Evidence: Bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) clinical cases
Source: Europe PMC (Europe PubMed Central) REST search — first-hand peer-reviewed abstract records, pulled 2026-08-01. Queries covered clinical case reports and case series for Pogona vitticeps. The cluster returns 8 representative clinical cases with abstracts below. Abstract text is verbatim from source; each case is traceable by PMID.
Studies
- PMID 42017649 (2026, Australian veterinary journal) — *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* A 7-year-old male central bearded dragon had an incidental coelomic opacity found to be a hepatic cholangiocarcinoma on imaging and histopathology after surgical excision (pankeratin+, vimentin/α-SMA−); no metastasis and no recurrence at 10 months postoperatively — early surgical intervention gave a favorable long-term outcome.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42017649/
- PMID 40958376 (2026, Veterinary ophthalmology) — An Ocular Manifestation of a Systemic Disease With Encephalitozoon Pogonae in a Juvenile Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps).. Abstract (opening): <h4>Objective</h4>Encephalitozoon pogonae, a recently identified microsporidian species, has been associated with systemic infections in Central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) manifesting as granulomatous inflammation and vasculitis. Despite the species similarity to Encephalitozoon cuniculi, which causes ocular, neurologic, and renal pathology in rabbits, ocular manifestations of E. pogonae in bearded dragons are underreported. This case report aims to explore the ocular manifestations of E. pogonae in a clinical case and highlight the challenges in diagnosis and treatment of microsporidial infections in reptiles.<h4>Animal studied</h4>A 6-month-old male central bearded dragon with initial presentation of unilateral blepharoconjunctivitis.<h4>Procedures</h4>The patient was treated with topical ofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic solution, systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (meloxicam), and antimicrobials (ceftazidime). Diagnostic efforts included physical and ophthalmic examination, ocular high-frequency ultrasound (48 mHz transducer), cytological examination of conjunctiva, and histopathological examination with PCR analysis confirming E. pogonae in both liver and conjunctiva.<h4>Results</h4>Despite treatment, the patient died from hemopericardium. Necropsy demonstrated severe granulomatous inflammation in multiple organs, including the liver, intestines, and ocular structures (conjunctiva and uveal tissue), as well as hypermature cataracts and phacoclastic uveitis, consistent with systemic microsporidiosis.<h4>Conclusions</h4>This case highlights the potential for an ocular manifestation of a systemic disease caused by E. pogonae, underscoring the importance of considering microsporidial infections in the differential diagnosis of refractory ocular disease in reptiles. The findings also emphasize the challenges in diagnosing and treating these infections. *[CC BY — Open Access, verbatim with attribution.]*
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40958376/
- PMID 41317138 (2026, Veterinary medicine and science) — Detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia duodenalis in Reptiles in Thailand.. Abstract (opening): Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are significant intestinal protozoan parasites affecting humans and animals worldwide. These infections are transmitted through the faecal-oral route, by contaminated water, food or close contact with infected hosts. The zoonotic risk of transmission from reptiles is considered low; yet, limited research exists regarding Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections in these animals. This study investigated the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis in reptile faecal samples from a breeding farm in the Chonburi Province, Eastern Thailand. The test population included 363 iguanas, 50 tortoises, 79 bearded dragons and nine snakes. DNA extraction from faecal samples was performed, followed by nested PCR for Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis, and all positive samples were sequenced for molecular characterisation. Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis were detected in 13 and 25 out of 501 faecal samples, respectively. Specifically, seven of 363 iguana samples and six of 79 bearded dragon samples tested positive for Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium avium was found in 11 samples, and one sample revealed Cryptosporidium serpentis; the remaining sample could not be identified at the species level. For G. duodenalis, 15 of 363 iguanas tested positive, along with six of 79 bearded dragons, two of 50 tortoises and two of nine snakes. Only G. duodenalis assemblage B was identified in positive samples. This study provides epidemiological information on the infection rate and distribution of species of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in a breeding reptile farm in Chonburi Province, Eastern Thailand, and the findings are discussed in the context of the scientific literature. SUMMARY: This study represents one of the largest surveys on Cryptosporidium and Giardia duodenalis in reptiles. Cryptosporidium avium, typically associated with avian hosts, was the predominant Cryptosporidium species identified in iguanas and bearded dragons. Giardia duodenalis assemblage B, known for its zoonotic potential, was the primary assemblage found in iguanas. *[CC BY — Open Access, verbatim with attribution.]*
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41317138/
- PMID 42198584 (2026, Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)) — Pathological, Immunohistochemical, and Bacteriological Characterization of Salmonellosis in Bearded Dragons (<i>Pogona vitticeps</i>).. Abstract (opening): <i>Salmonella</i> spp. is a major zoonotic pathogen. Although reptiles are mostly considered subclinical carriers, clinical disease may develop following immunosuppression. Clinical salmonellosis in reptiles has been extensively reported; however, the condition has been rarely described in bearded dragons (<i>Pogona vitticeps</i>). We retrospectively analyzed six cases of salmonellosis in bearded dragons and characterized the pathological, immunohistochemical, and bacteriological findings. Clinical signs and gross findings were mostly non-specific. Histological findings mainly consisted of fibrinonecrotizing enterocolitis (83.3%); necrotizing or granulomatous hepatitis (66.7%); pneumonia including bronchopneumonia or interstitial pneumonia in one case each (33.3%); tubulointerstitial nephritis with tubular necrosis (16.7%); and coelomitis (16.7%). <i>Salmonella enterica</i> subsp. <i>houtenae</i> was cultured in three cases (33.3%), whereas <i>S. enterica</i> subsp. <i>enterica</i> serovar Rissen, <i>S. enterica</i> subsp. <i>enterica</i> serovar Cotham, and <i>S. enterica</i> subsp. <i>diarizonae</i> were cultured in one case each. Intralesional bacteria were detected via immunohistochemistry in kidneys and colon in two cases (33.3%). The predominance of lesions in the intestines and liver likely reflects initial intestinal colonization followed by hematogenous dissemination to the liver. Hepatic lesions are thought to represent different stages along a continuum, progressing from acute necrosis to discrete granuloma formation. Renal and respiratory involvement was infrequent, as reported in other reptile species. Some of the isolated <i>Salmonella</i> subspecies (<i>S. diarizonae</i> and <i>S. houtenae</i>) are well-recognized causes of clinical disease in other reptile species but not previously identified in bearded dragons. This study provides a comprehensive pathological, immunohistochemical, and bacteriological characterization of salmonellosis in bearded dragons, thus raising awareness and assisting in the identification of this condition. *[CC BY — Open Access, verbatim with attribution.]*
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42198584/
- PMID 42314735 (2026, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association) — *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* A retrospective review of 26 ovariectomy/ovariosalpingectomy procedures in 25 client-owned female bearded dragons (median age 3.5 yr, 498 g) found common presentations were hyporexia (n = 15) and coelomic distension (8); elevated bile acids (n = 9) and follicular identification on ultrasound (n = 18) were common; intraoperative hemorrhage was the most frequent complication (n = 11), and 22/26 (85%) survived to discharge and ≥10 days. (Source excerpt truncated.)
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42314735/
- PMID 41594463 (2026, Animals : an open access journal from MDPI) — Detection of Viable <i>Nannizziopsis guarroi</i> in Housing Environments Prior to Dermatological Lesion Development in Bearded Dragons (<i>Pogona vitticeps</i>).. Abstract (opening): <i>Nannizziopsis guarroi</i> causes dermatomycosis in lizards and snakes. Little is known about the environment's role in transmission of the fungus. The environments of bearded dragons experimentally inoculated with <i>N. guarroi</i> were cultured weekly to assess the presence of viable <i>N. guarroi</i>. Four of six (4/6, 66.67%) enclosures demonstrated an environmental presence of <i>N. guarroi</i> prior to the observation of clinical lesions in the bearded dragon housed there. The environments were positive for <i>N. guarroi</i> growth 7-28 days prior to lesion development. The environment should be considered as a potential site of infection for naïve reptile hosts and environmental seeding may occur prior to the development of clinical nannizziomycosis in exposed lizards. *[CC BY — Open Access, verbatim with attribution.]*
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41594463/
- PMID 41007981 (2025, Animals : an open access journal from MDPI) — Systemic CD3+ T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia in a Bearded Dragon (<i>Pogona vitticeps)</i>: Clinical, Therapeutic, and Pathological Findings.. Abstract (opening): A three-year-old male bearded dragon (<i>Pogona vitticeps</i>) exhibited acute anorexia. Biochemistry revealed mild hyperproteinemia (88 g/L) and elevated liver enzymes (ALT 60 U/L, AST 272 U/L), while the hematology report showed marked lymphocytosis. The animal had been clinically normal at a routine examination 10 months earlier. Based on the clinical and laboratory findings, acute lymphoblastic leukemia was suspected. Treatment was initiated with methylprednisolone (1 mg/kg PO q24h), marbofloxacin (10 mg/kg IM q24h), and lomustine (80 mg/m<sup>2</sup> PO q14d), calculated according to reptile-specific body surface area formulas. A transient stabilization was followed by sudden deterioration on day 3, characterized by hematemesis and severe respiratory distress, leading to spontaneous death. A complete necropsy including histopathology and anti-CD3 immunohistochemistry revealed disseminated infiltration of neoplastic T-lymphocytes throughout all major visceral organs and confirmed the diagnosis of T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia (L/L). This case represents a rare report of systemic acute lymphoblastic L/L in a bearded dragon and underlies the importance of comprehensive diagnostics in reptiles with non-specific clinical signs and the challenges in the treatment of neoplastic diseases in exotic species. *[CC BY — Open Access, verbatim with attribution.]*
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41007981/
- PMID 41600686 (2025, Veterinary sciences) — Biochemical and Hepatic Determinants of Reproductive Failure in Reptiles: A Review of Dystocia Pathophysiology and Management.. Abstract (opening): Dystocia represents a multifactorial and clinically significant reproductive disorder affecting a broad spectrum of reptilian species. Commonly resulting from prolonged vitellogenesis, endocrine disruption, or hepatic lipidosis, dystocia is often exacerbated by suboptimal husbandry or concurrent disease. This review critically evaluates the etiology, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic interventions associated with this condition. Emphasis is placed on the interplay between metabolic exhaustion and hepatic compromise, which may lower the threshold for surgical intervention. The efficacy and limitations of oxytocin-based protocols are discussed in the context of hormonal receptor variability and response attenuation. Advanced diagnostic modalities, including ultrasonography, radiography/CT, and biochemical profiling, are reviewed for their utility in case stratification. Finally, surgical management options are considered for cases refractory to medical treatment, with attention paid to timing, anesthetic risk, and post-operative care. Collectively, this synthesis aims to inform evidence-based clinical decision-making and promote improved standards of care in reptile reproductive medicine. *[CC BY — Open Access, verbatim with attribution.]*
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41600686/
Source text: pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_bearded_dragon_clinical_2026-08-01.txt (Europe PMC first-hand abstracts, pulled 2026-08-01).
License & attribution
Mixed licensing per COPYRIGHT_POLICY §3: Open Access (CC BY / CC BY-NC / CC BY-NC-ND) studies are reproduced verbatim with attribution under their specific CC license; non-Open-Access studies are paraphrased as derived fact summaries (numbers and proper nouns preserved, sentences rewritten). Original records:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42017649/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40958376/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41317138/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42198584/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42314735/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41594463/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41007981/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41600686/
Cleaning removal log (2026-08-05, codebuddy)
PMID 41788912 — Standing's day gecko (Phelsuma standingi) — different species, not Pogona PMID 41749246 — Tegu (Salvator merianae) — different species, not Pogona PMID 41080310 — Human pediatric pulmonary sarcoidosis — about humans, not Pogona