title: Computed tomography-guided bone biopsies for evaluation of proliferative vertebral lesions in two boa constrictors (Boa constrictor imperator).
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.
authors: Nicola
authors: N
authors: Di Girolamo
authors: Paolo
authors: P
authors: Selleri
authors: Giordano
authors: G
authors: Nardini
authors: Daniele
authors: D
authors: Corlazzoli
authors: Paolo
authors: P
authors: Fonti
authors: Christophe
authors: C
authors: Rossier
authors: Leonardo
authors: L
authors: Della Salda
authors: Lionel
authors: L
authors: Schilliger
authors: Massimo
authors: M
authors: Vignoli
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Bongiovanni
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D017821:Boidae; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012481:Salmonella Infections, Animal / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D013131:Spine / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents