Hirstiella spp. Infestation in A Client-Owned Iguana (Iguana Iguana) Associated With Skin Lesions on its Owner.

A green iguana (Iguana iguana) was presented for severe pruritus, dysecdysis, reduced appetite, lethargy, and the presence of dark red spots on the entire body. A pruritic dermatitis was present on the owner's arms as well. Parasitological examination (light microscopy) performed on the affected iguana, via skin scraping and acetate tape test, revealed numerous Hirstiella spp. mites. Resolution of clinical signs occurred 3 weeks after daily water bath and 3 weekly applications of a 0.25% fipronil solution (sprayed on a glove and then rubbed on the skin of the lizard) along with application of diluted fipronil (1:5 in water). This is the first case report of potential Hirstiella spp. dermatitis in an adult human. Although uncommon, Hirstiella spp. infestation should be considered as a possible differential in pruritic pet lizards specifically in cases in which the owner presents a papular dermatitis.

First report and molecular identification of a reptilian tick, Amblyomma helvolum (Acari: Ixodidae), infesting wild green iguanas, Iguana iguana (Reptilia: Iguanidae), in southern Taiwan.

The genetic identity of the reptilian tick, Amblyomma helvolum, infesting wild green iguanas (Iguana iguana) in Taiwan, was examined. Genetic identity was determined by analyzing the 16S mitochondrial DNA gene sequences obtained from 11 Taiwan A. helvolum compared with other Amblyomma species, with two Dermacentor species and two Rhipicephalus species serving as outgroups. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all the Taiwan specimens were genetically affiliated with a monophyletic group of A. helvolum and can be discriminated from other Amblyomma species. Our results provide the first genetic identification of adult A. helvolum ticks infesting wild iguanas in Taiwan. Further studies focused on the seasonal prevalence and vectorial capacity of A. helvolum for various tick-borne pathogens will help to clarify the epidemiological significance of this species and its impact on animal and human health in Taiwan.

Forensic Genetic Analyses of Melanistic Iguanas Highlight the Need to Monitor the Iguanid Trade.

Lizards within the Iguana iguana species complex are among the most common reptilian pets, with the widest natural geographic range among iguanids. Deep phylogenetic divergence distinguishes multiple mitochondrial clades, and several taxonomic changes have recently been proposed. These small populations, typically island endemics, are threatened by numerous factors, including the international pet trade. Recent investigations reveal the absence of required CITES permits for lawful export of animals, providing evidence of ongoing illegal trade. Additional monitoring of trade in iguanas can be achieved through the application of forensic molecular techniques. In this study, two captive melanistic iguanas were genotyped for molecular markers for which geographic distributions of alleles have been established. Mitochondrial sequencing indicates that both animals carry a haplotype known to originate from the islands of Saba and Montserrat, populations taxonomically proposed to be Iguana melanoderma. Genotypes at 15 microsatellite loci are equally consistent with this origin, given the results of a principal component analysis. This first forensic genetic assessment within the extensive I. iguana pet trade highlights the presence of illegal activity. The need for additional forensic assessments of pet-trade iguanas is evident, especially given that their value is driven by variety and rarity, which is further intensified by recent taxonomic changes.

Monitoring and modeling non-native invasive green iguana population response to harvesting on Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.

Registered hunters harvested over 1.3 million non-native invasive green iguanas (Iguana iguana) on Grand Cayman between October 2018 and August 2021. We used islandwide post-reproduction survey-based abundance estimates in August 2014-2021 and model-based abundance predictions for August 2022-2030 to assist natural resource managers with reassessment and modification of the harvest strategy due to diminishing returns to hunters paid per green iguana harvested. We need harvest rates > 0.600 for desired abundance ≤ 50,000 and > 0.700 for desired abundance ≤ 10,000 green iguanas. With harvest rates < 0.600, the population would likely remain above desired abundance. Without harvesting, the green iguana population would likely reach carrying capacity by August 2026.

Coagulation testing in green iguanas (Iguana iguana) with development of prothrombin time assays using reptile and avian thromboplastin.

BACKGROUND: Captive reptiles often present with clinical signs suggestive of a clotting disorder or severe illness that can induce or exacerbate a coagulopathy. However, coagulopathies in reptiles are difficult to characterize due to lack of species-appropriate reagents to perform coagulation tests. The objective of this study was to develop screening tests to evaluate the extrinsic and common pathways of coagulation in green iguanas (Iguana iguana). KEY FINDINGS: Reptile and avian thromboplastin, extracted from reptile and avian brains, respectively, were used to initiate coagulation in prothrombin time (PT) assays and commercially available reagents were used to determine Russell's viper venom time, thrombin time, and fibrinogen using the Clauss method. Coagulation assays were performed on citrate-anticoagulated plasma from 18 healthy green iguanas. Results were summarized as median (minimum-maximum): PT (reptile thromboplastin), 34.8 seconds (27.1-42.1 s), PT (avian thromboplastin), 78.5 seconds (51.6-114.23 s), Russell's viper venom time, 56.15 seconds (18.4-79.7 s), thrombin time, 10 seconds (7.0-36.5 s), and fibrinogen, 258 mg/dl (89-563.0) (2.58 [0.89-5.63 g/L]). SIGNIFICANCE: Commercial reagents can be used to evaluate the common pathway and fibrinogen; however, avian- or reptile-sourced thromboplastin is preferred for a reliable coagulation trigger to perform the PT assay and evaluate the extrinsic pathway.

PHARMACOKINETICS OF CEFTIOFUR CRYSTALLINE FREE ACID STERILE SUSPENSION IN GREEN IGUANAS ( IGUANA IGUANA) AFTER SINGLE INTRAMUSCULAR ADMINISTRATION.

The objective of this study was to establish the pharmacokinetic parameters of ceftiofur crystalline free acid (CCFA) for a single intramuscular injection in green iguanas ( Iguana iguana). Six green iguanas received an injection of 5 mg/kg CCFA into the triceps muscle. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, concentrations of ceftiofur free acid equivalents in plasma samples collected at predetermined time points were evaluated up to 21 days following drug administration. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was applied to the data. The observed maximum plasma concentration (Cmax obs) was 2.765 ± 0.864 µg/mL, and the time of observed maximum concentration (Tmax obs) was 6.1 ± 9.2 hr. The area under the curve (0 to infinity) was 239.3 ± 121.1 µg·hr/mL. No significant adverse drug reactions were clinically observed, and no visible injection site reactions were noted. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of bacterial isolates from iguanas were used to establish a target plasma concentration of 2.0 µg/mL. Based on the results from this study, a potential dosing interval for ceftiofur crystalline free acid administered at 5 mg/kg intramuscularly for iguanas maintained at a temperature of 30°C would be 24 hr based on a target plasma concentration of 2 µg/mL; however, multidose studies still need to be performed.

Origins of plexus brachial in Iguana iguana iguana / Origens do plexo braquial da Iguana iguana iguana

This paper aims to describe the origin of the brachial plexus of 12 iguanas, male and female, which were donated already dead by the Wild Animal Screening Center and Independent Company of Highway and Environmental Police of the Araguaína, Tocantins State, to Veterinary Anatomy Laboratory of Federal University of Tocantins, Araguaína campus These animals were fixed by intramuscular injections of aqueous 10% formalin. It was made a parallel incision to dorsal midline from the skull to the caudal ribs. It was pulled all the epiaxial muscles eight ribs, the periosteum, exposing and individualizing the ventral rami of spinal nerves that make up the brachial plexus. The ventral rami of spinal nerves C6, C7, C8, T1 and T2 form the brachial plexus in 12 iguanas. In 41.6% of cases, the branches involved were C6, C7, C8 and T1; in 33.4%, the branches C6, C7, C8, T1 and T2; 16.6% the branches C7, C8, T1 and T2 and in 8.4%, the branches C7, C8 and T1. The branches ventral C7, C8 and T1 formed three trunks and C6 and T2, when present, consisted of nervous fillet. There was variation in number of vertebrae in Iguana iguana iguana which caused oscillations in anastomoses, that constitute the nerves of brachial plexus. The axillary, subscapular, cutaneous, pectoral, coracobrachialis, radial, median, ulnar, thoracodorsal nerves are the main nerves that constitute the brachial plexus in iguanas.

Esse trabalho tem como objetivo descrever a origem do plexo braquial de 12 iguanas, machos e fêmeas, doados mortos pelo Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres e Companhia Independente de Polícia Rodoviária e Ambiental ­ Araguaína ­ Tocantins, ao Laboratório de Anatomia da Universidade Federal do Tocantins, campus de Araguaína. Fixou-se os animais com injeções intramusculares de solução aquosa de formalina a 10%. Realizou-se uma incisão paralela a linha mediana dorsal desde o crânio até a região caudal das costelas. Retirou toda a musculatura epiaxial, oito costelas, o periósteo, expondo e individualizando os ramos ventrais dos nervos espinhais que compõem o plexo braquial. Os ramos ventrais dos nervos espinhais C6, C7, C8, T1 e T2 formam o plexo braquial nas 12 iguanas. Em 41,6% dos casos, os ramos envolvidos foram C6, C7, C8 e T1; em 33,4%, os ramos C6, C7, C8, T1 e T2; em 16,6 % os ramos C7, C8, T1 e T2 e em 8,4%, os ramos C7, C8 e T1. Dos ramos ventrais C7, C8 e T1 formavam três troncos e C6 e T2, quando presentes, consistiam de filetes nervosos. Houve variação no número de vértebras na Iguana iguana iguana, que provocaram oscilações nas anastomoses que constituem os nervos do plexo braquial nas iguanas. Os nervos axillar, subscapular, cutâneo, peitoral, coracobraquial, radial, mediano, ulnar e toracodorsal são os principais nervos que constituem o plexo braquial nas iguanas.

PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF SPIROTOME® DEVICE FOR LIVER BIOPSY IN GREEN IGUANAS (IGUANA IGUANA): A PILOT STUDY.

The aim of this study was to evaluate a large-core manual biopsy device (Spirotome(®), Medinvents, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium) for liver sampling and histologic diagnosis in green iguanas (Iguana iguana). The study included eight green iguanas, and two ultrasound-guided biopsies were collected for each lizard, for 16 biopsies in total. The procedure was carried out under general anesthesia induced by intravenous injection of propofol (10 mg/kg) maintained with a mixture of 2.0% isoflurane and 0.8-1.2 L/min oxygen after tracheal intubation. Fourteen (87.5%) of the 16 biopsies were considered diagnostic. Liver biopsy quality was assessed according to sample size and tissue preservation. In particular, mean length (16.2 ± 4.5 mm), width (2.2 ± 0.5 mm), area (34.8 ± 6.9 mm(2)), and number of portal areas (9.4 ± 3.9) of each biopsy were recorded for all green iguanas. The total available surface of the sections obtained from the biopsies and their grade of preservation enabled a satisfactory evaluation of the parenchymal architecture. One of the green iguanas in the study died the day after the procedure due to severe hemocoeloma. Risk assessment evaluation suggested that small green iguanas may not be suitable for this biopsy procedure.

Osteologia do neurocrânio de Iguana iguana iguana (Squamata: Iguanidae) / Neurocranium osteology of Iguana iguana iguana (Squamata: Iguanidae)

O crânio representa o segmento com conspícuas adaptações que, nos lagartos, podem ser conservativas ou impulsionadas por pressões seletivas. Objetivando subsidiar o conhecimento morfológico dos répteis, fornecemos uma descrição detalhada dos ossos que formam o neurocrânio de Iguana iguana iguana com base na análise de três esqueletos secos de espécimes adultos. O crânio da referia espécie possui características basais entre os lagartos sem o fechamento das aberturas cranianas e formato geral triangular. As estruturas ósseas que formam a base craniana apresentam muitas fusões, principalmente no assoalho. Na face caudal o exoccipital e o opistótico estão fundidos e formam o otoccipital, que contribui para a formação dos terços laterais do côndilo occipital. A parte central do côndilo é formada pelo supraoccipital. Fusões e estruturas esqueléticas presentes em Iguana são similares aos demais lagartos. Não foram descritas autapomorfias no neurocrânio para esta espécie.(AU)

Skull represents the segment with conspicuous adaptations that, in lizards, may be conservative or promoted by selective pressures. The aim of assisting the morphological knowledge of reptiles, we provide a detailed description of the neurocranium of Iguana iguana iguana based on analysis of three dried adult skeletons. The skull of this species has basal characteristics in lizards without closure of cranial openings and general triangular shape. Bony structures that form the caudal base have many fusions, especially on the floor. In the caudal face the exoccipital and the opisthotic are fused and form the otooccipital, which contributes to the formation of the lateral part of the condyle. The central part is formed by the condyle supraocciopital. Fusions and skeletal structures in Iguana are similar to other lizards. There are no autopomorphies in the neurocranium for this species.(AU)

Soft tissue influence on ex vivo mobility in the hip of Iguana: comparison with in vivo movement and its bearing on joint motion of fossil sprawling tetrapods.

The reconstruction of a joint's maximum range of mobility (ROM) often is a first step when trying to understand the locomotion of fossil tetrapods. But previous studies suggest that the ROM of a joint is restricted by soft tissues surrounding the joint. To expand the limited informative value of ROM studies for the reconstruction of a fossil species' locomotor characteristics, it is moreover necessary to better understand the relationship of ex vivo ROM with the actual in vivo joint movement. To gain insight into the relationship between ex vivo mobility and in vivo movement, we systematically tested for the influence of soft tissues on joint ROM in the hip of the modern lizard Iguana iguana. Then, we compared the ex vivo mobility to in vivo kinematics of the hip joint in the same specimens using X-ray sequences of steady-state treadmill locomotion previously recorded. With stepwise removal of soft tissues and a repeated-measurement protocol, we show that soft tissues surrounding the hip joint considerably limit ROM, highlighting the problems when joint ROM is deduced from bare bones only. We found the integument to have the largest effect on the range of long-axis rotation, pro- and retraction. Importantly, during locomotion the iguana used only a fragment of the ROM that was measured in our least restrictive dissection situation (i.e. pelvis and femur only conjoined by ligaments), demonstrating the discrepancy between hip joint ROM and actual in vivo movement. Our study emphasizes the necessity for caution when attempting to reconstruct joint ROM or even locomotor kinematics from fossil bones only, as actual in vivo movement cannot be deduced directly from any condition of cadaver mobility in Iguana and likely in other tetrapods.

Prevalence, serovars and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella spp. from wild and domestic green iguanas (Iguana iguana) in Grenada, West Indies.

Cloacal swabs from 62 green iguanas (Iguana iguana), including 47 wild and 15 domestic ones from five parishes of Grenada, were sampled during a 4-month period of January to April 2013 and examined by enrichment and selective culture for the presence of Salmonella spp. Fifty-five per cent of the animals were positive, and eight serovars of Salmonella were isolated. The most common serovar was Rubislaw (58.8%), a serovar found recently in many cane toads in Grenada, followed by Oranienburg (14.7%), a serovar that has been causing serious human disease outbreaks in Japan. Serovar IV:48:g,z51 :- (formerly, S. Marina) highly invasive and known for serious infections in children in the United States, constituted 11.8% of the isolates, all of them being from domestic green iguanas. Salmonella Newport, a serovar recently found in a blue land crab in Grenada, comprised 11.8% of the isolates from the green iguanas. The remaining four less frequent serovars included S. Javiana and S. Glostrup. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests conducted by a disc diffusion method against amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, gentamicin, nalidixic acid, streptomycin, tetracycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole showed that drug resistance is minimal, with intermediate susceptibility, mainly to streptomycin, tetracycline and cefotaxime. This is the first report of isolation and antimicrobial susceptibilities of various Salmonella serovars from wild and domestic green iguanas in Grenada, West Indies.

Helmintos oxiuridae parasitos de Iguana iguana (Squamata, Lacertilia, Iguanidae) procedentes do Brasil / Oxiuridae helminths parasites of Iguana iguana (Squamata, Lacertilia, Iguanidae) in Brazil

The results of a study on nematode fauna occurring in wild iguanas (Iguana iguana) from Brazilian Northeast (Alagoas and Maranhão) and Central-west (Goiás and Mato Grosso) areas were presented. Six adult iguanas, three males and three females, were necropsied and the digestive system removed to examination. All the iguana specimens were heavily parasitized. The helminths diagnosed were: Ozolaimus cirratus in the cecum and colon of five iguanas; Ozolaimus megatyphlon in cecum, colon and rectum of three iguanas; and Alaeuris vogelsangi in the small intestine, cecum, colon and rectum of five animals. Two larvae of Ozolaimus sp. were recovered from the pyloric region of the stomach of one iguana. The three diagnosed species of nematodes were reported for the first time in the Brazilian Central-West region.

Análisis reproductivo en hembras de Iguana iguana criadas en cautiverio en Oaxaca, México / Reproductive analysis of Iguana iguana females raised in captivity in Oaxaca, Mexico

With the objective to evalúate the reproductive stage in green iguana (Iguana iguana) females maintained in captivity in Oaxaca, Mexico, a total of 137 females were used during six years. Iguanas were fed with concentrate, frijolillo plants (Desmodium infortum) and tulip flower (Tulipa gesneriana). The females were identified and housed in cages of 30 m² and were observed. Reproductive activities such as proestrus, estrus and pregnancy were daily recorded. In the stage of hatching, variables were measured in eggs that were incubated in styrofoam boxes with relative humidity of 65 to 85% and temperature between 28 to 34°C, and the newborn were measured after hatching. Results were analyzed with descriptive statistics and canonical correlation analysis using the Statistical Analysis System. At the beginning of the reproductive season the females weighed 975.9 ± 405 g and measured 27.9 ± 3.4 cm snout-vent length, with a relative clutch mass of 36.3 ± 7.1%, clutch size of 23.5 eggs, hatching success of 64.8%, and newborn weight of 12.5 ± 2.3 g. The periods of proestrus, estrus, and pregnancy were 85, 36.2 y 59.7 days, respectively. The females weight at the beginning of the reproductive stage, snout-vent length and total were correlated (canonical correlation r = 0.69, r = 0.64 and r = 0.64, respectively) with the number and weight of newborn, indicating the importance of female management before the breeding season.

Con el fin de evaluar la etapa reproductiva en hembras de iguana verde (Iguana iguana) mantenidas en cautiverio, en Oaxaca, México, se utilizaron 137 hembras, durante seis años. Se ofreció alimento concentrado, plantas de frijolillo (Desmodium infortum) y flor de tulipán (Tulipa gesneriana). Las hembras fueron identificadas y alojadas en jaulas de 30 m²; se observaron y registraron las actividades reproductivas de proestro, estro y gestación. En la etapa de eclosión, se midieron las variables de los huevos y se incubaron en cajas de unicel con humedad relativa de 65% a 85% y temperatura de 28° a 34°C; las crías se midieron después de la eclosión. Para el análisis de resultados se utilizó estadística descriptiva y análisis de correlación canónica con el paquete estadístico SAS. En el inicio del periodo reproductivo, las hembras pesaron 975.9 ± 405 g y midieron de longitud hocico-cloaca 27.9 ± 3.4 cm, la masa relativa de nidada fue de 36.3 ± 7.1%, con tamaño de 23.5 huevos, de los cuales eclosionaron 64.8%; las crías pesaron 12.5 ± 2.3 g. La duración de proestro, estro y gestación fue de 85, 36.2 y 59.7 días, respectivamente. El peso de las hembras al inicio de la etapa reproductiva, la longitud hocico-cloaca y el total se correlacionaron canónicamente (r = 0.69, r = 0.64 y r = 0.64) con el número y peso de las crías eclosionadas, lo que indica la importancia del manejo de las hembras antes del periodo reproductivo.

Parámetros reproductivos de la Iguana Verde (Iguana Iguana) en condiciones de cautiverio en Ooaxaca, México / Reproductive Parameters of Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) in Captive Conditionsin Oaxaca, Mexico

Para obtener los parámetros reproductivos de la iguana verde (Iguana iguana) criada en condiciones de cautiverio, se utilizaron 71 hembras (669,1 g) y 17 machos ( 652,2 g), con edad de 1,5 a 7,5 años, las cuales se alojaron en jaulas de 5 x 6 m, donde se observó y registró la actividad reproductiva durante tres años, considerando como variable independiente la edad de los reproductores. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva. El peso de las hembras fue diferente (P<0,01) de acuerdo con la edad. La proporción hembras machos fue mayor (P<0,01) en las hembras de mayor edad. El periodo de celo, gravidez y mortalidad de las hembras fueron similares (P>0,05) a cualquier edad. El peso de nidada, número total de huevos, peso y ancho de huevo fueron diferentes (P<0,01), mientras que la longitud de los huevos fue similar (P>0,05) en todas las posturas estudiadas. El éxito de eclosión de los huevos y porcentaje de supervivencia fueron semejantes (P>0,05); no obstante, la masa relativa de nidada fue diferente (P<0,05). Se concluye que en las hembras de la Iguana iguana mantenidas en cautiverio, es posible escoger como posibles reproductores, a aquellas que presentan un rango de 4,5 a 7,5 años de edad, ya que presentan los mejores parámetros reproductivos.

The objective of this study was to obtain the reproductive parameters of the green iguana (Iguana iguana) in captivity. Seventy one females (669.1 g) and 17 males (652.2 g) were used. The ages of the iguanas were from 1.5 to 7.5 years old which were kept captivity in a 5 x 6 m cages, where the reproductive activities were observed and recorded over three years. Age was considered as an independent variable within the reproductive parameters. Descriptive statistic was determined. The weight of the females was different (P<0.01) according to age. The proportion of female:male intromission was greater (P<0.01) in older females. The periods of estrus, pregnancy and mortality of the females were similar (P>0.05) at all ages. The clutch weight, number of eggs, weight and width of eggs were different (P<0.01) for each female, whereas the length of eggs was similar (P>0.05) in all ovipositions. The successful hatching of the eggs and the enlivening the hatchlings were similar (P>0.05) for each female; however, the relative mass of each clutch was different (P<0.05). It was concluded that in female Iguana iguana raised in captivity, it is possible to select as potential reproductive individuals to those who have a range of 4.5 to 7.5 years of age, since they have the best reproductive parameters.