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Septicaemia secondary to infection by Corynebacterium macginleyi in an Indian python (Python molurus)
Jorge Martínez1, Pablo Segura, David García
1Departamento de Atención Sanitaria, Salud Pública y Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales y de la Salud, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, Edificio Seminario s/n, 46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain.
Veterinary Journal (London, England : 1997)
|July 6, 2005
Summary
A septicaemic infection caused by Corynebacterium macginleyi led to the death of an Indian python. Stress and poor husbandry likely contributed to the snake
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Herpetology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Indian pythons (Python molurus) are exotic pets requiring specific husbandry.
- Stressful environments, such as those found in travelling circuses, can impact reptile health.
Observation:
- A seven-year-old female Indian python experienced chronic stomatitis, pneumonia, ophthalmitis, and dystocia.
- The snake was housed in a circus truck, exposed to inadequate temperatures, noise, and bright lights during shows.
- Post-mortem examination revealed ulcerative stomatitis, osteomyelitis, severe pneumonia, and granulomata.
Findings:
- Corynebacterium macginleyi was isolated from ulcerative stomatitis lesions.
- Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was found in mixed culture from the lungs and spleen.
- The python succumbed to a septicaemic process attributed to C. macginleyi, potentially originating from stomatitis.
Implications:
- This is the first report of Corynebacterium macginleyi causing disease in a snake.
- Stress and suboptimal husbandry are identified as potential predisposing factors for infection and septicaemia in captive reptiles.
- Highlights the importance of appropriate environmental conditions and stress reduction for exotic pet health.