Name
Indication, anesthetic and surgical approaches, and outcomes of ovariectomy in bearded dragons
Description
Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps)(BD) are among the most popular pet reptile species owned globally. A study on the sterilization of laboratory BDs found a high mortality rate post-operatively due to co-morbidities and anesthesia complications. No data currently exists on the survival outcomes of sterilized client-owned BDs in clinical settings. The purpose of our study was to evaluate indications, outcomes and complications of BD undergoing surgical sterilization. This retrospective case series included all BDs that had undergone ovariosalpingectomy or ovariectomy by three surgeons. Survival times and histopathological results were also recorded. A total of 26 female BD undergoing sterilization. The average age at the time of surgery was 3.5 years. The average weight was 537.4g, with the most common physical exam findings of coelomic distension (12 cases) and obesity (9). Blood work showed hypercalcemia greater than 16 mg/dL in 14 of the 19 cases examined. Ultrasound imaging revealed reproductive abnormalities, including multiple follicles and coelomic effusion (18). Anesthetic protocols varied but commonly included dexmedetomidine, ketamine, and midazolam. Intraoperative hemorrhage was the most common complication (11). Several bearded dragons had additional surgical procedures at the same time, including cholecystectomy and subtotal fat body removal. The most common histopathological findings were follicular degeneration, granulomatous inflammation, and egg yolk material in the coelomic cavity. Twenty-two of 26 BD survived to discharge (84.6% survival rate), with a mean hospitalization time of two days. One bearded dragon had an ovarian remnant that required further surgery. In conclusion, ovariectomy has a reasonable prognosis in client-owned bearded dragons.
Session Type
Lecture (25 Min)