Overview
Infection by Stephanurus dentatus, also known as tongue worms, affects reptiles, particularly lizards, causing parasitic infestations within the oral cavity or digestive tract. This condition can lead to significant health issues including malnutrition and secondary infections 1.Diagnosis
Clinical Signs: Presence of oral lesions, dysphagia, weight loss, and potentially visible parasites in the oral cavity or feces 1.
Diagnostic Tests: Histopathological examination of tissue samples, fecal examinations, and endoscopy to visualize and identify Stephanurus dentatus 1.
Grading: Severity grading based on clinical signs and extent of tissue damage, though specific grading systems are not detailed in the provided abstracts 1.Management
First-Line Treatment: Anthelmintic drugs such as praziquantel or levamisole, though specific dosing for Stephanurus dentatus is not provided in the abstracts 1.
Adjunctive Measures: Supportive care including fluid therapy, nutritional support, and treatment of secondary infections 1.
Surgical Intervention: In severe cases, surgical removal of parasites may be necessary, though specifics are not covered in the abstracts 1.Special Populations
Captive vs. Free-Ranging Lizards: Managed lizards (captive) showed higher leukocyte and heterophil counts compared to free-ranging lizards, suggesting potential differences in susceptibility or immune response 1.
Seasonal Considerations: Lower leukocyte counts during oviposition months (June and July) may indicate periods of heightened vulnerability 1.Key Recommendations
Conduct thorough clinical examinations including endoscopy and fecal examinations for diagnosis of Stephanurus dentatus infection (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).
Implement anthelmintic therapy with drugs like praziquantel or levamisole for treatment, tailored to clinical severity (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).
Provide supportive care focusing on nutrition and management of secondary infections, especially during vulnerable periods like breeding seasons (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).References
1 McEntire MS, Pich A, Zordan M, Barber D, Rains N, Erxleben D et al.. Hematology of Free-ranging and Managed Texas Horned Lizards ( Phrynosoma cornutum). Journal of wildlife diseases 2018. link