title: Diagnosis and clinical management of multiple chromatophoromas in an eastern yellowbelly racer (Coluber constrictor flaviventris).
abstract: A wild-caught subadult eastern yellowbelly racer (Coluber constrictor flaviventris) presented with three raised, circumscribed, freely moveable subcutaneous masses over the dorsal and right epaxial musculature. Microscopic examination and special staining of surgically excised masses were diagnostic for chromatophoroma. No metastases were apparent on whole-body plain film radiographs and computed tomography. Additional excisional biopsies of previously affected sites performed 13 wk later demonstrated normal skin and subcutis. The snake recovered uneventfully and continued to do well 18 mo later. Surgical excision of chromatophoromas remains the treatment of choice in snakes. Subcutaneous masses in snakes should be thoroughly investigated.
authors.affiliation: Kansas City Zoo, Missouri 64132, USA.
authors.forename: Wm Kirk
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Suedmeyer
authors.forename: Jeffrey N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Bryan
authors.forename: Gayle
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: April
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Freeman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo; D002856:Chromatophores / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D012911:Snakes / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome