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Malformations in neotropical viperids: qualitative and quantitative analysis
S S Sant'Anna1, K F Grego, C A B Lorigados
1Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, 87, Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, 05508-270 São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Herpetology, Butantan Institute, 1500 Vital Brasil Avenue, 05503-900 São Paulo, Brazil.
Journal of Comparative Pathology
|July 27, 2013
Summary
Snake birth defects are uncommon but vary by species. South American rattlesnakes had more malformations (11.1%) than pit vipers (2.3%), with spinal issues most frequent in both.
Area of Science:
- Herpetology
- Developmental Biology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Congenital anomalies occur across species, yet data on snake malformations and their prevalence is limited.
- Understanding snake developmental abnormalities is crucial for conservation and veterinary care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency and types of malformations in newborn South American pit vipers (Bothrops jararaca) and South American rattlesnakes (Crotalus durissus).
Main Methods:
- Examined newborn snakes from wild-captured pregnant females of Bothrops jararaca and Crotalus durissus.
- Conducted gross and radiographic examinations to identify and classify malformations.
- Recorded morphometric data (length, weight, sex) for all neonates.
Main Results:
- A total of 4,087 pit viper births yielded 95 malformed individuals (2.3%), while 324 rattlesnake births resulted in 36 malformed individuals (11.1%).
- Spinal abnormalities were the most prevalent malformation in both species.
- Pit vipers exhibited a wider spectrum of defects, including schistosomia (22.1%), kinked tail (13.7%), bicephaly (3.1%), and hydrocephaly (2.1%).
Conclusions:
- South American rattlesnakes exhibit a significantly higher rate of congenital malformations compared to South American pit vipers.
- Spinal defects and ventral scale fusion are common anomalies in these snake species.
- The diverse range of malformations in pit vipers highlights species-specific developmental vulnerabilities.
