Hi there! I am back with news from the veterinary world.

First, a paper on the pathology of wobbly hedgehog syndrome (WHS). This study describes the signalment, clinical signs, gross, microscopic, and ultrastructural lesions of WHS. The lesions were most severe in the cerebellum and medulla oblongata, as well as cervical and thoracic spinal cord. This neurological disease is insidious, progressive, and incurable, and affects African pigmy hedgehogs; besides, a similar disease has been described in European hedgehog. From the results of this study, it was found that WHS is best defined as a spongy myelinopathy – others in animals include hereditary neuraxial edema in Hereford calves, branched-chain ketoacid dehydrogenase deficiency in polled Hereford and Hereford calves, congenital brain edema of Hereford calves, canine spongiform leukoencephalomyelopathies, spongy degeneration of kittens, spongy myelinopathy of silver foxes, epizootic vacuolar myelinopathy of bald eagles and American coots. All of the mentioned diseases are generally idiopathic and have a presumed genetic basis. Given the lack of evidence of an infectious, nutritional, or toxic etiology and the similarities to spongy myelinopathies in other species, genetics seem like the most plausible cause. Important: lesions of WHS resemble hepatic and renal encephalopathy, so have these as differentials!

Second, we have a study on the effects of a light-emitting diode on the production of cholecalciferol in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Fifteen sub-adult males, with no oral vitamin D provided for 3 months prior to study were used. These animals were housed with full-spectrum UVB fluorescent bulbs with 10% UVB (280-320nm) and 30% UVA (320-400nm) for one year prior to study. For the experiment, they were randomly assigned to non-UVB, fluorescent UVB, or LED UVB groups, with bulbs placed approximately 15 cm above. Their results showed that values found for 25(OH)D3, the vitamin D3 metabolite, on the LED group were the most similar to the range considered normal for the age and species. The measurement of UVB of fluorescent bulbs were sufficient for crepuscular or shade dwellers, and partial sun to occasional baskers, which is not the case of bearded dragons, which are open or partial sun basker. The results suggest that the LED UVB prototype used was at least as effective as industry standard for promoting synthesis of vitamin D over the study period of 11 months.

Lastly, for comparison, we have a paper on the need for UVB radiation for synthesis of vitamin D3 in leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius). Diurnal lizards without access to UVB are prone to develop vitamin D deficiency, so a trial was conducted to determine whether juvenile nocturnal lizards require access to UVB to prevent vitamin D deficiency. All individuals were supplemented with dietary vitamin D3, but a group was exposed to low level UVB radiation from hatching until 6 months pf age, while a second group remained unexposed. The juvenile leopard geckos exposed to 2h of UVB daily for 6 months had higher levels of 25(OH)D3 than non-exposed animals, meaning that they synthesize vitamin D from skin absorption. Biologically active vitamin D levels were not affected by UVB exposure, and levels of 25(OH)D3 found in unexposed animals was similar to values for adult male leopard geckos prior to UVB exposure. However, in this study adults had higher 25(OH)D3 levels after 30 days of UVB than these juveniles after 6 months. This could mean a difference in vitamin D requirements for growing geckos, or a difference in timing of UVB availability. In the first study, they were exposed for 2h mid day, while in the second study they were exposed for 1h in early morning and 1h in early evening. It is worth noticing that this study did not evaluate bone density.

See you next month!