Macroscopic and microscopic findings in the heart and lungs of captive reticulated pythons (Python reticulatus, Schneider 1801) (Reptilia: Squamata: Pythonidae) with granulomatous pneumonia and myocarditis

Issue Date

7-2016

Abstract

Twelve reticulated pythons, six males and six females from a wildlife rescue facility, showing clinical signs of pneumonia were utilized in the study for macroscopic and microscopic examinations of the heart and lungs. A clinical scoring system was used to assess the severity of these clinical signs. Tiletamine-zolazepam and magnesium sulfate were used as anesthetic and euthanizing agents, respectively, according to the protocol employed by the institution. Gross examination of the heart showed evidence of hydropericardium and paleness of the atrial muscles. Significant microscopic findings in the heart include granuloma, degenerative cardiomyopathy and chondrocytic hyperplasia. In the lungs, there were cream to white pinpoint to pinhead raised nodules which were widely distributed. Microscopic lesions in the lungs include multiple foci of granulomas in different stages of degeneration and prominent hyperplasia of respiratory epithelia. The gross and microscopic lesions in the heart and lungs confirmed the presence of granulomatous pneumonia and myocarditis in the snakes.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Veterinary Medicine

ISSN

0031-7705

Volume

53

Issue

1

Page

44-50

Document Type

Article

College

College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM)

Physical Description

illustrations, tables

Language

English

Subject

Granulomatous pneumonia, Heart, Lungs, Myocarditis, Reticulated pythons

Digital Copy

yes

Link to Full Text

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