ABSTRACT
The corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is a non-venomous snake from the Colubridae family. The pair of scent glands is indispensable in the physiology of reproduction and defense of the species. This structure is located caudal to the cloaca. It is responsible for releasing a thick material based on lipids containing pheromones that perform functions associated with animal behavior and survival. This work aims to report infection by Morganella sp. in a scent gland in a female corn snake, evidencing the diagnosis and treatment. An increase in volume was seen in the final third, proximal to the cloaca, firm consistency, immobile, and approximately 4 cm long and painful to touch. Samples of the material were collected for bacterial culture and antibiogram examination, being positive for bacteria of the genus Morganella. Based on the result of the antibiogram, it was possible to determine the most appropriate therapeutic protocol, with the referral to perform the surgical procedure to remove the tissue compromised by the infection, remaining stable until the removal of the stitches 40 days after the procedure, with total surgical wound healing.(AU)
A corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) é uma serpente não peçonhenta, da família Colubridae. Na fisiologia da reprodução e defesa da espécie, o par de glândulas de cheiro é indispensável. Essa estrutura está localizada caudal à cloaca e é responsável pela liberação de um material espesso à base de lipídeos, contendo feromônios que exercem funções associadas ao comportamento animal e à sua sobrevivência. O objetivo desse trabalho é relatar uma infecção por Morganella sp. em glândula de cheiro em uma fêmea de corn snake, evidenciando o diagnóstico e tratamento. Observou-se um aumento de volume no terço final, proximal a cloaca, de consistência firme, imóvel e com aproximadamente 4 cm de comprimento e sensibilidade dolorosa ao toque. Foram coletadas amostras do material para cultura bacteriana e exame de antibiograma, sendo positivo para bactérias do gênero Morganella. Com base no resultado do antibiograma, foi possível determinar o protocolo terapêutico mais adequado, como o encaminhamento para realização do procedimento cirúrgico para remoção do tecido comprometido pela infecção, se mantendo estável até a remoção dos pontos, 40 dias após o procedimento, com total cicatrização da ferida cirúrgica.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Colubridae/surgery , Morganella , Enterobacteriaceae Infections/surgery , Enterobacteriaceae Infections/diagnosis , LymphadenitisABSTRACT
Introducción: Los cuadros de apendicitis aguda subhepática en niños son raros y no siempre se acompañan de malrotación intestinal, lo que dificulta el diagnóstico y manejo temprano. Caso clínico: Niño de 10 años de edad, con padecimiento de cinco días de evolución caracterizado por evacuaciones diarreicas, tratado con antibióticos. Posteriormente presentó vómito, dolor abdominal tipo cólico y fiebre de 39 °C. El abdomen se encontró blando y depresible, con escaso dolor en flanco derecho. El ultrasonido y la tomografía mostraron imagen compatible con absceso subdiafragmático. Se manejó con drenaje externo. Al no obtener respuesta se realizó laparotomía exploradora, encontrando apéndice inflamada, de 10 cm de longitud, en posición ascendente sobre la corredera parietocólica derecha y perforación del extremo distal a nivel subhepático. El paciente evolucionó con sepsis abdominal y choque séptico, requiriendo nueva intervención quirúrgica para drenaje de líquido serohemático. A los 40 días el paciente fue dado de alta. Conclusiones: La consideración anatómica del apéndice es importante, por las múltiples presentaciones clínicas, de las cuales 30 % son atípicas y el diagnóstico se enmascara ocasionando complicaciones como perforación y abscesos. Los casos de apendicitis aguda de localización subhepática son raros y por lo general se asocian a malrotación del intestino. El retraso del tratamiento relacionado con el cuadro atípico, ocasionado por la posición poco habitual del apéndice, implica estancia hospitalaria más prolongada y riesgo de incrementar la morbilidad y mortalidad.
BACKGROUND: Acute subhepatic appendicitis in children is an uncommon presentation. It is usually associated with intestinal malrotation. When these conditions are met, accurate diagnosis and early management decisions are delayed. CLINICAL CASE: We present the case of a 10-year-old male who had diarrhea without mucus or blood for 5 days. He was treated with antibiotics. Afterwards, he presented with vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. Physical examination of the abdomen demonstrated a soft and depressible mass and pain in the lower right abdomen. Abdominal ultrasound and tomography reported image of subdiaphragmatic abscess. Percutaneous puncture and drainage were performed without results. Exploratory laparotomy was then performed, revealing a subhepatic perforation of the appendix. The patient evolved with abdominal sepsis and septic shock, resulting in a new surgical intervention for drainage of serohematic fluid. The patient improved and was discharged on day 40. DISCUSSION: It is very important to consider the position of the anatomic appendix during appendicitis because it contributes to the various clinical symptoms, of which 30% are atypical. Diagnosis is masked, leading to complications such as perforations and/or abscesses that extend the hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Acute subhepatic appendicitis in children is an uncommon presentation. It is usually associated with intestinal malrotation. Delay in treatment due to atypical symptoms caused by the abnormal position of the appendix conditioned complications that implied a prolonged hospital stay, with the risk of increasing morbidity and mortality of the patient.