consisted of 1–25% larval and adult insects (each) and 51–75% plant material. Approximately one half of the survey participants, especially the younger respondents, were feeding diets with <50% plant material and >50% insects. Berries were the most common plant material offered, superworms (Zophobas morio) and hornworms (Manduca sexta) were the most common larval insects offered, and house crickets (Acheta domesticus) were the most common adult insects offered. Insects were commonly dusted with calcium, vitamin D3, and multivitamins, but plant material was not dusted. These results highlighted the requirment for the development of clear nutritional guidelines outlining the type, quantity, and frequency of food items and supplements offered and the requirement of further investigations to determine the ideal diet for this common pet lizard.

Single-dose pharmacokinetics of orally administered terbinafine in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) and the antifungal susceptibility patterns of Nannizziopsis guarroi.

To identify the antifungal susceptibility of Nanniziopsis guarroi isolates and to evaluate the single-dose pharmacokinetics of orally administered terbinafine in bearded dragons. 8 healthy adult bearded dragons. 4 isolates of N guarroi were tested for antifungal susceptibility. A compounded oral solution of terbinafine (25 mg/mL [20 mg/kg]) was given before blood (0.2 mL) was drawn from the ventral tail vein at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after administration. Plasma terbinafine concentrations were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography. The antifungal minimum inhibitory concentrations against N guarroi isolates ranged from 4,000 to > 64,000 ng/mL for fluconazole, 125 to 2,000 ng/mL for itraconazole, 125 to 2,000 ng/mL for ketoconazole, 125 to 1,000 ng/mL for posaconazole, 60 to 250 ng/mL for voriconazole, and 15 to 30 ng/mL for terbinafine. The mean ± SD peak plasma terbinafine concentration in bearded dragons was 435 ± 338 ng/mL at 13 ± 4.66 hours after administration. Plasma concentrations remained > 30 ng/mL for > 24 hours in all bearded dragons and for > 48 hours in 6 of 8 bearded dragons. Mean ± SD terminal half-life following oral administration was 21.2 ± 12.40 hours. Antifungal susceptibility data are available for use in clinical decision making. Results indicated that administration of terbinafine (20 mg/kg, PO, q 24 to 48 h) in bearded dragons may be appropriate for the treatment of dermatomycoses caused by N guarroi. Clinical studies are needed to determine the efficacy of such treatment.

Neuraxial administration of morphine combined with lidocaine induces regional antinociception in inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

To assess the antinociceptive efficacy and safety of neuraxial morphine in inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). 10 healthy adult bearded dragons. Animals were sedated with alfaxalone (15 mg/kg) SC prior to neuraxial injections. In a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover design, animals received preservative-free morphine (0.5 mg/kg) combined with lidocaine (2 mg/kg) or lidocaine (2 mg/kg) only (control treatment). For both treatments, saline (0.9% NaCl) solution was used for dilution to a total volume of 0.3 mL/kg. If the initial injection did not result in motor block of the pelvic limbs or cloaca relaxation within 10 minutes, a second injection was performed. Measurements consisted of bilateral mechanical stimulation of the limbs and at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the trunk's length as well as cloacal tone to assess spread and duration of motor block. Pelvic limb withdrawal latencies in response to a thermal noxious stimulus were measured over a 48-hour period to assess antinociception. Success rate following the first injection was 90% (18/20 injections) and increased to 100% following a second injection. Motor block occurred within 5 minutes with both treatments. Pelvic limb withdrawal latencies were significantly prolonged following neuraxial morphine versus control treatment for at least 12 hours after injection. By 24 hours, no effect of morphine on pelvic limb latencies was detectable. These results demonstrated that neuraxial administration of morphine results in regional antinociceptive effects for at least 12 hours and has no clinically relevant adverse effects in healthy bearded dragons. This technique has potential for providing regional analgesia in this species.

Evaluation of the Safety of Multiple Intramuscular Doses of Ketoprofen in Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

Cyclooxygenase (COX) 1 has been shown to increase significantly in inflamed ophidian skin, and chelonian muscles. Non-selective COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitors, such as ketoprofen, could therefore reduce inflammation more effectively than preferential COX-2 inhibitors in reptiles. The objective of this study was to evaluate potential adverse effects of ketoprofen in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Thirteen adult bearded dragons were divided into three groups receiving daily intramuscular injections for 14 days in a blinded randomized study design. Group 1 (n = 5) received saline, group 2 (n = 4) received ketoprofen at 2 mg/kg (diluted 1:10 with saline) and group 3 (n = 4) received ketoprofen at 20 mg/kg (undiluted). Biochemical values, fecal occult blood (FOB) tests and blood clotting time were assessed before and after the two-week treatment. Renal, digestive, hepatic and muscular histopathology was evaluated. Clinically, injection site reactions were noted in group 3 only (n = 1/4). No other clinical adverse effects were detected. No changes were detected in plasma biochemical values and clotting times before and after treatments, nor between control and treatment groups. No lesion associated with ketoprofen toxicity was detected on histologic examination of the kidney, liver and gastrointestinal tract. Lesions of muscular necrosis at the injection sites were of higher magnitude in group 3 compared to group 1. In conclusion, daily intramuscular administration of diluted ketoprofen at 2 mg/kg for 14 days did not cause adverse effects in a small number of bearded dragons, while severe muscular necrosis was detected at 20 mg/kg.

Evaluation of glucose absorption rates following intracoelomic or subcutaneous administration in experimentally dehydrated inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

To evaluate glucose absorption rates as an indirect measure of fluid absorption after SC or intracoelomic (ICe) administration of 2.5% dextrose solution to experimentally dehydrated inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). 9 adult bearded dragons. In a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover design study, bearded dragons were experimentally dehydrated with a previously described protocol and then received 2.5% dextrose solution (a 1:1 mixture of 5% dextrose in isotonic multiple electrolytes solution; 20 mL/kg), SC or ICe, or a control treatment (the same electrolytes solution without added glucose; 20 mL/kg). Blood glucose (BG) concentrations were measured at predetermined times up to 24 hours after fluid administration. There was a ≥ 14-day washout period between treatments. Mean changes in BG concentration from baseline were compared among treatments. Administration of 2.5% dextrose solution by either route increased BG concentration with a significantly greater change in values within 5 minutes, compared with control treatment results. The mean change in BG concentration after ICe administration was significantly greater than that after SC administration 15 and 30 minutes after injection, with mean differences of -50 and -36 mg/dL, respectively, for the SC treatment. Within 1 hour after fluid administration, there was no significant difference in BG values between the 2 dextrose administration routes. Findings supported that fluid therapy by SC administration, which carries a lower risk of iatrogenic complications, can provide results similar to those achieved with ICe administration.

Evaluation of neuraxial administration of bupivacaine in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

ObjectiveTo assess the success rate, onset, duration and extent of motor/sensory block following neuraxial injection of two dosages of bupivacaine in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Study designProspective, randomized, blinded, crossover experimental study. AnimalsA total of 10 adult bearded dragons (0.3 ± 0.1 kg). MethodsAfter sedation with alfaxalone (15 mg kg–1 subcutaneously), neuraxial injections were performed with 1 or 2 mg kg–1 bupivacaine hydrochloride (0.5%, treatments BUP-1 and BUP-2, respectively) in a randomized treatment sequence with a 7 day washout period. If the initial bupivacaine injection was not successful within 10 minutes, a second injection was performed at the same dose. Mechanical stimulation of limbs, 25%, 50%, 75% of the trunk’s length and cloacal tone were assessed. ResultsSuccess rate following the first neuraxial injection was 95%, which increased to 100% after the second injection. Motor/sensory block were noted by 5 minutes after the injection of bupivacaine at either dose. BUP-2 was associated with more cranial spread. The median (range) duration of cloacal tone loss was longer following treatment BUP-2 [120 (75–225) minutes] than followed treatment BUP-1 [83 (25–135) minutes; p = 0.03]. Duration of pelvic limb motor block was comparable between both doses, lasting a median of 68 minutes in both treatments (p = 0.94). There was a transient, not clinically relevant increase from baseline in heart rate in treatment BUP-1 only. No significant difference from baseline in respiratory rate was noted in either treatment; however, two animals in treatment BUP-2 became apneic (10–20 minutes). Conclusions and clinical relevanceBupivacaine (1 mg kg–1) is recommended for neuraxial anesthesia in bearded dragons. In treatment BUP-2, extensive cranial spread resulted in apnea and motor block of the thoracic limb in several animals; therefore this dose is not recommended.

Evaluation of a ventral and a left lateral approach to coelioscopy in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

To compare a ventral and a left lateral endoscopic approach to coelioscopy in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). 18 adult bearded dragons. In a randomized crossover design involving 2 surgical approaches, anesthetized bearded dragons first underwent coelioscopy with a ventral approach (left lateral of midline next to the umbilicus; animal positioned in dorsal recumbency) or left lateral approach (intercostal; animal positioned in right lateral recumbency) and then with the alternate approach. A 2.7-mm × 18-cm, 30° oblique telescope with a 4.8-mm operating sheath and CO2 insufflation at 2 to 5 mm Hg were used. Ease of entry into the coelom and ease of visual examination of visceral structures were scored. Both approaches were straightforward, with the left lateral approach requiring significantly more time than the ventral approach. Scores for ease of visual examination for the heart, lungs, liver, stomach, intestines, pancreas, gallbladder, left kidney, gonads, and fat body were good to excellent. Visual examination of the spleen and adrenal glands was difficult in most animals via either approach. The left kidney, testis, and vas deferens were easier to see with the left lateral approach, whereas the pancreas in females and gallbladder in both sexes were easier to see with the ventral approach. All bearded dragons recovered without complications from the procedures, except for one with nephritis, renal gout, and hepatic necrosis. Both coelioscopy approaches could be safely and effectively used in bearded dragons. Choice of approach should be based on the coelomic structures requiring evaluation.

Specific anatomy and radiographic illustration of the digestive tract and transit time of two orally administered contrast media in Inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

The aim of this study was to describe the specific gross and radiographic anatomy of the digestive tract of inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Eleven bearded dragon cadavers of both sexes (6 females, 5 males) were dissected to examine, measure, and document the specific gross anatomy of the alimentary canal. Measurements collected from the cadavers included snout-vent length, total length of the alimentary canal, and the lengths of the individual sections of the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, ampulla coli, isthmus coli, rectum, and the distance from the coprodeum to the vent opening. Twenty-two healthy adult bearded dragons (13 females, 9 males) maintained under standardized husbandry conditions underwent a physical examination, blood collection, and whole-body dorsoventral and lateral survey radiographs; these animals were used to provide the radiographic images of the complete digestive tract. For the subsequent contrast passage studies, two different contrast media, barium sulfate (BaSO4, Barilux suspension) and an iodinated ionic radiocontrast agent (Sodium meglumine amidotrizoate [SMAT], Gastrografin), were used. Water-diluted Barilux suspension (dose 9 ml/kg) was administered orally to 5 bearded dragons, while Gastrografin (dose 5ml/kg) was administered orally to 21 bearded dragons. Four animals were used for both contrast media studies, but received a break of four weeks in between. Dorsoventral and laterolateral radiographs were collected at 0 (baseline), 15, 30, and 45 minutes and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 30, and 36 hours after each contrast medium was administered. Both contrast media were found to illustrate the alimentary tracts in the adult bearded dragons. Transit time was substantially faster with SMAT, and SMAT illustrated the entire gastrointestinal tract within 36 hours; BaSO4 did not fully illustrate the gastrointestinal tract in 36 hours. These results might serve as a guideline for the interpretation of subsequent contrast studies in this lizard species.

Evaluation of the sedative and physiological effects of intramuscular lidocaine in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) sedated with alfaxalone

ObjectiveTo evaluate if intramuscular (IM) lidocaine potentiates the sedative effects of alfaxalone and results in cardiopulmonary changes in sedated bearded dragons. Study designProspective experimental crossover study. AnimalsA group of eight adult bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) weighing 334 ± 46 g. MethodsAnimals were administered alfaxalone (10 mg kg−1 subcutaneously) and 15 minutes later either lidocaine 2% (4 mg kg−1) or 0.9% sodium chloride (0.2 mL kg−1) was administered IM in the thoracic limb. The treatments were randomized and separated by 7 days. Sedation was scored based on body position, eye closure, jaw tone, swallowing, pick up response, righting reflex and pelvic limb withdrawal reflex. Heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (fR) were recorded every 5 minutes until recovery from sedation. ResultsLidocaine had no significant effect on duration or depth of alfaxalone sedation. HR increased significantly for <10 minutes following lidocaine administration by a median (interquartile range) of 33% (28–37%; p = 0.024). No clinically significant effects on fR occurred following lidocaine injection. Conclusions and clinical relevanceAdministration of lidocaine 2% (4 mg kg−1) IM did not potentiate alfaxalone sedation but resulted in a transient clinically relevant increase in HR.

Pharmacokinetics of subcutaneously administered hydromorphone in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) and red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans)

ObjectiveTo determine pharmacokinetic dosing strategy in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) and red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) based on two subcutaneously (SC) administered doses of hydromorphone (0.5 and 1.0 mg kg−1). Study designRandomized crossover study. AnimalsSix healthy adult bearded dragons, seven healthy adult red-eared slider turtles. MethodsHydromorphone (0.5 and 1.0 mg kg−1; 2 mg mL−1) was administered SC dorsolateral to the scapulae in the bearded dragons and between the head and thoracic limb of the red-eared slider turtles. Blood was collected for hydromorphone plasma concentration analysis from the ventral tail vein in bearded dragons and subcarapacial sinus in turtles before (time 0) hydromorphone administration and at 0.5, 1, 6, 12 and 24 hours. ResultsThe half-life of hydromorphone administered at 0.5 and 1.0 mg kg−1 was 2.54 and 3.05 hours in bearded dragons and 2.67 and 2.01 hours in red-eared sliders, respectively. The maximum plasma concentrations for 0.5 and 1.0 mg kg−1 were 142 and 369 ng mL−1 in bearded dragons and 1610 and 5142 ng mL−1 in red-eared sliders, respectively. Peak plasma concentrations were detected at 30 minutes for both species. Hydromorphone administered at both dosages provided plasma concentrations of 13–14 ng mL−1 for at least 24 hours in bearded dragons and of 5–6 ng mL−1 for at least 12 hours in red-eared sliders. Clinical sedation was observed for up to 1 hour posthydromorphone (1.0 mg kg−1) administration for five of six bearded dragons characterized by low body carriage and decreased response to stimuli. No evidence of clinical sedation was observed in red-eared sliders at either dose. Conclusions and clinical relevanceRecommended dosing strategy for hydromorphone is 0.5 mg kg−1 administered SC every 24 hours in bearded dragons and every 12–24 hours in red-eared sliders.

Evaluation of neuraxial anesthesia in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility, success rate, onset, duration and extent of motor/sensory block following intrathecal injection of lidocaine in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Study designProspective experimental study. AnimalsA group of eight adult bearded dragons (0.333 ± 0.048 kg). MethodsThe animals were sedated with alfaxalone (15 mg kg−1) subcutaneously. Neuraxial injections were performed with 1% lidocaine (2 mg kg−1) or 0.9% sodium chloride (0.2 mL kg−1) in all animals with a 7 day interval. If the initial injection did not result in motor block of the pelvic limbs within 10 minutes, a second injection was performed at the same dose. Measurements consisted of bilateral mechanical stimulation of limbs; 25%, 50%, and 75% of the trunk’s length; and cloacal tone. Animals were monitored for any untoward side effects by monitoring heart rate (HR), respiratory rate, righting reflex and head position. ResultsSuccess rate following the first injection of lidocaine was 50% (four out of eight animals) and increased to 75% (six out of eight animals) following a second injection. Onset of motor/sensory block occurred within 5 minutes in all successful injections. Duration and extent were variable, with most bearded dragons presenting motor/sensory block of cloaca and pelvic limbs (six out of six) and 25% of the trunk (five out of six) with mean ± standard deviation (range) duration of 49 ± 28 (25–100), 48 ± 25 (25–90) and 40 ± 14 (25–50) minutes, respectively. Confirmation of intrathecal injection by aspiration of cerebrospinal fluid was not possible. Neuraxial lidocaine significantly increased depth and duration of sedation, with a transient increase in HR, compared with saline. Conclusion and clinical relevanceNeuraxial lidocaine is a feasible technique with moderate success rate and low risk of complication in bearded dragons. This technique has potential for improving the management of anesthesia in this species.

Cholelithiasis in adult bearded dragons: retrospective study of nine adult bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) with cholelithiasis between 2013 and 2015 in southern Germany.

With an increased number of pet reptiles, many diseases occur due to nutritional disorders. Between 2013 and 2015, irregular gallbladder contents (sludge/choleliths) in adult bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) were recorded in many of the routinely conducted necropsies at the reptile rescue station in Munich (Auffangstation für Reptilien, München e.V., Munich, Germany). Nine animals, six from the rescue station and three from an associated veterinary practice (Tierärztliche Praxis für Exoten, Augsburg, Germany), were studied. Gallbladder contents from all animals were analysed at the Institute for Clinical Chemistry in Zurich, Switzerland. In three of nine animals, one cholelith composed of 100% calcium carbonate (CaCO3 ) was detected and it precipitated either as pure calcite or as a calcite:vaterite combination. In the remaining six animals, analyses suggested a protein-based material. The detection of choleliths/sludge was not anticipated at necropsy or surgery in eight of nine animals. The diet of the six animals from the rescue station was retrospectively described as mainly insects, whereas the diet of the three animals from the veterinary practice also contained little plant matter. Fed insect species were mealworm larva (Tenebrio molitor), house cricket (Acheta domestica), migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) and zophobas larva (Zophobas morio), all high in protein and fat. In other species, a nidus must be present for CaCO3 to precipitate. As a protein-based sludge was detected in six gallbladders, it is possible that a high-protein diet could lead to such a nidus and subsequently to cholelith formation. Cholelithiasis seems to be a rising problem in adult bearded dragons and is likely underdiagnosed, as many choleliths were found at necropsy. This rise in cholelithiasis may correlate with an unnatural high-protein, high-fat insect-based diet instead of a balanced plant-based diet.

A comparison of UVb compact lamps in enabling cutaneous vitamin D synthesis in growing bearded dragons.

The effect of exposure to different UVb compact lamps on the vitamin D status of growing bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) was studied. Forty-two newly hatched bearded dragons (<24h old) were allocated to six treatment groups (n=7 per group). Five groups were exposed to different UVb compact lamps for two hours per day, with a control group not exposed to UVb radiation. At 120days of age, blood samples were obtained and concentrations of 25(OH)D3 , Ca, P and uric acid were determined. In addition, plasma 25(OH)D3 concentration was determined in free-living adult bearded dragons to provide a reference level. Only one treatment resulted in elevated levels of 25(OH)D3 compared to the control group (41.0±12.85 vs. 2.0±0.0nmol/L). All UVb-exposed groups had low 25(OH)D3 plasma levels compared to earlier studies on captive bearded dragons as well as in comparison with the free-living adult bearded dragons (409±56nmol/L). Spectral analysis indicated that all treatment lamps emitted UVb wavelengths effective for some cutaneous vitamin D synthesis. None of these lamps, under this regime, appeared to have provided a sufficient UVb dose to enable synthesis of plasma 25(OH)D3 levels similar to those of free-living bearded dragons in their native habitat.

Validation of a thermal threshold nociceptive model in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

ObjectivesTo validate a thermal threshold (TT) nociceptive model in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) and to document TT changes after administration of morphine. Study designA two-part randomized, blinded, controlled, experimental study. AnimalsFive adult bearded dragons (242–396 g). MethodsA TT device delivered a ramped nociceptive stimulus (0.6 °C second−1) to the medial thigh until a response (leg kick/escape behavior) was observed or maximum (cut-off) temperature of 62 °C was reached. In phase I, period 1, six TT readings were determined at 20 minute intervals for evaluation of repeatability. Two of these readings were randomly assigned to be sham to assess specificity of the behavioral response. The same experiment was repeated 2 weeks later (period 2) to test reproducibility. In phase II, animals were administered either intramuscular morphine (10 mg kg−1) or saline 0.9%. TTs (maximum 68 °C) were determined before and 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours after treatment administration. Data were analyzed using one-way anova (temporal changes and repeatability) and paired t tests (reproducibility and treatment comparisons) using Bonferroni correction (p < 0.05). ResultsMean TT values were 57.4 ± 3.8 °C and 57.3 ± 4.3 °C for periods 1 and 2, respectively. Data were repeatable within each period (p = 0.83 and p = 0.07, respectively). Reproducibility between periods was remarkable (p = 0.86). False-positive responses during sham testing were 10%. TTs were significantly increased after morphine administration at 2, 4 and 8 hours compared with baseline, and at 2 and 4 hours compared with saline 0.9%. The highest TT was 67.7 ± 0.7 °C at 4 hours after morphine administration. Conclusions and clinical relevanceTesting was repeatable, reproducible and well tolerated in bearded dragons. TT nociceptive testing detected morphine administration and may be suitable for studying opioid regimens in bearded dragons.

Preliminary Notes on the Use of the Predatory Soil Mite Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Acari: Laelapidae) as a Biological Control Agent for Acariasis in Lizards

Abstract While commonly employed by the agricultural and horticultural industries, biological control has rarely been utilized in herpetological husbandry to treat infectious or parasitic diseases. This case study describes the use of the predatory soil mite Stratiolaelaps scimitus to treat parasitic mite infestations in two adult inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Stratiolaelaps scimitus applied directly to the existing terrarium substrate appeared to have eliminated all traces of parasitic mite infestation in both lizards within 5 days. These results, although preliminary, highlight the potential utility of predatory mites and other biological control agents in the husbandry and veterinary management of reptiles in captivity.

Husbandry, Diseases, and Veterinary Care of the Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

The bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is (perhaps) the most common pet lizard in the United States. The purpose of this review article is to provide a practical overview of the natural history, husbandry, nutrition, reproduction, physical examination method, diagnostic techniques, currently recognized diseases, and therapeutics found useful for the bearded dragon. Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism and trauma attributable to cage-mate aggression are common problems encountered in juvenile dragons. Intestinal impaction and renal and cardiac diseases are more commonly seen in adult dragons. Newly described malignancies such as periocular squamous cell carcinoma and gastric carcinoma have also been reported in juvenile and adult bearded dragons.

Determination of Plasma Osmolality and Agreement Between Measured and Calculated Values in Healthy Adult Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

ABSTRACT Determination of plasma osmolality is useful for determining proper administration of fluid therapy. In many reptilian species, the normal plasma osmolality is unknown. To prevent detrimental fluid shifts, knowledge of a patient's osmolality is imperative. The purpose of this study was to determine plasma osmolality in 11 healthy adult male bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) and to validate plasma osmolality equations that are used to calculate osmolality in other species. Venipuncture was performed via the ventral coccygeal vein, and plasma biochemical profiles were obtained from a point of care chemistry analyzer. Calculated plasma osmolality was determined using the following equations: 2 (Na+ + K+), (2 [Na+ + K+]) + (Glu/18), (2 [Na+ + K+]) + (UA/16.8) + (Glu/18), and 1.86 (Na+) + Glu/18 + UA/2.8 + 9. Plasma osmolality was measured in duplicate with a freezing-point depression osmometer, and the mean value was calculated for the two osmolality measurements. Measured and calculated plasma osmo...