Journal Of Zoo And Wildlife Medicine[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
OPTIMIZATION OF A CROSSMATCHING PROTOCOL IN LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLES () AND INVESTIGATION OF HETEROLOGOUS TRANSFUSION COMPATIBILITY WITH GREEN SEA TURTLES ().
Shusterman LAE, Stacy NI, Norton TM … +6 more , Zirkelbach B, Cashin K, Barron H, DiRocco S, Zachariah TT, Donnelly KA
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638180 · Publisher ↗
Optimal blood storage conditions, crossmatching protocol standardization, heterologous transfusion compatibility, and adverse reactions have not been well described in reptile transfusion medicine. This study investigate...
Optimal blood storage conditions, crossmatching protocol standardization, heterologous transfusion compatibility, and adverse reactions have not been well described in reptile transfusion medicine. This study investigated the effects of blood storage, incubation time, and temperature on crossmatching conducted between clinically normal loggerhead sea turtles () [Cc] and green sea turtles () [Cm]. Heparinized venous blood was collected from 17 turtles (n = 12 Cc; n = 5 Cm). Twenty-four homologous (Cc-Cc) donor-recipient pairings and eight heterologous (Cc-Cm) donor-recipient pairings were conducted. Protocols compared different blood storage times of <36 and 120h, incubation times of 30 and 60 min, and incubation at ambient (22.2°C) and refrigerated (7.78°C) temperatures. Major and minor crossmatching hemolysis, macroscopic agglutination, and microscopic erythrocyte agglutination were recorded. No significant differences were found between any protocol tested. Based on major and minor crossmatches, 76.2% (32/42) of homologous crossmatches were compatible and 43.8% (7/16) of heterologous crossmatches were compatible. Two Cc and one Cm that previously received whole blood transfusions did not have different crossmatching outcomes as compared to naive animals ( = 0.4844). This study found a higher crossmatching compatibility between homologous Cc crossmatches than for previously reported homologous Cm crossmatches. Crossmatching using the protocol of 30 min incubation at ambient temperature with blood stored for <36h appeared as an effective method for improving the safety of transfusion medicine in Cc patients. Heterologous compatibility of Cc to Cm is limited, and avoidance of cross-species transfusions is recommended.
EVALUATION OF PARENTERAL ADMINISTRATION OF VITAMIN E AND SELENIUM ON POSTCAPTURE MORTALITY AND ACTIVITIES IN GREATER SANDHILL CRANES ().
Jakobek BT, Lepage C, McLean K … +1 more , Lair S
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638179 · Publisher ↗
Cases of exertional myopathy (EM) have been reported following the capture of greater sandhill cranes () for research and management purposes. Antioxidants, such as vitamin E and selenium, have been suggested to reduce t...
Cases of exertional myopathy (EM) have been reported following the capture of greater sandhill cranes () for research and management purposes. Antioxidants, such as vitamin E and selenium, have been suggested to reduce the risk of capture myopathy in Galliformes, but their prophylactic use against EM development in cranes has not been reported. The objective of this study was to determine if an IM injection of vitamin E and selenium during handling would influence postcapture activity and movement of cannon net-captured greater sandhill cranes. The hypothesis was that antioxidant-injected cranes would show higher postcapture movement, activity levels, and survival rate compared with the control group, indicating a protective effect on muscular integrity. It was also hypothesized that increasing capture time's adverse effects on postcapture movement would be alleviated by antioxidant treatment. Twenty wild adult greater sandhill cranes captured for the deployment of Global Positioning System-Global System for Mobile Communications transmitters were included. Ten cranes received 3.27 ± 0.14 IU/kg vitamin E and 0.072 ± 0.025 mg/kg of selenium IM, and the control group ( = 10) received 0.10 ml saline IM. Specific intervals related to capture time (time to injection and total handling duration), as well as morphological measurements, were recorded. Activity, speed, altitude, and displacement were recorded at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 7 d, and 14 d postcapture for all individuals. There was no mortality in sandhill cranes from either group in the 4 mon postrelease and no difference in postcapture activity indicators between the groups. A significant negative correlation between the 24 h displacement and the time from net capture to injection was detected when both groups were combined and in the treatment group alone. This study does not support the hypothesis that injections of vitamin E and selenium could reduce the risk of EM in cranes handled under these conditions.
GLOBAL USE OF ETONOGESTREL IMPLANTS IN ZOO-HOUSED ANIMALS.
Cowl VB, Feltrer-Rambaud Y, Franklin AD
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638178 · Publisher ↗
Hormonal contraception is often used by zoos and aquaria to manage genetic diversity and the size of their populations. However, the contraceptive products used have typically not been designed for use in the target spec...
Hormonal contraception is often used by zoos and aquaria to manage genetic diversity and the size of their populations. However, the contraceptive products used have typically not been designed for use in the target species. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Reproductive Management Center (AZA RMC) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria's Reproductive Management Group (EAZA RMG) collect data on contraceptive use in global zoos and aquaria to monitor trends and generate contraceptive recommendations. The human 68 mg etonogestrel contraceptive implant (Implanon/Nexplanon/Implanon NXT), a synthetic progestin, has three contraceptive mechanisms: preventing luteinizing hormone release and therefore ovulation, thickening of the cervical mucus, limiting the entry of sperm, and modification of the uterine lining, inhibiting implantation. Here, we review over 30 years of data from the Reproductive Management Center-Reproductive Management Group Contraception Database (CD; N = 3,510 records). Etonogestrel implant use has only been reported in mammals in the CD, including nonhuman primates (91.34% of records), chiropterans (5.78%), carnivores (1.05%), and other mammals (1.82%). The implants are highly effective when used as contraceptives (98.14% effective), and two-thirds of implant failures are attributable to implant loss or to the incorrect application of the product, rather than to true product failures. Etonogestrel implants are generally safe, although long-term use in carnivores is discouraged due to risks of developing reproductive pathology resulting from long-term progestin exposure. Reported noncontraceptive effects included weight gain and a reduction in sexual behavior, which are known noncontraceptive effects in humans. Etonogestrel implants are generally reversible as 63.09% of individuals given the opportunity to breed produced offspring. Etonogestrel implants are safe and effective contraceptives in most female mammals. Further research on noncontraceptive effects and reversibility is required to finetune management recommendations.
EFFECTS OF SUPPLEMENTATION ON FECAL MICROBIOTA AND METABOLITES IN CAPTIVE RED KANGAROO ().
Yoshimoto Y, Ichinohe N, Liu H … +4 more , Nagata N, Inoue R, Yamamoto Y, Nagaoka K
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638177 · Publisher ↗
The red kangaroo () is a prominent marsupial species native to Australia and is kept in zoos worldwide. Captive red kangaroos are often plagued with several diseases, such as lumpy jaw, incurring high treatment costs. Re...
The red kangaroo () is a prominent marsupial species native to Australia and is kept in zoos worldwide. Captive red kangaroos are often plagued with several diseases, such as lumpy jaw, incurring high treatment costs. Recent research suggests a significant link between the gut microbiota and various diseases in many species, indicating potential benefits of probiotics in maintaining health. The microbiota of the digestive tract of red kangaroos has been reported; however, the fecal microbiota and any compositional changes in this microbiota caused by probiotic intervention remain to be elucidated. Herein, the effects of the probiotic , which produces the short-chain fatty acid butyrate, on fecal microbiota and metabolites in red kangaroos were investigated. Fecal samples were collected from six red kangaroos free from signs of diseases (three males and three females, aged 1-2 yr) during supplementation and suspension periods. Fecal levels decreased during the suspension period and increased upon resumption by quantitative PCR analysis. Despite changes in levels, fecal concentrations of measured short-chain fatty acids remained unchanged. Total microbiome analysis showed no significant differences by supplementation. Functional predictions indicated alterations in microbial community functions, such as activating penicillin and cephalosporin biosynthesis and inactivating the bacterial secretion system during supplementation. Metabolomic analyses identified significant changes in pathways related to amino acid degradation and metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, glycolysis and glycogenesis, and the citrate cycle (the tricarboxylic acid cycle), suggesting that supplementation affects metabolism independent of microbiota composition. These findings suggest that alters metabolism. However, this study's kangaroos were supplemented with prior to the study period, so its impact could not be verified. Further study is also required to determine how these changes might contribute to maintaining health in captive red kangaroos.
SURVEY OF ANTIBODY REACTIVITY TO IN THE COMMON LOON ().
Cray C, Burgess T, Cooley J … +8 more , Fellows E, Hilling T, Passarelli M, Spanswick S, Gonzalez A, Callico A, Girardi da Fonseca FM, Pokras M
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638176 · Publisher ↗
The common loon () is considered a sentinel of ecosystem health, and declines in this species have been linked to several different drivers. Loons are widely recognized as being very sensitive to fungal respiratory disea...
The common loon () is considered a sentinel of ecosystem health, and declines in this species have been linked to several different drivers. Loons are widely recognized as being very sensitive to fungal respiratory disease, and this has proven a major barrier to successful clinical care and rehabilitation. The goal of the present study was to assess the presence of antibody reactivity to with secondary testing including antigen and gliotoxin detection as well as plasma protein electrophoresis and complete blood count as sample volume permitted. Conducted over two years in collaboration with multiple centers in Maine, New Hampshire, and Florida, samples were collected in the Northeast from healthy wild adult and juvenile birds (n = 72) as well as clinically abnormal birds presented for rehabilitation (n = 29). In addition, a cohort of rehabilitation samples was obtained from clinically abnormal overwintering birds (n = 6). Necropsy results were available for those found moribund or euthanized (n = 29). Of these birds, eight were confirmed to have aspergillosis where the remainder were diagnosed with other complications. Only three of eight displayed antibody reactivity to using a recombinant antigen-based ELISA and four tested positive for the presence of gliotoxin. An abnormal electrophoretogram was present in samples from all eight birds. The presence of antibody reactivity was not observed in clinically normal loons and only in one of the necropsied loons without aspergillosis. Overall, aspergillosis appears uncommon in healthy, free-ranging birds but likely can be an opportunistic infection after a stress inducing event. Serological testing and protein electrophoresis may provide an opportunity to monitor the health of this species and may improve the ability to manage this species in captivity.
EFFECT OF ANIMAL HOLDING TIME ON HEMATOLOGIC VALUES AND BLOOD LACTATE OF FREE-RANGING ENDANGERED VIRGIN ISLAND BOAS ().
Persson AN, Souza AR, Archibald KE … +3 more , Smith D, Reynolds RG, Minter LJ
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638175 · Publisher ↗
Physiological stress responses are well documented among squamate reptiles, but much less so among some endangered species of snakes, such as West Indian boas (genus ). The aims of this study include identifying and esta...
Physiological stress responses are well documented among squamate reptiles, but much less so among some endangered species of snakes, such as West Indian boas (genus ). The aims of this study include identifying and establishing a hematologic reference interval as well as determining the effect of animal holding time on hematologic parameters and blood lactate in Virgin Islands boas (). A total of 49 wild adult Virgin Islands boas (22 males, 27 females) were collected during two study periods in the US Virgin Islands. Blood samples were obtained after a median of 89 min postcapture (T1) and again the following day, approximately 12 h later (T2). Blood lactate concentration was significantly lower at T2 ( < 0.001) compared to T1. Estimated total white blood cell (WBC) count did not differ between T1 and T2 ( = 0.19). Heterophils and azurophils were significantly increased at T2 ( < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively), and lymphocytes were significantly decreased ( < 0.001) at T2. Eosinophils were significantly increased at T2 ( = 0.02). No significant differences were noted in either monocytes or basophils ( = 0.83 and = 0.30, respectively). This study demonstrates that stress associated with animal capture and handling may alter the hemogram in this species, resulting in increased levels of circulating heterophils, decreased levels of lymphocytes, and a significant increase in azurophils. This study also demonstrates that blood lactate concentration in Virgin Islands boas is elevated following collection and handling and decreases significantly after an extended holding period.
REFERENCE INTERVALS FOR D-DIMER CONCENTRATION, FIBRINOGEN CONCENTRATION, AND AUTOMATED PLATELET COUNT IN JUVENILE ASIAN () AND AFRICAN () ELEPHANTS WITHOUT ELEPHANT ENDOTHELIOTROPIC HERPESVIRUS.
Bercier M, Brooks MB, Latimer E
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638174 · Publisher ↗
Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus hemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD) is the leading cause of mortality in juvenile ex situ Asian elephants () and is increasingly reported as a cause of morbidity and mortality in juvenile...
Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus hemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD) is the leading cause of mortality in juvenile ex situ Asian elephants () and is increasingly reported as a cause of morbidity and mortality in juvenile African elephants (). A bleeding diathesis, with signs suggestive of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), has been described in cases of EEHV-HD. Results of platelet count, fibrinogen concentration, and D-dimer concentration are included in the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH) overt DIC scoring system. The objective of this study was to establish reference intervals for these laboratory assays in healthy juvenile elephants in order to evaluate the ISTH DIC scoring system for these species. Twenty-four African and 20 Asian elephants, between 1 and 15 yr of age, were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were obtained from each individual at a single point in time for D-dimer concentration, platelet count, fibrinogen concentration, and EEHV qPCR. All EEHV qPCR results were negative. No significant difference existed between species for D-dimer concentration ( = 0.17) or platelet counts ( = 0.052). Asian elephants had significantly higher fibrinogen concentrations (320.05 ± 44.58 mg/dl; mean ± SE) compared with African elephants (256.13 ± 29.35 mg/dl, < 0.001). Fibrinogen was significantly higher in male (273.89 ± 27.64 mg/dl) compared with female (245.47 ± 25.57 mg/dl) African elephants ( = 0.02). There was a moderately strong positive correlation between platelet count and age in African elephants ( = 0.51, = 0.03). The other analytes did not differ significantly with age and sex for either species ( > 0.05). Reference intervals for D-dimer concentration, fibrinogen concentration, and automated platelet counts were determined for each species using the robust and the parametric methods. Results from this study provide the foundational knowledge required for the development of an overt DIC scoring system in juvenile elephants with EEHV-HD.
MOLECULAR AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF CANINE DISTEMPER VIRUS INFECTION IN BIG CATS IN CENTRAL INDIA.
Rajput N, Swamy M, Dubey A … +5 more , Singh KP, Gupta A, Tomar R, Gupta S, Jawre S
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638173 · Publisher ↗
Bengal tigers () and Indian leopards () are widespread across the Indian subcontinent and form a major part of apex predators in the forest ecosystem. However, both species are endangered, and their fragile populations c...
Bengal tigers () and Indian leopards () are widespread across the Indian subcontinent and form a major part of apex predators in the forest ecosystem. However, both species are endangered, and their fragile populations could be threatened by the introduction of pathogenic agents. In the present study, archived biological samples of big cats collected from different protected areas and zoological parks in central India were subjected to molecular and histological analysis for canine distemper virus (CDV) infection. Preserved biological samples were processed for molecular detection of CDV using nucleoprotein gene primers. Nucleotide sequencing and BLAST analysis of the positive samples demonstrated a close similarity to the CDV isolates from several wild carnivore hosts. Immunohistochemistry performed on formalin-fixed tissues showed that CDV antigens were diffusely distributed in the tissues. Histopathological observations were consistent across all CDV-positive tigers and leopards. Histopathology revealed interstitial pneumonia, interstitial nephritis, lymphoid depletion in the spleen, hepatic inflammation, degeneration of transitional epithelium in the bladder, and white matter demyelination, gliosis, and neuronal necrosis in the brain. Our findings revealed that CDV is prevalent in the big cats in central India. Therefore, it is imperative to develop multifaceted protocols to screen for such emerging infectious diseases in field samples.
EVALUATION OF CARAPACIAL REPAIR TECHNIQUES FOR INJURED TURTLES PRESENTING TO A WILDLIFE CLINIC.
Carpenter RG, Cherukuri A, Lewbart GA … +2 more , Love KR, Ozawa SM
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638172 · Publisher ↗
Chelonians commonly present to the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine's Turtle Rescue Team (TRT) for shell injuries. Several shell repair protocols are described in the literature, but many of...
Chelonians commonly present to the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine's Turtle Rescue Team (TRT) for shell injuries. Several shell repair protocols are described in the literature, but many of these techniques are invasive, require a surgical plane of anesthesia, can result in infections or iatrogenic trauma, and are inaccessible in the wildlife rehabilitation setting. The objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate three minimally invasive and inexpensive carapace fracture repair methods used at the TRT from 2012-2021. In total, 1,761 turtles presented with carapace fractures. Fracture repairs were performed in 428 turtles and were successful in 236 patients (55.1%). A successful outcome was defined as a fracture that was stable on manual palpation and the patient survived to release. The fracture did not stabilize but the subject survived to release in 13 cases (3.0%). Out of the repairs performed, there were 110 (25.7%) hook-and-wire procedures, 93 (21.7%) fragment removals, 94 (21.9%) marginal hole-and-wire repairs, and 131 (30.6%) repairs that included a combination of procedures. Success rates were highest for fragment removal (69.9%), followed by marginal hole- and-wire repairs (63.8%). The combined hook-and-wire procedures with fragment removal achieved a success rate of 57.9%, while hook-and-wire procedures alone saw a success rate of 47.3%. No complications arising from stabilization procedures were reported. The odds of success were significantly higher in adult males (OR = 3.904, 95% CI = 1.200, 12.705) and females (OR = 3.636, 95% CI = 1.087, 12.158) compared to juvenile turtles. A prognostic scoring system was developed based on published literature and clinical experience at TRT; the odds of success decreased as the prognosis moved from excellent to grave (OR = 0.330, 95% CI = 0.233, 0.458). These minimally invasive techniques should be considered in future chelonian fracture repairs.
PNEUMONIA AS A CAUSE OF MORTALITY IN JUVENILE AND ADULT RED PANDAS () IN CHENGDU, CHINA.
Li Y, Zhang D, Su X … +12 more , Yue C, Lan J, Peng X, Yan X, Li L, Zhang H, Yang M, Hou R, Ayala JE, Fan X, McManamon R, Liu S
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638171 · Publisher ↗
The red panda () is an endangered herbivorous mammal, with wild populations distributed in the Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains. Published scientific work indicates that pneumonia is still an important cause of death in ex si...
The red panda () is an endangered herbivorous mammal, with wild populations distributed in the Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains. Published scientific work indicates that pneumonia is still an important cause of death in ex situ populations of red pandas, particularly in neonates. This retrospective study used historical necropsy records, systematic necropsies, and pathogen detection methods to identify histopathologic patterns and pathogens in red pandas that had died with fatal respiratory disease at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, China, from 2014 to 2020. Of a total of 62 deceased red pandas, 25 were diagnosed with pneumonia, with an incidence rate of 40.3%. Pneumonia was the cause of death for the six juveniles and eight adults in the study of the 25 that had the diagnosis of pneumonia on record. Microbiologic cultures with sequencing identified , , , and from individuals with pneumonia. Two other cases involved nematode parasite infections; PCR sequencing identified one nematode as sp.; the other nematode could not be identified. Additional systematic in-depth studies on the epidemiology of disease patterns in managed red pandas are needed to clarify the susceptibility to pathogens, trends in disease occurrence, and identification of other risk factors, such as novel infectious agents, which may affect the stability and welfare of both ex situ and in situ populations.
EUTHANASIA BY CONTINUOUS TOPICAL DELIVERY OF CLOVE OIL OVER THE GILLS RESULTS IN DELAYED CARDIAC ARREST IN COMPARISON TO IMMERSION BATH IN JUVENILE RED HEAD TAPAJOS EARTHEATERS ().
Leclerc LA, Vergneau-Grosset C, Juette T … +2 more , Lair S, Béland K
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638170 · Publisher ↗
Immersion bath in high doses of tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) and eugenol is a common euthanasia method for fish, causing rapid cessation of opercular movements. However, in previous studies where cardiac contractio...
Immersion bath in high doses of tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) and eugenol is a common euthanasia method for fish, causing rapid cessation of opercular movements. However, in previous studies where cardiac contractions persisted, despite dosages of MS-222 as high as 1000 mg/L, the hypothesis was advanced that apnea could prevent effective euthanasia. The objective of the study was to determine if continuous topical delivery (CTD) over the gills of MS-222 or clove oil (CO) would result in cardiac arrest at 60 minutes, without recovery after placement in fresh water for an additional 60-minute period. Thirty-six juvenile red head Tapajos eartheaters () were randomly divided into six experimental groups (six fish/group, concentration of the anesthetics indicated in mg/L): (1) Bath MS 500; (2) CTD MS 500; (3) Bath CO 500; (4) CTD CO 500; (5) Bath CO 1000; (6) CTD CO 1000. The proportion of fish with a heartbeat at 60 minutes and the mean time to cardiac arrest ( < 0.001) were significantly different among groups. At 60 minutes, 6/6 and 5/6 of fish in the Bath CO 1000 group and the Bath CO 500 group experienced cardiac arrest, respectively, while only 1/6 and 3/6 of fish in the CTD CO 500 group and the CTD CO 1000, respectively, did. By 120 minutes, all fish except two fish in the CTD MS 500 group had undergone cardiac arrest. In contrast to our hypothesis, mean time to cardiac arrest occurred faster in immersion bath than in CTD at both concentrations of CO ( ≤ 0.022).
COMPARISON OF CIRCULATING AND HEPATIC VITAMIN AND MINERAL CONCENTRATIONS IN ELASMOBRANCHS UNDER MANAGED CARE.
Doden G, DiGeronimo PM, Rudra P … +3 more , Buchweitz JP, Zyskowski J, Brandão J
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638169 · Publisher ↗
Both blood and liver samples can be used to evaluate vitamin, mineral, and heavy metal concentrations clinically. In elasmobranchs, it is unknown whether circulating concentrations of these analytes reflect concentration...
Both blood and liver samples can be used to evaluate vitamin, mineral, and heavy metal concentrations clinically. In elasmobranchs, it is unknown whether circulating concentrations of these analytes reflect concentrations in storage organs such as the liver. The purpose of this study was to report hepatic concentrations of select heavy metals and to compare concentrations of select vitamins and minerals in paired blood and liver samples in captive elasmobranchs. Blood (serum or lithium heparinized plasma) samples collected perimortem and hepatic tissue samples collected during necropsy from 27 elasmobranchs were included. Taxa (order, species), sex (male, female), and age class (immature, mature) were recorded. Vitamin A, vitamin E, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc were measured in both blood and liver. Arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and thallium concentrations were reported for liver only. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each analyte. Statistical analysis was performed with scatter plots with fitted regression lines, box plots, and a multiple linear regression model for multivariate analysis. Only the correlation between blood and liver concentrations of molybdenum ( < 0.001), cobalt ( = 0.001), iron ( = 0.014), and vitamin A ( = 0.020) were statistically significant. Significant differences in blood manganese and molybdenum, and hepatic vitamin A, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc were found between taxonomic orders. However, no differences based on sex or age class were detected. Future research is needed to elucidate the clinical significance of circulating versus tissue vitamin and mineral concentrations in elasmobranchs.
HEALTH ASSESSMENTS OF FEMALE DIAMONDBACK TERRAPINS () FROM TWO NESTING POPULATIONS IN JAMAICA BAY, NEW YORK CITY, USA.
Díaz-Portalatín N, Sadar MJ, Calle PP … +6 more , Jemec V, Perry A, Toledo P, Nightingale BR, Seimon TA, Burke RL
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638168 · Publisher ↗
The diamondback terrapin () is a unique turtle species living in brackish water, with numerous factors contributing to population declines throughout its range along the US eastern and Gulf of Mexico coasts and Bermuda....
The diamondback terrapin () is a unique turtle species living in brackish water, with numerous factors contributing to population declines throughout its range along the US eastern and Gulf of Mexico coasts and Bermuda. Health assessments, including clinical examination ( = 37), CBC and plasma biochemistry ( = 25), and priority chelonian pathogen testing (herpesvirus, ranavirus, adenovirus, tortoise intranuclear coccidiosis [TINC], and spp.; = 37) were performed on terrapins from two variably successful nesting populations in Jamaica Bay, an urban estuarine bay in New York City (Ruler's Bar Hassock [RBH] and John F. Kennedy International Airport [JFK]). Reference values were determined for clinicopathologic tests. The terrapins from the growing population at JFK had significantly higher magnesium, blood urea nitrogen, and γ-glutamyl transferase, as well as lower eosinophils, prealbumin, and albumin, than those from the declining RBH population. Although increased magnesium may support normal egg production and eosinophilia may support parasitic infection, no other clinicopathologic differences between the populations are considered likely to be correlated with reproductive success. No systemic physical examination abnormalities or hemoparasites were identified. All individuals were negative for herpesvirus, ranavirus, and TINC. Diamondback terrapins in New York City have a high prevalence of a novel sp. (86% of samples tested were positive). A novel adenovirus was also identified with 19% prevalence. Diamondback terrapins that were positive for this novel sp. or adenovirus exhibited no clinical signs, physical examination abnormalities, or clinicopathologic alterations. These findings support the growing body of evidence that some species of and adenoviruses may be asymptomatically harbored by some chelonian species, though their importance to ecosystem health or potential pathogenicity to other chelonians warrants further studies and monitoring.
INVESTIGATION OF CARDITIS AND AN ASSOCIATED SP. IN COMMON DEGUS ().
Mack ZE, Alex CE, Nightingale BR … +3 more , Moody J, McAloose D, Seimon TA
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638167 · Publisher ↗
This study investigated a previously unreported species of and associated cardiac inflammation in common degus () at the Bronx Zoo. Lymphohistiocytic and/or lymphoplasmacytic cardiac inflammation was identified in 109 o...
This study investigated a previously unreported species of and associated cardiac inflammation in common degus () at the Bronx Zoo. Lymphohistiocytic and/or lymphoplasmacytic cardiac inflammation was identified in 109 of 242 degu necropsies between 2000 and 2022. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 16S gene was performed on frozen cardiac tissue from 50 degus with ( = 27) or without ( = 23) carditis. Testing was positive in 16 degus with moderate or severe carditis, negative in 11 degus with minimal or mild carditis, negative in 22 degus without carditis, and positive in one degu without carditis. A positive correlation between PCR positivity and cardiac inflammation was identified from a Fisher's exact test ( < 0.01). Steiner staining was positive for intralesional spiral-shaped bacteria in cardiac tissue from PCR-positive degus ( = 10) and negative in PCR-negative degus ( = 33). Three nondegu rodents with carditis were also PCR positive for the novel . Chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) analysis targeting sp. nucleic acid in cardiac tissue was positive in 16 PCR-positive degus with carditis, negative in 33 PCR-negative degus, and positive in the three PCR-positive nondegu rodents. DNA sequencing, sequence alignment and comparison with known spp. through phylogenetic analysis showed that this bacterium, provisionally named sp. 'degu', is likely novel and forms a unique branch point within a larger clade that contains spp. from reptile hosts. Further studies are needed to elucidate a causative role for this bacterium as a pathogen in degus and assess implications for captive animal management and disease risk for degus and other Rodentia species.
GUT-DERIVED UREMIC TOXICITY IN LIONS () WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: A POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC TARGET?
Van Mulders L, Vanhaecke L, Locquet L … +6 more , Skotarek M, Spruyt J, Quievy A, Vercammen F, Smets P, Daminet S
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638166 · Publisher ↗
Lions () share an intrinsic susceptibility to chronic kidney disease (CKD) with other species of the Felidae. Interestingly, specific gut-derived uremic toxins-indoxyl sulfate, -cresyl sulfate, and trimethylamine -oxide...
Lions () share an intrinsic susceptibility to chronic kidney disease (CKD) with other species of the Felidae. Interestingly, specific gut-derived uremic toxins-indoxyl sulfate, -cresyl sulfate, and trimethylamine -oxide (TMAO)-find their origin in amino acids highly abundant in the strict carnivorous feline diet. These toxins are well-recognized mediators of renal tubular inflammation and are associated with disease progression in cats Therefore, a potential causal involvement of gut-derived uremic toxicity in the pathophysiology of CKD can be hypothesized in Felidae. However, it remains undetermined whether increased accumulation of these toxins is interconnected with renal dysfunction in other Felidae. Therefore, the present study aimed at uncovering shifts in gut-derived uremic toxins and related pathways associated with renal dysfunction in lions by using a targeted metabolomic approach, comparing serum and urine profiles of lions diagnosed with CKD ( = 6) and healthy controls ( = 9). Our results show that selected gut-derived uremic toxins (indoxyl sulfate, = 0.017; TMAO, = 0.021; and -cresyl sulfate, = 0.020) were increased in lions with renal dysfunction. Our study further underscores the role of a decreasing glomerular filtration rate and tubular dysfunction in toxin accumulation. Especially, indoxyl sulfate showed increased serum-to-urine ratios indicative of renal retention. However, TMAO demonstrated a different pattern, suggesting alternative mechanisms for its elevation in CKD, such as augmented intestinal microbial formation or adsorption of its precursor trimethylamine. Moreover, clear associations between circulating uremic toxin concentrations and renal proteinuria, a marker of tubular dysfunction or damage, were observed, further substantiating the potential underlying role of gut-derived uremic toxicity in the pathophysiology of CKD in lions. Collectively, our findings form a first rationale to implement dietary modifications aimed at mitigating toxin burden in the management of Felidae diagnosed with CKD.
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF CAPTIVE BORNEAN (), SUMATRAN () AND HYBRID ORANGUTANS ().
Ahmad AA, Douay G, Heng Y … +5 more , Mathew A, Luz S, Ng QY, Wahab NS, Chin CWL
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638165 · Publisher ↗
Cardiac diseases in great apes are frequently diagnosed late in their life or at postmortem. Echocardiography allows early detection and diagnosis of heart diseases in great apes. Between January 2018 and October 2019, M...
Cardiac diseases in great apes are frequently diagnosed late in their life or at postmortem. Echocardiography allows early detection and diagnosis of heart diseases in great apes. Between January 2018 and October 2019, Mandai Wildlife Group (MWG) conducted health evaluations on 22 captive orangutans, including 10 Bornean orangutans (, eight Sumatran orangutans (), and four hybrid orangutans (.). Fourteen male and eight female orangutans were evaluated. Cardiac assessment was conducted in partnership with the Great Ape Heart Project (GAHP). Subjects were anesthetized with either tiletamine/zolazepam intramuscularly or a combination of tiletamine/zolazepam and medetomidine intramuscularly followed by ketamine intravenously. All patients were intubated and maintained on isoflurane gas anesthesia. Trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE) was completed according to the standards established by the Great Ape Heart Project. Noninvasive systemic blood pressure (NIBP) and 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) were conducted on all the orangutans. Of the 22 subjects evaluated, 18 had echocardiogram within an expected range. One adult male hybrid and one adult male Bornean orangutan have low fractional shortening (FS) because of the effect of medetomidine in the anesthetic protocol. One adult male Sumatran orangutan was diagnosed with mild left ventricle dysfunction and treated with enalapril 0.1 mg/kg PO SID. One adult female hybrid orangutan was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm of the ascending aorta. Regular cardiac assessment in orangutans allows early detection of heart disease and enables proactive prevention of heart failure. The study also provided preliminary data establishing heart parameters for the two orangutan species and their hybrids.
MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY REVIEW OF THE CAPTIVE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIA EX-SITU PROGRAMME ORANGUTAN ( SPECIES) POPULATION BETWEEN 2000 AND 2018.
Besnard ML, Raymond-Letron I, Jourdan G … +2 more , Becker C, Steinmetz HW
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638164 · Publisher ↗
The morbidity and mortality analysis of captive orangutans ( spp.) is of major interest to improve husbandry and welfare and to maintain a healthy and sustainable population. This study is a systemic, retrospective revie...
The morbidity and mortality analysis of captive orangutans ( spp.) is of major interest to improve husbandry and welfare and to maintain a healthy and sustainable population. This study is a systemic, retrospective review of the morbidity and mortality data in orangutans in the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria Ex-situ Programme (EEP). Between 2000 and 2018, 233 orangutan deaths were reported and 121 postmortem reports from 45 institutions were available for analysis. Causes of death were classified by etiology and organ system. In addition, data were categorized and analyzed further by sex, species, and age. Morbidity data extracted from postmortem reports were classified by organ system. Postmortem reports were provided for 22 neonate (0-31 d old), 14 infant (31 d-2.5 yr old), 11 juvenile (2.5-9 yr old), 49 adult (9-40 yr old), and 25 geriatric (>40 yr old) orangutans. The most reported etiology was infectious-inflammatory (45.5%), except for neonates for whom the major cause of death was birth related (13.2%), mostly due to stillbirth. Overall, the most frequently affected organ system was the respiratory tract (27.7%), followed by generalized-multisystemic diseases (17.6%). A high prevalence of bronchopneumonia and airsacculitis in adults was recognized. Bacteria were the most frequently detected infectious agent. Cardiovascular diseases accounted for 10.1% of deaths, although cardiovascular lesions (myocardial fibrosis or atherosclerosis) were noticed in 80% of geriatric orangutans. Various organ systems were affected in geriatrics, with no particular tendency regarding the cause of death. Renal or urinary diseases were identified in half of individuals included in the comorbidity analysis. Sex ( = 0.51) and species ( = 0.77) had no particular influence over causes of death. This systemic pathology review emphasizes the importance of the standardization of postmortem reports and the systematization of data collection of orangutans across European zoos. Furthermore, the authors recommend close surveillance and research on respiratory diseases in the EEP orangutan population.
RESPIRATORY-ASSOCIATED DISEASE IN SNOW LEOPARDS () IN A NORTH AMERICAN ZOOLOGICAL INSTITUTION: 1997-2022.
Wunderlich EK, Bartlett SL, McAloose D … +5 more , Orrico WJ, Raphael BL, Doherty D, Beirne N, Calle PP
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638163 · Publisher ↗
Respiratory diseases in snow leopards () are poorly described. A retrospective study was performed in snow leopards housed in two zoos between January 1997 and June 2022. Nearly half (45%, 33/73) of the individuals evalu...
Respiratory diseases in snow leopards () are poorly described. A retrospective study was performed in snow leopards housed in two zoos between January 1997 and June 2022. Nearly half (45%, 33/73) of the individuals evaluated had at least one episode of respiratory signs in the 25-yr study period, and more than half of those individuals (61%, 20/33) experienced respiratory disease more than once in their lifetime. Medical records of individuals with respiratory disease were assessed for clinical signs, diagnostic procedures, etiology, treatment, illness duration, and clinical outcome. Nasal discharge was the most common clinical sign reported overall (65%, 45/69). Tachypnea/dyspnea (75%, 3/4), lethargy (100%, 4/4), and weight loss/inappetence (100%, 4/4) were frequently noted in respiratory cases that resulted in death. Many respiratory cases (67%, 46/69) were either confirmed or suspected to be infectious in origin. Culture identified respiratory pathogens in most cases (95%, 21/22) in which it was performed. Among the cases for which a pathogen was identified, spp. was the most common (61%, 14/23). was also frequently diagnosed (39%, 9/23) and was the sole pathogen identified in two cases. Both spp. and . were significantly more likely to be associated with clinical disease in neonates and juveniles than in adults and geriatrics. To our knowledge, these are the first documented cases of . -associated respiratory disease in nondomestic felids in the peer-reviewed literature. Feline herpesvirus-1 and feline calicivirus were infrequently detected, despite the use of primarily inactivated vaccinations with documented low immunogenicity. was commonly cultured in mortality cases (75%, 3/4). Coinfections were common (91%, 21/23), with only two cases identifying a single agent. Antibiogram results suggest that aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, trimethoprim-sulfa, enrofloxacin, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid were the most effective antibiotic choices for the identified respiratory pathogens.
RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY IN NORTHERN SULAWESI BABIRUSA () IN NORTH AMERICAN ZOOLOGIC INSTITUTIONS FROM 1995 TO 2021.
Krishnan S, McAloose D, Doherty D … +1 more , Bartlett SL
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638162 · Publisher ↗
Northern Sulawesi babirusa ( are endangered wild pigs native to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. Since the 1970s, babirusa have been managed and bred in zoological institutions. To date, an analysis of the medical cond...
Northern Sulawesi babirusa ( are endangered wild pigs native to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. Since the 1970s, babirusa have been managed and bred in zoological institutions. To date, an analysis of the medical conditions affecting this species has not been reported. A retrospective study of the causes of morbidity and mortality in babirusa managed from 1995-2021 by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited institutions in North America was performed. Medical (149) and associated pathology records (41) from babirusa at nine institutions were reviewed. Trends associated with age, sex, cause of death, disease process, and organ system were examined. Of the 503 morbidity events, the most common systems affected were musculoskeletal (n = 184), digestive (n = 119), and integumentary (n = 106). Adult males were more likely than adult females to experience dental trauma due to the presence of large maxillary canine tusks. The study population's average lifespan was 12.1 years for animals surviving at least one year, and females lived longer than males. Inflammatory processes were the cause of death in eight individuals. Non-infectious disease processes, particularly degenerative joint disease (n = 6), neoplasia (n = 5), and anesthesia-related (n = 5) were the other common causes of death/euthanasia. Organ systems most commonly affected by disease process causing mortality were the digestive (n = 11), musculoskeletal (n = 10), cardiovascular (n = 5), and respiratory (n = 5). Given the high prevalence of degenerative joint disease, captive management of babirusa should focus on developing strategies for early diagnosis, management, and prevention of joint disease. Consideration should also be given to the high incidence of tusk trauma, which may be decreased by modifications in exhibit design.
NEOPLASIA AND PROLIFERATIVE LESIONS IN FREE-RANGING MOUNTAIN AND GRAUER'S GORILLAS ().
Iyer ML, Gilardi KV, Cranfield MR … +14 more , Corner SM, Syaluha EK, Noheri JB, Ssebide B, Kinani JF, Nizeyimana F, Okello RO, Nziza J, Kabuyaya M, Bahizi M, Muvunyi R, Nyirakaragire E, Evans TS, Lowenstine LJ
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40638161 · Publisher ↗
There are no published data on the occurrence of neoplasia in wild great apes of any species. The aim of this study was to utilize postmortem and histopathology reports collected from wild human-habituated mountain goril...
There are no published data on the occurrence of neoplasia in wild great apes of any species. The aim of this study was to utilize postmortem and histopathology reports collected from wild human-habituated mountain gorillas () and Grauer's gorillas () to determine both the incidence and types of spontaneous neoplasms and proliferative lesions that occur in these species. Pathology records of 194 mountain gorillas and 12 Grauer's gorillas necropsied from 1985 to 2020 were examined for all cases of neoplasia or hyperplastic/proliferative disease. Slides and/or scanned images were reviewed to confirm morphologic diagnoses. Data were collected on comorbidities that may have contributed to neoplastic/proliferative transformation. A total of nine malignant neoplasms were identified: large cell anaplastic B-cell lymphoma, gastric adenocarcinoma (two cases), gastric carcinoid, oral mucocutaneous malignant melanoma, gastric carcinoma (two cases), squamous cell carcinoma of the lip, and renal adenocarcinoma. Benign lesions included pheochromocytoma, adrenocortical adenoma (two cases), parathyroid adenoma, mandibular fibroma with gingival hyperplasia, and uterine hemangioma. Proliferative gastritis was commonly identified secondary to gastrointestinal parasitism (n = 35); chronic inflammation from nematodiasis may have led to neoplastic transformation of hyperplastic mucosal epithelium. Other hyperplastic lesions included nodular hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex (n = 9), adrenal medulla (n = 7) and thyroid glands (n = 3), pulmonary reactive lymphoid hyperplasia in infants and juveniles (n = 16), as well as nodular splenic siderofibrosis (n = 5) that may be associated with parasite migration. These findings demonstrate that free-ranging mountain and Grauer's gorillas in a natural environment develop neoplasia and proliferative disease.
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