Journal Of Zoo And Wildlife Medicine[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
ANESTHESIA OF MYSTERY SNAILS () BY USING ETHANOL, EUGENOL, AND MAGNESIUM SULFATE.
Davidson A, Scagnelli A, Mans C
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2026 Mar · PMID 41926251 · Publisher ↗
Safe and reliable anesthesia protocols are crucial in snails because performing physical examinations and procedures can be inhibited by snails contracting into their shells. There is minimal literature on snail anesthes...
Safe and reliable anesthesia protocols are crucial in snails because performing physical examinations and procedures can be inhibited by snails contracting into their shells. There is minimal literature on snail anesthesia and no published protocols for mystery snails (). This study aimed to evaluate three anesthetic agents for mystery snails. Pilot trials evaluated ethanol, magnesium sulfate, magnesium sulfate combined with ethanol, eugenol, and eugenol combined with ethanol. Eighteen different protocols were evaluated in the pilot phase of this study. Ethanol (1-40%), magnesium sulfate (50,000-150,000 mg/L), and magnesium sulfate (50,000-70,000 mg/L) plus ethanol (5%) were ineffective or unsafe as anesthetic agents in this snail species. Eugenol (500 µL/L), eugenol (50 µL/L) combined with ethanol (1%), and eugenol (100 µL/L) combined with ethanol (1%) resulted in 50% of individuals anesthetized. Eugenol (500 µL/L) combined with ethanol (1%) resulted in 100% of snails anesthetized. Subsequently, a randomized, blinded, complete crossover study compared eugenol (500 µL/L) and eugenol (500 µL/L) combined with ethanol (1%). Both protocols resulted in 91% (11 of 12 snails per protocol) of snails anesthetized. Adding ethanol had no statistically significant difference on anesthetic induction or recovery times. Based on these results, eugenol is a safe and effective anesthetic agent for mystery snails at 500 µL/L. Ethanol does not improve the anesthetic efficacy of eugenol in this snail species.
VACCINATION OF PRONGHORN ANTELOPE () WITH AN INACTIVATED BLUETONGUE VIRUS VACCINE ELICITS VIRUS-NEUTRALIZING ANTIBODY RESPONSE AND POSSIBLE PROTECTION UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS.
Sarma G, Milne V, Wallis D
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2026 Mar · PMID 41926250 · Publisher ↗
antelope () are susceptible to bluetongue virus (BTV) infection. In infected animals, the virus causes acute hemorrhagic disease with a mortality rate exceeding 50 percent. The Baja Peninsular pronghorn antelope is an en...
antelope () are susceptible to bluetongue virus (BTV) infection. In infected animals, the virus causes acute hemorrhagic disease with a mortality rate exceeding 50 percent. The Baja Peninsular pronghorn antelope is an endangered subspecies of pronghorn in North America with the population declining since 1990. The objective of this study was to evaluate safety and virus-neutralizing (VN) antibody production of an inactivated vaccine containing three serotypes of BTV (BTV-10, 11 and 17) in pronghorn antelope kept in captivity. The vaccine was administered subcutaneously to 13 antelope (three male, 10 females; <1year to 11years of age) followed by a booster dose after one month. Serum samples collected prior to the first vaccination and at one-month post-booster were evaluated for seroconversion using a virus-neutralization assay. For vaccination, blood collection and post-vaccination injection site examination the animals were caught and physically restrained. Antibody titers against BTV serotypes 10, 11, and 17 respectively were at least twofold higher than the corresponding pre-vaccination samples in 4/5 (80%) juveniles and 4/5 (80%) adults. In adults, the post-vaccination VN antibody titer means for the three BTV serotypes were two to four times higher than the pre-vaccination titer means, whereas in the juveniles, post-vaccination VN antibody titer means were less than or equal to two times higher than the pre-vaccination titer means. Fifteen months after the administration of the second dose of the vaccine, one of the two adult male unvaccinated control antelope housed along with the vaccinated antelope developed clinical signs of BTV infection and died of the disease. BTV serotypes 11 and 17 were confirmed by RT-PCR. None of the 13 vaccinated antelope developed clinical signs of BTV infection, suggesting that they were protected by the vaccine. The vaccine was also found reasonably safe for use in this species. Mild to moderate injection site reactions leading to the formation of firm masses were seen in about 30.7% of the vaccine injection sites after administering the vaccine through the sub-cutaneous route. Except one, all local injection site reactions and lesions were healed in two to eight weeks without further complications.
IMMOBILIZATION OF COLLARED PECCARIES () UNDER MANAGED CARE USING MEDETOMIDINE-TILETAMINE-ZOLAZEPAM MEDETOMIDINE-KETAMINE-MIDAZOLAM AND REVERSAL WITH ATIPAMEZOLE: A RANDOMIZED, BLINDED CLINICAL TRIAL.
Bernstain Y, Kushnir Y, Avni-Magen N … +2 more , Paz-Sonnenfeld A, Shilo-Benjamini Y
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2026 Mar · PMID 41926249 · Publisher ↗
The objectives of this study were to compare two medetomidine-based protocols followed by atipamezole reversal, assessing immobilization and recovery in collared peccary (). Nineteen collared peccaries under managed care...
The objectives of this study were to compare two medetomidine-based protocols followed by atipamezole reversal, assessing immobilization and recovery in collared peccary (). Nineteen collared peccaries under managed care scheduled for tracking collar placement and routine treatments were randomly assigned to one of two protocols; medetomidine 48 ± 6 µg/kg and 2.23 ± 0.44 mg/kg tiletamine-zolazepam (Med-TZ; = 9) or medetomidine 46 ± 8 µg/kg with 3.29 ± 0.45 mg/kg ketamine and 0.23 ± 0.04 mg/kg midazolam (Med-KM; = 10) injected intramuscularly (IM). Both groups received reversal with IM atipamezole at five times the medetomidine dose. Physiological variables, duration and quality (scale 1-5; 1, poor; 5, excellent) of induction, immobilization, and recovery were recorded by a single-blinded observer. Data were analyzed using student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Fisher's exact test ( < 0.05). There were no significant differences between groups in any variable assessed. Median (range) induction times were 6 (2-33) min (Med-TZ) and 6 (4-12) min (Med-KM). A supplemental dose was required in 3/9 (Med-TZ) and 1/9 (Med-KM) animals. Mean ± standard deviation recovery times were 48 ± 32 min (Med-TZ) and 47 ± 22 min (Med-KM). Median induction, immobilization and recovery qualities were 4 (1-5), 4 (1-5) and 2 (1-5) (Med-TZ), and 5 (3-5), 4 (3-5) and 3 (2-4) (Med-KM), respectively. Median hemoglobin oxygen saturation was 94% (54-98; Med-TZ) and 95% (77-98; Med-KM). At the doses used, Med-TZ and Med-KM provided comparable and reliable immobilization with fair to good recovery quality.
CHARACTERIZATION OF GOITER IN CAPTIVE EUROPEAN EASTERN BONGO () AND ITS IMPACT ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND BODY CONDITION.
Bentley CE, Rowland H, Chantrey J … +4 more , Edwards KL, Moss A, Drake GJ, Lopez J
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2026 Mar · PMID 41926248 · Publisher ↗
Goiter or thyroid enlargement has been frequently reported at postmortem examination in Eastern bongos (. It has been hypothesized that associated thyroid hormone disturbance may be a cause of poor reproductive performan...
Goiter or thyroid enlargement has been frequently reported at postmortem examination in Eastern bongos (. It has been hypothesized that associated thyroid hormone disturbance may be a cause of poor reproductive performance in captive bongos, but thyroid histology or hormone analysis are rarely described. Thyroid glands from 39 individuals within the European captive population were examined grossly, with goiter observed in 64.1% ( = 25) of individuals, of which 96.0% (24/25) had multinodular lesions. Older animals were significantly more likely to develop goiter ( = 0.004), with goiter present in individuals from 6 yrs of age. There was no correlation between the presence of goiter and reproductive success or body condition. Thyroid glands from 16 bongos were examined histologically by a board-certified veterinary pathologist. Histologic lesions were identified in all 16 samples and included giant colloid follicles (100.0%), interstitial fibrosis (93.8%), hyperplastic collapsed follicles (75.0%), papillary fronds (62.5%), inflammation (25.0%), and mineralization (12.5%). No neoplasia was found. Multinodular colloid goiter appears to be the most common thyroid lesion within the European Eastern bongo population. Serum samples collected within 30 d prior to death were available for 25/39 animals, both with and without goiter. Total triiodothyronine (tT3), free triiodothyronine (fT3) and total thyroxine (tT4) concentrations were validated and analyzed by competitive inhibition enzyme immunoassay using bovine ELISA kits. No thyroid hormone levels correlated to goiter presence. Findings suggest that although highly prevalent, colloid goiter is euthyroid and does not impact on reproductive success or body condition in Eastern bongos. The cause of goiter in this species remains unknown.
MESOTHELIOMA IN LIONS () AND TIGERS (): AN ANTEMORTEM CHALLENGE.
Sheldon JD, Gai J, McDaniel K … +3 more , Lowenstine L, Cushing A, Craig L
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065706 · Publisher ↗
This case series describes the presentation, diagnostic, and pathologic findings for mesothelioma in ten felids at two sanctuaries. Over ten years, seven African lions () and three tigers () were diagnosed with mesothel...
This case series describes the presentation, diagnostic, and pathologic findings for mesothelioma in ten felids at two sanctuaries. Over ten years, seven African lions () and three tigers () were diagnosed with mesothelioma, with a median age of 18 years. The most common clinical signs were nonspecific (lethargy, hyporexia, weight loss) and respiratory (coughing, wheezing, dyspnea), linked to cavitary effusions. Hematology and biochemistry values did not show consistent abnormalities although elevated creatinine (4/10), neutrophilia (4/10), monocytosis (3/10), and hyperglobulinemia (4/10) were most common. Radiographs, echocardiograms, and fluid cytology identified effusion, but did not diagnose mesothelioma specifically. All pericardial fluid samples (collected from 3/10 cases) were hemorrhagic, one of which had mesothelial cells but were not definitively neoplastic and one had neoplastic cells but were not definitively mesothelial. Treatments were only palliative; therapeutic pericardiocentesis provided short-term relief for three animals. Median survival time from the onset of clinical signs was 50 (range 0-176) days. If not euthanized on presentation, cases were managed with a combination of antibiotics, antifungals, immunosuppressives, diuretics, cardiac medications, and supportive care. Cavitary effusions were identified in 8/10 of cases at necropsy, including pericardial (7/10), pleural (5/10), and peritoneal (1/10), and diagnoses were confirmed with cytokeratin and vimentin immunohistochemistry. Further research is necessary to determine true prevalence and causes of this disease in domestic and nondomestic felids and to improve antemortem diagnostic testing and treatments.
SP. DAMA GAZELLE FOUND IN PERSIAN GOITERED GAZELLES () AT A ZOOLOGICAL COLLECTION IN GERMANY WITH EVIDENCE FOR TRANSPLACENTAL TRANSMISSION.
Leineweber C, Nachum-Biala Y, Reese L … +4 more , Roller M, Müller E, Baneth G, Schäfer I
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065705 · Publisher ↗
Wild host species can act as important pathogen reservoirs in vector-borne infectious diseases, but the knowledge regarding species infections in gazelles is limited. The aims of the study were to characterize a specie...
Wild host species can act as important pathogen reservoirs in vector-borne infectious diseases, but the knowledge regarding species infections in gazelles is limited. The aims of the study were to characterize a species in blood samples of goitered gazelle ( and to evaluate potential influences on the hematological and biochemistry analytes. EDTA-anticoagulated whole blood and serum samples of 24 clinically healthy gazelles and two offspring kept in a zoological collection in Germany were submitted to a commercial veterinary laboratory as part of a general health check. Clinical chemistry and hematology were measured, and blood smears were examined microscopically. -like piroplasms were detected microscopically in blood smears from seven out of 24 adult gazelles (29%) and DNA was detected by PCR in blood from all of them (100%). Testing for , and was negative in all animals. Sequencing showed that the detected parasites had 100% identity to species Dama gazelle. The clinical chemistry and hematology analytes of all 24 adult gazelles showed no significant abnormalities when compared to published reference intervals. Two offspring also tested positive by PCR to , despite regular handling and no evidence of ticks. Gazelles of the species are susceptible to infection with species and may act as important pathogen reservoirs. In addition to infection via vectors, transplacental transmission also appears to play a role.
MANAGEMENT OF SUSPECTED ZINC TOXICITY IN A MIXED ALCID COLLECTION (, , AND ).
McLaughlin A, Hadfield C
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065704 · Publisher ↗
Two tufted puffins () in a zoological collection of 10 birds presented with signs of weakness, ataxia, and decreased appetite. Diagnostic test results were supportive of zinc toxicosis. The remaining birds in the enclosu...
Two tufted puffins () in a zoological collection of 10 birds presented with signs of weakness, ataxia, and decreased appetite. Diagnostic test results were supportive of zinc toxicosis. The remaining birds in the enclosure (four other tufted puffins, three common murres [], and one rhinoceros auklet []) were assessed, with plasma zinc levels ranging from 2.7 to 5.0 parts per million (ppm; 41.3-76.5 µmol/L). Possible environmental sources of zinc were investigated, including food, medications, seawater, plants, substrates, and habitat lining. Extremely high levels of zinc were found in the habitat sediment and lining (611,365 ppm at one site). A zinc coating had been applied to the habitat decades previously to reduce corrosion; the coating had eroded and contaminated grit was being ingested. All birds received chelation therapy with dimercaptosuccinic acid. A dosage of 50 mg/kg PO q24h appeared most effective and resolved all clinical signs. Long-term pulsatile use (months to years) was not associated with any complications. The birds were moved out of the habitat, the accessible lining was removed, the habitat was resealed, and any remaining sediment was flushed and removed prior to returning the birds. Morbidity and mortality in the group have decreased following this intervention. This case series highlights the importance of including veterinary professionals in the design and renovation plans for zoological enclosures.
SERUM ANTIBODY RESPONSE TO RABIES VACCINATION IN NORTHERN SEA OTTERS ().
Martinez CL, Seetahal JFR, Rivas A … +1 more , Goertz CEC
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065703 · Publisher ↗
While rabies has not been reported in northern sea otters (), it is an infection with severe implications. The World Organization for Animal Health considers a serum titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml as adequate when importing...
While rabies has not been reported in northern sea otters (), it is an infection with severe implications. The World Organization for Animal Health considers a serum titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml as adequate when importing vaccinated domesticated animals into rabies-free areas, a standard often used for zoological species. A few facilities have vaccinated sea otters against rabies, but titers were not analyzed. Production of serum neutralizing antibodies to rabies was evaluated following vaccination of 15 northern sea otters from the Alaska SeaLife Center and the Minnesota Zoo using the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test. No animals had measurable titers prior to vaccination, and all 15 animals demonstrated antibody production post-vaccination. Titers were evaluated at different intervals (30-834 days) post-vaccination and were found at or above 0.5 IU/ml in 10/10 otters at approximately one month, 3/3 at two months, 6/7 at three months, 1/2 at five months, and 2/6 at 6-13 months. Three animals received a booster vaccination one year post initial vaccination, resulting in increased titers in all three one year later. No adverse reactions to vaccination were noted. If the prevailing epidemiological landscape deems rabies to be a concern, booster vaccinations could be considered after 3-4 months to increase the likelihood of adequate protection.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF WILDLIFE REHABILITATION TO PEER-REVIEWED LITERATURE: A MAPPING REVIEW.
Daentl K, Winter JM, Nault AJ … +1 more , Willette M
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065702 · Publisher ↗
Wildlife rehabilitation facilities contribute to scientific research through clinical case reports, experimental studies, and retrospective reviews; however, the amount and type of this research has not been quantified....
Wildlife rehabilitation facilities contribute to scientific research through clinical case reports, experimental studies, and retrospective reviews; however, the amount and type of this research has not been quantified. A literature search was performed to identify recent trends in wildlife rehabilitation research over a six-year period (2017-2022). The following data was evaluated from a total of 526 articles: publishing journal, taxonomic class and order, article sponsorship, contributing institutions, country of origin, and paper topic. Journals with a focus on animals, zoos, wildlife, and veterinary medicine published the greatest number of articles about wildlife rehabilitation. Mammals and birds, particularly birds of prey, were the most common subjects. Academic institutions were the largest sponsorship group, followed by wildlife rehabilitation facilities themselves. Publications were globally distributed, with the United States, Brazil, and Australia producing the greatest number of articles. To the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to identify wildlife rehabilitation facilities as a major sponsor for scientific research. Although the impacts from the field of wildlife rehabilitation are difficult to quantify, the information presented in this study may serve to acknowledge wildlife rehabilitation facilities as research partners, inform research projects, and serve as a database for future studies.
DIFFERENTIAL LEUKOCYTE COUNTS IN CAPTIVE NON-DOMESTIC FELIDS: A COMPARISON OF THE AUTOMATED CELLAVISION DC-1 VET AND A MANUAL METHOD.
Lamglait B
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065701 · Publisher ↗
Automated reading systems have recently been developed for differential leukocyte counts in veterinary patients and showed good correlation with manual readings in human medicine and in some animal species. Differential...
Automated reading systems have recently been developed for differential leukocyte counts in veterinary patients and showed good correlation with manual readings in human medicine and in some animal species. Differential leukocyte counts were performed on 127 banked blood smears from captive (46 individuals from 10 species) manually by one human operator and by the CellaVision DC-1 VET. Excellent correlation ( > 0.90) was observed for neutrophils and lymphocytes. Lower correlations were seen for eosinophils ( = 0.47) and monocytes ( = 0.43), but reclassification by the human operator improved the correlation to very high. Despite good correlations, only neutrophil results were acceptable according to the American Society for Clinical Veterinary Pathology (ASCVP) guidelines. The performance of the CellaVision was overall better for (n = 63) compared with (n = 64), except for eosinophils. The correlations between the manual and the CellaVision readings were overall higher for animals with a normal medical status compared with animals with an abnormal status (mostly infectious and degenerative diseases). Differential leukocyte counts were performed significantly quicker by the CellaVision. The CellaVision is a time-efficient tool in the determination of leukocyte differential counts in non-domestic felids. A control of the leukocyte preclassification by a human operator is necessary for lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, particularly for samples collected from and clinically unhealthy animals.
PATHOGEN SURVEILLANCE IN MUSK TURTLES ( SP.) IN ALABAMA.
McCain S, Rivas AE, Jenkins AJ … +4 more , O'Brien S, Brown GJ, Adamovicz L, Allender MC
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065700 · Publisher ↗
The flattened musk turtle () is a stream-dwelling species that inhabits a small range in the Upper Black Warrior River water basin system in AL and is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Co...
The flattened musk turtle () is a stream-dwelling species that inhabits a small range in the Upper Black Warrior River water basin system in AL and is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The stripe-necked musk turtle () has a broader range, surrounding and slightly overlapping that of the flattened musk turtle in the southeast United States, and is classified as least concern. Ongoing conservation efforts for flattened musk turtles have, thus far, been limited to population surveys; however, the conservation action plan for the species calls for health and infectious disease surveys. Flattened musk turtles (n = 35) and stripe-neck musk turtles (n = 4) in the Black Warrior River water basin system and the Coosa River water basin in AL were tested for frog virus 3 virus, spp., herpesviruses, and adenoviruses by using oral and cloacal swabs. All samples were negative for all pathogens, suggesting this is a naïve population, sampling occurred when individuals were not shedding nucleic acids, or the concentration of DNA was below the level of detection.
DESCRIPTION OF TRANSCOELOMIC AND TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN HEALTHY HUMBOLDT PENGUINS ().
Bender E, Sander SJ, Adamovicz L … +4 more , Javery E, Engel A, Strahl-Heldreth D, Fries R
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065699 · Publisher ↗
Although cardiac pathology has been documented in penguin species under managed care, routine or pathologic assessment of cardiac function in penguins is poorly described in the literature. This study assessed cardiac fu...
Although cardiac pathology has been documented in penguin species under managed care, routine or pathologic assessment of cardiac function in penguins is poorly described in the literature. This study assessed cardiac function through transcoelomic (TCE) and transesophageal (TEE) echocardiography in 11 apparently healthy Humboldt penguins (). TCE was performed in awake and sedated birds under manual restraint, as well as under general anesthesia (GA). The use of IM midazolam and butorphanol provided an inadequate level of sedation, so only images from awake and anesthetized exams were evaluated. Using TCE, acceptable monoplane images were obtained in 51.5% (17/33) and 75.8% (25/33) of exams during awake manual restraint and under GA, respectively. Under GA, all intended imaging planes were obtained via TEE and 100% (33/33) of examinations resulted in acceptable images. Left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDV) values were significantly higher in awake penguins than anesthetized penguins regardless of echo technique (p < 0.05). Left ventricular end systolic volume (LVESV) values were significantly higher using TCE than TEE regardless of consciousness state (p < 0.05), but the opposite was true for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p < 0.05). Based on these results, TCE is an adequate imaging modality for basic cardiac assessment in awake and anesthetized penguins, whereas TEE is the preferred modality for more detailed cardiac assessments.
CYTOKINE PROFILE ASSESSMENT FROM PERUVIAN PINNIPED ( AND ) PLASMA.
Munaco ML, Levin M, Adkesson M … +3 more , Giarikos DG, Cárdenas-Alayza S, Hirons AC
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065698 · Publisher ↗
Large colonies of two vulnerable, sympatric pinniped species, Peruvian fur seals ( Peruvian subpopulation; PFS) and South American sea lions (; SASL), reside and reproduce in Punta San Juan, Peru, where they are exposed...
Large colonies of two vulnerable, sympatric pinniped species, Peruvian fur seals ( Peruvian subpopulation; PFS) and South American sea lions (; SASL), reside and reproduce in Punta San Juan, Peru, where they are exposed to stressors such as contaminants and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. The use of cytokines as immune biomarkers can be indicative of an animal's health and function by allowing for the assessment of an individual's cytokine balance as type I helper T cell (Th1) or type II helper T cell (Th2) dominant. Utilizing archived pinniped plasma samples from 2009-2019 (n = 148), 13 cytokines (GM-CSF, IFN-γ, KC-like, MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15, IL-18, and IP-10) were analyzed in PFS and SASL. All cytokines analyzed, except for IP-10, were detected in at least one individual of each species. Significant differences in cytokine concentration (pg/ml) were found between sex in SASL for IFN-γ, IL-6, and KC-like, which suggested differences in immune system functioning and/or development between sexes. Significant differences between species were found as PFS females displayed higher concentrations (pg/ml) of Th2 cytokines (IL-6 and IL-10) than SASL females, and SASL males displayed higher concentrations (pg/ml) of KC-like than PFS males. Statistical analysis of PFS dam/pup pair cytokine concentrations suggested an upregulated Th2 response in pups compared to dams, consistent with the immature immune system characteristics of newborn mammals. Although no statistically significant relationships between cytokines and ENSO events were observed, comparisons of Th1/Th2 ratios displayed trends toward upregulated Th2 responses during El Niño conditions. This study shows differing cytokine profiles between sexes, age class, and species in Peruvian pinnipeds, as well as potential Th1/Th2 differences related to ENSO conditions, which may impact their ability to combat extracellular pathogens during stressful El Niño periods.
LINEAGE-ASSOCIATED IRON OVERLOAD IN CAPTIVE FEMALE AMARGOSA VOLES ().
Cook SML, Reed M, Wong TAS … +4 more , Mete A, Lowenstine L, Foley J, Imai DM
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065697 · Publisher ↗
Within 1 yr, two cases of iron storage disease (hemochromatosis) were identified in a breeding colony of endangered Amargosa voles (). This study was designed to investigate the extent of excessive hepatic iron accumulat...
Within 1 yr, two cases of iron storage disease (hemochromatosis) were identified in a breeding colony of endangered Amargosa voles (). This study was designed to investigate the extent of excessive hepatic iron accumulation (iron overload with or without tissue damage) in the colony and identify risk factors such as age, sex, parity, lineage, diet, or housing that could influence management decisions for a population meant to propagate a vanishing species. The two affected voles had periportal to panlobular hepatocellular and Kupffer cell Prussian blue-positive pigment accumulation associated with hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis. By mass spectroscopy, hepatic iron content in the two affected voles was 34,000 and 6,100 parts per million (ppm) compared with 6,800 and 400 ppm in two unaffected voles. To determine the prevalence and identify risk factors, a study set of 45 voles from the pathology archives was selected within representative age groups and between sexes. The paraffin-embedded liver from study set voles was stained with Prussian blue for ferric iron. Prussian blue-positive staining was semiquantitatively scored and quantified using automated image analysis of binary pixels per region of interest. Four additional voles with excessive hepatic iron accumulation were identified within the study set. Age, diet, and types of housing were not risk factors, but female sex and lineage were risk factors. All six voles with elevated hepatic iron as measured by digital analysis or mass spectroscopy or both were female. Excluding affected voles, females had a significantly higher hepatic Prussian blue-positive signal than males. No association was identified between hepatic Prussian blue-positive signal and parity. Pedigree analysis revealed that five of six voles with elevated hepatic Prussian blue-positive signal were related to a single male founder (identification 4585). Excessive hepatic iron accumulation in this captive Amargosa vole colony is, thus, associated with female sex and was potentially heritable.
ALGAL BLOOM CAUSES ACUTE TOXICITY AND MORTALITY IN SAMBAR DEER () AT WILDLIFE BREEDING PARK, JALLO-LAHORE, PAKISTAN.
Saleem MAB, Hussain N, Mustafa G … +5 more , Munir M, Rashid MI, Ishaq M, Shahid A, Akbar H
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065696 · Publisher ↗
Cyanobacteria toxicosis was diagnosed in an enclosure of sambar deer () in Wildlife Breeding Park, Jallo-Zoo, Lahore, Pakistan. Microscopic examination of pond water and feces from inside of the deer enclosure revealed ....
Cyanobacteria toxicosis was diagnosed in an enclosure of sambar deer () in Wildlife Breeding Park, Jallo-Zoo, Lahore, Pakistan. Microscopic examination of pond water and feces from inside of the deer enclosure revealed . Clinical findings in seven sambar deer included muscle tremors, dysentery, melena, and enteritis. Necropsy findings revealed froth in trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles (indicative of pulmonary edema) in five of the seven deer. The liver was congested and firm in consistency, and its margins were round. Healed ulcers were found on the tongue and dental pad in one of the dead sambar deer. Linear hemorrhages, mild congestion, and ulceration at the junction of abomasum and duodenum and multifocal poorly demarcated ulcers in duodenal mucosa were noted in five deer. In the large intestine, there was acute diffuse fibrino-hemorrhagic enteritis in four infected carcasses. Isolation and identification tests of the liver and intestine were negative for spp. Mouse bioassay revealed mortality, intestinal hemorrhages, and hepatitis. Peracute mortality of seven sambar deer by consuming algae-contaminated water in a breeding herd is a major concern in zoo enclosures in Pakistan.
THE STATIC ELECTROCARDIOGRAM OF ZOO-KEPT NAKED MOLE-RATS () UNDER ALFAXALONE-KETAMINE ANESTHESIA.
Boyd N, Thomason J, Ambar N … +2 more , Shrader T, Eshar D
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065695 · Publisher ↗
The naked mole-rat () has become a subject of interest in cardiovascular research due to its unique biological properties. However, the ECG of this species has not been thoroughly described. The objective of this study w...
The naked mole-rat () has become a subject of interest in cardiovascular research due to its unique biological properties. However, the ECG of this species has not been thoroughly described. The objective of this study was to characterize the ECG of ten clinically healthy naked mole-rats. Each animal was anesthetized with ketamine and alfaxalone, and ECGs were recorded in sternal recumbency using a hexaxial lead system. ECG resembled those of other rodents with a median heart rate of 174 beats/min (range: 131-202 beats/min), positive Q wave, R wave, and S wave (QRS) complexes in lead II, and absence of an isoelectric ST segment. All P waves were low amplitude (range: 0-0.05 millivolts (mV)) and <40 milliseconds (ms) in duration (26-33 ms) while the median PR interval was 85 ms (76-100 ms). Peak R wave amplitudes ranged from 0.26-1.15 mV depending on filter settings and QRS complex durations were 26-44 ms. The QT intervals ranged from 168-254 ms. An arrhythmia characterized by sinus rhythm with first- and second-degree atrioventricular block was noted in one animal. Collectively, these results provide baseline values in clinically healthy naked mole-rats, which will be relevant to clinical and research situations.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF GUT MICROBIOMES IN FOUR SPECIES OF HEALTHY GIBBONS (HYLOBATIDAE) IN A MANAGED SETTING.
Ambar N, Thurber MI, Sudakaran S
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065694 · Publisher ↗
The microbiome plays a crucial role in human and animal health and welfare; however, no data exists regarding the gibbon microbiome. This study offers the first comprehensive analysis of the gut microbiome of 4 gibbon sp...
The microbiome plays a crucial role in human and animal health and welfare; however, no data exists regarding the gibbon microbiome. This study offers the first comprehensive analysis of the gut microbiome of 4 gibbon species in a managed setting, exploring the effects of controlled environmental and dietary conditions on microbial diversity and composition. Three fecal samples were collected from 24 healthy individuals from 4 gibbon species (, n = 7; , n = 9; , n = 6; and , n = 7) over the course of 1 month. All animals were housed in a single facility with identical environmental conditions and diet. The gut microbiomes were characterized using 16s amplicon sequencing, revealing significant differences in microbial richness across species, with Javan gibbons exhibiting the highest mean diversity (Shannon: 5.347, SD = 0.201) and pileated gibbons the lowest (Shannon: 5.167, SD = 0.241; p < 0.05). Analysis identified 4,070 distinct Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) assigned to 18 phyla, with 70.5% shared across species. Unique microbial genera (ranging from 1%-4.9%) were exclusive to each species, indicating distinct gut microbiome configurations. Additionally, although common microbial genera were found across all species, significant variations in specific bacterial taxa's abundance were observed. This highlights the uniqueness of each species' gut microbiome and challenges the assumption of homogeneity in captive primate microbiomes. Investigations into the enclosure soil microbiomes suggest a minimal impact on the gibbon gut microbial composition. This research emphasizes the complexity of gibbon microbiomes and offers novel insights into their health, management, and conservation.
PRELIMINARY HEMATOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY REFERENCE INTERVALS IN JUVENILE BLACKTIP SHARKS () IN THE GALÁPAGOS MARINE RESERVE.
Dannemiller NG, Knutson KA, Arnold JE … +4 more , Pazmiño DA, Hearn AR, Lewbart GA, Petritz OA
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065693 · Publisher ↗
Species-specific hematology and biochemistry reference intervals (RIs) provide a crucial diagnostic resource for veterinarians, researchers, and wildlife managers working with elasmobranchs. This study aimed to establish...
Species-specific hematology and biochemistry reference intervals (RIs) provide a crucial diagnostic resource for veterinarians, researchers, and wildlife managers working with elasmobranchs. This study aimed to establish hematologic and biochemical RIs from a population of free-ranging, juvenile blacktip sharks () in the Galápagos Marine Reserve in Ecuador. Heparinized blood samples were collected from the ventral coccygeal vein in 36 juvenile blacktip sharks captured via beach seine and physically restrained. Manual CBCs were performed, and heparinized plasma was submitted to a reference laboratory for biochemistry analysis. Per American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines, preliminary hematology and biochemistry RIs were determined minus white blood cell differentials due to artifact following blood smear storage and transport. Juvenile blacktip sharks in the Galápagos Marine Reserve had similar PCV (median: 28%, RI: 18.6-35%) but higher WBC concentrations (median: 29.9 × 10/µL, RI: 9.5-52.4 × 10/µL) than wild adult sandbar sharks (). Furthermore, juvenile blacktip sharks had lower plasma concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST, median: 6 U/L, RI: 4-13 U/L), creatine kinase (CK, median: 16 U/L, RI: 6-90 U/L), and glucose (median: 58 mg/dL, RI: 39-78 mg/dL) than wild Atlantic sharpnose () and bonnethead sharks () may have been due to different capture methods. Hematology and biochemistry reference intervals will aid blacktip sharks under managed care and support future comparative and longitudinal research of blacktip shark populations within the Galápagos Marine Reserve.
PERFORMANCE OF THE CELLAVISION DC-1V FOR WHITE BLOOD CELL DIFFERENTIALS IN AFRICAN ELEPHANT ().
Vonfeld I, Thorel M, Maurer G … +1 more , Leclerc A
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065692 · Publisher ↗
Elephants have unique leukocyte morphology, making automated differentiation challenging and unreliable. Manual white blood cell (WBC) differentials are the gold standard in these species. Automated blood film reading sy...
Elephants have unique leukocyte morphology, making automated differentiation challenging and unreliable. Manual white blood cell (WBC) differentials are the gold standard in these species. Automated blood film reading systems are now available for blood smear evaluation. The CellaVision DC-1V is a computer-controlled microscope that allows WBC preclassification by digital capture and cell recognition, and clinician verification and correction to ensure result accuracy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of this analyzer in captive African elephants () as compared to the gold standard. Sixty blood smears from 7 captive elephants were blindly analyzed twice by 3 observers (MAN: manual counts), and the analyzer (RAW: raw CellaVision DC-1V counts). Analyzer's counts were corrected by each operator (MOD: modified CellaVision DC-1V counts). Linear regressions and correlation coefficients were used to compare MAN, RAW, and MOD. Statistical differences were observed across cell types between all 3 methods (p < 0.01). Heterophil and band heterophil counts were more consistent across observers and methods than lymphocyte and monocyte counts. MOD were considered acceptable for monocytes, but not granulocytes and lymphocytes when compared to limits established for domestic species. The discrepancy between consistency and acceptability may stem from elephants being a monocyte-predominant species, suggesting that limits of acceptability could differ from those applied to domestic species. Time required for the differentials was significantly shorter (p < 0.01) and differentials were subjectively easier to perform when using the analyzer (MOD). The CellaVision DC-1V may be a useful tool for WBC differentials in African elephants, improving both accuracy and time efficiency when corrected by a trained observer.
COMPARISON OF A POINT-OF-CARE AND STANDARD LABORATORY ANALYZERS TO DETERMINE PROTHROMBIN AND ACTIVATED PARTIAL THROMBOPLASTIN TIMES IN ASIAN ELEPHANTS ().
Glassman AR, DiGeronimo PM, Willis EL … +3 more , Ward E, Thepapichaikul W, Brandão J
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065691 · Publisher ↗
Coagulation testing may aid veterinarians in the early identification and management of disease. Clinical application of these diagnostics may be hampered by delays associated with transporting samples to central veterin...
Coagulation testing may aid veterinarians in the early identification and management of disease. Clinical application of these diagnostics may be hampered by delays associated with transporting samples to central veterinary laboratories, especially when working in remote locations. The objective of this study was to compare prothrombin times (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin times (aPTT) in Asian elephants () determined by a point-of-care (POC) analyzer to those determined by a standard laboratory unit. Captive elephants ( = 64) of both sexes and three age classes (juvenile, adult, and geriatric) in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand, underwent venipuncture during routine clinical assessment. PT and aPTT were determined immediately using a handheld POC device (qLabs Coag Panel 2, Micropoint Biotechnologies Inc., Shekou, Shenzen, Guandong 518067, China). Citrated plasma was used to determine PT and aPTT at the veterinary diagnostic laboratory at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, on a standard analyzer (Sysmex Automated Blood Coagulation Analyzer CA-500 Series, Sysmex Corporation, Kobe, Hyogo 651-0073 Japan) 24-31 h following venipuncture. Results were compared by Bland-Altman plots and Passing-Bablock regression analyses. There were significant systematic, constant and proportional biases for PT and aPTT for both analyzers. The POC analyzer significantly overestimated PT and aPTT values by a mean of 11.9 s (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.4-12.4 s) and 117.6 s (95% CI, 115.0-120.1 s), respectively. The results of this study show a large discrepancy between PT and aPTT values between a POC coagulometer and standard analyzer, confirming the need for analyzer-specific reference intervals for their use in clinical care.
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