Causes of consultations and results of radiological and ultrasound methods in lizard diseases (2006-2014)

Abstract

SummaryReptiles are becoming increasingly popular animals in amateur husbandry in Poland and worldwide. The world literature, however, does not provide data on the actual causes of radiological and ultrasound consultations in certain groups of animals, including reptiles. The aim of the study was the analysis of causes and results of diagnostic imaging examinations. The study was based on the data of 75 lizards which were patients of the university diagnostic imaging service in the years 2006-2014.The most common clinical signs in those animals were visible body deformations (33.33%), loss of body weight (30.67%) and loss of appetite (26.67%). In cases in which a preliminary diagnosis had been made, the largest proportion of animals were referred with suspected post-traumatic changes (12%), dystocia (10.67%) and ileus (9.33%). In diagnostic imaging tests, musculoskeletal (29.33%) and coelomic abnormalities (40.33%) were most commonly confirmed. Coelomic changes affected mainly the liver, reproductive system and gastrointestinal tract. For the musculoskeletal system, the most frequently identified causes were the presence of post-traumatic changes, malformations of the vertebral column, as well as metabolic bone disease. Cardiorespiratory and urinary problems were observed only sporadically. In twenty-two animals (29.33%), radiographic and ultrasound examinations failed to establish a diagnosis.The results of this study provide valuable data on the cross-section of the most common problems leading to diagnostic imaging evaluation in lizards. This research demonstrates that, despite the growing popularity of exotic animals, most of the problems diagnosed in such animals still arise from inappropriate breeding and housing conditions. In most cases, diagnostic imaging provides valuable information, making it possible to implement further steps.