Arsenicum albumas a treatment for pneumonia in snakes: three serial cases

ABSTRACT

two Python bivittatussnakes were received at Project Selva Viva, a zoo in Taubaté, Brazil, both presenting respiratory noises and oro-nasal discharge. A thoracic ultrasonographic examination was performed for evaluation on February 25th,2022, which diagnosed the presence of multiple vertical hyperechoic artifactsemerging from the pleural line, coalescing in some of the examined areas, and the presence a hypoechoic structure located in the subpleural region. Another serpent, from the Boa constrictor species, was apprehended and arrived at the same zoo without medical history, showing a low body score. During a thoracic ultrasonographic evaluation realized on April 1st,2022, B lines emerging from the pleural line were found. These vertical reverberating lines are a result of respiratory illness (SOLDATI et al., 2014).Methodology:The report was authorized by the owner of the zoo. All the patients received homeopathic therapy with 2 globules of Arsenicum album30 cH/ BID into the mouth, after being diagnosed with the respiratory condition by the ultrasonographic examination. The medication was chosen according to the similarity with the symptoms. The snakes had a runny nose and hissing breathing noise. Weekly ultrasound scans were performed on the Python bivittatus snakes to follow up on the respiratory condition. Results: On March 04th, it was observed that both snakes showed a reduction in respiratory noises and were more active. Ars 30 cH was maintained BID. On March 25th, both presented significant improvement in the ultrasound images, which showed only A lines, compatible with a healthy lung, and the treatment was suspended. Boa constrictor snake ́streatment started on April 1st. On April 8th, the ultrasonographic examination performed only presented A lines, which are characterized in ultrasound by parallel horizontal lines in the near field with the loss of image continuity in the far field, indicating improvement of the condition (LICHTENSTEIN et al., 2003). Conclusion:Given these results, the homeopathic treatment is an option to be considered for the treatment of respiratory symptoms in snakes, although the duration of the therapy varies based on the stage and chronicity of the disease.