Intralesional methylprednisolone injection as an adjunct treatment for peri-cloacal pyogranuloma in an African penguin (Spheniscus demersus)

An African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) presented with a large peri-cloacal mass. The mass was diagnosed as a pyogranuloma histologically, with multifocal to coalescing inflammatory responses in the subcutis and keratinized simple stratified squamous epithelium overlying the surface. The patient was prescribed 125 mg/kg oral clavulanic acid/amoxycillin twice a day and 20 mg/kg oral terbinafine once a day for 14 days, but there was no change in the size of the mass 4 days after therapy, so a decision was made to administer 1 mg/kg of intralesional methylprednisolone. Fourteen days later, the mass resolved with no further recurrence. This case demonstrated that intralesional methylprednisolone used with antibiotic and antifungals was effective in resolving a peri-cloacal pyogranuloma and without any side effects.