Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Reptile and Amphibian. Javier G. Nevarez

       PCR may be diagnostic if the test is specific for the adenovirus commonly isolated from the reptile species.

       Necropsy and histopathology: appropriate tissues need to be evaluated and, in some cases, additional tests such as TEM and/or PCR molecular diagnostics need to be performed.

       Gross lesions: hepatosplenomegaly, thick fibrinonecrotic membranes in the lumen of the large intestine, segmental darkening of the serosal surfaces of the small and large intestine, oronasal fìstulas, and tongue and oral mucosa ulceration.

       Histology: heterophilic and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of intestinal enteritis and hepatic necrosis. The inclusions are basophilic or amphophilic.

       Nutritional support should be provided as needed only when the reptile is well hydrated and at an ideal environmental temperature for the species.

       An esophagostomy tube should be considered for long‐term care.

       Quarantine: the current recommendation is for approximately 6 months isolation period for most reptiles, with PCR testing at various intervals.

       Post‐outbreak: after diagnosis of an adenovirus infection in a collection, cages and hard surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned with a detergent, followed by disinfection with a 10% bleach solution. A minimum of 10‐minute contact time with the bleach is recommended. All bleached supplies and cages should be thoroughly rinsed afterward and dried. Bleach can be corrosive and can cause respiratory irritation in enclosed spaces.

       Direct unfiltered sunlight or other intense ultraviolet sources may also aid disinfection. Proper contact time must be followed if using other disinfectants.

       All reptiles should be kept at appropriate temperature and humidity and offered food consistent with their dietary requirements.

       Reptiles showing clinical signs should be isolated and provided supportive care.

       Any co‐infections should be treated, if possible.

       Monitoring weight, appetite, and fecal production will help assess response to therapy and progression of infection.

       Utensils and cage furniture should not be transferred from room to room or animal to animal.

       There is no specific treatment.

       Disease progression is unknown as antemortem diagnosis is seldom determined.

       Cases have ranged from acute to chronic protracted presentation of clinical signs.

       Identifying adenovirus from a healthy animal is not diagnostic for a disease caused by the virus.

       Reptiles can be inapparent hosts for adenoviruses.

       AdV = Adenovirus

       PCR = polymerase chain reaction

       PCV = packed cell volume

       TEM = transmission electron microscopy

       Kik, MJL. Adenoviris infection in reptiles. Transmissible Diseases Handbook. 4th ed. European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians. https://www.eazwv.org/page/inf_handbook

       Jacobson E, Wellehan J, Stacy B. Reptile Adenovirus PCR and Sequencing at the University of Florida CVM. www.dachiu.com/beardeddragons/Adenovirus.pdf

      1 Doszpoly A, Wellehan J.F.X. Jr., Childress AL, et al. Partial characterization of a new adenovirus lineage discovered in testudinoid turtles. Infect Genet Evol 2013; 17:106–112.

      2 Papp T, Fledelius B, Schmidt V, et al. PCR‐sequence characterization of new adenoviruses found in reptiles and the first successful isolation of a lizard adenovirus. Vet Microbiol 2009; 134(3–4):233–240.