SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF GRANULOMATOUS ESOPHAGITIS ASSOCIATED WITH ESOPHAGEAL PERFORATION IN A GREEN TREE PYTHON (MORELIA VIRIDIS)

摘要

A 17-year-old male green tree python (Morelia viridis) was presented with anorexia, intermittent hypersalivation and open-mouth breathing since 2 months. Besides irresponsiveness to antimicrobial and supportive treatment, the presence of a focal coelomic distention was noted at the ventral aspect of the cardiac region 1 month after initial presentation. Ultrasonography revealed a well-defined mass located at the base of the heart and excluded a cardiogenic origin. Nuclear Tc-99m-pertechnetate ((TcO4-Na+)-Tc-99m) scintigraphy was performed to confirm or exclude a thyroid gland disorder. Explorative coeliotomy revealed the presence of an ulcerated mass originating from the mucosal surface of the esophagus. Caudal to the intraluminal mass, an esophageal perforation showing healthy margins was observed and successfully surgically restored. Based on histological and microbiological examination, the esophageal mass proved to be a bacterial granuloma associated with an esophageal perforation. The current case highlights the need for a multidirectional approach toward establishing a definitive antemortem diagnosis of granulomatous esophagitis and esophageal perforation in snakes. This is the first report of a surgically managed esophageal perforation in a snake. Copyright 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.