Abstract. Atherosclerosis is a common disease in pet birds, particularly in psittacines, and is frequently found when performing postmortem examinations on adult and old dogs, in which it is mainly associated with endocrine diseases, such as hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus. However, atherosclerosis is poorly documented in reptiles and consequently poorly understood. In the current case report, atherosclerosis and pericardial effusion were diagnosed in a 2-year-old male central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) based on ultrasound visualization, necropsy, and histologic examination.Key words: Atherosclerosis; bearded dragons; echocardiography; exotic pets; lizards; reptiles.A 0.4 kg, 2-year-old, male, captive-born central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) was presented with a 3-week history of anorexia, extreme lethargy, and postural abnormality. The animal was purchased in a pet store and lived in isolation in a terrarium. Upon questioning, the owner described the general husbandry as adequate and appropriate in terms of ultraviolet B exposure, photoperiod, humidity, substrate, and temperature gradients. However, the animal's diet was unbalanced, consisting essentially of house crickets (Acheta domesticus), yellow mealworms (Tenebrio molitor), kingworm beetles (Zophobas morio), and greater wax moth larvae (Galleria mellonella). Vegetables, necessary for the omnivorous requirements of this species, were rarely if ever given.Physical examination revealed scoliosis, poor body condition, and lethargy. No additional abnormal findings were observed on physical examination. Auscultation revealed a normal heart rate (60 beats/min) and a regular cardiac rhythm.
25No biochemical abnormalities were noted except mild hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia (Table 1).5 Cardiomegaly was observed on survey thoracic radiographs (Fig. 1). 21 No lytic or proliferative osseous lesions were observed in association with the scoliosis. A 2-dimensional echocardiographic examination was performed in ventrodorsal recumbency using a ventral approach (Hochleitner C, Hochleitner M: 2004, Ultrasound in reptiles. Proceedings of the Association of Reptilian Amphibian Veterinarians, pp. 41-44. Naples, FL). a,3,8,15,17,19,20 The apical, transventricular, and subarterial short-axis sections of the heart revealed pericardial effusion, normal myocardium, and a 3 mm 3 4 mm mass located close to the aortic arches and the pulmonary trunk, surrounded by anechoic liquid (Fig. 2). A long-axis transarterial section revealed normal atrioventricular junctions.