Mycotic granuloma in a tiger salamander

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Mycology
• Amphibian Pathology

Background:

• Fungal infections can affect amphibians, leading to various pathologies.
• Captive wildlife require careful monitoring for emerging diseases.

Observation:

• A captive female tiger salamander presented with a granuloma in its left lumbar musculature.
• The granuloma was associated with an unidentified brown-pigmented fungus.

Findings:

• Histological examination revealed the fungus within the granulomatous tissue.
• The fungal morphology included both round, yeast-like budding cells and long, septate hyphae.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for fungal pathogens to cause significant disease in captive amphibians.
• Accurate identification of the causative fungus is crucial for effective treatment and disease management in amphibians.