What's Your Diagnosis?: Case 1 - Anamnesis
Assoc Reptilian Amphibian Vet 9[3]:47-49 Fall'99 Case Report 4 Refs

HISTORY: An 837g, 18 month-old female green iguana, (Iguana iguana), was presented with a two-day history of anorexia and regurgitation. The animal appeared painful on examination of the coelomic cavity and resisted palpation by inflating itself and attempting to flee. The iguana was in good body condition. DIAGNOSIS: Total body radiography demonstrated gas distention of the esophagus and possibly the stomach. Several loops of large intestine appeared gas filled and distended. Considerable fluid and ingesta were present throughout the remainder of the intestinal tract. No other significant abnormalities were noted. The owner declined contrast radiographs and abdominal ultrasound due to financial constraints, but approved endoscopic examination and exploratory surgery. Because of our inability to identify and pass the endoscope through the pylorus, the animal was prepared for an exploratory coeliotomy. Upon entering the coelomic cavity, a large gas filled colon with numerous oxyurids (Alaeuris spp.) was identified. Approximately 16 cm of proximal small intestine, starting at the pylorus, was intussuscepted into the distal small intestine. The owner was informed of the surgical options and the grave prognosis and elected euthanasia. At necropsy, the small intestine and cecum had a reddened, roughened mucosa and contained hemorrhagic ingesta and too numerous to count 2 to 3 mm white, elongate parasites. The liver was yellow and floated in formalin. On histopathologic exam, the liver was diffusely vacuolated with accumulations of fat (hepatic lipidosis). The intestinal mucosa had diffuse hemorrhage and congestion and was thickened with edema and fibrin. Intestinal parasites were identified as Alaeuris brachylophis.