title: Evaluation of an endoscopic liver biopsy technique in green iguanas.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To establish a safe and effective endoscopic technique for collection of liver biopsy specimens from lizards by use of a 2.7-mm rigid endoscope system that is commonly available in zoologic veterinary practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  11 subadult male green iguanas (Iguana iguana).
  
  
  METHODS
  Each lizard was anesthetized, and right-sided coelioscopic examination of the right liver lobe and gallbladder was performed. Three liver biopsy specimens were collected from each lizard by use of a 2.7-mm rigid endoscope and 1.7-mm (5-F) biopsy forceps. Biopsy samples were evaluated histologically for quality and crush artifact. Ten days following surgery, all iguanas were euthanatized and underwent full necropsy examination.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For all 11 iguanas, the right liver lobe and gallbladder were successfully examined endoscopically, and 3 biopsy specimens of the liver were collected without complications. Mean +/- SD durations of anesthesia and surgery were 24 +/- 7 minutes and 6.8 +/- 1.0 minutes, respectively. At necropsy, there was no evidence of trauma or disease associated with the skin or muscle entry sites, liver, or any visceral structures in any iguana. All 33 biopsy specimens were considered acceptable for histologic interpretation; in most samples, the extent of crush artifact was considered minimal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  By use of a 2.7-mm rigid endoscope, liver biopsy procedures can be performed safely, swiftly, and easily in green iguanas. Biopsy specimens obtained by this technique are suitable for histologic examination. For evaluation of the liver and biopsy specimen collection in lizards, endoscopy is recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Small Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Hernandez-Divers
authors.forename: Scott J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Stahl
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McBride
authors.forename: Nancy L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Stedman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001706:Biopsy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D005704:Gallbladder / Q000473:pathology*; D007076:Iguanas / Q000601:surgery*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000662:veterinary; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies