Diagnostic Clinical Pathology of the Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2022 Sep;25(3):713-734. doi: 10.1016/j.cvex.2022.06.002.

Abstract

The bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), an omnivorous Agamid lizard native to inland Australia, is one of the most popular reptile pets due to their sociable behavior, tame demeanor, low-maintenance care, and relative ease of breeding. Because they are generally stoic animals, thorough physical examination in conjunction with routine clinicopathologic data can prove invaluable in identifying disease and implementing appropriate therapy in a timely manner. The goal of this article is to assist the practicing clinician, based on literature review, on how to approach the diagnostic challenge encountered in everyday practice when working up various conditions in bearded dragons.

Keywords: Bearded dragon; Chemistry; Clinical pathology; Cytology; Diagnostics; Hematology; Neoplasia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Lizards*
  • Pathology, Clinical*