Author/Authors :
Bercier, Marjorie Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences - College of Veterinary Medicine - University of Florida, USA , Zoll, Whitney Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology - College of Veterinary Medicine - University of Florida, USA , Rosenberg, Justin F. Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences - College of Veterinary Medicine - University of Florida, USA , Giglio, Robson Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences - College of Veterinary Medicine - University of Florida, USA , McCoy, Lenice Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences - College of Veterinary Medicine - University of Florida, USA , Castleman, William L. Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology - College of Veterinary Medicine - University of Florida, USA , Johnson, Matthew D. Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences - College of Veterinary Medicine - University of Florida, USA , Heard, Darryl J. Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences - College of Veterinary Medicine - University of Florida, USA
Abstract :
A 3-year-old female red corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) was presented for a three-week history of anorexia and decreased
defecations. On physical examination, a soft midbody intracoelomic swelling was palpated. Transcutaneous coelomic ultrasound
revealed a target-like mass on a transverse section of the stomach, suggesting the presence of a gastrointestinal intussusception. On
exploratory coeliotomy, a double compounded esophagogastric and gastroduodenal intussusception was diagnosed and reduced
surgically. A gastropexy was also performed to prevent recurrence. On histopathology, the gastric glandular mucosa showed
moderate to marked proliferation. Diffusely lining the luminal surface of glandular epithelium and free within the lumen were
a myriad of protozoa consistent with Cryptosporidium sp. A diagnosis of chronic proliferative gastritis due to Cryptosporidium sp.
was made based on these findings. Intussusceptions are rare in reptiles and are infrequently reported in snakes. This is the first
report of a double compounded intussusception in a nonmammalian species and the first report of an intussusception involving
the stomach in a snake with gastritis due to Cryptosporidium sp
