Journal Of Zoo And Wildlife Medicine[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
DENTAL AND ORAL PATHOLOGY IN TIGERS () BASED ON ORAL EXAMINATION AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY.
Wright EM, Lothamer CW, Fazio C … +2 more , Zhu X, Cushing AC
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065690 · Publisher ↗
Management of dental disease in non-domestic felids under managed care is integral to their overall health and welfare. Accurate evaluation of dental disease by zoo clinicians improves patient care and can influence the...
Management of dental disease in non-domestic felids under managed care is integral to their overall health and welfare. Accurate evaluation of dental disease by zoo clinicians improves patient care and can influence the decision to utilize dental specialists to assist with complex procedures. Additionally, dental disease frequently occurs subgingivally and cannot be detected without the aid of dental radiography and/or advanced imaging, such as CT. This study aimed to describe the frequency and types of dental pathology observed in a cohort of 15 tigers () from a sanctuary, determine the interexaminer agreement between a zoological medicine house officer and a board-certified veterinary dentist and identify subgingival lesions via CT imaging and correlate those findings to oral examinations. Abrasions, complicated crown fractures (CCFx), dental calculus, and periodontal pocketing were all observed in more than half of the individuals on dental examination and exhibited moderate or better interexaminer agreement based on statistical analysis. CT scans revealed alveolar bone loss (ABL) and periapical lysis (PL) most commonly in these same cats. PL was significantly positively correlated with CCFx (r = 0.45, P < 0.0001). These findings confirmed that dental trauma is the most common etiology for dental pathology in this population of tigers and that for most types of dental pathology observed, the zoological medicine house officer and veterinary dentist exhibited moderate agreement or better. Additionally, CT was useful for identifying subgingival lesions such as ABL and PL and may be an important diagnostic tool in cases of CCFx in tigers.
RADIOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENT OF CARDIAC SIZE AND OTHER COELOMIC ORGANS IN WILD RAINBOW LORIKEETS ().
Darvish A, Schnitzer P, Auletta L … +1 more , Crosta L
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065689 · Publisher ↗
This retrospective study aims to determine physiologic measurements of major organs (heart, liver, and kidneys) on radiographs of wild rainbow lorikeets () to define reference intervals for each organ. High quality radio...
This retrospective study aims to determine physiologic measurements of major organs (heart, liver, and kidneys) on radiographs of wild rainbow lorikeets () to define reference intervals for each organ. High quality radiographs of wild rainbow lorikeets that had no major clinical or radiographic lesions were selected for this study. The widths of the heart, liver, thorax, and coelomic cavity along with the height and length of the kidneys, and the width of the femur and the length of the first coccygeal vertebrae were measured from 45 radiographic studies. Correlations between the measured structures and with the thoracic and coelomic cavity were explored. The cardiac width was 63% (55%-71%) of the thoracic width, liver width resulted in 74% (52-90%) of the coelomic width. Kidney length and width resulted in 73% (61-87%) and 11% (7-14%) of the coelomic width, respectively. Similar to previous studies in different avian species, the correlation between heart width and thorax width was confirmed. However, the ratio of heart width to thorax width in wild rainbow lorikeets was found to be slightly higher than those published in captive avian species, suggesting that wild birds might have comparably larger hearts than captive birds. The reference intervals established in this study may assist clinicians in identifying changes in the measured organs when enlargement or reduction in size is observed on radiographs of wild rainbow lorikeets.
DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF DESLORELIN ACETATE ASSAY AND A PILOT STUDY ON THE PHARMACOKINETICS OF DESLORELIN ACETATE IMPLANTS AND FECAL HORMONE MONITORING IN THE DOMESTIC GOAT ().
Rooney TA, Lehner A, Zyskowski J … +9 more , Thompson KA, Eustace R, Kozlowski CP, Clawitter H, McDonald MM, Franklin AD, Powell D, Buchweitz J, Agnew D
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065688 · Publisher ↗
Management of zoo animals relies on effective and reliable contraception. Deslorelin acetate implants (Suprelorin) are routinely used as a contraceptive tool, therapy for reproductive disease, and to mitigate hormonally-...
Management of zoo animals relies on effective and reliable contraception. Deslorelin acetate implants (Suprelorin) are routinely used as a contraceptive tool, therapy for reproductive disease, and to mitigate hormonally-based undesirable behaviors. Because this product was developed for use in dogs, the minimal effective dose and duration of action must be extrapolated to other species. Current dose recommendations from the Association of Zoo and Aquariums Reproductive Management Center are based on accumulated data from use in various taxa. The authors developed a novel liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay to measure deslorelin in serum; the method was validated for linearity, limits of detection and quantitation, precision, and specificity. This pilot study then evaluated the pharmacokinetics of deslorelin implants in vivo, using female domestic goats (; n = 3) each with a single 9.4-mg subcutaneous implant. Serum samples were analyzed at baseline and 31 designated time points (15 min-360 d) following placement. The average maximum serum concentration () for deslorelin was 83 ng/ml, time to () was 1.3 h, and a plateau phase extended from 30 to 360 d. Fecal estrogen and progestagen reflected anovulatory status following deslorelin placement in all three goats. This study demonstrates that the novel assay is able to successfully measure deslorelin acetate in serum, even to a sensitivity of 0.03 ng/ml. This study lays the foundation for future research regarding dosage recommendations for deslorelin implants in other species.
RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF MORBIDITIES AND MORTALITIES OF JAGUARS MANAGED () IN NORTH AMERICAN ZOOLOGICAL INSTITUTIONS, 2003-2023.
Kruse TN, Corner S
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065687 · Publisher ↗
Previous retrospective studies on common morbidities and mortalities of jaguars () provided information that led to changes in preventive medicine protocols and proactive medical care. However, new disease trends and med...
Previous retrospective studies on common morbidities and mortalities of jaguars () provided information that led to changes in preventive medicine protocols and proactive medical care. However, new disease trends and medical conditions may emerge, change over time, or change location. Medical records from 139 jaguars housed in 35 North American zoological facilities between 2003 and 2023 were reviewed. Common morbidities and mortalities in different age groups were identified. Most morbidities involved the integumentary system (n = 173) in this study population, followed by the digestive (n = 163) and musculoskeletal systems (n = 86). Other notable morbidity findings included presumed exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in four jaguars but with normal pancreas on histopathology, and all degenerative joint diseases (n = 8, 14.5%) and urinary (n = 17, 30.9%), and ocular conditions (n = 10; 7.2%) were found in geriatric jaguars. Renal disease (n = 22) and neoplasia (n = 21) were the leading causes of mortality in this study population. Compared to previous studies, there appeared to be more cases of self-trauma involving the skin (n = 90; 32.3%) in this study population ( = <0.0001), particularly in adult jaguars, but significantly fewer cases of hepatic conditions (n = 4, = 0.0096). Neoplasia was an important cause of death with ovarian cystadenocarcinoma being more prevalent than mammary adenocarcinoma in this study. As morbidity and mortality trends change, medical and husbandry protocols may need to adjust to manage and decrease the prevalence of medical conditions.
NO SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN THE PLASMA CORTICOSTERONE RESPONSE OF HISPANIOLAN AMAZON PARROTS () SEDATED WITH INTRANASAL MIDAZOLAM-BUTORPHANOL DURING PERIODS OF ROUTINE RESTRAINT.
Helms-Pack ML, Tully TN, Freeman BS … +4 more , Liu CC, Stansberry KR, Tuminello JA, Lattin CR
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065686 · Publisher ↗
A previous study found that restraint significantly increased plasma corticosterone in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (). This noncrossover study's objective was to test the effects of the sedatives midazolam and butorphanol...
A previous study found that restraint significantly increased plasma corticosterone in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (). This noncrossover study's objective was to test the effects of the sedatives midazolam and butorphanol on the plasma corticosterone response in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots during a 30-min period of restraint. The prediction was that sedated parrots would have significantly decreased plasma corticosterone responses compared with controls when restrained. The parrot colony contained 10 male and 12 female Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (15-26 yr of age; weight range, 264-334 g). The birds were processed according to cage order. Each parrot was caught and restrained in a towel. A baseline blood sample was collected from each bird in <3 min upon entering the room. The bird was weighed and a control (saline solution, = 11) or sedative (midazolam and butorphanol, = 11) treatment was administered intranasally based on a preset randomized list of either the word "control" or "treatment." Additional blood samples were taken 15 and 30 min after saline or sedative administration (a total of three blood samples per bird). Plasma corticosterone levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunoassays. The prediction that sedated parrots would have significantly decreased plasma corticosterone responses compared with controls was not supported ( = 0.99). These results suggest that even when sedated, psittacines can experience acute stress responses when handled and clinicians should be mindful of this stress response to reduce potential adverse effects.
MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY ASSOCIATED WITH 50 INDIVIDUAL PASTURE IMMOBILIZATIONS OF GIRAFFE () OVER 18 YEARS (2004-2022) AT A SINGLE INSTITUTION.
Swenson J, Shea M, Eyres A … +1 more , Haefele HJ
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065685 · Publisher ↗
Giraffe ( are considered high risk for anesthetic complications. Interestingly, few recent peer-reviewed studies have evaluated morbidity and mortality in immobilized giraffe under managed care. Given that giraffe may re...
Giraffe ( are considered high risk for anesthetic complications. Interestingly, few recent peer-reviewed studies have evaluated morbidity and mortality in immobilized giraffe under managed care. Given that giraffe may require anesthesia due to their large size and potential to cause harm, a more scientific evaluation of the risks associated with the various types of immobilization procedures is warranted. Pasture immobilizations are often considered particularly high risk due to lack of control over the animal's environment. Other perceived risks include interference by conspecifics and a delay in being able to obtain head control of the anesthetized animal. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center has a long history of pasture immobilizations in giraffe, allowing for a standardized procedure that has varied little over its 35-yr history. This allows for the unique opportunity to evaluate morbidity and mortality associated with pasture immobilizations, while minimizing other variables. A retrospective evaluation of pasture immobilizations in giraffe over 18-yr was performed (starting with the onset of consistent electronic medical records). During this period, 50 pasture immobilizations were reported. No life-threatening complications occurred in any cases. Ages ranged from 3 mon to 33 yr, with 24% of animals being over the age of 25. Duration of anesthesia from darting to reversal averaged 68 min (minimum = 24 min; maximum = 157 min). Five procedures were for the expressed intent of euthanasia. In the remaining 45 procedures, no mortalities were reported. This study shows a minimal risk associated with pasture immobilizations when performed with experienced staff under consistent circumstances.
ANTHELMINTIC THERAPIES FOR PNEUMONIA IN CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS ().
Kane LP, Field CL, Hortensius LM … +7 more , Rios C, McClain AM, Whitmer ER, Simeone C, Dennison S, Zabrodski MW, Duignan P
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065684 · Publisher ↗
Infection with the lungworm fi is ubiquitous among young California sea lions (CSL; ), and high infection intensity is a significant cause of pulmonary pathology, respiratory distress, morbidity, and mortality. Anthelmin...
Infection with the lungworm fi is ubiquitous among young California sea lions (CSL; ), and high infection intensity is a significant cause of pulmonary pathology, respiratory distress, morbidity, and mortality. Anthelmintics are a common treatment for stranded CSL exhibiting clinical evidence of pneumonia in the rehabilitation setting. To evaluate the clinical efficacy of anthelmintics in reducing larval lungworm fecal output, 55 stranded pup and yearling CSL were treated with either parenteral moxidectin or oral fenbendazole and compared with a group that did not receive an anthelmintic. Clinical disease scoring initially revealed 1 animal to not have disease, 37 animals to have mild to moderate disease, and 17 animals to have severe disease secondary to infection. Initial posttreatment fecal recheck scored animals as improved (n = 30), unchanged (n = 14), worsened (n = 2), or dead (n = 9). There was no difference between treatment groups and changes in clinical scores on the basis of clinical signs, nor was there a difference between treatment groups and change of presence. There is insufficient evidence to indicate that oral fenbendazole or subcutaneous moxidectin is superior for parasitic pneumonia therapy due to in CSL.
CLINICAL OVERVIEW OF SNAKES PRESENTING TO A NORTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE CLINIC: A 25-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW (1999-2023).
Dunn SN, Clark ON, Bonadie KL … +1 more , Lewbart GA
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065683 · Publisher ↗
Over a 25-year period (1999-2023), 152 free-ranging snakes were presented to the Turtle Rescue Team at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Snakes presented in all months of the year, with...
Over a 25-year period (1999-2023), 152 free-ranging snakes were presented to the Turtle Rescue Team at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Snakes presented in all months of the year, with 73.7% arriving from May to September. The black rat snake ( spp.) was the most frequent species admitted, representing 45.4% (n = 69) of the caseload, followed by black racers (; n = 29 [19.1%]) and water snakes ( spp.; n = 16, [10.5%]). Median length of stay for admitted snakes was 11 days, which increased to 18 days when snakes that were either dead or euthanized on arrival were excluded. The majority of snakes (n = 97 [69.8%]) stayed 30 days or fewer. Trauma was the most common reason for admission, and over 50% of all cases could be definitively linked to anthropogenic factors. Trauma from netting entanglement was the most prevalent presenting complaint, at 19.1% (n = 29) of the total caseload. However, snakes presenting for netting trauma were 2.6x more likely to survive when compared to all other presenting complaints. Overall, 40.1% (n = 61) snakes were released. Including one nonreleasable snake and one that escaped care, 63 (44.1%) of the 152 survived. This study provides an introductory look at the clinical overview of snakes presenting to a North Carolina wildlife rehabilitation center, and allows for a better understanding of both factors affecting these animals in the wild and the feasibility of successful rehabilitation.
RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF DEXMEDETOMIDINEBUTORPHANOL-MIDAZOLAM OR MEDETOMIDINEBUTORPHANOL-MIDAZOLAM FOR ANESTHESIA OF SEA OTTERS ( ) UNDER PROFESSIONAL CARE.
Ready ZC, Adams L, Herrick K … +8 more , Cunning R, Russell J, Schmitt T, Hadfield C, Rivas A, O'Connor M, Chinnadurai S, Tang K
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065682 · Publisher ↗
A retrospective review of anesthetic events using dexmedetomidine-butorphanol-midazolam (DBM) or medetomidine-butorphanol-midazolam (MBM) for northern () and southern () sea otters under professional care was performed....
A retrospective review of anesthetic events using dexmedetomidine-butorphanol-midazolam (DBM) or medetomidine-butorphanol-midazolam (MBM) for northern () and southern () sea otters under professional care was performed. From 2010 to 2023, 96 anesthetic procedures in total were reported across 32 sea otters for various diagnostic, surgical, or preventive health procedures. A subset of 57 anesthetic procedures in 28 apparently heathy sea otters was evaluated to report anesthetic milestones, physiologic values, and perianesthetic observations. Included induction protocols involved IM injection of DBM or MBM, and injectable agents were reversed with IM atipamezole and naltrexone ± flumazenil. Anesthetic events were compared from a subset of sea otters anesthetized with both MBM and fentanyl-midazolam (FM) on separate occasions. Individuals were manually restrained for injection (45/57, 78.9%) or received voluntary injections (12/57, 21.1%); those with voluntary injections had faster time to intubation ( = 0.017) and longer time to extubation ( = 0.015) than those manually restrained. Duration of inhalant anesthesia and antagonism of midazolam with flumazenil had no significant effect on recovery milestones. Physiologic values were within established cutoffs considered by the authors to be clinically acceptable for most sea otters. The most common perianesthetic observation was hypothermia (<37.2°C; 7/57, 12.3%); however, it was only seen in procedures lasting >54 min. Sea otters immobilized with MBM had significantly lower HR (MBM, 114 ± 8 breaths per minute [brpm]; FM, 153 ± 30 brpm; = 0.03), lower partial pressure of end-tidal CO readings (MBM, 56.8 ± 5.4 mmHg; FM, 92.3 ± 10.8 mmHg; = 0.002), higher RR ( = 0.03), and higher pulse oximetry readings ( = 0.02) compared with sea otters immobilized with FM. DBM and MBM appear to be safe, reliable protocols with smooth induction and recovery; clinically acceptable physiologic values across various age classes, sexes, and subspecies; and a low rate of complications. Furthermore, MBM appears to be a reliable alternative to FM with more favorable respiratory values.
EVALUATION OF THIAFENTANIL-MEDETOMIDINE-KETAMINE COMBINATIONS FOR ANESTHESIA WITHOUT THE USE OF A RESTRAINT DEVICE IN ZOO-HOUSED GIRAFFES ().
Roeder MM, Bapodra-Villaverde P, Sadler R … +5 more , Kinney ME, Swenson J, Eustace R, Thibault CJ, Thompson KA
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065681 · Publisher ↗
Giraffe anesthesia is considered high risk due to inherent challenges associated with their distinctive anatomy and physiology. This retrospective study (January 2014-January 2024) in zoo-housed giraffes ( evaluated thre...
Giraffe anesthesia is considered high risk due to inherent challenges associated with their distinctive anatomy and physiology. This retrospective study (January 2014-January 2024) in zoo-housed giraffes ( evaluated three thiafentanil-medetomidine-ketamine based protocols without the aid of a giraffe restraint device (GRD) for induction of anesthesia (66 events, 45 individuals, 15 facilities). Individuals were categorized as either adult (≥1 yr old) (n = 52) or juveniles (1 mon to <1 yr old) (n = 14). Three protocols included: thiafentanil 7.4 ± 1.1 µg/kg, medetomidine 15.1 ± 2.1 µg/kg, and ketamine 0.7 ± 0.1 mg/kg as sole agents (TMK; 45/66) or with the addition of butorphanol 0.02 ± 0.01 mg/kg in both a one-stage (TMKB; 9/66) or two-stage (MB-TK; 12/66) induction protocol. Adult giraffes were induced in indoor and outdoor holdings (typically padded, 42/52, 81%) or pasture setting (10/52, 19%), intubated, and ventilated. Time between darts was 13.3 ± 3.5 min for MB-TK. Adult median antagonist ratios were 5 mg atipamezole (range 4-15 mg) per 1 mg medetomidine IM, 32 mg naltrexone (range 10-214 mg) per 1 mg thiafentanil IM/SC/IV, and additional 3 mg naltrexone (range 0-34 mg) per 1 mg butorphanol IM/SC/IV. Median total anesthesia length (initial dart to antagonist administration) was 81.0 mins (range 26.0-162.0 mins) across all procedures. Time to recumbency varied between one and two dart protocols. Recovery parameters after antagonists included time to extubation (6.0 ± 4.6 min), head control (12.5 ± 8.6 min), and standing (21.9 ± 19.9 min). Adult mortality attributed to anesthetic complications was 2% (1/52), juvenile mortality was 0%. This study and others support a decreasing risk of mortality during giraffe anesthesia (0-2%), compared with historical publications.
UNILATERAL NEPHROLITHIASIS AND HYDRONEPHROSIS TREATED WITH NEPHRECTOMY IN A CAPTIVE MOUNTAIN TAPIR ().
Nelson BB, Klaphake E, Mama KR … +3 more , Acutt EV, Nout-Lomas YS, Johnston MS
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638190 · Publisher ↗
Mountain tapirs () are endangered land mammals and there are few descriptions of urinary diseases that affect them. This report describes a 17-year-old mountain tapir presenting with hyporexia and chronic weight loss cau...
Mountain tapirs () are endangered land mammals and there are few descriptions of urinary diseases that affect them. This report describes a 17-year-old mountain tapir presenting with hyporexia and chronic weight loss caused by unilateral nephrolithiasis and hydronephrosis. Unilateral nephrectomy returned this mountain tapir to normal weight with resolution of clinical signs. Characteristics of the smooth circular uroliths found in this mountain tapir were consistent with the rarer type II variant found in horses and was composed of 100% calcium carbonate. Type II uroliths in horses typically have amorphous shapes and include phosphate. This case showed that mountain tapirs are susceptible to nephrolithiasis, which may progress to hydronephrosis, and that unilateral nephrectomy is a feasible treatment. Despite the success of nephrectomy in this case, further investigation is required in captive mountain tapirs to more clearly understand management of nephrolithiasis and how it equates with what is known in horses.
EXPECTANT MANAGEMENT OF PRE-TERM PRE-LABOR RUPTURE OF FETAL MEMBRANES IN A WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLA ().
Schultz MA, Palmer AG, Hope K … +3 more , Kaye S, Steeil JC, Gaba N
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638189 · Publisher ↗
This case describes successful expectant management of pre-term pre-labor rupture of fetal membranes (PPROM) in a 20-year-old female western lowland gorilla (). Rupture of fetal membranes occurred at estimated day 231 of...
This case describes successful expectant management of pre-term pre-labor rupture of fetal membranes (PPROM) in a 20-year-old female western lowland gorilla (). Rupture of fetal membranes occurred at estimated day 231 of gestation, prior to the birthing window (days 237-285) for this species. Expectant management consisted of broad-spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids, and monitoring of the dam and fetus via serial ultrasonography, vital signs, and behavioral observation. The pregnancy was supported to term and completed with unassisted parturition of a healthy neonate at estimated day 250 of gestation. PPROM is a common complication reported in human pregnancy but has not been reported previously in gorillas in managed care. Expectant management was successful in this case and underscores the importance of operant conditioning which allowed for maternal and fetal monitoring. This case may serve as a reference for future management of similar conditions, benefiting breeding goals for this species.
PERIOPERATIVE ANALGESIC MANAGEMENT IN ASIATIC BLACK BEARS () UNDERGOING OPEN CHOLECYSTECTOMY.
Kalogeropoulu SK, Painer-Gigler J, Cruz-Benedetti IC … +6 more , Ferreira S, Thomson S, Redtenbacher I, Raphael BL, Pohlin F, Verdier N
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638188 · Publisher ↗
Eight adult Asiatic black bears () rescued from bile farms in Vietnam were diagnosed with chronic cholecystitis that required surgical intervention. In addition, these bears exhibited various comorbidities, including car...
Eight adult Asiatic black bears () rescued from bile farms in Vietnam were diagnosed with chronic cholecystitis that required surgical intervention. In addition, these bears exhibited various comorbidities, including cardiovascular changes, chronic kidney disease, degenerative joint disease, obesity, and sarcopenia. The bears were anesthetized for an open midline cholecystectomy using a combination of 3 mg/kg tiletamine/zolazepam, 0.035 mg/kg medetomidine, and 0.05 mg/kg butorphanol administered IM via blowpipe. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in 100% oxygen. Butorphanol IV was repeated q90 min, and meloxicam was given SC at the beginning of surgery. An ultrasound-guided one-point transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block with 0.25% bupivacaine (0.2 ml/kg) was performed in order to desensitize the ventral branches of the last thoracic and lumbar spinal nerves, which innervate the abdominal wall. Additionally, 0.1 ml/kg of same injectate was instilled intraperitoneally twice to manage visceral pain. Lidocaine was administered IV as a continuous-rate infusion at a rate of 10 µg/kg/min. Throughout the procedure, all bears received intravenous fluids and systemic antibiotics. In all bears, cardiovascular parameters remained stable during surgery: heart rate 56 ± 9 bpm, respiratory rate 8 ± 3 bpm and mean arterial blood pressure 128 ± 40 mmHg. No cardiovascular response to surgical stimuli was observed. The TAP block was easy to perform, and no complications were observed during or after the block. The overall dose of local anesthetics was maintained within the recommended range for carnivores, with no signs of local anesthetic toxicity observed. All animals recovered well from anesthesia and returned to their husbandry routine within 6 wk postcholecystectomy. This multimodal analgesic approach seemed to have been effective to provide perioperative analgesia in these Asiatic black bears. It was demonstrated to be a safe, cost-effective, and easily implemented protocol.
MULTIPLE INFECTIONS IN CAIMAN LIZARDS () IMPORTED INTO EUROPE FROM PERU.
Marschang RE, François C, Paillusseau C … +8 more , Gandar F, Dietz J, Pocknell A, Chai N, Blahak S, Theuns S, Papp T, Schilliger L
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638187 · Publisher ↗
All of the animals in a group of 58 juvenile caiman lizards () imported to Europe from a breeding farm in Peru presented, one after the other, with prostration, dyspnea, and anorexia. Six animals that died or were euthan...
All of the animals in a group of 58 juvenile caiman lizards () imported to Europe from a breeding farm in Peru presented, one after the other, with prostration, dyspnea, and anorexia. Six animals that died or were euthanized were examined by histopathology, PCR for the detection of ferlaviruses, adenoviruses, reoviruses (n = 3), and cryptosporidia, and virus isolation in cell culture (n = 4). The genomes of two virus isolates were sequenced by nanopore sequencing. Histopathology showed interstitial proliferative pneumonia, multifocal lymphocytic pancreatitis with acinar atrophy, mild hypertrophic enteritis with cryptosporidiosis, mild multifocal proliferative mixed-cell rhinitis, and diffuse mild hepatic lipidosis. PCRs were positive for ferlaviruses (4/6 lizards), adenoviruses (2/6), and cryptosporidia (2/6). Ferlaviruses were isolated from four animals and subsequent genome sequencing showed the virus to be closely related to a ferlavirus previously described in green anacondas () in Hong Kong. Sequencing of the adenovirus PCR products indicated that these were a novel barthadenovirus (previously atadenovirus). The cryptosporidia were identified as . Although multiple pathogens were detected in these animals, ferlavirus infection is the most likely cause of the severe disease outbreak. Stress and the other pathogens likely contributed to disease severity. This is an example of the role the pet trade can play in the international movement of pathogens, and confirms again that lizards can be affected by ferlaviruses.
THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES TO PEROSIS (SLIPPED GASTROCNEMIUS TENDON) IN THE CAPTIVE AFRICAN PENGUIN ().
Krol L, Dunker FH, DiGeronimo PM … +4 more , Flanders JA, Spriggs M, Tong K, Ferraz VCM
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638186 · Publisher ↗
African penguin () chicks in human care can develop perosis, also known as medial luxation of the gastrocnemius tendon. This case series presents four cases of perosis in African penguin chicks and their differing therap...
African penguin () chicks in human care can develop perosis, also known as medial luxation of the gastrocnemius tendon. This case series presents four cases of perosis in African penguin chicks and their differing therapeutic approaches. Conservative management appears to have limited success compared to surgical approaches. However, surgical repair comes with risks of severe postoperative complications. Limiting excessive growth of penguin chicks, addressing perosis in a timely fashion, and aggressive pre- and postoperative antibiotic therapy appear to increase success of therapy.
FIRST REPORT OF SPP. IN THREE SPECIES OF STRIGIFORMES (, , ).
Lassiter LJ, Lucio-Forster A, Lejeune M … +2 more , Young R, Childs-Sanford S
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638185 · Publisher ↗
spp. are digenetic trematodes commonly found in piscivorous birds. At the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital in Ithaca, NY, trematode (also known as fluke) infections were identified in six owls admitted to the hospital...
spp. are digenetic trematodes commonly found in piscivorous birds. At the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital in Ithaca, NY, trematode (also known as fluke) infections were identified in six owls admitted to the hospital from 2020 to 2023 representing three species: an Eastern screech owl () ( = 1), barred owls () ( = 3), and great horned owls () ( = 2). All individuals were presented to the wildlife hospital following vehicular trauma except for the two great horned owls. Trematodes observed in the oral cavities of these birds during initial physical examinations were presumptively identified as sp. based on their appearance and location. Molecular characterization based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX1) marker that was performed on specimens removed from the screech owl (Case 1) and a barred owl (Case 3) identified these trematodes as . The specimen from another barred owl (Case 2) did not have a strong match with any reported COX1 sequence and could only be identified to the genus level as sp. There are limited reports of spp. in raptors, and this is the first known documentation of infection in these three owl species. Though these parasites are often considered nonpathogenic, heavy parasitic loads can cause clinical disease and may have contributed to the clinical condition of two of these owls. Further study is needed to understand the effects of spp. in atypical hosts such as owls (Strigiformes).
ESTABLISHMENT OF REFERENCE INTERVAL FOR SYMMETRIC DIMETHYLARGININE IN HAMADRYAS BABOONS ().
Souza AR, Stowe DM, Georoff TA … +2 more , Nevitt BN, Minter LJ
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638184 · Publisher ↗
Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) has expedited the diagnosis of kidney disease in small animal practice and has become the gold standard for diagnosis and screening. SDMA could be a useful screening tool for kidney dysf...
Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) has expedited the diagnosis of kidney disease in small animal practice and has become the gold standard for diagnosis and screening. SDMA could be a useful screening tool for kidney dysfunction in nonhuman primates under human care, allowing for earlier intervention if indicated. These results could also help stage kidney disease in nonhuman primates when coupled with other diagnostics, to assist with quality-of-life decision-making. This study evaluated 55 serum samples from two different zoologic institutions to establish an SDMA reference interval for healthy hamadryas baboons (), by using the published American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology reference interval guidelines. Samples from each animal were submitted to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. and analyzed via a high-throughput immunoassay called the IDEXX SDMA test. Once analyzed, one value was omitted as an outlier. For clinically healthy baboons, the SDMA reference interval ranges from 4 to 11 µg/dl. The average value for the entire population is 7.7 µg/dl, with a SD of 1.9 µg/dl, a 90% lower confidence interval of 3-5 µg/dl, and a 90% upper confidence interval of 11-12 µg/dl. There is no significant difference between males and females. The hamadryas baboon reference interval indicated that values exceeding 11 µg/dl should be considered possibly elevated and warrant further investigation of kidney function in that animal. Furthermore, determination of species-specific reference interval is critical for correct interpretation of SDMA data.
DETERMINATION OF SYMMETRIC DIMETHYLARGININE, CREATININE, AND BLOOD UREA NITROGEN REFERENCE INTERVALS IN AFRICAN WILD DOGS () IN MANAGED CARE FROM TWO ZOOLOGICAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
Sawmy S, Cock HR, Hopper J … +3 more , Strike T, Hedley J, Guthrie A
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638183 · Publisher ↗
The African wild dog (AWD; ) is an endangered canid from sub-Saharan Africa. Ex situ global conservation efforts include captive breeding and maintenance of healthy individuals in zoos to create insurance populations and...
The African wild dog (AWD; ) is an endangered canid from sub-Saharan Africa. Ex situ global conservation efforts include captive breeding and maintenance of healthy individuals in zoos to create insurance populations and maintain genetic diversity. Chronic renal disease (CRD) has been identified as a comorbidity at necropsy in zoo-housed adult and geriatric AWDs. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is a renal biomarker that has been widely used for the early diagnosis of CRD. There are no published reference intervals (RIs) for SDMA and conventional nonspecific renal biomarkers, such as creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in AWDs. Banked frozen sera collected from 35 healthy AWDs between 2000 and 2020 from two United Kingdom zoos were used to establish RIs using the parametric method. The RIs were: SDMA (2.48-15.7 µg/dl), creatinine (0.67-1.69 mg/dl), and BUN (13.87-39.34 mg/dl). SDMA showed a significant positive correlation with serum creatinine (Pearson's test, = 0.41; = 0.02). An independent test and a one-way ANOVA showed no significant differences between age and sex on the analytes, but mean SDMA levels were higher in younger animals. The RIs determined in this study will help refine the diagnosis and monitoring of CRD in zoo-housed AWDs.
COMPARISON OF THREE SEDATION COMBINATIONS IN ISOFLURANE-ANESTHETIZED GARDEN DORMICE () UNDERGOING LAPAROTOMY.
Mugnier M, Rauch-Schmücking H, Giroud S … +4 more , Haw A, Rocchi A, Jourdan G, Pohlin F
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638182 · Publisher ↗
The garden dormouse () is commonly used as model species for studies on hibernation, which may involve surgery. Similar to laboratory rodents, inhalational anesthesia, which does not provide analgesia, is often performed...
The garden dormouse () is commonly used as model species for studies on hibernation, which may involve surgery. Similar to laboratory rodents, inhalational anesthesia, which does not provide analgesia, is often performed for surgical procedures. We retrospectively compared cardiorespiratory effects between ketamine-butorphanol-medetomidine (KBMed), ketamine-butorphanol-midazolam (KBMid) and butorphanol-medetomidine-midazolam (BMM) administered SC in 48 garden dormice undergoing laparotomy for bio-logger implantation plus tissue (liver, brown fat) biopsy surgery ( = 48/48 [28 females, 20 males] ∼5 wk old) and bio-logger explantation surgery ( = 42/48 [24 females, 18 males], ∼1 yr old). Doses were ketamine (40 mg/kg), medetomidine (0.2 mg/kg), midazolam (1 mg/kg), and butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg). Anesthesia was supplemented with isoflurane (1.29 ± 0.53%) in 100% oxygen via facemask; meloxicam and lactated Ringer's solution were administered SC; and a splash block using lidocaine was performed. Sedation score and recovery time were recorded. The pedal withdrawal reflex, pulse rate, RR, SpO, and temperature were monitored throughout the laparotomy. The effects of group and time were tested using linear mixed-effect models, with individuals as random factor. Sedation score was the deepest with KBMed. Pulse rate, RR, and temperature remained within physiological ranges for KBMid, but were decreased with KBMed and BMM ( < 0.001). SpO remained >96% in all groups. Recovery time was shortest with KBMid (20.8 ± 18.1 min); KBMed and BMM required reversal with atipamezole after 60 min, otherwise recovery time would have been prolonged. All combinations allowed for appropriate intraoperative analgesia, cardiorespiratory stability, and adequate postoperative wound healing.
ACUTE PHASE PROTEINS AND CAPILLARY ZONE ELECTROPHORESIS IN CLINICALLY NORMAL GIANT PANDA () AND COMPARISON TO CLINICALLY ILL GIANT PANDA.
Partyka M, Cray C, Montiani-Ferreira F … +2 more , Lan J, Rivera S
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638181 · Publisher ↗
Protein electrophoresis and acute phase proteins are valuable clinical diagnostic tools to identify inflammation. This study evaluated capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) for clinically normal giant pandas () against in...
Protein electrophoresis and acute phase proteins are valuable clinical diagnostic tools to identify inflammation. This study evaluated capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) for clinically normal giant pandas () against individuals that were clinically ill. Assay validation for C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and haptoglobin (HP) was also attempted. Using CZE, total protein, alpha-1 and -2, beta globulins, beta-2 globulins, and gamma globulins were observed to be significantly higher, and albumin:globulin, pre-albumin, and albumin were significantly lower in clinically abnormal giant pandas ( < 0.05). Among the tested APPs, reactivity was only found for CRP reagents and was significantly higher in abnormal giant panda ( = 0.045).
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