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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

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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.

Keywords:

Bothrops jararaca Crotalus durissus congenital anomalies snake

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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.