Clinical presentation and disease prevalence of captive central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) at veterinary clinics in Australia

Abstract

Central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) are one of the most popular reptile pets in Australia and around the world. Diseases, including metabolic bone disease, periodontal disease, and gastrointestinal endoparasites commonly affect captive animals. To determine the common reasons these lizards were presented to the veterinarian and to establish the prevalence of disease seen in captive P. vitticeps in Australia, this retrospective study evaluated the clinical records of three exotic pet veterinary hospitals. Records from 724 P. vitticeps were analysed, with 70 reasons for presentation and 88 diseases identified across 1000 visits to the veterinarian. Lethargy was the most reported reason for presentation (n = 181). The gastrointestinal tract (18.25%) and skin (18.25%) were the equally most commonly affected organ systems, followed by the musculoskeletal system (15.17%). Endoparasites were the most common single disease process (n = 103), followed by metabolic bone disease (n = 65), skin wounds (n = 59) and periodontal disease (n = 48). Of the patients that presented for routine preventive health examinations (n = 159), 45.30% received some form of intervention to treat or prevent disease. Many of the conditions that were identified by the veterinarians in this study are traditionally correlated with suboptimal husbandry and may be easily prevented. This study identified the common reasons for presentation to the veterinarian and the prevalence of disease in captive P. vitticeps in Australia, providing the first extensive retrospective analysis of objective reference literature for central bearded dragon owners and aspiring reptile veterinarians.

Endoparasite Infections in Captive Inland Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps) in Italy

“…Confirming previous data [1,5,7,11,34], pinworms and I. amphiboluri were the most frequent parasites found in this survey. A prevalence of 43.49-48.7% was previously reported for oxyurids in captive bearded dragons [1,11], in line with the data from this study (about 57%).…”

“…Parasitic infections of the digestive tract caused by nematodes and protozoa, as well as systemic infections caused by microsporidia, are included among the most important diseases affecting bearded dragons, frequently causing detrimental effects on the well-being and health of these animals [ 1 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. In captive bearded dragons, intestinal nematodes and protozoa are in fact frequently recorded, with high prevalence and intensity, especially in case of poor hygiene leading to high contamination with exogenous stages of these parasites [ 1 , 7 , 10 , 11 ]. Moreover, additional risk factors, such as age, errors in breeding methods, concurrent diseases, and other stressing factors may predispose animals to clinical infections [ 1 , 7 ].…”

“…In captive bearded dragons, intestinal nematodes and protozoa are in fact frequently recorded, with high prevalence and intensity, especially in case of poor hygiene leading to high contamination with exogenous stages of these parasites [ 1 , 7 , 10 , 11 ]. Moreover, additional risk factors, such as age, errors in breeding methods, concurrent diseases, and other stressing factors may predispose animals to clinical infections [ 1 , 7 ].…”

Captive Lifestyle of Reptiles in the Tashkent Zoo

“…It is crucial to maintain optimal husbandry practices and nutritional requirements to ensure the health and well-being of captive reptiles [5]. Insights from studies on the impact of captivity on reptile body condition, such as those on American alligators, can inform the management of captive reptile populations [6].…”

Lactococcus garvieae–associated septicemia in a central bearded dragon

“…13,18 Central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) are common pets in private households and are routinely kept as collection animals at zoologic and research institutions. 27 There has been considerable concern regarding the zoonotic potential of contact with reptilian species. Common zoonoses associated with reptiles include salmonellosis, mycobacteriosis, and pentastomiasis, among others.…”