Pogona Research Articles

Meiotic chromosome dynamics and double strand break formation in reptiles.

During meiotic prophase I, tightly regulated processes take place, from pairing and synapsis of homologous chromosomes to recombination, which are essential for the generation of genetically variable haploid gametes. These processes have canonical meiotic features conserved across different phylogenetic groups. However, the dynamics of meiotic prophase I in non-mammalian vertebrates are poorly known. Here, we compare four species from Sauropsida to understand the regulation of meiotic prophase I in reptiles: the Australian central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), two geckos (Paroedura picta and Coleonyx variegatus) and the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta). We first performed a histological characterization of the spermatogenesis process in both the bearded dragon and the painted turtle. We then analyzed prophase I dynamics, including chromosome pairing, synapsis and the formation of double strand breaks (DSBs). We show that meiosis progression is highly conserved in reptiles with telomeres clustering forming the bouquet, which we propose promotes homologous pairing and synapsis, along with facilitating the early pairing of micro-chromosomes during prophase I (i.e., early zygotene). Moreover, we detected low levels of meiotic DSB formation in all taxa. Our results provide new insights into reptile meiosis.

Regulation of Exposure to Ultraviolet Light in Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps) in Relation to Temperature and Scalation Phenotype

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light has both physiological benefits as well as costs. Many lepidosaur reptiles can behaviorally self-regulate their exposure to UV light in order to take advantage of the benefits of UV light while minimizing the costs. Furthermore, lepidosaur scales have been conceptualized by some as a barrier to the penetration of UV light. Here we examine regulation of self-exposure to UV light in three different phenotypes of Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps): wild type, animals exhibiting scales of reduced prominence (‘Leatherback’), and scaleless animals (‘Silkback’). Silkbacks on average chose to expose themselves to lower levels of UV light irradiation than Leatherbacks or wild types did. Bearded Dragons of all scalation phenotypes on average received higher UV irradiation when they were in the cold section of a UV gradient apparatus compared to when they were in the hot section of the apparatus. This either demonstrates that Bearded Dragons under higher UV irradiances choose cooler temperatures or demonstrates that Bearded Dragons at cooler temperatures choose higher UV irradiances. The relationship between chosen temperature and chosen UV light irradiance was not affected by scalation phenotype. This study highlights external influences on the mechanism that regulates UV self-exposure behavior in lepidosaur reptiles.

Endoscope-Guided Marble Foreign Body Removal Technique in an Inland Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

Abstract A 1-yr-old intact female inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) was presented approximately 24 h after observed ingestion of a marble. Orthogonal whole-body radiographs with and without contrast revealed a spherical radiopaque foreign body within the gastric lumen and no passage of contrast material beyond the foreign body, suggestive of pyloric outflow obstruction. The complete blood count showed mild basophilia, and plasma biochemical analysis revealed a moderately elevated creatine kinase. The bearded dragon was placed under general anesthesia, and a rigid endoscope was used to visualize the foreign body at the level of the pylorus. The marble foreign body was suctioned and removed orally using a red rubber catheter and a Luer-lock syringe. The patient recovered uneventfully from the procedure and was sent home with sucralfate and omeprazole after 2 days of hospitalization. This report provides a novel, nonsurgical method for removing smooth spherical foreign bodies from the proximal gastrointestinal tract of bearded dragons. The technique may apply to various small-to-medium–sized reptiles or amphibians that present with spherical foreign bodies.

Cytological Characterization of the Oral Cavity of the Inland Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

Abstract Cytological analyses of the oral cavity are necessary for the identification and correct evaluation of lesions in this anatomical region. Literature on this subject in reptiles is scarce, in contrast to other species kept as pets. The main objective of this descriptive study was to evaluate the normal cytological characteristics of the oral cavity of inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Twenty-eight clinically healthy inland bearded dragons, including juveniles and adult males and females, from private collections were evaluated. Oral samples from the tongue and palate were obtained from each animal. Slides were stained with modified Wright–Giemsa stain and analyzed under an optical microscope. The contents of the slides were mostly hypocellular, with no evidence of microbiological overgrowth or inflammation, and showed mostly keratinized squamous cells; basal epithelial cells were seldom observed. Occasionally, goblet cells were observed in tongue samples, but were rare in palate samples. The results of this study contribute to a better characterization of the normal oral mucosa of inland bearded dragon and are in accordance with the few previously published studies.

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.

SHORT-TERM BIOLOGICAL VARIABILITY OF HEMATOLOGY PARAMETERS IN THE BEARDED DRAGON (POGONA VITTICEPS)

Determination of the biological variation of laboratory tests is essential for accurate interpretation during health assessments. Few studies investigate the biological variation of CBC variables in reptiles, and none of these involve squamates. Thus, we investigated the biological variation of hematology parameters in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) to determine if conventional population-based reference intervals are appropriate in evaluating single laboratory samples. Blood was collected from 10 bearded dragons five separate times over 10 wk and placed in lithium heparin (LH) microtainers, and CBC were performed. WBC were evaluated via both a fresh, non-anticoagulated blood smear and a LH anticoagulated blood smear as well as two manual hemocytometer counts with blood stained with either Natt and Herrick's (NH) solution or Leukopet™ (LO) solution. The between-animal coefficient of variation (CVG), within-animal coefficient of variation (CVI), reference change value (RCV), and index of individuality were determined for PCV, total solids (TS), and WBC using all leukocyte quantification methods. The RVC for PCV, TS, and WBC in bearded dragons were 37%, 84%, and >100%, respectively. The calculated index of individuality values all fell between 0.6 and 1.4, suggesting that the use of judiciously applied population-based reference intervals in interpreting the WBC, PCV, and TS in bearded dragons is appropriate.

Neurological examination in healthy adult inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

To evaluate neurological tests and expected results in inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) and generate recommendations for bearded dragon-specific neurological examination. 26 healthy adult inland bearded dragons. A complete neurological examination utilizing tests described in both mammals and reptiles was performed on each lizard, and test feasibility and outcome were recorded. Tests with poor feasibility included oculocardiac reflex (successfully completed in 62% [16/26] of animals) and voluntary ambulation and swallowing by use of a food item (0% [0/26] of animals). Tests with outcomes considered abnormal in mammals but attributable to normal bearded dragon behavior included head position (head tilt present in 12% [3/26]) and head movement (head bob present in 4% [1/26]). Many tests had absent or inconsistent outcomes, including menace response (present in 19% [5/26]), proprioceptive positioning (present in 4% [1/26] in the thoracic limbs and 0% [0/26] in the pelvic limbs), vent reflex (present in 27% [7/26]), and myotatic reflexes (biceps present in 8% [2/26]; patellar, gastrocnemius, and triceps present in 0% [0/26]). Extensor postural thrust was absent in all successfully tested animals, but a novel reflex termed the caudal thoracic extensor reflex was noted instead in all observed animals (100% [21/21]). Tests with poor feasibility or inconsistent outcomes should have low priority or be excluded from neurological examinations of inland bearded dragons. Normal behaviors should be considered for head position and movement. A bearded dragon-specific neurological examination protocol derived from these findings is described and recommended in order to decrease stress and improve neurolocalization.

Establishment of reference intervals for plasma protein electrophoresis and comparison of biochemical and protein electrophoresis evaluation of albumin in central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

The aim of this study is to develop a reference interval for plasma protein electrophoresis for wild free-roaming central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). This will assist the veterinarian in diagnosing and monitoring diseases in wild and captive animals. The study group consisted of 29 wild central bearded dragons of which 22 were males and 7 were females. The plasma samples were obtained from animals in a previous study and were stored frozen at -20°C for 2-3 years before analysis. Plasma protein electrophoresis was performed on 100 uL of plasma. The data were evaluated for the difference between reproductively active females and pooled males with non-reproductively active females as well as the difference between biochemical and protein electrophoresis albumin. Biochemical albumin was found to be significantly higher than electrophoresis albumin in all animals, with a mild proportional bias present. Plasma protein electrophoresis identified albumin, α - 1 and 2, β - 1 and 2 and γ fractions. The reproductively active females in this study exhibited results that were distinct from pooled males and non-reproductively active females. This study provides a reference interval for plasma protein electrophoresis in central bearded dragons that can be used as a tool for health and disease monitoring and diagnosis. The importance of the use of method and sex/season appropriate reference intervals in reptile medicine is confirmed in this study.

Establishing an MRI-Based Protocol and Atlas of the Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) Brain.

The bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) has become a popular companion lizard, and as such, clients have increasingly come to expect the application of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic options in their care. The purpose of this study was to establish an MRI-based protocol and brain atlas to improve diagnostic capabilities in bearded dragons presenting with neurologic dysfunction. Using a high-field 3T magnet, in vivo MRI of the brain was successfully performed in seven healthy bearded dragons utilizing an injectable anesthetic protocol utilizing intravenous alfaxalone. From this, we created an atlas of the brain in three planes, identifying nine regions of interest. A total scan time of 35 min allowed for the collection of a quality diagnostic scan and all lizards recovered without complication. This study provides practitioners a neuroanatomic reference when performing brain MRI on the bearded dragon along with a concise and rapid MRI protocol.

Investigation of Injury Types and Frequency of Bearded Dragons According to Stocking Density

Investigation of Injury Types and Frequency of Bearded Dragons According to Stocking Density

Alimentary Tract Neoplasia in Captive Bearded Dragons (Pogona spp)

There are multiple reports of gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma in bearded dragons (Pogona spp), but other types of alimentary neoplasia are rarely reported. In a retrospective study, we identified 51 cases of neoplasia, including gastric (n=26), oral (n=18), intestinal (n=13), oesophageal (n=3) and cloacal (n=2) neoplasms. Round cell neoplasia was diagnosed in the alimentary tract in 14 cases, all of which had extra-alimentary involvement, most commonly in the liver, lung, spleen and kidney, and was considered to be the cause of death or euthanasia in all cases. Oral neoplasms included sarcoma, adenomatous polyp, round cell neoplasia, fibromatous epulis of periodontal ligament origin and myxoma. Apart from disseminated round cell neoplasia, all the oral neoplasms, including sarcomas, were not associated with death or euthanasia and had a good to excellent prognosis. Oesophageal neoplasms included round cell neoplasia. Gastric neoplasms included neuroendocrine carcinoma, round cell neoplasia, adenocarcinoma and sarcoma. Intestinal neoplasms included round cell neoplasia, sarcoma, adenocarcinoma and metastatic sarcoma. All oesophageal, gastric and intestinal neoplasms were associated with death or euthanasia and had a poor to grave prognosis. Cloacal neoplasms included round cell tumours and squamous cell carcinoma, and all were primary alimentary tumours except for the round cell tumours and one metastatic sarcoma. Round cell neoplasia and gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma were the most common diagnoses. Sarcomas and polyps were common in the oral cavity and rare to absent elsewhere. Adenocarcinoma was rare and only identified in the stomach and intestines.

Developmental dynamics of sex reprogramming by high incubation temperatures in a dragon lizard

BackgroundIn some vertebrate species, gene-environment interactions can determine sex, driving bipotential gonads to differentiate into either ovaries or testes. In the central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), the genetic influence of sex chromosomes (ZZ/ZW) can be overridden by high incubation temperatures, causing ZZ male to female sex reversal. Previous research showed ovotestes, a rare gonadal phenotype with traits of both sexes, develop during sex reversal, leading to the hypothesis that sex reversal relies on high temperature feminisation to outcompete the male genetic cue. To test this, we conducted temperature switching experiments at key developmental stages, and analysed the effect on gonadal phenotypes using histology and transcriptomics.ResultsWe found sexual fate is more strongly influenced by the ZZ genotype than temperature. Any exposure to low temperatures (28 °C) caused testes differentiation, whereas sex reversal required longer exposure to high temperatures. We revealed ovotestes exist along a spectrum of femaleness to male-ness at the transcriptional level. We found inter-individual variation in gene expression changes following temperature switches, suggesting both genetic sensitivity to, and the timing and duration of the temperature cue influences sex reversal.ConclusionsThese findings bring new insights to the mechanisms underlying sex reversal, improving our understanding of thermosensitive sex systems in vertebrates.

Yellow fungus disease in a bearded dragon

An adult of unknown age, intact female bearded dragon (Pogona sp.) had multiple ulcerative foci in the skin, especially noted in the ventral neck and along the inguinal area. Due to the severity and extension of the epidermal/dermal lesions, as well as, the deleterious animal condition, the owners elected humane euthanasia and postmortem examination was performed. Necropsy Findings: The skin at the level of the ventral mandible, neck, thorax, and inguinal areas was replaced by multifocal to coalescing ulcerative foci ranging from 1.5 x 2 x 0.3 cm to 2.5 x 2.5 x 0.3 cm associated with sloughed epithelium covered by a thin yellow to light brown friable material (Figure 1A-C). Similar material was noted above the right eye and the abdomen. No other significant alterations were noted.

Successful Treatment of Nannizziopsis guarroi Infection Using Systemic Terbinafine in a Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

Nannizziopsis guarroi infection in lizards presents therapeutic challenges, with reports of poor clinical outcomes, including antifungal toxicity, incomplete clearance of infection, and recrudescence of infection being common. The case presented here describes the successful treatment of an N. guarroi infection using systemic terbinafine and environmental disinfection in a captive-bred central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps). The lizard presented with darkly colored cutaneous lesions, and mycologic culture samples were identified as N. guarroi using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight. Based upon the lack of clinical resolution of cutaneous lesions, weight loss, and reduced appetite, initial treatment with voriconazole was discontinued. Terbinafine was prescribed, and weekly environmental disinfection with sodium hypochlorite was initiated until cutaneous clearance of the fungus was confirmed by negative culture, histopathology, and N. guarroi quantitative polymerase chain reaction from cutaneous swab. Terbinafine treatment was discontinued after 80 days. There were no clinical signs of toxicity associated with the prolonged treatment, and the lizard has not developed any cutaneous lesions or illness in more than 2 yr of clinical follow-up. Although the ideal treatment of N. guarroi is still being investigated, this case demonstrates a promising and safe treatment option for an increasingly common and devastating disease.

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.

Pax5 and CD3 immunophenotyping of lymphoma in 2 central bearded dragons.

Two central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), a 3-y-old male and a 5-y-old female, were diagnosed with different manifestations of lymphoma at the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory between 2019 and 2020. The 3-y-old male was presented for postmortem evaluation and was in poor body condition. Microscopically, nearly all examined organs contained variable numbers of neoplastic round cells. Neoplastic cells in the stomach and liver had moderate immunoreactivity to CD3 consistent with multicentric T-cell lymphoma, and non-neoplastic lymphocytes infiltrating the stomach mass had strong immunoreactivity to Pax5. The 5-y-old female had an ulcerated oral mass located in the right lingual gingiva submitted as an excisional biopsy. Microscopically, the mass was composed of large numbers of neoplastic round cells in the epithelium and connective tissue that were strongly and diffusely positive for CD3 and frequently positive for Pax5, consistent with a dual-positive, localized, epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma. Neoplastic and non-neoplastic lymphocytes did not stain with CD20 or CD79a. Neoplasms are increasingly reported as a cause of morbidity and mortality in reptiles. Our 2 cases illustrate various presentations of T-cell lymphoma and the effectiveness of CD3 and Pax5 immunohistochemistry in bearded dragons.

Online and pet stores as sources of trade for reptiles in South Africa

The ever-increasing human population, globalisation, and desire to keep pets have resulted in the translocation of many species into non-native environments. As a result, some of the non-native reptile species have been introduced to South Africa through the pet trade. However, little is known about the extent of trade in reptiles via online and physical pet stores in South Africa and their potential climatically suitable areas. We assessed the physical pet store and online trade of reptiles in South Africa. We found 69 physical pet stores and 18 online advertising websites selling 1,912 individuals of 66 species and 859 individuals of 50 reptile species, respectively. In total, we found 88 unique species representing 18 families from both sources, of which 86.4% were non-native species and 32 species were CITES-listed. Snakes were the most dominant (76.1%) traded group. Ball python Python regius (n = 601), corn snake Pantherophis guttatus (n = 553) and central bearded dragon Pogona vitticeps (n = 419) were the most-traded reptiles. Prices ranged from ZAR100.00 to ZAR6,000.00, with sharp-nosed viper Deinagkistrodon acutus acutus being the most expensive species. For present distributions, the red-eared slider Trachemys scripta elegans, P. guttatus, and Western diamondback rattlesnake Crotalus atrox had the largest predicted climatic suitability. The future predictions for the latter two species were predicted to increase while red-eared slider suitability shifted. Most popular species were available in large volumes, sold at relatively low prices and had high climatic suitability, representing a high potential invasion risk. We, therefore, propose that the existing pet trade regulations should be revised to include a more restricted trade on the trade of endangered, non-CITES listed and potential invasive pet 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.