Congenital Skull Malformation in a Captive Python (Pythus regius)

Introduction: Congenital lesions in captive reptiles are rare and mostly associated with embryonic or fetal death. Materials and Methods: A 1-month-old Pythus regius was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Milan, because of a complex facial deformity at hatching. The python developed dysphagia, ataxia and sensory depression. A full-body CT with a 16-slice CT scanner was performed and supportive care was administrated. No clinical improvement was achieved, therefore the owner elected for humane destruction after 2 months and permitted a full necropsy examination. Results: The python was 40.4 cm long and weighted 40 g. The CT scan revealed complete agenesis of premaxillary, septomaxillary and nasal bones, with partial but symmetrical agenesis of maxillary bones. The left orbital foramen was mildly enlarged. Bone agenesis was associated with a focal, 3.31 × 3 mm cutaneous defect, involving the cranial sensory pits. Despite the severe malformation, no evident microscopical changes in nerves or brain were detected. Eyes were normally conformed, although the left was larger. Discussion: Facial complex malformations are considered rare in man and animals and can associate with olfactory nerve and eye bulb agenesis. Gross evaluation of nerve size and topography was not possible because of the small size of the animal. No histological changes were observed in nerves. In man, chromosomal abnormalities are often detected in cases of facial bone agenesis. The pathogenesis should be investigated in additional offspring.