Abstract(s)
Two male inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) of 5 and 6 yr of age were presented for anorexia
with and without lethargy, respectively. In both cases, a firm, spherical, and mobile mass, measuring 2
cm in diameter, was palpated in the cranio-medial coelom. Radiographs were unremarkable.
Ultrasonographic evaluation was highly suggestive of cholecystolithiasis. Coeliotomy confirmed the
presence of a markedly enlarged gallbladder containing a cholecystolith in both cases, and
cholecystectomies were performed. Both dragons resumed eating after 1–7 days and were doing
well 3–6 months postoperatively. The gallbladder wall was unremarkable on histology, and the choleliths
were composed of protein and calcium carbonate crystals. Cholecystolithiasis in bearded dragons has
been the subject of very few case reports, probably due to its low occurrence. The lack of available
data on the diagnosis and management may have led to this condition being underdiagnosed in this
species. Ultrasonography was essential to the clinical diagnosis of cholecystolithiasis in our two cases and
should be recommended as part of the diagnostic approach of bearded dragons with cranio-medial
coelomic masses.