Macroscopic and microscopic lesions of spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodylus) with respiratory disease

Muhammad Husairy, Nurul Fathiah (2023) Macroscopic and microscopic lesions of spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodylus) with respiratory disease. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

Text lp FPV 2023 94.pdf Download (3MB)

Abstract

For years, spectacled caimans have been perceived as a feared animal, this has gradually changed due to its importance in ecotourism and economic importance. The crocodile farming industry in Malaysia is one of economically important due to the exportation of marketable leather goods. Additionally, many theme parks and wildlife parks have these spectacled caimans in their exhibits for educational and conservation purposes. This research is being carried out due to the lack of data in Malaysia as compared to neighbouring countries such as Thailand. Being said that, respiratory diseases are one of the most common diseases affecting spectacled caimans in captivity. This is due to the stressful conditions the caimans are subjected to such as increased density, poor pH levels, temperature and salinity leading to numerous deaths. To understand the impact of respiratory diseases in spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodylus), four spectacled caimans from two different habitats, one a crocodile farm and another a theme park exhibit were selected. Necropsy was carried out to examine gross lesions and organ samples were then routinely processed, stained using haematoxylin and eosin and viewed under magnification. Among samples acquired were the eye, eyelid, lungs, trachea and epiglottis. Macroscopically, the lungs and skin were the organs most affected among the samples with the highest lesion scoring of 2.33 (n=3) for the lungs and 2.5 (n=4) for the skin. In one of the caimans, grossly, the clinical signs did not align with the rest of the samples suggesting an acute death due to its good body score. Microscopically, there was alveolar wall destruction and fibrosis in the lungs, disruption in the trachea cell layers, as well as vacuolation and fibrosis in the eyes and eyelids. Further investigation is needed provide insight into this case, however based on our findings, the lesions mentioned above suggest Poxvirus, Chlamydia and Herpesvirus as the causative agents. This study is important to improve the habitat in which these spectacled caimans are kept in to reduce unwanted deaths leading to economic losses.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Depositing User:	Ms. Nordeena Abdul Aziz
Date Deposited:	15 Nov 2024 01:58
Last Modified:	15 Nov 2024 01:58
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2121

Actions (login required)

View Item