Evidence: Bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) toxicology
Source: Europe PMC (Europe PubMed Central) REST search — first-hand peer-reviewed abstract records, pulled 2026-08-01. Queries covered toxicology, poisoning, intoxication, heavy metals, mycotoxins and (for relevant taxa) envenomation for Pogona vitticeps. The cluster returns 12 representative studies with abstracts below. Abstract text is verbatim from source; each study is traceable by PMID.
Studies
- PMID 42345783 (2026, Biology) — Long-Standing Activity with Characteristic Genomic Insertion Signatures in Reptilian Bov-B LINEs and Associated Sauria SINEs.. Abstract (opening): Although long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) and short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) are typically passed down to descendants as part of the genome, the Bov-B LINE was likely horizontally transferred from a snake to the ancestor of ruminants. Plant RTE-clade LINEs and their associated SINEs possess a genomic insertion signature different from that of mammalian L1 LINEs. However, the reason for the increased frequency of horizontal transfer in RTE-clade LINEs such as Bov-B relative to that in L1-clade LINEs has not yet been clarified. In this study, we identified family members of the reptilian Bov-B LINE and associated Sauria SINE across various squamate species to determine the amplification timing of the LINE. The findings revealed that the LINE may be over 180 million years old. Moreover, profiling of target site duplications showed that a characteristic genomic insertion signature of the LINE and SINE closely resembled the signature of the plant RTE-clade LINEs. We conducted phylogenetic analyses of RTE-clade LINEs with characteristic genomic insertion signatures and estimated their divergence times. The findings suggest an ancient origin (over 411 MYA) of the retrotranspositional mechanism underlying this signature; however, a complex evolutionary trajectory of LINEs across species warrants further investigation.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42345783/
- PMID 41788912 (2026, Case reports in veterinary medicine) — Sarcoma at the Site of a Transponder Implant in a Standing's Day Gecko (<i>Phelsuma standingi</i>): A Case Report.. Abstract (opening): A 26-year-old female Standing's day gecko (<i>Phelsuma standingi</i>) was presented for evaluation of a mass on the right caudolateral trunk and was subsequently euthanized. Necropsy revealed a neoplastic mass surrounding a passive integrated transponder at the body wall. Histopathology of the mass was consistent with a sarcoma and was characterized by whorls of fusiform neoplastic cells invading the muscle, adipose, and bone of the coelomic wall. Given its proximity to the transponder and the degree to which it encompassed the device, the sarcoma was inferred to be transponder-associated. However, further conclusions regarding a causal relationship between the transponder implant and the neoplastic mass cannot be drawn based on this single case. This report describes the clinical presentation and pathologic findings for a microchip-associated neoplasia in a reptile.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41788912/
- PMID 42041919 (2026, Biology) — Herping the African Continent: Alien Amphibians and Reptiles in Sub-Saharan Africa.. Abstract (opening): Introduction of species represents today one of the most important problems of nature conservation. Special attention is paid to alien vascular plants and vertebrates. In the Afrotropical Region (sub-Saharan Africa), however, there is a lack of comprehensive review of alien amphibians and reptiles. The presented paper constitutes an attempt to overview the status, distribution and threats posed by introduced herp species to sub-Saharan Africa since the second half of the 18th century. This review includes 21 amphibian (including 10 established) and 57 reptile (including 33 established) species introduced to sub-Saharan Africa. Most species introduced to sub-Saharan Africa which subsequently developed viable populations originated from the Malagasy (32%), Afrotropical (30%), and Oriental (27%) Regions. Most introductions were made in the last two decades, mostly as results of an increase in international trade and herp pet industry, especially in South Africa. Stowaway and pet trade are the most common pathways of introductions. Several factors determine the successful establishment of introduced alien herp species in sub-Saharan Africa, viz. behavioral and morphological traits, propagule pressure, climate and habitat overlap, and presence of potentially competing species. The impact of alien herps in sub-Saharan Africa on the local biodiversity is not well investigated. In comparison with other continents the number of introduced and established herp species in sub-Saharan Africa is relatively low. The Malagasy Region has the highest number of introduced herp species in sub-Saharan Africa.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42041919/
- PMID 41778266 (2026, Conservation physiology) — Haematology and biochemistry reference intervals of Galapagos short-eared owls (<i>Asio flammeus galapagoensis</i>) from Floreana Island.. Abstract (opening): To limit the impact of invasive predator species on the ecosystem of Floreana Island, Galapagos, a large-scale rodent eradication program was implemented. Due to the significant risk of secondary exposure to rodenticide, a mitigation tactic was used to protect the only native raptor found on Floreana, the Galapagos short-eared owl (<i>Asio flammeus galapagoensis</i>). A large proportion of the owl population was brought into human care in July 2023 with the goal to release back to the wild following the completion of the eradication program and reduction of the risk of exposure to rodenticides. During this time under human care, health examinations including blood collection for assessment of haematology and biochemistry parameters were completed. Descriptions of leukocyte morphology and population-based reference intervals (RI) are reported here utilizing results from 62 clinically healthy adults. Sex was determined using polymerase chain reaction, allowing for comparisons between males (<i>n</i> = 29) and females (<i>n</i> = 33). Statistically significant differences were found for several parameters: packed cell volume, relative and absolute monocyte counts, total protein, calcium and phosphorus levels were higher in females, while uric acid and glucose levels were significantly higher in males. These baseline RI are an important tool for assessment of this unique population while under human care, and will allow for comparisons and continued health monitoring after release back to the island of Floreana.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41778266/
- PMID 41749246 (2026, BMC veterinary research) — First report of an iridophoroma in a Tegu (Salvator merianae).. Abstract (opening): <h4>Background</h4>This case report describes the clinical and histological findings of a rare periocular iridophoroma in a tegu.<h4>Case presentation</h4>Iridophoroma is a rare type of chromatophoroma, a tumor that arises from iridophores, specialized pigment cells responsible for reflecting light. This case report describes a 6-year-old male Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae) presented with a large, irregular, proliferative mass in the periocular region. The mass originated from the upper left eyelid, partially covering the ocular surface, and measured 2.5 cm in diameter. The patient was referred to the department of Surgery and Intensive care for mass removal and underwent two separate surgical resections. Fine needle aspiration from the structure revealed the diagnosis of iridophoroma, which was later confirmed through histology. This case aims to broaden current knowledge in reptile medicine by presenting an iridophoroma in Salvator merianae, highlighting its clinical presentation, cytological features, and histopathological aspects.<h4>Conclusions</h4>This case represents the first documented occurrence of an iridophoroma in a tegu, highlighting the need for increased awareness and precision in diagnosing tumors in reptiles. The findings demonsrate the importance of paraclinical investigations, such as histopathology, not only in confirming rare conditions but also in differentiating iridophoromas from other potential diagnoses, such as squamous cell carcinoma, papilloma, or melanophoroma. Accurate identification is crucial for guiding appropriate treatment and improving outcomes in reptile medicine.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41749246/
- PMID 39223842 (2026, Anatomical record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007)) — Bioimaging of sense organs and the central nervous system in extant fishes and reptiles in situ: A review.. Abstract (opening): Bioimaging is changing the field of sensory biology, especially for taxa that are lesser-known, rare, and logistically difficult to source. When integrated with traditional neurobiological approaches, developing an archival, digital repository of morphological images can offer the opportunity to improve our understanding of whole neural systems without the issues of surgical intervention and negate the risk of damage and artefactual interpretation. This review focuses on current approaches to bioimaging the peripheral (sense organs) and central (brain) nervous systems in extant fishes (cartilaginous and bony) and non-avian reptiles in situ. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), micro-computed tomography (μCT), both super-resolution track density imaging and diffusion tensor-based imaging, and a range of other new technological advances are presented, together with novel approaches in optimizing both contrast and resolution, for developing detailed neuroanatomical atlases and enhancing comparative analyses of museum specimens. For MRI, tissue preparation, including choice of fixative, impacts tissue MR responses, where both resolving power and signal-to-noise ratio improve as field strength increases. Time in fixative, concentration of contrast agent, and duration of immersion in the contrast agent can also significantly affect relaxation times, and thus image quality. For μCT, the use of contrast-enhancing stains (iodine-, non-iodine-, or nanoparticle-based) is critical, where the type of fixative used, and the concentration of stain and duration of staining time often require species-specific optimization. Advanced reconstruction algorithms to reduce noise and artifacts and post-processing techniques, such as deconvolution and filtering, are now being used to improve image quality and resolution.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39223842/
- PMID 41712539 (2026, PLoS biology) — Neurofilament light chain may serve as a cross-species blood biomarker to assess aging and predict mortality.. Abstract (opening): Blood levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL) increase with age in healthy humans and have been shown to predict all-cause human mortality. To determine whether this relationship is conserved across species, we analyzed NfL in the blood of various animals. We observed age-related increases in NfL levels comparable to those seen in humans in mice, cats, dogs and horses. Longitudinal analysis of NfL trajectories in aged mice demonstrated that a faster rate of NfL increase predicts mortality. When comparing baseline NfL levels across 13 species, we found that those with lower baseline NfL levels tended to have longer lifespans; however, the collinearity between body size and life span complicates the interpretation of this finding. NfL was also robustly detected in blood of 39 additional mammalian species, as well as a few reptiles and birds, consistent with a conserved amino acid sequence of the NfL fragment in blood. Given the growing interest in NfL as a biomarker for neurological health and mortality in humans, our findings suggest that NfL may serve as a cross-species blood biomarker for assessing aging interventions and predicting mortality.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41712539/
- PMID 41007981 (2025, Animals : an open access journal from MDPI) — Systemic CD3+ T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia in a Bearded Dragon (<i>Pogona vitticeps)</i>: Clinical, Therapeutic, and Pathological Findings.. Abstract (opening): A three-year-old male bearded dragon (<i>Pogona vitticeps</i>) exhibited acute anorexia. Biochemistry revealed mild hyperproteinemia (88 g/L) and elevated liver enzymes (ALT 60 U/L, AST 272 U/L), while the hematology report showed marked lymphocytosis. The animal had been clinically normal at a routine examination 10 months earlier. Based on the clinical and laboratory findings, acute lymphoblastic leukemia was suspected. Treatment was initiated with methylprednisolone (1 mg/kg PO q24h), marbofloxacin (10 mg/kg IM q24h), and lomustine (80 mg/m<sup>2</sup> PO q14d), calculated according to reptile-specific body surface area formulas. A transient stabilization was followed by sudden deterioration on day 3, characterized by hematemesis and severe respiratory distress, leading to spontaneous death. A complete necropsy including histopathology and anti-CD3 immunohistochemistry revealed disseminated infiltration of neoplastic T-lymphocytes throughout all major visceral organs and confirmed the diagnosis of T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia (L/L). This case represents a rare report of systemic acute lymphoblastic L/L in a bearded dragon and underlies the importance of comprehensive diagnostics in reptiles with non-specific clinical signs and the challenges in the treatment of neoplastic diseases in exotic species.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41007981/
- PMID 40534780 (2025, Frontiers in veterinary science) — Bacteremia detected on peripheral blood smear in small animal patients presenting to the Emergency Department and its association with prognosis to discharge.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Objective</h4>Detection of bacteremia on peripheral blood smear (PBS) is rare and may be a poor prognostic indicator for small animal patients. This study aimed to determine the relationship between bacteremia on PBS and survival to discharge in clinically ill patients presenting through the Emergency Department (ED).<h4>Methods</h4>This retrospective study analyzed data from two veterinary tertiary care facilities from 2014 to 2024. Records from 16 client-owned animals presenting to the ED with PBS-detected bacteremia were reviewed. The primary outcome was survival to discharge. Secondary outcomes evaluated associations between survival in these patients with glucose level, leukocyte count, toxic change, band neutrophils, total bilirubin, blood pressure, and antibiotic use. Statistical comparisons between categorical data were made using Fisher's exact test. A <i>p</i>-value of <0.05 was considered significant.<h4>Results</h4>In-hospital mortality of the 16 patients was 75% (12/16). Hyperglycemia was positively associated with survival (<i>p</i> = 0.0099). All survivors were cats. No other parameters showed statistical significance between survivors and non-survivors.<h4>Conclusion</h4>PBS-detected bacteremia in clinically ill small animals was associated with a high in-hospital mortality in this study. Further investigation is warranted to better understand its clinical relevance and potential diagnostic utility.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40534780/
- PMID 41600686 (2025, Veterinary sciences) — Biochemical and Hepatic Determinants of Reproductive Failure in Reptiles: A Review of Dystocia Pathophysiology and Management.. Abstract (opening): Dystocia represents a multifactorial and clinically significant reproductive disorder affecting a broad spectrum of reptilian species. Commonly resulting from prolonged vitellogenesis, endocrine disruption, or hepatic lipidosis, dystocia is often exacerbated by suboptimal husbandry or concurrent disease. This review critically evaluates the etiology, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic interventions associated with this condition. Emphasis is placed on the interplay between metabolic exhaustion and hepatic compromise, which may lower the threshold for surgical intervention. The efficacy and limitations of oxytocin-based protocols are discussed in the context of hormonal receptor variability and response attenuation. Advanced diagnostic modalities, including ultrasonography, radiography/CT, and biochemical profiling, are reviewed for their utility in case stratification. Finally, surgical management options are considered for cases refractory to medical treatment, with attention paid to timing, anesthetic risk, and post-operative care. Collectively, this synthesis aims to inform evidence-based clinical decision-making and promote improved standards of care in reptile reproductive medicine.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41600686/
- PMID 40429685 (2025, International journal of molecular sciences) — Evolution of ZW Sex Chromosomes in <i>Ptyas</i> Snakes (Reptilia, Colubridae): New Insights from a Molecular Cytogenetic Perspective.. Abstract (opening): Snakes are cytogenetically dynamic, characterized by largely conserved diploid chromosome numbers although displaying varied variable evolutionary stages of their sex chromosomes. This study examined four snakes, with a special focus on the genus <i>Ptyas</i>, to provide evolutionary insights into the evolution of ZW sex chromosomes. We performed an extensive karyotype characterization using conventional and molecular cytogenetic approaches, described for the first time the karyotype of <i>Ptyas korros,</i> and revisited the karyotype descriptions of <i>P. mucosa</i>, <i>Chrysopelea ornata</i>, and <i>Fowlea flavipunctatus</i>. We found that all species except <i>F. flavipunctatus</i> have highly heterochromatic W chromosomes enriched in satDNAs or microsatellite repeats. Repetitive sequences accumulate with the heterochromatinization of the W chromosome but are not necessarily associated with this process, demonstrating the dynamic makeup of snake sex chromosomes. Autosomal locus-specific and sex chromosome probes from <i>Pogona vitticeps</i> and <i>Varanus acanthurus</i> did not show hybridization signals in <i>Ptyas</i> snakes, suggesting divergent evolutionary pathways. This finding highlighted the dynamic nature of sex chromosome evolution in snakes, which occurred independently in lizards.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40429685/
- PMID 40888033 (2025, Zoonoses and public health) — Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Infection in Bearded Vultures in Spain.. Abstract (opening): We report mortality in bearded vultures ( Gypaetus barbatus ) associated with highly pathogenic avian influenza HPAI A H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, responsible for the current HPAI panzootic. Between April and May 2022, a total of five bearded vultures from Spain, four free-ranging and one captive individual, were found dead in their nest or with acute symptoms of disease. Complete necropsies were performed and histopathological, immunohistochemistry and molecular analyses were carried out. The presence of the HPAI H5N1 virus was confirmed in different organs, oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs and feathers from the affected individuals. The complete viral genome was obtained from three of the affected bearded vultures. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the sequences obtained from the free-ranging individuals and the captive specimen belonged to the clade 2.3.4.4b and clustered separately. Furthermore, it supports that direct or indirect contact with other sympatric wild birds could be the most likely source of infection. This research highlights the susceptibility of the endangered bearded vulture to HPAI H5N1, thereby contributing to the broader understanding of the virus's host range.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40888033/
Source text: pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_bearded_dragon_toxicology_2026-08-01.txt (Europe PMC first-hand abstracts, pulled 2026-08-01).