Photodermatitis and photokeratoconjunctivitis in a ball python (Python regius) and a blue-tongue skink (Tiliqua spp.)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Dermatology
• Herpetology
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Reptile husbandry often involves artificial lighting to mimic natural environments.
• The specific effects of artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation on reptile health are not fully understood.
• Previous cases of reptile illness have not been definitively linked to specific lighting parameters.

Observation:

• Two reptiles, a ball python and a blue-tongue skink, presented with anorexia, lethargy, and skin issues.
• Necropsy revealed corneal opacity, dysecdysis, dermatitis, and ulcerative keratoconjunctivitis suggestive of UV damage.
• Surviving reptiles recovered after removal of recently installed terrarium lamps.

Findings:

• Microscopic examination showed epidermal degeneration, necrosis, and dermatitis in both species.
• The ball python exhibited severe ulcerative keratoconjunctivitis with bacterial colonization.
• Analysis of the suspect lamps revealed extremely high UV output, including short-wavelength UVB, not found in natural sunlight.

Implications:

• High-intensity or inappropriate UV wavelengths can cause significant morbidity and mortality in reptiles.
• Veterinarians should consider vivarium light sources when diagnosing reptile ocular and cutaneous diseases.
• Further research is needed to establish safe and toxic UV light parameters for captive reptiles.