Coelomic Effusion Research Articles

Adipose tissue torsion with localized lymphangiectasia in a Rio Cauca caecilian Typhlonectes natans.

A female Rio Cauca caecilian Typhlonectes natans (estimated as between 10 and 18 years of age) housed at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C., developed progressive severe coelomic effusion over a 4-week period. The coelomic effusion was diagnosed via radiographs and ultrasound, and a sample of the fluid was obtained for analysis, which revealed a low-protein transudate suggestive of inflammation. As the coelomic effusion progressed, the caecilian became tachypneic, hyporexic, and lethargic. The caecilian was started on antibiotics and a diet trial, but signs continued despite therapy. An exploratory celiotomy was performed, which revealed adipose tissue torsion with local lymphangiectasia and a presumptive biliary cyst. Surgical correction was unable to be achieved due to concern for fatal hemorrhage, as the vasculature associated with the torsion was severely distended. Due to the severity of the torsion and associated risks, the caecilian was euthanized intraoperatively and subsequently necropsied for histologic evaluation. After reviewing the caecilian's presentation and the progression of disease, it is suspected that the severe coelomic effusion was secondary to lymphangiectasia, which occurred subsequent to the adipose tissue torsion. This is the first reported case of adipose tissue torsion and associated clinical disease in an aquatic caecilian and should be a differential for progressive coelomic effusion in this species.

Hepatic microgranulomas caused by Mycobacterium marinum (MM) in a Horsfield tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii) presenting with a non‐healing limb granuloma

AbstractA 3‐year‐old, male, entire Horsfield tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii) presented with a non‐healing lesion on the dorsal aspect of the elbow. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology revealed granulomatous inflammation with acid‐fast staining organisms. Due to worsening clinical condition, the animal was euthanased. Postmortem examination included histopathology, Mycobacterium culture and polymerase chain reaction testing. There was gross hepatomegaly and a large, turbid, straw‐coloured, coelomic effusion. Limb granuloma and liver tissue were sent for mycobacterial polymerase chain reaction and culture, and both were positive and confirmed disseminated Mycobacteria marinum. The origin of the infection is not known, but suspected to originate from poor hygiene from the place of purchase and dissemination secondary to the initial limb granuloma. This represents an uncommon presentation and the first reported infection by this mycobacterial agent in the species. It is important to consider mycobacterial disease as a differential in granulomatous infections, given the range of presentations possible in reptile patients.

High-mortality epizootic Mycobacterium ulcerans ecovar Liflandii in a colony of Zaire Dwarf Clawed Frogs (Hymenochirus boettgeri).

Mycobacterium ulcerans ecovar Liflandii (MuLiflandii) was identified as the causative agent of mycobacteriosis in a research colony of Zaire dwarf clawed frogs (Hymenochirus boettgeri) at the University of Michigan. Clinical presentation included lethargy, generalized septicemia, cutaneous granulomas, coelomic effusion, and acute mortality. Identification of the mycobacterial species was based on molecular, microbiological, and histopathologic characteristics. These findings indicate that MuLiflandii is a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in Zaire dwarf clawed frogs and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sepsis and coelomic effusion in amphibians. Mycobacterial speciation is important given the variability in pathogenesis within the family Mycobacteriaceae and the implications for both animal and human health as potential zoonoses. The Zaire dwarf clawed frog is a species common in the pet trade, and these findings provide consideration for this pathogen as a potentially important public health concern. This is the first report of MuLiflandii infection in the genus Hymenochirus and illustrates the diagnostic challenges of differentiating among both mycolactone-producing mycobacteria and Mycobacterium marinum. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utility of environmental sampling for this pathogen within the tank system, suggesting this mode of sampling could replace the need for direct frog surveillance.

Pyrethroid-associated nephrotoxicity in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, and blue catfish, I. furcatus, at a public aquarium.

Over the course of an approximately 11-month period, an outdoor, freshwater, mixed species, recirculating, display system at a public aquarium experienced intermittent mortalities of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and blue catfish (I. furcatus). Catfish acutely presented for abnormal buoyancy, coelomic distention, and protein-rich coelomic effusion. Gross lesions typically involved massive coelomic distension with protein-rich effusion, generalized edema, and gastric hemorrhage and edema. Microscopically, primary lesions included renal tubular necrosis, gastric edema with mucosal hemorrhages, and generalized edema. Aerobic culture and virus isolation could not recover a consistent infectious agent. Intracoelomic injection of coelomic effusion and aspirated retrobulbar fluid from a catfish into naïve zebrafish (bioassay) produced peracute mortality in 3 of 4 fish and nervous signs in the fourth compared with 2 saline-injected control zebrafish that had - no mortality or clinical signs. Kidney tissue and coelomic effusion were submitted for gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry by multiple reaction monitoring against laboratory standards, which detected the presence of multiple pyrethroid toxins, including bioallethrin, bifenthrin, trans-permethrin, phenothrin, and deltamethrin. Detection of multiple pyrethroids presumably reflects multiple exposures with several products. As such, the contributions of each pyrethroid toward clinical presentation, lesion development, and disease pathogenesis cannot be determined, but they are suspected to have collectively resulted in disrupted osmoregulation and fluid overload due to renal injury. Pesticide-induced toxicoses involving aquarium fish are rarely reported with this being the first description of pyrethroid-induced lesions and mortality in public aquarium-held fish.

Lipid storage disease in 4 sibling superb birds-of-paradise (Lophorina superba).

Pedigree analysis, clinical, gross, microscopic, ultrastructural, and lipidomic findings in 4 female superb bird-of-paradise (SBOP, Lophorina superba) siblings led to the diagnosis of a primary inherited glycerolipid storage disease. These birds were the offspring of a related breeding pair (inbreeding coefficient = 0.1797) and are the only known SBOPs to display this constellation of lesions. The birds ranged from 0.75 to 4.3 years of age at the time of death. Two birds were euthanized and 1 died naturally due to the disease, and 1 died of head trauma with no prior clinical signs. Macroscopic findings included hepatomegaly and pallor (4/4), cardiac and renal pallor (2/4), and coelomic effusion (1/4). Microscopic examination found marked tissue distortion due to cytoplasmic lipid vacuoles in hepatocytes (4/4), cardiomyocytes (4/4), renal tubular epithelial cells (4/4), parathyroid gland principal cells (2/2), exocrine pancreatic cells (3/3), and the glandular cells of the ventriculus and proventriculus (3/3). Ultrastructurally, the lipids were deposited in single to coalescing or fused droplets lined by an inconspicuous or discontinuous monolayer membrane. Lipidomic profiling found that the cytoplasmic lipid deposits were primarily composed of triacylglycerols. Future work, including sequencing of the SBOP genome and genotyping, will be required to definitively determine the underlying genetic mechanism of this disease.

Vascular Tumors in Two Argentine Horned Frogs (Ceratophrys ornata)

Two vascular tumors in two Argentine horned frogs (Ceratophrys ornata) are described. Case 1 involved a 7-year-1-month-old Argentine horned frog that had a splenic mass with a sanguineous coelomic effusion. Histologically, the splenic parenchyma was effaced by a poorly-demarcated, invasive mass, consisting of spindle cells with marked nuclear atypia forming irregular blood vessel channels containing blood. Case 2 involved a pedunculated facial mass located at the upper right lip of an over-8-month-old Argentine horned frog. Histologically, the well-demarcated, poorly cellular mass consisted of sparse proliferation of spindle cells forming irregular slits with prominent edema. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells of both cases were positive for anti-CD31 antibody. The diagnoses were hemangiosarcoma in case 1 and lymphangioma in case 2. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first description of neoplastic diseases in captive Argentine horned frogs.

Successful Management of Hemocoelom and Marked Anemia in a Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) Following Multiple Blood Transfusions and Surgery

A 4 yr old, female bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) was presented after a 2 day history of lethargy and inappetence. On physical examination, the patient was quiet, alert, and responsive, with pale mucous membranes and coelomic distention. Initial diagnostics revealed a severe anemia (packed cell volume [PCV], 3%) and hypoproteinemia (total solids [TS], 30 g/L [3 g/dl]). Full-body radiographs revealed decreased coelomic detail suggestive of coelomic effusion. Due to the life-threatening anemia, a whole blood transfusion (WBT) was performed using a bearded dragon (donor A). On day 2, coelomic ultrasound revealed a large volume of effusion and numerous follicles. Coelomic fluid cytology was consistent with acute hemorrhage and egg yolk coelomitis. On day 3, two allogeneic WBTs, each from a different donor animal (donors B and C), were administrated via an intraosseous catheter. The PCV and TS increased to 8% and 38 g/L (3.8 g/dl), respectively. On day 5 the PCV/TS decreased to 7% and 28 g/L (2.8 g/dl), respectively. Due to the suspicion of active hemorrhage, an exploratory coeliotomy was elected. An intraoperative WBT (from donor B) was administrated. The source of hemorrhage was found to originate from the left ovarian pedicle. A final WBT was administrated postoperatively (from donor A). On day 6, the PCV/TS had increased to 17% and 30 g/L (93 g/dl), respectively. Three weeks later, the patient was alert and responsive and the PCV/TS had risen to 30% and 52 g/L (5.2 g/dl), respectively. This is the first report describing the successful administration of five WBTs from several different donors over a short period of time in a bearded dragon with hemocoelom and marked anemia.

Intracoelomic Teratoma in an Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus).

A 26-year-old, male eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus) was presented to its primary care veterinarian for a 10-day history of increased respiratory effort, lethargy, and a single episode of regurgitation. Hepatomegaly, proventricular enlargement, cranial displacement of the ventriculus, and coelomic effusion were suspected based on a 1-view radiographic image, and the patient was referred for further evaluation. On presentation to the referral veterinary hospital, a distended coelom and dyspnea with abnormal respiratory sounds were abnormalities noted upon physical examination of the patient. The bird was hospitalized for supportive care, and diagnostic tests were performed. Initial radiographic images at the referral hospital revealed a large intracoelomic mass. A computed tomographic scan was performed; however, the origin of the mass could not be determined. A fine-needle aspirate and cytologic evaluation of the intracoelomic mass revealed a neoplastic process but no specific tissue type. Two days after presentation to the referral hospital, an exploratory coeliotomy to surgically resect the mass was attempted. The mass occupied most of the coelomic cavity, with multiple adhesions to internal organs. The mass was successfully resected; however, the patient destabilized and died despite resuscitation efforts. Histopathologic examination of submitted tissue from the mass with immunohistochemistry revealed mixed populations of neoplastic cells differentiated from 3 primordial germinal layers, confirming the diagnosis of teratoma. Teratomas appear to be a rare tumor in avian species but should be included in a list of differential disease diagnoses for abnormal tissue masses of unknown origin. Only 2 cases of teratomas have, to our knowledge, been reported in psittacine species.

What is your diagnosis? Coelomic effusion in a chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus).

What is your diagnosis? Coelomic effusion in a chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus).

STRONGYLOIDIASIS IN PINE BARRENS TREEFROGS (HYLA ANDERSONII).

Over a period of 4 mo, an entire collection of seven Pine Barrens treefrogs (Hyla andersonii) died or were euthanized after developing pallor, generalized edema, and coelomic effusion. Necropsy revealed large numbers of strongyloidid nematodes within the small intestines associated with a moderate mucosal hyperplasia. Strongyloides sp. parasitic females, representing a novel species, were isolated from the fixed intestinal tract. This case report represents the first full description of strongyloidiasis in a tree frog army and highlights the potential of Strongyloides spp. as a cause of rapid mortality events associated with protein-losing enteropathy in frogs.

Benign Ovarian Teratoma in a Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

A 6-yr-old female central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) was examined for a 6 month history of increasing coelomic distention, dyspnea, dysorexia, and tenesmus. Complementary examinations revealed hyperuricemia, hyperphosphatemia, increased creatine kinase, and a heterogeneous polycystic mass with peripheral coelomic effusion. An exploratory coeliotomy revealed a mass at the anatomical location of the right ovary and follicular stasis of the left ovary; bilateral ovariectomy was performed. After anatomopathological and bacterial examination, the dragon was diagnosed with benign ovarian teratoma and secondary bacterial infection. The presence of yolk and remnants of the ovary with several cell types originating from different origins, which was confirmed by immunohistological examination, is consistent with ovarian teratoma lesions generally observed in other species.

FATAL RANAVIRUS INFECTION IN A GROUP OF ZOO-HOUSED MELLER'S CHAMELEONS (TRIOCEROS MELLERI).

A group of five juvenile Meller's chameleons (Trioceros melleri) experienced 100% mortality over a period of 1 mo due to ranavirus infection. The index case was found dead without premonitory signs. The three subsequent cases presented with nonspecific clinical signs (lethargy, decreased appetite, ocular discharge) and were ultimately euthanatized. The final case died after initially presenting with skin lesions. Postmortem examination revealed thin body condition in all five animals and mild coelomic effusion and petechiae affecting the tongue and kidneys of one animal. Microscopically, all animals had multifocal necrosis of the spleen, liver, and kidney; four of five animals had necrosis of the nasal cavity; and two of five had necrosis of adrenal tissue, bone marrow, and skin. Numerous basophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions were present in the liver of all animals and nasal mucosa of three of the five animals. Consensus polymerase chain reaction for herpesvirus and adenovirus were negative, whereas ranavirus quantitative polymerase chain reaction was positive. Virus isolation followed by whole genome sequencing and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis classified the isolates as a strain of frog virus 3 (FV3) most closely related to an FV3 isolate responsible for a previous outbreak in the zoo's eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) group. This case series documents the first known occurrence of ranavirus-associated disease in chameleons and demonstrates the potential for interspecies transmission between chelonian and squamate reptiles.

Ovarian Teratocarcinoma in an Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae): Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Characterization

A 17-year-old female emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) was presented for clinical evaluation due to a 3-week history of anorexia and progressive weight loss. The emu died after sedation. At necropsy examination, the ovary and the majority of the oviduct were effaced by a multinodular cystic mass and accompanied by 6l of coelomic effusion. Histopathology revealed a neoplasm composed of well-differentiated, poorly organized tissues derived from ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm. Tissues within the neoplasm expressed glial fibrillary acidic protein, desmin and cytokeratins AE1/AE3, respectively, confirming the diagnosis of teratocarcinoma.

Salmonella Enterica Serovar Pomona Infection in Farmed Juvenile American Alligators ( Alligator Mississippiensis).

A fatal epizootic of salmonellosis occurred in farmed juvenile American alligators in Louisiana. Six animals were examined. Gross lesions included severe fibrinonecrotizing enterocolitis, necrotizing splenitis, coelomic effusion, and perivisceral and pulmonary edema. Microscopic examination revealed severe necrotizing enterocolitis and splenitis with intralesional bacteria and pneumocyte necrosis with fibrin thrombi. Salmonella enterica serovar Pomona was isolated from intestine and lung. Clinical salmonellosis is a rare finding in reptiles and salmonellosis caused by S. Pomona is not previously reported in American alligators. Since S. Pomona is a commonly isolated Salmonella serotype from patients with reptile-associated salmonellosis in the United States, and since alligator meat is consumed and the skin is exported to numerous countries, risk of human and animal infection should be considered.

Pericardial Mesothelioma in a Yellow-naped Amazon Parrot (Amazona auropalliata)

A 37-year-old female yellow-naped Amazon parrot (Amazona auropalliata) was presented with a history of lethargy, inappetence, and decreased vocalizations. On examination, the coelom was moderately distended and palpated fluctuant, and the heart was muffled on auscultation. Coelomic ultrasound, coelomocentesis, and radiographs were performed and revealed an enlarged cardiac silhouette and marked coelomic effusion. Pericardial effusion was confirmed by echocardiography. A well-circumscribed, hyperechoic soft tissue density was observed at the level of the right atrium on initial echocardiography; however, a cardiac mass was not identified by computed tomography scan or repeat echocardiograms. Ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis was performed under anesthesia, and cytology results were consistent with hemorrhage; no neoplastic cells were identified. A repeat echocardiogram 4 days after pericardiocentesis revealed recurrence of the pericardial effusion. Due to the grave prognosis, the owners declined endoscopic pericardiectomy, and the patient died the following day. On postmortem examination, the pericardial surface of the heart was covered in a white to yellow, multinodular mass layer. Histologic analysis revealed a multinodular mass extending from the atria, running along the epicardium distally, and often extending into the myocardium. Neoplastic cells present in the heart mass and pericardium did not stain with a Churukian-Schenk stain, and thyroglobulin immunohistochemistry was negative. Cytokeratin and vimentin stains showed positive expression in the neoplastic cells within the mass. These results are consistent with a diagnosis of mesothelioma. This is the first report of mesothelioma in a psittacine bird.

New disease records for hatchery-reared sturgeon. II. Phaeohyphomycosis due to Veronaea botryosa.

A series of fungal cases in hatchery-reared juvenile and young adult Siberian sturgeon Acipenser baerii and white sturgeon A. transmontanus occurred at production facilities in Florida and California, USA, respectively. Affected fish exhibited abnormal orientation and/or buoyancy, emaciation, coelomic distension, exophthalmos, cutaneous erythema, and ulcerative skin and eye lesions. Necropsies revealed haemorrhage throughout the coelom, serosanguinous coelomic effusion and organomegaly with nodular or cystic lesions in multiple organs. Fungal hyphae were observed in 27 fish (24 A. baerii and 3 A. transmontanus) via microscopic examination of tissue wet mounts and on slides prepared from colonies grown on culture media. Histopathological examination of these infected tissues revealed extensive infiltration by melanised fungal hyphae that were recovered in culture. Phenotypic characteristics and sequencing of the fungal isolates with the use of the internal transcribed spacer region and 28S rRNA gene confirmed the aetiological agent as Veronaea botryosa. To our knowledge, this is the first documentation of V. botryosa infection in fish, although melanised fungi of the closely related genus Exophiala are well-known pathogens of freshwater and marine fishes.

Coelomic and Pericardial Effusion Associated with Mesothelioma in a Savannah Monitor (Varanus exanthematicus)

An adult male Savannah monitor (Varanus exanthematicus) was evaluated for lethargy, anorexia, and coelomic distension. Ultrasonographic investigation identified both pericardial and coelomic effusion. Clinical laboratory investigations and radiographs did not identify a definitive disease process, and culture of the coelomic fluid was negative for bacterial growth. A tentative diagnosis of neoplasia, with mesothelioma as a potential type, was made after cytological examination of the coelomic fluid and echocardiography. Surgical exploration and excisional biopsy of the pericardium for drainage of the fluid and determination of a final diagnosis was carried out. The lizard died 16 h post-anesthesia. Histopathology confirmed changes throughout the coelomic cavity consistent with a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rarely reported neoplasm in all animals but particularly in reptiles. This case report provides a detailed clinical and pathologic description of the lesions associated with mesothelioma in a monitor lizard. In addition, this is the first known report of a surgical pericardectomy in a reptile.

Incomplete ovariosalpingectomy and subsequent malignant granulosa cell tumor in a female green iguana (Iguana iguana)

A 9-year-old spayed female green iguana (Iguana iguana) was evaluated because of a distended coelom and weight loss. History included a single episode of egg binding and subsequent bilateral ovariosalpingectomy. Physical examination revealed a mass within the coelomic cavity. Ultrasonography revealed a large, irregular mass with hypoechoic regions and coelomic effusion. Clinicopathologic derangements included heterophilia, monocytosis, lymphopenia, basophilia, hypocholesterolemia, hypoproteinemia, and hypercalcemia. Results of cytologic evaluation of the mass were suggestive of malignant epithelial neoplasia, but neoplastic cells were not found in the effusion. An ovarian tumor was suspected on the basis of clinical signs, clinicopathologic findings, and results of cytologic evaluation of the mass. Surgical exploration revealed a large left ovary, a normal-appearing contralateral ovary, and a mass in the fat body, all of which were removed and submitted for histologic examination. The histologic diagnosis was granulosa cell tumor with metastasis to the fat body. The patient died 11 months after evaluation, and disseminated granulosa cell tumor was confirmed at necropsy; histologic examination at that time also identified systemic mastocytosis. Granulosa cell tumors are uncommon in reptiles, and this was the first granulosa cell tumor described antemortem cytologically, histologically, and ultrastructurally in an iguana. Findings in this iguana underscored concerns associated with incomplete oophorectomy of iguanas; cytologic and histopathologic findings were similar to those observed in other domestic animals. Oophorectomy should be considered as an alternative to standard ovariosalpingectomy to avoid potential complications in pet reptiles, and use of microsurgical instruments and vascular clips is advised.

Cardiomyopathy and Right-sided Congestive Heart Failure in a Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

A 15-year-old female red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) was evaluated because of dyspnea, anorexia, and coelomic distension. Diagnostic imaging results confirmed severe coelomic effusion and revealed a markedly dilated right ventricle. The diagnosis was right-sided congestive heart failure. Results of measurements of vitamin E, selenium, lead, zinc, and cardiac troponin levels were normal or nondiagnostic. The hawk was treated with furosemide, antifungal and antimicrobial agents, and supplemental fluids and oxygen, but euthanasia was elected because of the poor prognosis and the practical difficulties associated with intensive case management. To our knowledge, this is the first described case of cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure in a captive red-tailed hawk.

Congestive Heart Failure in 6 African Grey Parrots (Psittacus e erithacus)

Six African grey parrots (Psittacus e erithacus) were diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure based on gross and microscopic findings. Ages ranged from 15 days to 8 years, and 5 of 6 parrots were either neonates or juveniles at the time of diagnosis. Two neonates and 2 juveniles came from the same breeding aviary; the 2 juveniles were born to the same breeding pair. The 2 other parrots were kept as pets. Clinical signs included distention of the coelomic cavity (4 of 6), rales (3 of 6), weakness (4 of 6), bradyarrhythmia (1 of 6), growth retardation (1 of 6), crop stasis (1 of 6), and regurgitation (1 of 6). Three parrots were euthanized and 3 died. Gross findings included cardiomegaly due to biventricular, right-, or left-sided cardiomyopathy (6 of 6); coelomic effusion (6 of 6); whitish or yellow foci in the liver (6 of 6); atrophy of the liver (particularly, the left lobe; 5 of 6); reddened or grey lungs (5 of 6); subcutaneous edema (2 of 6); hydropericardium (1 of 6); and bilateral thyroid gland enlargement (1 of 6). Relevant microscopic findings included passive hepatic congestion (6 of 6) and pulmonary congestion (2 of 6), lymphocytic thyroiditis (2 of 6), and diffuse thyroid follicular hyperplasia (2 of 6). Microscopically, the heart was unremarkable (2 of 6) or had mild lymphocytic myocarditis (2 of 6), mild multifocal cytoplasmic vacuolation of cardiomyocytes (2 of 6), mild lymphocytic myocardial (Purkinje cell) ganglioneuritis (1 of 6), and mild multifocal interstitial fibrosis and nuclear hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes (1 of 6). One parrot had concurrent proventricular dilatation disease (systemic ganglioneuritis). The cause of cardiomyopathy in these parrots was not determined.