Computed tomography-guided bone biopsies for evaluation of proliferative vertebral lesions in two boa constrictors (Boa constrictor imperator)

Nicola Di Girolamo*, Paolo Selleri, Giordano Nardini, Daniele Corlazzoli, Paolo Fonti, Christophe Rossier, Leonardo Della Salda, Lionel Schilliger, Massimo Vignoli, Laura Bongiovanni

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    Two boa constrictors (Boa constrictor imperator) presented with paresis of the trunk originating cranial to the cloaca. Radiographs were consistent with proliferative bone lesions involving several vertebrae. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated the presence of lytic/expansile lesions. Computed tomography-guided biopsies of the lesions were performed without complications. Histology was consistent with bacterial osteomyelitis and osteoarthritis. Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella sp. and Pseudomonas sp.) were isolated from cultures of the biopsies. Medical treatment with specific antibiotics was attempted for several weeks in both cases without clinical or radiographic improvements. The animals were euthanized, and necropsy confirmed the findings observed upon CT. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of the use of CT-guided biopsies to evaluate proliferative vertebral lesions in snakes. In the present report, CT-guided biopsies were easily performed, and both histologic and microbiologic results were consistent with the final diagnosis.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)973-978
    Number of pages6
    JournalJournal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
    Volume45
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2014

    Keywords

    • biopsy
    • boa constrictor
    • computed tomography
    • osteoarthritis
    • snakes

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