Surgical management of maxillary and premaxillary osteomyelitis in a reticulated python (Python reticulatus)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Herpetology
• Comparative Pathology

Background:

• Reticulated pythons (Python reticulatus) can suffer from severe infections.
• Maxillary osteomyelitis is a challenging condition in reptiles.

Observation:

• A 1-year-old python presented with wheezing, facial cellulitis, and maxillary osteomyelitis.
• Initial treatments with antimicrobials and anti-inflammatories showed partial success, but osteomyelitis progressed.

Findings:

• Surgical maxillectomies and premaxillectomy were performed to address progressive osteomyelitis.
• Histopathology and microbial cultures confirmed gram-positive cocci as the causative agent.
• Treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, guided by susceptibility testing, was crucial for resolution.

Implications:

• This study demonstrates the feasibility of surgical management for extensive osteomyelitis in large snakes.
• Successful outcomes underscore the importance of tailored antimicrobial strategies and surgical intervention in reptilian bone infections.