Publications

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sequence comparisons of cytochrome p450 aromatases from australian animals predict differences in enzymatic activity and/or efficiency†.aromatase (p450arom, cyp19a1) is the terminal enzyme in the synthesis of the steroid hormone family of estrogens. not surprisingly, this enzyme has structural similarities between the limited number of species studied thus far. this study examined the structure of aromatases from four diverse australian species including a marsupial (tammar wallaby; macropus eugenii), monotreme (platypus; ornithorhynchus anatinus), ratite (emu; dromaius novaehollandiae) and lizard (bearded dragon; pogona vittice ...202032179898
zoonotic and public health implications of campylobacter species and squamates (lizards, snakes and amphisbaenians).campylobacter spp. is one of the most widespread infectious diseases of veterinary and public health significance. globally, the incidence of campylobacteriosis has increased over the last decade in both developing and developed countries. squamates (lizards, snakes and amphisbaenians) are a potential reservoir and source of transmission of campylobacteriosis to humans. this systematic review examined studies from the last 20 years that have reported squamate-associated human campylobacteriosis. ...202032998205
exploring the müller-lyer illusion in a nonavian reptile (pogona vitticeps).visual illusions have been widely used to compare visual perception among birds and mammals to assess whether animals interpret and alter visual inputs like humans, or if they detect them with little or no variability. here, we investigated whether a nonavian reptile (pogona vitticeps) perceives the müller-lyer illusion, an illusion that causes a misperception of the relative length of 2 line segments. we observed the animals' spontaneous tendency to choose the larger food quantity (the longer l ...202032281819
anisotropy of perceived space in non-primates? the horizontal-vertical illusion in bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps) and red-footed tortoises (chelonoidis carbonaria).the horizontal-vertical illusion is a size illusion in which two same-sized objects appear to be different if presented on a horizontal or vertical plane, with the vertical one appearing longer. this illusion represents one of the main evidences of the anisotropy of the perceived space of humans, an asymmetrical perception of the object size presented in the vertical and horizontal space. although this illusion has been widely investigated in humans, there is an almost complete lack of studies i ...202032259624
no rapid and demarcating astroglial reaction to stab wounds in agama and gecko lizards and the caiman paleosuchus - it is confined to birds and mammals.the present study proves that rapid and demarcating astroglial reactions are confined to birds and mammals. to understand the function of post-lesion astroglial reaction, the phylogenetical aspects are also to be investigated. considering the regenerative capabilities, reptiles represent an intermediate position between the brain regeneration-permissive fishes and amphibians and the almost non-permissive birds and mammals. damage is followed by a rapid astroglial reaction in the mammalian and av ...202033107974
influence of salmonella specific bacteriophages (o1; s16) on the shedding of naturally occurring salmonella and an orally applied salmonella eastbourne strain in bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).this study determined the passage time and phage propagation time of salmonella specific phages, felix o1 and s16, in 10 bearded dragons, based on re-isolation from cloacal swabs and faecal samples following oral administration, as a possible tool for reducing salmonella shedding. in study 1, felix o1 was administered orally for 12 consecutive days. over 60 days, swabs were taken from the oral cavity and cloaca and qualitative salmonella detection as well as salmonella quantification from faecal ...202033161646
cryptosporidium cf. avium in an inland-bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps) - a case report and review of the literature.here, we report the first case of cryptosporidium cf. avium from an inland bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps) from a wildlife sanctuary in victoria, australia. molecular characterisation was conducted by pcr-coupled sequencing of regions in the small subunit of nuclear rna (ssu), actin and large subunit of nuclear rna (lsu) genes. the sequences obtained grouped with those of c. ornithophilus and other c. avium genotypes/variants originating from reptiles or birds. we discuss this case in relation ...202033088709
microrna dynamics during hibernation of the australian central bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps).hibernation is a physiological state employed by many animals that are exposed to limited food and adverse winter conditions. controlling tissue-specific and organism wide changes in metabolism and cellular function requires precise regulation of gene expression, including by micrornas (mirnas). here we profile mirna expression in the central bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps) using small rna sequencing of brain, heart, and skeletal muscle from individuals in late hibernation and four days post-a ...202033082398
investigation of the effects of cricket ingestion on plasma uric acid concentration in inland bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).to determine whether plasma uric acid concentration in inland bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps) was affected by recent ingestion of a meal of crickets.202033064615
meta-transcriptomic discovery of a divergent circovirus and a chaphamaparvovirus in captive reptiles with proliferative respiratory syndrome.viral pathogens are being increasingly described in association with mass morbidity and mortality events in reptiles. however, our knowledge of reptile viruses remains limited. herein, we describe the meta-transcriptomic investigation of a mass morbidity and mortality event in a colony of central bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps) in 2014. severe, extensive proliferation of the respiratory epithelium was consistently found in affected dragons. similar proliferative lung lesions were identified i ...202032992674
cross-species bac mapping highlights conservation of chromosome synteny across dragon lizards (squamata: agamidae).dragon lizards (squamata: agamidae) comprise about 520 species in six subfamilies distributed across asia, australasia and africa. only five species are known to have sex chromosomes. all of them possess zz/zw sex chromosomes, which are microchromosomes in four species from the subfamily amphibolurinae, but much larger in phrynocephalus vlangalii from the subfamily agaminae. in most previous studies of these sex chromosomes, the focus has been on australian species from the subfamily amphiboluri ...202032630412
gross anatomy, histology and blood vessel topography of the alimentary canal of the inland bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps).imaging techniques have proved to be crucial for diagnosis in reptile species. the topography of the internal organs of bearded dragons has been described in recent studies as meeting the small animal practitioners´ demand for knowledge concerning their anatomy. however, the nomenclature in the respective literature is not uniform, which could lead to misunderstandings concerning the respective and/or affected parts of the alimentary canal. therefore, the aim of this study was to provide clear i ...202032574166
glia-mediated regenerative response following acute excitotoxic damage in the postnatal squamate retina.the retina is a complex tissue responsible for both detection and primary processing of visual stimuli. although all vertebrate retinas share a similar, multi-layered organization, the ability to regenerate individual retinal cells varies tremendously, being extremely limited in mammals and birds when compared to anamniotes such as fish and amphibians. however, little is yet known about damage response and regeneration of retinal tissues in "non-classical" squamate reptiles (lizards, snakes), wh ...202032548121
ophthalmic examination, biometry, and histologic findings in captive inland bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).to report ophthalmic examination, biometry, phenol red thread test (prtt), intraocular pressure (iop), and histologic findings from a private collection of inland bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).202032459050
evaluation of subcutaneously administered electrolyte solutions in experimentally dehydrated inland bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).to evaluate the effects of 3 electrolyte solutions administered sc to experimentally dehydrated inland bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).202032343174
[viral diseases of reptiles in clinical practice].viruses are the cause of several important diseases in reptiles. in recent years, numerous novel reptile-infecting viruses have been discovered. there are also an increasing number of tests available for detecting viral infections in these animals. this review offers an overview of common and important viral infections in reptiles, the associated diseases as well as their diagnosis. specific viruses presented include those infecting reptiles commonly kept as pets, specifically squamates (snakes ...202032325527
the complete genome sequence of bearded dragon adenovirus 1 harbors three genes encoding proteins of the c-type lectin-like domain superfamily.bearded dragon adenovirus 1 (bdadv-1), also known as agamid adenovirus 1, has been described worldwide as a prevalent infectious agent of the inland bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps), the most common squamate exotic pet reptile. previous limited sequence data of the adenoviral dna polymerase and hexon genes indicated that bdadv-1 is a member of genus atadenovirus family adenoviridae. atadenoviruses infect ruminants, marsupials, testudine reptiles and birds, yet the genus has been shown to be of ...202032302697
iridium 192 (192-ir) high dose rate brachytherapy in a central bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps) with rostral squamous cell carcinoma.a 0.5-kg, 9-yr-old, male central bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps) presented with a proliferative mass (0.4 × 0.2 inches) on the left rostral aspect of the lower lip. physical examination, blood work, and whole-body radiography did not reveal any other abnormalities. histopathology confirmed squamous cell carcinoma. considering the small size of the tumor, absence of deep tissue infiltration, and its radioresponsive characteristics, iridium 192 high dose rate brachytherapy was attempted. the dra ...202032212571
the parietal eye of lizards (pogona vitticeps) needs light at a wavelength lower than 580 nm to activate light-dependent magnetoreception.in a previous study, the agamid lizard pogona vitticeps was discovered to respond to an electromagnetic field (emf) of extremely low frequency (6 and 8 hz; peak magnetic and electric fields of 2.6 µt and 10 v/m, respectively). furthermore, when the third eye of a lizard was covered, using a small round aluminum cap, the reaction to the emf disappeared. these results suggested that the parietal eye has a role in light-dependent magnetoreception. however, the wavelength of light needed to activate ...202032183459
evaluation of a ventral and a left lateral approach to coelioscopy in bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).to compare a ventral and a left lateral endoscopic approach to coelioscopy in bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).202032101045
reproductive phenotype predicts adult bite-force performance in sex-reversed dragons (pogona vitticeps).sex-related differences in morphology and behavior are well documented, but the relative contributions of genes and environment to these traits are less well understood. species that undergo sex reversal, such as the central bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps), offer an opportunity to better understand sexually dimorphic traits because sexual phenotypes can exist on different chromosomal backgrounds. reproductively female dragons with a discordant sex chromosome complement (sex reversed), at least ...202032061035
a claustrum in reptiles and its role in slow-wave sleep.the mammalian claustrum, owing to its widespread connectivity with other forebrain structures, has been hypothesized to mediate functions that range from decision-making to consciousness1. here we report that a homologue of the claustrum, identified by single-cell transcriptomics and viral tracing of connectivity, also exists in a reptile-the australian bearded dragon pogona vitticeps. in pogona, the claustrum underlies the generation of sharp waves during slow-wave sleep. the sharp waves, toget ...202032051589
red-footed tortoises (chelonoidis carbonaria) do not perceive the delboeuf illusion.visual illusions have been widely used as a tool to study animal visual perception. in many cases, identical experimental procedures were adopted to make highly controlled interspecific comparisons. however, reducing methodological variability may prevent reliable comparisons because a certain methodology could be more suitable for some species than others. this study sought to build on previous work that investigated the perception of the delboeuf illusion in reptiles. reptiles were presented w ...202033090850
pharmacokinetics of subcutaneously administered hydromorphone in bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps) and red-eared slider turtles (trachemys scripta elegans).to determine pharmacokinetic dosing strategy in bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps) and red-eared sliders (trachemys scripta elegans) based on two subcutaneously (sc) administered doses of hydromorphone (0.5 and 1.0 mg kg-1).201930827804
evaluation of neuraxial anesthesia in bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).to assess the feasibility, success rate, onset, duration and extent of motor/sensory block following intrathecal injection of lidocaine in bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).201930344028
specific anatomy and radiographic illustration of the digestive tract and transit time of two orally administered contrast media in inland bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).the aim of this study was to describe the specific gross and radiographic anatomy of the digestive tract of inland bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps). eleven bearded dragon cadavers of both sexes (6 females, 5 males) were dissected to examine, measure, and document the specific gross anatomy of the alimentary canal. measurements collected from the cadavers included snout-vent length, total length of the alimentary canal, and the lengths of the individual sections of the gastrointestinal tract, i ...201931437183
the use of a salmonella bacteriophage in bearded dragons: application, passage time and reisolation.this study determined the passage time and phage propagation time of a salmonella specific phage, felix o1, in bearded dragons, based on reisolation from cloacal swabs and faecal samples following oral administration, as a possible tool for reducing the zoonotic risk of salmonella from pet reptiles. an application scheme for this phage in bearded dragons was developed.201931434125
detection and characterization of invertebrate iridoviruses found in reptiles and prey insects in europe over the past two decades.invertebrate iridoviruses (iivs), while mostly described in a wide range of invertebrate hosts, have also been repeatedly detected in diagnostic samples from poikilothermic vertebrates including reptiles and amphibians. since iridoviruses from invertebrate and vertebrate hosts differ strongly from one another based not only on host range but also on molecular characteristics, a series of molecular studies and bioassays were performed to characterize and compare iivs from various hosts and evalua ...201931269721
hypertensive heart disease and encephalopathy in a central bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps) with severe atherosclerosis and first-degree atrioventricular block.a 0.5 kg, 5-yr-old male bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps) presented with a 2-mo history of lethargy, anorexia, and impaired locomotion. upon physical examination, bradyarrhythmia (heart rate: 20 beats/min) and balance disorders were noted. electrocardiography revealed a first-degree atrioventricular block (p-r interval: 360 ms). on echocardiography, all cardiac chambers were slightly above normal ranges. complete blood count, blood biochemistry, and t4 were unremarkable except for mildly elevate ...201931260220
adenoviruses in free-ranging australian bearded dragons (pogona spp.).adenoviruses are a relatively common infection of reptiles globally and are most often reported in captive central bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps). we report the first evidence of adenoviruses in bearded dragons in their native habitat in australia. oral-cloacal swabs and blood samples were collected from 48 free-ranging bearded dragons from four study populations: western bearded dragons (p. minor minor) from western australia (n = 4), central bearded dragons (p. vitticeps) from central aust ...201931213274
waking the sleeping dragon: gene expression profiling reveals adaptive strategies of the hibernating reptile pogona vitticeps.hibernation is a physiological state exploited by many animals exposed to prolonged adverse environmental conditions associated with winter. large changes in metabolism and cellular function occur, with many stress response pathways modulated to tolerate physiological challenges that might otherwise be lethal. many studies have sought to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of mammalian hibernation, but detailed analyses are lacking in reptiles. here we examine gene expression in the australian ce ...201931170930
egg incubation temperature influences the growth and foraging behaviour of juvenile lizards.after laying their eggs, oviparous reptiles are reliant on the external environment to provide the required incubation conditions for successful embryonic development. egg incubation temperature can impact the behaviour of various species of reptiles, but previous experiments have focused on the impact of incubation environment on hatchlings, with only a limited number of studies focussing on the longer-term behavioural consequences of incubation environment. this study investigated the effects ...201931170461
evaluation of the sedative and physiological effects of intramuscular lidocaine in bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps) sedated with alfaxalone.to evaluate if intramuscular (im) lidocaine potentiates the sedative effects of alfaxalone and results in cardiopulmonary changes in sedated bearded dragons.201931076335
correlation between the lunar phase and tail-lifting behavior of lizards (pogona vitticeps) exposed to an extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field.we previously showed that the agamid lizard pogona vitticeps responded to an extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (elf-emf; frequency: 6 and 8 hz; peak magnetic field: 2.6 µt; peak electric field: 10 v/m) with tail-lifting behavior. in addition, the tail-lifting response to elf-emf disappeared when the parietal eyes of the lizards were covered by small round aluminum caps. this result suggests that the parietal eye contributes to light-dependent magnetoreception. in the present study, w ...201931052293
intrapericardial encephalitozoon pogonae-associated arteritis with fatal hemopericardium in two juvenile central bearded dragons.two male juvenile central bearded dragons ( pogona vitticeps) were submitted for postmortem examination after dying at their respective homes. dragon 1 had marked hemopericardium with restrictive epicarditis. the inner aspect of the distended pericardial sac was lined by a fibrinoheterophilic membrane. in addition, granulomas abutted the testes. dragon 2 had acute hemopericardium and granulomatous arteritis of the great vessels exiting the heart. histologically, both animals had granulomatous ar ...201930795726
effects of the fraction of inspired oxygen on alfaxalone-sedated inland bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).objective to evaluate the effects of providing 100% o2, compared with provision of room air, in sedated spontaneously breathing inland bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps). animals 8 adult bearded dragons. procedures animals were sedated with alfaxalone (20 mg/kg, sc) and received 21% o2 (equivalent to room air) or 100% o2 via face mask (flow rate, 1 l/min) in a randomized, blinded, complete crossover study (2-week interval between treatments). sedation variables, cardiopulmonary variables, venous ...201930681351
conserved gene signalling and a derived patterning mechanism underlie the development of avian footpad scales.vertebrates possess a diverse range of integumentary epithelial appendages, including scales, feathers and hair. these structures share extensive early developmental homology, as they mostly originate from a conserved anatomical placode. in the context of avian epithelial appendages, feathers and scutate scales are known to develop from an anatomical placode. however, our understanding of avian reticulate (footpad) scale development remains unclear.201931428299
hnk-1 in morphological study of development of the cardiac conduction system in selected groups of sauropsida.human natural killer (hnk)-1 antibody is an established marker of developing cardiac conduction system (ccs) in birds and mammals. in our search for the evolutionary origin of the ccs, we tested this antibody in a variety of sauropsid species (crocodylus niloticus, varanus indicus, pogona vitticeps, pantherophis guttatus, eublepharis macularius, gallus gallus, and coturnix japonica). hearts of different species were collected at various stages of embryonic development and studied to map immunore ...201930306736
identification of helodermatid adenovirus 2 in a captive central bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps), wild gila monsters (heloderma suspectum), and a death adder (acanthophis antarcticus).adenoviruses are medium-sized dna viruses with very high host fidelity. the phylogenetic relationships of the adenoviruses strongly resemble that of their hosts, consistent with evolutionary codivergence. the genus atadenovirus appears to have evolved in squamate hosts. perhaps the best known of the squamate adenoviruses is agamid adenovirus 1 (agadv1), found most commonly in central bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps), where it is a prevalent cause of hepatitis/enteritis, especially in young ani ...201931120684
can reptiles perceive visual illusions? delboeuf illusion in red-footed tortoise (chelonoidis carbonaria) and bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps).optical illusions have been widely used to compare visual perception among vertebrates because they can reveal how the system is able to adapt to visual input. sensitivity to visual illusions has never been studied in reptiles. here, we investigated whether red-footed tortoises, chelonoidis carbonaria, and bearded dragons, pogona vitticeps, perceive the delboeuf illusion. this illusion involves the misperception of the size of a target circle depending upon the context in which it is presented. ...201930896231
immunohistochemical staining patterns of alpha-keratins in normal tissues from two reptile species: implications for characterization of squamous cell carcinomas.cytokeratins with epitopes in common with those of alpha (acidic and basic) mammalian keratins have been immunohistochemically demonstrated in the epidermis of reptiles. however, there are no reports of immunohistochemical staining patterns of alpha-keratins in other tissues from reptiles. because the epithelial tumours usually retain the keratin patterns of their normal epithelial origin, it is necessary to know in advance these patterns in the major normal epithelia and organs. we used anti-al ...201829980226
perception of artificial conspecifics by bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).artificial animals are increasingly used as conspecific stimuli in animal behavior research. however, researchers often have an incomplete understanding of how the species under study perceives conspecifics, and hence which features needed for a stimulus to be perceived appropriately. to investigate the features to which bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps) attend, we measured their lateralized eye use when assessing a successive range of stimuli. these ranged through several stages of realism in ...201829316228
a comparison of uvb compact lamps in enabling cutaneous vitamin d synthesis in growing bearded dragons.the effect of exposure to different uvb compact lamps on the vitamin d status of growing bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps) was studied. forty-two newly hatched bearded dragons (<24 h old) were allocated to six treatment groups (n = 7 per group). five groups were exposed to different uvb compact lamps for two hours per day, with a control group not exposed to uvb radiation. at 120 days of age, blood samples were obtained and concentrations of 25(oh)d3, ca, p and uric acid were determined. in add ...201828452197
histological analysis of post-eruption tooth wear adaptations, and ontogenetic changes in tooth implantation in the acrodontan squamate pogona vitticeps.teeth have been a focus of research in both extinct and extant taxa alike; a significant portion of dental literature is concerned with dental patterning and replacement. most non-mammalian vertebrates continuously replace their dentition but an anomalous group of squamates has forgone this process in only having one tooth generation; these squamates all have apically implanted teeth, a condition known as acrodonty. acrodont dentition and various characteristics attributed to it, including a lac ...201830425900
effects of furosemide administration to water-deprived inland bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).objective to evaluate the diuretic effects and associated changes in hematologic and plasma biochemical values following sc furosemide administration to water-deprived inland bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps). animals 9 bearded dragons. procedures in a crossover study design, furosemide (5 or 10 mg/kg) was administered sc every 12 hours for 4 doses or no treatment (control treatment) was provided for the same period. food and water were withheld. body weight was recorded before (baseline) and 1 ...201830372154
pneumonia in a captive central bearded dragon with concurrent detection of helodermatid adenovirus 2 and a novel mycoplasma species.a 4-year-old captive male central bearded dragon ( pogona vitticeps) was presented for recurrent episodic dyspnea and anorexia with occasional expulsion of oral mucoid discharge. despite empirical antimicrobial therapy and supportive care, the animal died and was submitted for autopsy. defining histologic features included heterophilic and lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia, with occasional amphophilic intranuclear inclusions and prominent type ii pneumocyte hyperplasia. transmission electron mi ...201829940815
relative position of the atrioventricular canal determines the electrical activation of developing reptile ventricles.squamate reptiles appear to lack the specialized his-purkinje system that enables the cardiac ventricle to be activated from apex to base as in mammals and birds. instead, activation may simply spread from where the atrioventricular canal connects to the base. gja5, which encodes cx40, which allows fast impulse propagation, was expressed throughout the ventricles of developing anole lizards. activation was optically recorded in developing corn snake and central bearded dragon. early embryonic ve ...201829674379
skull development, ossification pattern, and adult shape in the emerging lizard model organism pogona vitticeps: a comparative analysis with other squamates.the rise of the evo-devo field and the development of multidisciplinary research tools at various levels of biological organization have led to a growing interest in researching for new non-model organisms. squamates (lizards and snakes) are particularly important for understanding fundamental questions about the evolution of vertebrates because of their high diversity and evolutionary innovations and adaptations that portrait a striking body plan change that reached its extreme in snakes. yet, ...201829643813
rostral mandibular fracture repair in a pet bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps).case description a 2-year-old male bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps) was evaluated because of a traumatic mandibular fracture. clinical findings an open comminuted fracture of the rostral aspect of the right mandible was evident, with a fragment of bone exposed and dorsally displaced. whole-body radiography revealed no evidence of additional injury. other findings were unremarkable, except for moderate anemia (pcv, 19%). treatment and outcome the fracture fragments were stabilized with 2 crossed ...201829595397
developmental asynchrony and antagonism of sex determination pathways in a lizard with temperature-induced sex reversal.vertebrate sex differentiation follows a conserved suite of developmental events: the bipotential gonads differentiate and shortly thereafter sex specific traits become dimorphic. however, this may not apply to squamates, a diverse vertebrate lineage comprising of many species with thermosensitive sexual development. of the three species with data on the relative timing of gonad differentiation and genital dimorphism, the females of two (niveoscincus ocellatus and barisia imbricata) exhibit a ph ...201830291276
geographic divergence and colour change in response to visual backgrounds and illumination intensity in bearded dragons.animals may improve camouflage by both dynamic colour change and local evolutionary adaptation of colour but we have little understanding of their relative importance in colour-changing species. we tested for differences in colour change in response to background colour and light intensity in two populations of central bearded dragon lizards (pogona vitticeps) representing the extremes in body coloration and geographical range. we found that bearded dragons change colour in response to various b ...201728298465
what is your diagnosis? joint and associated tissue aspirates from a bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps). 201728263401
characterization of nannizziopsis guarroi with genomic and proteomic analysis in three lizard species.fungal infections in captive as well as in free-living reptiles caused by emerging obligate pathogenic fungi appear with increasing frequency and give occasion to establish new and fast methods for routine diagnostics. the so-called yellow fungus disease is one of the most important and common fungal dermatomycoses in central bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps) and green iguanas (iguana iguana) and is caused by nannizziopsis guarroi. the aim of this study was to prove reliability in identificatio ...201729420823
effects of a light-emitting diode on the production of cholecalciferol and associated blood parameters in the bearded dragon ( pogona vitticeps).the importance of vitamin d3has been documented in multiple reptile species, with deficiencies resulting in alterations in calcium homeostasis, including nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. though vitamin d3can be obtained directly from dietary sources or from photobiosynthetic production, species variability in diet and behavior makes exposure to ultraviolet b (uvb) radiation an essential requirement for some diurnal species. the effect of different bulbs to promote synthesis of cholecal ...201729297816
incubation environment impacts the social cognition of adult lizards.recent work exploring the relationship between early environmental conditions and cognition has shown that incubation environment can influence both brain anatomy and performance in simple operant tasks in young lizards. it is currently unknown how it impacts other, potentially more sophisticated, cognitive processes. social-cognitive abilities, such as gaze following and social learning, are thought to be highly adaptive as they provide a short-cut to acquiring new information. here, we investi ...201729291066
sex determination mode does not affect body or genital development of the central bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps).the development of male- or female-specific phenotypes in squamates is typically controlled by either temperature-dependent sex determination (tsd) or chromosome-based genetic sex determination (gsd). however, while sex determination is a major switch in individual phenotypic development, it is unknownhow evolutionary transitions between gsd and tsd might impact on the evolution of squamate phenotypes, particularly the fast-evolving and diverse genitalia. here, we take the unique opportunity of ...201729225770
thermoregulatory behavior and orientation preference in bearded dragons.the regulation of body temperature is a critical function for animals. although reliant on ambient temperature as a heat source, reptiles, and especially lizards, make use of multiple voluntary and involuntary behaviors to thermoregulate, including postural changes in body orientation, either toward or away from solar sources of heat. this thermal orientation may also result from a thermoregulatory drive to maintain precise control over cranial temperatures or a rostrally-driven sensory bias. th ...201729037379
first report of fatal disseminated microsporidiosis in two inland bearded dragonspogona vitticepsin japan.introduction.encephalitozoon pogonaeis a newly described pathogen belonging to the phylum microsporidia. in austria and the usa, this species has been isolated from fatal and disseminated cases of captive-bred inland bearded dragons. here, we report the case of fatal disseminated microsporidiosis caused by e. pogonae in two bearded dragons in japan.case presentation.the two lizards from different private households in tokyo, japan, had been brought to an animal hospital for examination. in both ...201729026616
karyotype analysis and sex determination in australian brush-turkeys (alectura lathami).sexual differentiation across taxa may be due to genetic sex determination (gsd) and/or temperature sex determination (tsd). in many mammals, males are heterogametic (xy); whereas females are homogametic (xx). in most birds, the opposite is the case with females being heterogametic (zw) and males the homogametic sex (zz). many reptile species lack sex chromosomes, and instead, sexual differentiation is influenced by temperature with specific temperatures promoting males or females varying across ...201728910392
[salmonellosis in an infant as a result of indirect contact with reptiles].reported is a case of enteritis caused by salmonella oranienburg in an approximately one-month-old infant due to indirect contact with reptiles. an epidemiological investigation included tests of faeces of bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps) kept in the patient's household that revealed salmonella oranienburg. the comparison of salmonella isolates obtained from the infant's stools and the reptiles' faeces using macrorestriction analysis showed 100% similarity, confirming that the reptiles were th ...201728903170
differential intron retention injumonjichromatin modifier genes is implicated in reptile temperature-dependent sex determination.in many vertebrates, sex of offspring is determined by external environmental cues rather than by sex chromosomes. in reptiles, for instance, temperature-dependent sex determination (tsd) is common. despite decades of work, the mechanism by which temperature is converted into a sex-determining signal remains mysterious. this is partly because it is difficult to distinguish the primary molecular events of tsd from the confounding downstream signatures of sexual differentiation. we use the austral ...201728630932
cholelithiasis in adult bearded dragons: retrospective study of nine adult bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps) with cholelithiasis between 2013 and 2015 in southern germany.with an increased number of pet reptiles, many diseases occur due to nutritional disorders. between 2013 and 2015, irregular gallbladder contents (sludge/choleliths) in adult bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps) were recorded in many of the routinely conducted necropsies at the reptile rescue station in munich (auffangstation für reptilien, münchen e.v., munich, germany). nine animals, six from the rescue station and three from an associated veterinary practice (tierärztliche praxis für exoten, au ...201728627055
validation of a thermal threshold nociceptive model in bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).to validate a thermal threshold (tt) nociceptive model in bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps) and to document tt changes after administration of morphine.201728551416
fungal dermatitis, glossitis and disseminated visceral mycosis caused by different metarhizium granulomatis genotypes in veiled chameleons (chamaeleo calyptratus) and first isolation in healthy lizards.metarhizium (m.) granulomatis (formerly chamaeleomyces granulomatis) invariably causes fatal fungal glossitis and systemic mycosis in veiled chameleons (chamaeleo calyptratus). isolation of m. granulomatis in other lizards thus far has not been described. the aim of this study therefore was to obtain information on the presence of m. granulomatis in reptiles kept as pets, and to examine whether there was an association between specific genotypes and clinical/pathological outcomes. besides 18s ri ...201728757044
characterization of metarhizium viride mycosis in veiled chameleons (chamaeleo calyptratus), panther chameleons (furcifer pardalis), and inland bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).metarhizium viride has been associated with fatal systemic mycoses in chameleons, but subsequent data on mycoses caused by this fungus in reptiles are lacking. the aim of this investigation was therefore to obtain information on the presence of m. viride in reptiles kept as pets in captivity and its association with clinical signs and pathological findings as well as improvement of diagnostic procedures. beside 18s ribosomal dna (rdna) (small subunit [ssu]) and internal transcribed spacer region ...201728003420
pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluations of a 10 mg/kg enrofloxacin intramuscular administration in bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps): a preliminary assessment.enrofloxacin (e) is commonly used in veterinary medicine. it is necessary to perform pharmacokinetic/dynamic studies to minimize the selection of resistant mutants of bacteria and extend the efficacy of antimicrobial agents. eight healthy adult pogona vitticeps were assigned into two groups of equal size and treated with a single intramuscular injection of e at 10 mg/kg. blood samples were withdrawn at different scheduled times for each group, and rectal swabs were collected. e and ciprofloxacin ...201727121980
the impact of egg incubation temperature on the personality of oviparous reptiles.personality traits, defined as differences in the behavior of individual animals of the same species that are consistent over time and context, such as 'boldness,' have been shown to be both heritable and be influenced by external factors, such as predation pressure. currently, we know very little about the role that early environmental factors have upon personality. thus, we investigated the impact of incubation temperature upon the boldness on an oviparous reptile, the bearded dragon (pogona v ...201727599495
identification of interleukin genes in pogona vitticeps using a de novo transcriptome assembly from rna-seq data.interleukins are a group of cytokines with complex immunomodulatory functions that are important for regulating immunity in vertebrate species. reptiles and mammals last shared a common ancestor more than 350 million years ago, so it is not surprising that low sequence identity has prevented divergent interleukin genes from being identified in the central bearded dragon lizard, pogona vitticeps, in its genome assembly. to determine the complete nucleotide sequences of key interleukin genes, we c ...201627255409
nannizziopsis guarroi infection in 2 inland bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps): clinical, cytologic, histologic, and ultrastructural aspects.chrysosporium-related infections have been increasingly reported in reptiles over the last 2 decades. in this report, we describe clinical, cytologic, histopathologic, and ultrastructural aspects of chrysosporium-related infection in 2 inland bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps). case 1 was presented for an enlarging raised lesion over the left eye and multiple additional masses over the dorsum. case 2 was submitted to necropsy by the referring veterinarian for suspected yellow fungus disease. imp ...201627010762
dermatomycosis in three central bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps) associated with nannizziopsis chlamydospora.chronic dermatomycosis was identified in 3 central bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps), held as companion animals by the same owner. clinical signs of dermatomycosis included subcutaneous masses as well as crusty, erosive, and ulcerative skin lesions. the facial region was affected in 2 of the 3 cases. masses were surgically excised, and histology confirmed necrotizing and granulomatous inflammatory processes associated with fungal hyphae. two of the bearded dragons were euthanized because of the ...201626951329
ranavirus in an outbreak of dermatophilosis in captive inland bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).various pathogens cause skin diseases in lizards. an outbreak of skin disease occurred in a population of 100 inland bearded dragons at a breeding facility in japan; 50 developed skin lesions and 15 mortalities were reported.201626940568
standardization of the two-dimensional transcoelomic echocardiographic examination in the central bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps).to objectively and subjectively describe the normal spectrum of two-dimensional echocardiographic findings in the central bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps).201626810489
establishing a new species encephalitozoon pogonae for the microsporidian parasite of inland bearded dragon pogona vitticeps ahl 1927 (reptilia, squamata, agamidae).the microsporidium parasitizing inland bearded dragons pogona vitticeps, and developing primarily in macrophages within foci of granulomatous inflammation of different organs, is described as a new species encephalitozoon pogonae. establishing the new species was based on sequencing the its-ssurdna region of the ribosomal gene and consequent ssurdna-inferred phylogenetic analyses, as well as on comparison of pathogenesis, host specificity, and ultrastructure among encephalitozoon species and iso ...201626785360
reclassification of eimeria pogonae walden (2009) as choleoeimeria pogonae comb. nov. (apicomplexa: eimeriidae).the presented paper provides a reclassification of eimeria pogonae from pogona vitticeps into the correct genus choleoeimeria. a description of exogenous and endogenous stages of biliary coccidium is given. sporulation of the oocysts was endogenous. the mature oocysts contained four sporocysts each with two sporozoites. oocysts were ellipsoidal in shape, with average length/width ratio 1.7 and measured 28.4 (sd1.5) × 16.8 (sd 1.5). the micropyle, residuum, and polar granules were absent from the ...201626468146
devrieseasis in a plumed basilisk (basiliscus plumifrons) and chinese water dragons (physignathus cocincinus) in a zoologic collection.devriesea agamarum is a gram-positive bacterium that was first described in 2008 as a causative agent of disease in lizards. until today, reports from several countries reported the presence of this bacterium in various lizard species, which suggests a wide distribution among lizard collections. pathologic lesions ranged from proliferative dermatitis and cheilitis to abscesses in multiple organs and septicemia in single animals, as well as entire groups. until now, disease caused by d. agamarum ...201627010288
diagnostic sensitivity of ultrasound, radiography and computed tomography for gender determination in four species of lizards.gender determination is frequently requested by reptile breeders, especially for species with poor or absent sexual dimorphism. the aims of the current study were to describe techniques and diagnostic sensitivities of ultrasound, radiography, and computed tomography for gender determination (identification of hemipenes) in four species of lizards. nineteen lizards of known sex, belonging to four different species (pogona vitticeps, uromastyx aegyptia, tiliqua scincoides, gerrhosaurus major) were ...201625065912
radiographic anatomy and barium sulfate contrast transit time of the gastrointestinal tract of bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).the positive contrast gastrointestinal study is a common non-invasive diagnostic technique that does not require anesthesia and enables good visualization of the digestive tract. radiographic anatomy and reference intervals for gastrointestinal contrast transit time in inland bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps) were established using seven animals administered 15 ml/kg of a 35% w/v suspension of barium by esophageal gavage. dorso-ventral and lateral radiographic views were performed at 0, 15, 30 ...201624945023
triple infection with agamid adenovirus 1, encephaliton cuniculi-like microsporidium and enteric coccidia in a bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps).a 2-month-old juvenile central bearded dragon was presented for anorexia and cachexia. another specimen from the same cage had died suddenly 2 weeks prior. fecal analysis revealed a high quantity of isospora amphiboluri and a few pinworm eggs. other examinations were not performed and the animal died a few days later despite supportive care. a third individual from the same cage presented with anorexia and a distended cœlom and was euthanized. in this third dragon, histological examination revea ...201627385082
amplification of microsatellite repeat motifs is associated with the evolutionary differentiation and heterochromatinization of sex chromosomes in sauropsida.the sex chromosomes in sauropsida (reptiles and birds) have evolved independently many times. they show astonishing diversity in morphology ranging from cryptic to highly differentiated sex chromosomes with male (xx/xy) and female heterogamety (zz/zw). comparing such diverse sex chromosome systems thus provides unparalleled opportunities to capture evolution of morphologically differentiated sex chromosomes in action. here, we describe chromosomal mapping of 18 microsatellite repeat motifs in ei ...201626194100
sex reversal in reptiles: reproductive oddity or powerful driver of evolutionary change?is sex a product of genes, the environment, or both? in this review, we describe the diversity of sex-determining mechanisms in reptiles, with a focus on systems that display gene-environment interactions. we summarise the field and laboratory-based evidence for the occurrence of environmental sex reversal in reptiles and ask whether this is a widespread evolutionary mechanism affecting the evolution of sex chromosomes and speciation in vertebrates. sex determination systems exist across a conti ...201627794577
comparative genomics of campylobacter iguaniorum to unravel genetic regions associated with reptilian hosts.campylobacter iguaniorum is most closely related to the species c fetus, c hyointestinalis, and c lanienae reptiles, chelonians and lizards in particular, appear to be a primary reservoir of this campylobacter species. here we report the genome comparison of c iguaniorum strain 1485e, isolated from a bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps), and strain 2463d, isolated from a green iguana (iguana iguana), with the genomes of closely related taxa, in particular with reptile-associated c fetus subsp. test ...201627604878
slow waves, sharp waves, ripples, and rem in sleeping dragons.sleep has been described in animals ranging from worms to humans. yet the electrophysiological characteristics of brain sleep, such as slow-wave (sw) and rapid eye movement (rem) activities, are thought to be restricted to mammals and birds. recording from the brain of a lizard, the australian dragon pogona vitticeps, we identified sw and rem sleep patterns, thus pushing back the probable evolution of these dynamics at least to the emergence of amniotes. the sw and rem sleep patterns that we obs ...201627126045
genomic structure and expression of immunoglobulins in squamata.the squamata order represents a major evolutionary reptile lineage, yet the structure and expression of immunoglobulins in this order has been scarcely studied in detail. from the genome sequences of four squamata species (gekko japonicus, ophisaurus gracilis, pogona vitticeps and ophiophagus hannah) and rna-seq datasets from 18 other squamata species, we identified the immunoglobulins present in these animals as well as the tissues in which they are found. all squamata have at least three immun ...201626998711
in situ cardiac perfusion reveals interspecific variation of intraventricular flow separation in reptiles.the ventricles of non-crocodilian reptiles are incompletely divided and provide an opportunity for mixing of oxygen-poor blood and oxygen-rich blood (intracardiac shunting). however, both cardiac morphology and in vivo shunting patterns exhibit considerable interspecific variation within reptiles. in the present study, we develop an in situ double-perfused heart approach to characterise the propensity and capacity for shunting in five reptile species: the turtle trachemys scripta, the rock pytho ...201627207643
expression of a hindlimb-determining factor pitx1 in the forelimb of the lizard pogona vitticeps during morphogenesis.with over 9000 species, squamates, which include lizards and snakes, are the largest group of reptiles and second-largest order of vertebrates, spanning a vast array of appendicular skeletal morphology. as such, they provide a promising system for examining developmental and molecular processes underlying limb morphology. using the central bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps) as the primary study model, we examined limb morphometry throughout embryonic development and characterized the expression o ...201627784790
anchoring genome sequence to chromosomes of the central bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps) enables reconstruction of ancestral squamate macrochromosomes and identifies sequence content of the z chromosome.squamates (lizards and snakes) are a speciose lineage of reptiles displaying considerable karyotypic diversity, particularly among lizards. understanding the evolution of this diversity requires comparison of genome organisation between species. although the genomes of several squamate species have now been sequenced, only the green anole lizard has any sequence anchored to chromosomes. there is only limited gene mapping data available for five other squamates. this makes it difficult to reconst ...201627286959
color change for thermoregulation versus camouflage in free-ranging lizards.animal coloration has multiple functions including thermoregulation, camouflage, and social signaling, and the requirements of each function may sometimes conflict. many terrestrial ectotherms accommodate the multiple functions of color through color change. however, the relative importance of these functions and how color-changing species accommodate them when they do conflict are poorly understood because we lack data on color change in the wild. here, we show that the color of individual radi ...201627860512
immunofluorescent staining reveals hypermethylation of microchromosomes in the central bearded dragon, pogona vitticeps.studies of model organisms have demonstrated that dna cytosine methylation and histone modifications are key regulators of gene expression in biological processes. comparatively little is known about the presence and distribution of epigenetic marks in non-model amniotes such as non-avian reptiles whose genomes are typically packaged into chromosomes of distinct size classes. studies of chicken karyotypes have associated the gene-richness and high gc content of microchromosomes with a distinct e ...201526719769
high-coverage sequencing and annotated assembly of the genome of the australian dragon lizard pogona vitticeps.the lizards of the family agamidae are one of the most prominent elements of the australian reptile fauna. here, we present a genomic resource built on the basis of a wild-caught male zz central bearded dragon pogona vitticeps.201526421146
the diet of free-roaming australian central bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).the central bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps) is one of the most popular pet lizards. however, little is known regarding their nutrient requirement, or their natural diet. therefore, the stomach contents of 14 free-roaming p. vitticeps were determined by flushing. these stomach contents were described taxonomically, and analyzed for crude protein content as well as fatty acid content and composition. most of the dry matter intake was in the form of animal material (61%) stemming from nine arthro ...201525773132
social learning by imitation in a reptile (pogona vitticeps).the ability to learn through imitation is thought to be the basis of cultural transmission and was long considered a distinctive characteristic of humans. there is now evidence that both mammals and birds are capable of imitation. however, nothing is known about these abilities in the third amniotic class-reptiles. here, we use a bidirectional control procedure to show that a reptile species, the bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps), is capable of social learning that cannot be explained by simple ...201525199480
porphyromonas pogonae sp. nov., an anaerobic but low concentration oxygen adapted coccobacillus isolated from lizards (pogona vitticeps) or human clinical specimens, and emended description of the genus porphyromonas shah and collins 1988.during the process of identifying a gram-negative coccobacillus isolated from a human clinical specimen, we found that the isolate's 16s rrna gene had very close sequence identity with that of a variant porphyromonas isolated from polymicrobial infections in the central bearded dragon, a species of lizard [2]. the 16s rrna gene sequences of the human isolate and of six isolates from lizards were nearly identical (99.9-100%). phylogenetic analysis placed all of these isolates in a single phylogen ...201525481042
development and validation of a novel hydrolysis probe real-time polymerase chain reaction for agamid adenovirus 1 in the central bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps).agamid adenovirus 1 (agadv-1) is a significant cause of disease in bearded dragons (pogona sp.). clinical manifestations of agadv-1 infection are variable and often nonspecific; the manifestations range from lethargy, weight loss, and inappetence, to severe enteritis, hepatitis, and sudden death. currently, diagnosis of agadv-1 infection is achieved through a single published method: standard nested polymerase chain reaction (npcr) and sequencing. standard npcr with sequencing provides reliable ...201525776549
novel parvoviruses in reptiles and genome sequence of a lizard parvovirus shed light on dependoparvovirus genus evolution.here, we report the detection and partial genome characterization of two novel reptilian parvoviruses derived from a short-tailed pygmy chameleon (rampholeon brevicaudatus) and a corn snake (pantherophis guttatus) along with the complete genome analysis of the first lizard parvovirus, obtained from four bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps). both homology searches and phylogenetic tree reconstructions demonstrated that all are members of the genus dependoparvovirus. even though most dependoparvovir ...201526067293
anesthetic induction and recovery parameters in bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps): comparison of isoflurane delivered in 100% oxygen versus 21% oxygen.inland bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps, n=6) were anesthetized for 1 hr using isoflurane in either 100% oxygen or 21% oxygen (fi 21; medical-grade room air). parameters of anesthetic depth were recorded throughout both induction and recovery by an observer blinded to the fraction of inspired oxygen (fio2), including the loss and return of withdrawal and righting reflexes, muscle tone, ability to intubate or extubate, and return to spontaneous respiration. physiologic data were recorded every 5 ...201526352957
sex reversal triggers the rapid transition from genetic to temperature-dependent sex.sex determination in animals is amazingly plastic. vertebrates display contrasting strategies ranging from complete genetic control of sex (genotypic sex determination) to environmentally determined sex (for example, temperature-dependent sex determination). phylogenetic analyses suggest frequent evolutionary transitions between genotypic and temperature-dependent sex determination in environmentally sensitive lineages, including reptiles. these transitions are thought to involve a genotypic sys ...201526135451
measurement of intraocular pressure in healthy unanesthetized inland bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).to evaluate the use of rebound and applanation tonometry for the measurement of intraocular pressure (iop) and to assess diurnal variations in and the effect of topical anesthesia on the iop of healthy inland bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).201526000596
ultrasonographic anatomy of bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).to determine which organs can be reliably visualized ultrasonographically in bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps), describe their normal ultrasonographic appearance, and describe an ultrasonographic technique for use with this species.201525835171
thermoregulatory consequences of salt loading in the lizard pogona vitticeps.previous research has demonstrated that dehydration increases the threshold temperature for panting and decreases the thermal preference of lizards. conversely, it is unknown whether thermoregulatory responses such as shuttling and gaping are similarly influenced. shuttling, as an active behavioural response, is considered one of the most effective thermoregulatory behaviours, whereas gaping has been proposed to be involved in preventing brain over-heating in lizards. in this study we examined t ...201525714566
assessment of platelet-derived growth factor using a splinted full thickness dermal wound model in bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).wounds in reptiles are a common reason for presentation to a veterinarian. at this time there is limited information on effective topical medications to aid in wound closure. the objectives of this study were to translate the splinted, full-thickness dermal wound model, validated in mice, to the bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps) and to determine the effect of topical becaplermin (bp), a platelet-derived growth factor (0.01%), on the rate of wound closure. ten bearded dragons were anesthetized an ...201425632675
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