The landscape of reptile pet ownership in Hong Kong
Researchers investigated the evolving landscape of reptile pet ownership in Hong Kong.
Employing a quantitative approach, a self-administered survey was distributed and over 200 reptile pet owners residing in Hong Kong responded. The survey instrument captured demographic data on pet ownership history, species preferences, husbandry practices and veterinary care utilization.
The findings revealed a strong interest in pet reptiles, with lizards being particularly popular (67%) among new owners. Turtles remain common (35%), likely due to cultural factors and perceived ease of care. However, a gap was noted between the awareness and the implementation of proper husbandry practices, with 51% of respondents expressing concerns about enrichment and 21% uncertain about appropriate enclosure size. Veterinary care utilization also showed a disconnect, with 50% of the respondents reporting no regular check-ups were performed, despite acknowledging its importance. Reptile behavior served as a well-being indicator. Over 90% of the respondents observed normal behaviors like locomotion and breathing. Interestingly, a positive correlation emerged between reptile behavior scores and duration of ownership (r = 0.200, p < 0.01), suggesting improved well-being for reptiles that were in long-term care.
These findings emphasize the need for educational initiatives promoting responsible pet ownership practices and fostering collaboration between reptile owners, veterinarians and animal welfare organizations. By addressing these knowledge gaps and promoting a collaborative approach, the results aim to contribute to enhanced reptile welfare in the context of Hong Kong’s evolving pet ownership trends.
Source: Sze-Wing Chan et al., 2024. Assessing the current landscape of reptile pet ownership in Hong Kong: A foundation for improved animal welfare and future research directions. Animals online, June 2024. doi: 10.3390/ani14121767.
Food-borne salmonellosis in a corn snake
Reptiles are usually asymptomatic carriers of Salmonella, with the manifestation of typical clinical signs of acute forms in adult and non-immunocompromised animals being considered exceptions. Different reptile groups, including snakes, can also transmit salmonellosis to humans, causing reptile-associated salmonellosis (RAS). RAS, which can be acquired through direct or indirect contact with animals and their feed, can lead to diarrheal illness and serious sequelae such as meningitis and sepsis. These complications can have potentially fatal outcomes, especially among infants, elderly and immunocompromised persons.
In the present case, an adult male corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) was found dead due to septic shock 48 h after consuming a feeder mouse purchased online. The snake’s tissue samples and feces were cultured for bacteria isolation. Microbiological examinations of the snake and mouse livers revealed the presence of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Midway. A whole-genome analysis of these two isolates showed a high correlation between them: They belonged to the strain type ST-357 for the classic MLST scheme and to the strain type ST 171322 for the cgMLST scheme. Also, a virulence gene analysis revealed the presence of stdB and STM3026 genes.
This report conveys a case of food-borne salmonellosis in a pet snake, transmitted from a feeder mouse, likely responsible for the snake’s death due to septic shock. It highlights the relevance of feeder mice as a source of Salmonella infections in snakes and the associated risks to human health.
Source: Arianna Meletiadis et al., 2024. A case of food-borne salmonellosis in a corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) after a feeder mouse meal. Animals online, June 2024. doi: 10.3390/ani14121722.
Postprandial effects following a semielemental critical-care diet in the central bearded dragon
The bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), of the family Agamidae, is one of the most common pet reptiles and species found in zoological collections and can be affected by both renal and hepatic disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding a semielemental omnivore critical-care diet on plasma uric acid and bile acid levels in bearded dragons. Additional biochemical parameters (glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides) were also measured. The hypothesis was that feeding the critical-care diet would affect both uric acid and bile acid in bearded dragons, with both parameters increasing postprandially.
This project was approved by the Zoo Atlanta Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Thirteen clinically healthy, captive-bred, zoo-owned adult (18- to 24-month old) male bearded dragons were used for the study. Following a 72-hour fasting period, blood was collected to measure preprandial uric acid, bile acid and glucose concentrations. The animals were then gavage fed 1.2% body weight of an omnivore critical-care diet containing 20% protein, 9.5% fat, 2.5% fiber and 2.39 kcal/mL. Blood was collected for repeat concentrations at 4 and 24 hours.
Median (IQR) uric acid concentration (mg/dL) increased from 3.8 preprandial (2.8 to 4.3) to 4.7 4 hours postprandial (4 to 7; P = .0001). Median (IQR) bile acid concentration (mg/dL) increased from 1.8 preprandial (1 to 3.4) to 9.5 24 hours postprandial (5.6 to 10.4; P = .004). Median (IQR) glucose concentration (mg/dL) was 209 at time 0 (193 to 216), 287 at 4 hours (258 to 312), and 393 at 24 hours (361 to 464). Significant increases were seen between pre- and 4-hours-postprandial (P < .0001), pre- and 24-hours-postprandial (P < .0001), and 4-hours- and 24-hours-postprandial (P < .0001) glucose concentrations.
Results suggest that postprandial status and diet composition should be considered during the interpretation of some biochemical analytes in the bearded dragon.
Source: Lara M. Cusack et al., 2024. Postprandial effects following a semielemental critical-care diet lead to changes in uric acid, bile acids, and glucose in the central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps). AJVR online, April 2024. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.23.10.0223.