A 6-yr-old captive-bred male black pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi) weighing 0.49 kg with a snout-to-vent length of 127 cm was presented for evaluation of a caudal coelomic swelling that had been present for 3 days. Survey radiographs showed focal distention of the body wall with a mass of soft tissue and mineral opacity. Anti-inflammatory and empiric antibiotic treatments were initiated, with no significant improvement. Coelomic ultrasound showed effusion and intestinal changes consistent with an intussusception. On exploratory celiotomy, the mass was found to be a 10-cm-long colonic diverticulum. A colotomy was performed and inspissated fecal material was removed from the lumen of the diverticulum prior to its resection and closing of the bowel defect. Histological examination of the excised tissue was consistent with an intestinal diverticulum and complete absence of the smooth muscle layers, indicating nonperforating rupture of the bowel wall. The snake recovered uneventfully and began eating 5 days after surgery. On physical and ultrasound examinations 8 months after surgery, the snake's body condition had improved and there was no recurrence of clinical signs, with the snake remaining normal 30 months postsurgery at home.

This report describes double locking compression plate fixation of a moderately comminuted middiaphyseal right femur fracture in a Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis). The animal was restrained for a routine examination, during which the dragon struggled to escape restraint. When returned to the exhibit, the dragon did not use the right pelvic limb to walk. A right-sided, closed, middiaphyseal comminuted (type C3) femur fracture was diagnosed using palpation and radiographs, and the animal was transported to a specialty clinic within a few hours for fracture repair. Two locking compression plates were applied in bridging fashion for fracture repair. Radiographs performed at the 4-month postoperative recheck revealed a healed fracture with significant callus formation and stable implants. The dragon was transitioned from cage rest in a restricted space to his normal large exhibit after healing was confirmed, no lameness was observed, and normal limb use was noted. After almost three years, he is still ambulating normally and without lameness. This is the first report of successful femur fracture stabilization using bone plate fixation in a Komodo dragon.

The St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network (SKSTMN) began implementation of a leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) monitoring program in 2003 on the main leatherback nesting beaches on St. Kitts, Keys Beach, and North Friars Beach, West Indies. From March 2003 to July 2016, a total of 2,419 adult female leatherback emergence events were recorded and evaluated. A notable decrease in adult leatherback emergence activity was observed over the course of the study period. The nesting season was documented to range from February to August. April and May were typically the months with the highest frequency of nesting. The number of females individually identified (flipper tagging and/or passive integrated transponder) from 2004–2016 was 259, with a mean curved carapace length (CCL) (n = 720) of 153 cm and mean curved carapace width (CCW) (n = 719) of 113 cm. Remigration intervals ranged from 1–5 yr with a median of 2 yr. For nesting females in St. Kitts over the course of the study period, mean clutch frequency (with standard deviation [SD]) was 3 (SD 2.9) and during a reproductive season was 2.2 (SD 1.44). Mean total number of eggs laid per nest was 113 with mean number of yolked eggs being 83.5 and yolkless 29.3. The mean incubation period was 59.5 days overall (SD 3.5) with a hatch success overall of 16.75%. Relocated nests had significantly lower hatch success than in situ nests and poaching rates decreased over the course of this study. From 2006–2016, a total of 191 blood samples were collected from 118 individual animals. Hematological and plasma biochemical parameters are outlined and changes in values in individuals over the course of nesting seasons and association with remigration intervals are described. The goal of this study was to report on 14 years of leatherback monitoring and determine the baseline health profile of the nesting leatherback population in St. Kitts.

Hematology is an important tool for the veterinary evaluation of reptiles. At this time, there are limited data on hematological reference intervals and physiological factors that influence hematological values in many reptile species, including the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans). The goal of this study was to establish subspecies-specific reference intervals for a single population of red-eared sliders from a lake in Southern Germany sampled on a single day in the fall. Lithium heparinized blood samples and blood smears were collected from 42 turtles and packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin, leukocytes, thrombocytes, and the differential blood count were evaluated. The results showed no significant differences between males and females, with the exception of the absolute monocyte count. The sex-independent calculated median values are: PCV 22.5%, hemoglobin 58.0 g/L, leukocytes 2.4 G/L, heterophils 0.51 G/L, eosinophils 0.82 G/L, basophils 0.19 G/L, lymphocytes 0.64 G/L, monocytes 0.01 G/L, and thrombocytes 12.16 G/L. The present study provides a basis for the evaluation of blood values in this commonly kept turtle species in order to facilitate the correct interpretation of blood results.

Nannizziopsis guarroi, a keratinophilic fungus, is an important cause of dermatomycosis in companion lizards. At present, effective disinfection protocols are unknown and additional information is needed to prevent contamination of surfaces and equipment used in the care of these animals. To this aim, the qualitative in vitro–disinfecting capability of eight commonly used household and laboratory disinfectants (Novalsan^®, 3% and 10% dilutions of commercial bleach, Virkon^®-S, Lysol^® household cleaner with hydrogen peroxide, 70% ethanol, 409^®, and household cleaning ammonia) were tested at two different contact times (2 and 10 min) with three different aqueous fungal concentrations of four molecularly confirmed N. guarroi isolates. A positive control after contact with saline was also grown. After contact with disinfectant or saline, the isolates were incubated, and photographic images were taken of plate growth on day 10. Images of each plate were scored using a semiquantitative scoring system. The only disinfectant that completely inhibited growth for all four isolates at both contact times and at all three isolate dilutions was the 10% dilution of commercial bleach. All four isolates grew after contact with ammonia, regardless of contact time or isolate dilution, and the other disinfectants showed variable inhibition of growth that was either isolate or concentration dependent, or both. In conclusion, a minimum of 2 min of exposure to a 10% dilution of commercial bleach is recommended for disinfection of surfaces and instruments contaminated with N. guarroi.

Chameleons represent one of the most endangered groups of lizards, with most being characterized as threatened or near-threatened. Anthropogenic impacts on their native habitat are responsible for their declines. To protect these animals, we must develop functional assisted reproductive programs. However, a full understanding of their basic reproductive biology is required to develop such a program. This study represents the first attempt at characterizing the reproductive cycles of male chameleons. Sixteen veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and 16 panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) being housed in captivity under static conditions were used for this study. Chameleons were anesthetized twice monthly for semen collection via electroejaculation, blood sampling to measure plasma testosterone concentrations, and ultrasonographic testicular measurements. Plasma testosterone concentrations were found to be significantly different between species (P= 0.02) and in the interaction of species and month (P= 0.04). In veiled chameleons, plasma testosterone concentrations were significantly elevated during October through December, while for panther chameleons plasma testosterone concentrations were elevated in July through September, and December. Electroejaculation success was found to be seasonal in both species. In veiled chameleons, semen collection was highest in April, May, and June, while in panther chameleons semen collection success was highest in March, April, May, and June. Median spermatozoa concentrations for veiled and panther chameleons were 6.66 and 7.52 × 10⁷ sperm/ml, respectively. Motility was lower than expected for both veiled (median 23%) and panther chameleons (median 25%). Spermatozoa clumping was a common finding. The majority of the spermatozoa (mean 51%) were found to have normal morphology. The results of this study confirm that veiled chameleons have a prenuptial reproductive strategy, while panther chameleons have a postnuptial reproductive strategy. Additionally, this study demonstrated that chameleons can undergo repeated electroejaculations under anesthesia, twice monthly, for a year without significant mortality or clinical disease associated with the procedures.