Bacterial osteomyelitis induced by morganella morganii in a bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

Abstract

Bacterial osteomyelitis—or bacterial infection of the bone—is common in reptiles. Unfortunately, its treatment is challenging despite advances in diagnostic and medical technologies. Herein, we present the case of a sexually mature female bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) with left forelimb elbow joint stiffness. We diagnosed the reptile with a eft elbow joint traumatic structural abnormality based on gross examination and evaluation of radiographs. Treatment with clindamycin and cephalexin for bacterial infection failed and the reptile died. Necropsy revealed the causative bacteria as Morganella morganii. Treatment of osteomyelitis is typically focused against Staphylococcus aureus as it the most common cause of traumatic bone infection. However, M. morganii, the causative bacterium in this case, has a natural resistance to clindamycin and cephalexin. Recently, these bacteria have begun to appear in clinical reports, more commonly as the causative organisms of bone infections. M. morganii should be considered as a potential cause of infection. Furthermore, antibiotic treatment in such cases should be based on bacterial culture and susceptibility tests.