Surgical removal of an atypical histiocytic cell proliferation in a bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

Abstract

A 4-year-old female bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) was referred to the Clinic for Small Mammals, Reptiles and Birds of the University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany for diagnostics and treatment of a growing mass in the right cervical region. The owner reported that the mass had grown over the past 4 weeks with only little alteration in the lizard´s behavior when the animal started rubbing its neck against the cage equipment. Physical examination as well as ultrasonographic and computed tomographic diagnostics revealed a highly vascularized mass, which allowed for the hypothesis of an aneurysm or a neoplasia. Complete surgical resection of the mass could be performed uneventfully. The bearded dragon recovered well from anesthesia and the surgical procedure. The microbiological sample of the excised mass revealed Group F-67 Salmonella. Histopathological examination of the excised mass revealed a histiocytic cell proliferation with centrally located blood filled cavities, hemorrhages and granulation tissue resembling features of a pseudoaneurysm. This report describes the diagnosis of an atypical growing mass in a bearded dragon and its successful removal.