Clinical and post mortem examination of white worm lizards (Amphisbaena alba) in the State of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil: morphological, pathological and radiographic findings of a secretive species

• Published in: Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 2021-05, Vol.41
• Main Authors: Pereira, Raquel M.F., Silva, Raquel A.F., Sampaio, Rubia A.G., Silva Neto, José F., Oliveira, Rafael L., Pires, Carolina F., Frade, Andressa D.A., Araújo, Jeann Leal de
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Amphisbaena alba; Brazil; morphology; pathology; radiography; reptiles; Semenoviella amphisbaenae; Squamata; trauma; VETERINARY SCIENCES; White worm lizards; wildlife animals; wildlife diseases
• ISSN: 0100-736X; 1678-5150; 1678-5150
• DOI: 10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-6832

Amphisbenians are limbless reptiles that belong to the order Squamata. Due to their fossorial and secrevie habits, little is known about their morphology, ecology and pathological conditions that may affect them. In this manuscript, we present a brief guide for identification of normal structures as well as traumatic injuries on radiography and necropsy of Amphisbaena alba. From April to September 2019, three cases of A. alba with suspected trauma were referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB). In the clinical evaluation, traumatic injuries were observed, and support therapy was instituted, but they did not resist and died shortly after. Bone fractures and organ ruptures, in addition to specific structures of this species were identified on radiography. A systematic necropsy was performed of all amphisbaenians in order to evaluate external and internal structures, not only to identify lesions but also to investigate the morphological aspects of amphisbenids. Macroscopically, multiple organ fractures and ruptures observed in radiographs were confirmed, in addition to the presence of the cestodes Semenoviella amphisbaenae in the large intestine. Histologically, it was possible to identify normal characteristics and microscopic lesions in the tissues. This is the first study to incorporate morphological, clinical, and pathological aspects of A. alba. This manuscript brings essential information for wildlife veterinarians and pathologists who may have to treat or perform a necropsy on these unique reptiles. RESUMO: Anfisbenas são répteis desprovidos de membros que pertencem a ordem Squamata. Devido a seus hábitos fossoriais e reclusos, pouco se conhece sobre sua morfologia, ecologia e condições patológicas que possam afetá-las. Neste artigo, um guia sucinto para a necropsia, identificação de tecidos e órgãos e lesões encontradas em Amphisbaena alba, é apresentado. Durante março e dezembro de 2019, três casos de A. alba com suspeita de trauma foram encaminhados ao Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Na avaliação clínica foram observadas lesões traumáticas e instituído um suporte terapêutico, porém não resistiram e morreram em seguida. Foram realizadas projeções radiográficas onde identificaram fraturas e ruptura de órgãos, além de identificar estruturas específicas dessa espécie. Uma avaliação completa de estruturas externas e internas foi conduzida para investigar aspectos morfológicos dos anfisbenídeo