Computed tomography-guided bone biopsies for evaluation of proliferative vertebral lesions in two boa constrictors (Boa constrictor imperator)

J Zoo Wildl Med. 2014 Dec;45(4):973-8. doi: 10.1638/2014-0049.1.

Abstract

Two boa constrictors (Boa constrictor imperator) presented with paresis of the trunk originating cranial to the cloaca. Radiographs were consistent with proliferative bone lesions involving several vertebrae. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated the presence of lytic/expansile lesions. Computed tomography-guided biopsies of the lesions were performed without complications. Histology was consistent with bacterial osteomyelitis and osteoarthritis. Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella sp. and Pseudomonas sp.) were isolated from cultures of the biopsies. Medical treatment with specific antibiotics was attempted for several weeks in both cases without clinical or radiographic improvements. The animals were euthanized, and necropsy confirmed the findings observed upon CT. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of the use of CT-guided biopsies to evaluate proliferative vertebral lesions in snakes. In the present report, CT-guided biopsies were easily performed, and both histologic and microbiologic results were consistent with the final diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy / methods
  • Biopsy / veterinary
  • Boidae*
  • Female
  • Male
  • Osteomyelitis / diagnosis
  • Osteomyelitis / drug therapy
  • Osteomyelitis / microbiology
  • Osteomyelitis / pathology
  • Osteomyelitis / veterinary*
  • Pseudomonas Infections / drug therapy
  • Pseudomonas Infections / microbiology
  • Pseudomonas Infections / pathology
  • Pseudomonas Infections / veterinary
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / isolation & purification
  • Salmonella Infections, Animal / drug therapy
  • Salmonella Infections, Animal / microbiology
  • Salmonella Infections, Animal / pathology
  • Spine / microbiology
  • Spine / pathology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents