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Panophthalmitis and otitis interna in fire-bellied toads
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|December 1, 1983
Summary
Gram-negative bacilli, including Providencia alcalifaciens, caused ocular and central nervous system disease in fire-bellied toads. Histologic findings confirmed severe eye and inner ear inflammation in affected amphibians.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Amphibian Pathology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Fire-bellied toads exhibit signs of ocular and central nervous system disease.
- Previous studies on amphibian diseases are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agents of ocular and central nervous system disease in fire-bellied toads.
- To characterize the pathologic findings associated with the disease.
Main Methods:
- Microbiologic cultures were performed on ocular and tissue samples from affected toads.
- Histologic examinations were conducted on affected tissues, including eyes and inner ears.
Main Results:
- Isolation of gram-negative bacilli, including Providencia alcalifaciens, Citrobacter freundii, and Aeromonas hydrophila, from ill toads.
- Histologic evidence of severe panophthalmitis (inflammation of the entire eye) and otitis interna (inflammation of the inner ear).
Conclusions:
- Gram-negative bacterial infections are implicated in the ocular and central nervous system disease of fire-bellied toads.
- Providencia alcalifaciens is identified as a potential pathogen in amphibian disease outbreaks.