Journal Of Zoo And Wildlife Medicine[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
ASSESSMENT OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC PARAMETERS IN HEALTHY FREE-RANGING GIANT ANTEATERS ().
Rezende BC, Vieira NC, Fernandes MF … +6 more , Lopes JM, Morgado TO, Vieira FD, Amado S, Furlan FH, Néspoli PB
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Mar · PMID 40067221 · Publisher ↗
The aim of this study was to conduct Doppler echocardiography on healthy free-ranging anteaters () and to evaluate the relationship between echocardiographic parameters of diagnostic importance and animal body weight (BW...
The aim of this study was to conduct Doppler echocardiography on healthy free-ranging anteaters () and to evaluate the relationship between echocardiographic parameters of diagnostic importance and animal body weight (BW). This work utilized 8 anesthetized adult animals and 4 manually restrained pups. The echocardiographic examinations were performed with the animal in left lateral recumbency. The echocardiographic scans were directed toward the parasternal window. Four cuts of the cardiac silhouette were conducted, two longitudinal and two transverse, to evaluate the systolic and diastolic cardiac parameters. This study recorded the following parameters: interventricular septum (IVS), left ventricular internal diameter (LVID), left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW), ejection fraction (EF), shortening fraction (SF), aortic valve diameter (AOD), and left atrial diameter (LAD). The BW data (kg) of each giant anteater were paired with their respective echocardiographic data. These data were analyzed using correlation and linear regression modeling to assess the extent of the associations between the variables and their reliability. The same associations were analyzed with canine data to compare and determine the possibility of extrapolating the findings between dogs and anteaters. The echocardiographic parameters obtained using M-mode ultrasound from the short-axis transverse sections were adjusted to the left parasternal window because of the difficulty in analyzing them in the right parasternal window. The correlations between the echocardiographic parameters and the BW were found to be reliable, indicating that they could potentially be used as a simulation model for anteaters when an adequate number of animals are included in the analysis. The verification of the echocardiographic values obtained in anteaters utilizing reference intervals for dogs demonstrated acceptable hit rates, although the statistical results were not satisfactory.
HEALTH ASSESSMENT OF GOLDEN-MANTLED HOWLER MONKEYS () IN DRY FOREST FROM THE NORTH PACIFIC COAST, COSTA RICA.
Nodolf SB, Smith JA, Volle KA … +3 more , Bernal-Valle S, Dolz G, Russell M
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Mar · PMID 40067220 · Publisher ↗
The golden-mantled howler monkey () represents an excellent sentinel species for use in One Health modeling because of its extensive natural range, regular contact with humans and domestic animals, and susceptibility to...
The golden-mantled howler monkey () represents an excellent sentinel species for use in One Health modeling because of its extensive natural range, regular contact with humans and domestic animals, and susceptibility to zoonotic diseases. The purpose of this research is to establish baseline health assessments for free ranging golden-mantled howler monkeys in Marino Las Baulas National Park, Costa Rica. In April 2013, seven free ranging golden-mantled howler monkeys were anesthetized for physical examinations and biological sample collection, including blood for hematology and blood gas analysis. All seven howler monkeys studied appeared in good overall health. On physical exams, 4/7 (57%) had some level of dental disease, most notably crown fractures. Fecal samples for endoparasite evaluation were collected from the seven anesthetized animals as well as an additional three animals that were anesthetized but remained in the trees out of reach for full physical exams. Feces were collected from the rectum or collected from the ground immediately after defecation. Fecal analysis showed 9/10 (90%) had one or more species of intestinal parasites, and one animal tested positive for spp. Hematologic values showed a mild monocytosis and eosinophilia compared to other spp. spp. were present in the blood smear of one animal. Additional vector-borne disease testing found one individual PCR positive to spp., and one individual PCR positive to Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Antibodies for West Nile virus were found in 5/7 (71%) of the animals; however, PCR testing for West Nile virus and dengue virus was negative for all samples. This represents the first published health assessments for howler monkeys in this region.
Comparison Between Etorphine-Xylazine with or Without Butorphanol and Butorphanol-Azaperone-Medetomidine For the Anesthesia of Free-Ranging Musk Ox ().
Lamglait B, Van Driessche L, Jalenques M … +5 more , Brodeur V, Taillon J, Delnatte P, Côté SD, Lair S
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Mar · PMID 40067219 · Publisher ↗
Historically, free-ranging musk oxen () were anesthetized with potent opioids such as etorphine, which are often associated with marked respiratory depression. The goal of this study was to investigate alternatives to th...
Historically, free-ranging musk oxen () were anesthetized with potent opioids such as etorphine, which are often associated with marked respiratory depression. The goal of this study was to investigate alternatives to the etorphine-xylazine combination (EtXy) traditionally used in this species. First, the potential benefit of postinduction butorphanol administrations to musk oxen anesthetized with EtXy was assessed. Then, the use of butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine (BAM-II) as an alternative to the use of potent opioids for the immobilization of free-ranging musk oxen was evaluated. Eighty-nine musk oxen were ground darted with either a combination of EtXy (n = 52) or BAM-II (n = 37), and 10 animals from the EtXy group received an IM injection of butorphanol at 1 mg/mg of etorphine (EtXyB). Intranasal oxygen (1 L/100 kg per minute) was administered to all animals. Respiratory rate, heart rate, peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO), end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO), and rectal temperature were compared between groups. Postinduction butorphanol injection was associated with a decrease in heart rate ( = 0.001) and increases in respiratory rate ( < 0.001), rectal temperature ( < 0.001) and SpO ( < 0.001), but did not affect EtCO ( = 0.069). Musk oxen anesthetized with BAM-II had a significantly lower EtCO ( = 0.009) and heart rate ( = 0.009) compared with musk oxen anesthetized with EtXy or EtXyB, and a higher SpO compared with animals anesthetized with EtXy ( < 0.001). There was no significant difference between induction ( = 0.98) or recovery ( = 0.74) time for the three protocols used. This study provides evidence that postinduction butorphanol administration added to the etorphine-xylazine protocol can decrease respiratory depression. Additionally, BAM-II can be used as an affective drug combination to immobilize musk oxen in their natural environment.
A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY COMPARING THE SAFETY OF KETAMINE-MEDETOMIDINE AND TILETAMINE-ZOLAZEPAM-MEDETOMIDINE FOR CHEMICAL RESTRAINT OF CAPTIVE .
Norman B A, Simpson-Brown E, Patterson B S
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Mar · PMID 40067218 · Publisher ↗
Chemical restraint, whether remote via dart or via hand injection is essential for many veterinary procedures in captive and wild . but carries risk both to the animal and staff involved. Anecdotal patient safety concern...
Chemical restraint, whether remote via dart or via hand injection is essential for many veterinary procedures in captive and wild . but carries risk both to the animal and staff involved. Anecdotal patient safety concerns have been raised for the use of Tiletamine-Zolazepam (TZ), particularly in tigers, that have since been disputed. This investigation assesses the incidence of multiple reported anesthetic complications, including ataxia, respiratory depression/apnea, seizures, bradycardia and retching/vomiting, in captive . immobilized with Ketamine-Medetomidine or TZ-Medetomidine. Three hundred and two anesthetic records were provided by Dr. John Lewis with 44% reporting at least one complication (n = 133). Seventeen sedations using ketamine-medetomidine (9.7%) were reported to provide inadequate depth or require top-up ketamine compared to 12.5% (n = 16) in the TZ-medetomidine group. Species, age, reason for immobilization and requirement for maintenance with isoflurane were identified as significant confounding variables within these data. There was no significant difference in the risk of respiratory depression and seizures in tigers immobilized with ketamine-medetomidine or TZ-medetomidine. However, the TZ group were more likely to be ataxic on recovery. There was no significant difference in risk when immobilizing lions with either protocol. Leopards experienced significantly more complications with TZ-medetomidine than ketamine-medetomidine or TZ as a sole agent, suggesting that this is linked to an unknown confounding variable and not the drugs used. In conclusion, this study identified no justification for the contraindication for TZ in the chemical restraint of . including .
INTRAMUSCULAR MIDAZOLAM AND BUTORPHANOL ADMINISTERED PRIOR TO INTRAVENOUS ALFAXALONE PROVIDES SAFE AND EFFECTIVE ANESTHESIA IN GENTOO PENGUINS ().
Ono K, Inoue S, Hatakeyama H … +3 more , Masatsugu M, Maehara T, Satoh H
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Mar · PMID 40067217 · Publisher ↗
General anesthesia is a crucial tool in health care and clinical practice involving wildlife, including penguins. A balanced general anesthetic technique that combines multiple drugs is beneficial for achieving sufficien...
General anesthesia is a crucial tool in health care and clinical practice involving wildlife, including penguins. A balanced general anesthetic technique that combines multiple drugs is beneficial for achieving sufficient anesthesia while minimizing the side effects of individual agents. However, only a few studies have explored the use of multimodal anesthesia in penguins. This study examined the effects of midazolam (benzodiazepine) and butorphanol (mixed j-opioid agonist and weak l-opioid antagonist) as preanesthetic agents in gentoo penguins (). Midazolam and butorphanol were administered intramuscularly at 0.25 mg/kg each, followed by anesthesia induction and maintenance with alfaxalone administered intravenously. Sedation level, required alfaxalone dose, recovery time, heart rate, and noninvasive blood pressure were evaluated during anesthesia. Sedation intensity increased over time after premedication. When midazolam and butorphanol were used as preanesthetics, the required alfaxalone dose for induction was 4.8 ± 0.8 mg/kg, and the mean infusion rate of alfaxalone required to maintain anesthesia was 0.12 ± 0.05 mg/kg per minute. Recovery from anesthesia took 3 (1-7) (median [interquartile range]) min for extubation and 20 ± 12 (mean ± SD) min for complete recovery. Heart rates were maintained within the normal physiological range, and noninvasive blood pressure remained stable. Compared with previous investigations on anesthesia induction and maintenance using alfaxalone alone, the intramuscular administration of 0.25 mg/kg midazolam and 0.25 mg/kg butorphanol reduced the alfaxalone dose requirement for anesthesia induction and maintenance, thereby shortening recovery times.
TRANSFORMING VETERINARIANS INTO INFLUENTIAL ORGANIZATIONAL PARTNERS USING COLLABORATIVE BUSINESS RISK ANALYSIS TO DRIVE ANIMAL WELL-BEING PROGRAMS.
Pye GW, Greene W, Fontenot DK
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2025 Mar · PMID 40067216 · Publisher ↗
Traditionally, animal preventive medicine programs have been based on reducing health risks to individuals or groups of animals within a zoo or aquarium collection with an emphasis on transmissible pathogens of concern....
Traditionally, animal preventive medicine programs have been based on reducing health risks to individuals or groups of animals within a zoo or aquarium collection with an emphasis on transmissible pathogens of concern. An alternative risk analysis method of using animal health risks that impact a zoo or aquarium business to drive animal well-being program strategy is suggested. Business risk lenses of value to the individual organization are determined and weighted prior to use for risk analysis. In this example, the lenses used were 1) partial or complete closure of a park, resort, or attraction; 2) damage to brand integrity; 3) disruption to population management; 4) impact on individual animal or population health (the traditional basis of preventive medicine programs); and 5) other organizational concerns. Using these five business risks lenses demonstrates a holistic view of the zoo or aquarium business that engages all parts of the organization in understanding and preventing animal health concerns, thus giving animals the best opportunity to thrive. This approach increases risk tolerance in veterinarians, as they are no longer held solely accountable for morbidity and mortality: the responsibility for protecting the health of the animals and the business is more evenly distributed across the organization. With veterinarians demonstrating more tolerance and flexibility, their value increases and they are engaged for greater influence across the organization.
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF A TYPE III MONTEGGIA FRACTURE IN AN EASTERN BLACK-AND-WHITE COLOBUS ().
Clark D, Hans E, Michels D … +1 more , Dumonceaux G
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699160 · Publisher ↗
A one-year-old female Eastern black-and-white Colobus () was evaluated after tangling its right forelimb in exhibit netting. Radiographs of the right forelimb revealed craniolateral luxation of the radial head and a comp...
A one-year-old female Eastern black-and-white Colobus () was evaluated after tangling its right forelimb in exhibit netting. Radiographs of the right forelimb revealed craniolateral luxation of the radial head and a complete transverse fracture of the proximal ulna, otherwise known as a type III Monteggia fracture. Open reduction was performed and a locking cuttable bone plate was placed to address the ulnar fracture. The reduced radial head was maintained by the placement of a Mini Tightrope Fixation System. Rapid return to normal activity was observed. Radiographs taken four weeks post-operatively showed healing of the fracture as well as appropriate articulation of the radial head. At three years post-operatively, the Colobus continued to demonstrate normal ambulation without evidence of growth disruption. This is the first documented report of this specific surgical technique and implant in an exotic species.
PRACTICAL AND QUICK WORK FLOW FOR ORCHIECTOMY OF 338 BATS () FOR POPULATION MANAGEMENT WITH INJECTABLE ANESTHESIA.
Reitl K, Weissenbacher A, Cloer S … +1 more , Vielgrader H
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699159 · Publisher ↗
In captivity, neotropical Seba's short-tailed bats () (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) reproduce readily, and contraception can constitute an opportunity to prevent uncontrolled reproduction, which can lead to overpopulation...
In captivity, neotropical Seba's short-tailed bats () (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) reproduce readily, and contraception can constitute an opportunity to prevent uncontrolled reproduction, which can lead to overpopulation as well as inbreeding. The authors developed a safe and efficient work flow, anesthetic, and surgical castration protocol for the reproductive control of a captive population of more than 500 bats housed at the rainforest house at the Vienna Zoo, Austria. An anesthetic protocol using 0.003 mg medetomidine per bat (approximately 0.18 mg/kg) and 0.3 mg ketamine per bat (approximately 18 mg/kg) achieved surgical anesthesia in 323/328 bats, with the remaining five requiring supplementation with isoflurane. A single bat, which had a pre-existing underlying infection, died during anesthetic induction. Standard closed orchiectomy was performed on a total of 336 bats. The practicable and safe working protocol developed required three veterinarians and 3-4 assistants for the orchiectomy of this large group of captive bats. With the described work flow, the period for castration averaged 2.38 min/bat, resulting in managing 28.2 bats/h.
EVIDENCE FOR ADRENAL DYSFUNCTION CONTRIBUTING TO PERACUTE MORTALITY SYNDROME IN RED PANDA ().
Kane LP, Aitken-Palmer C, Parkinson L … +3 more , Kuzma CA, Colegrove KM, Delaney MA
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699158 · Publisher ↗
Red pandas () are endangered with extinction due to deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Reported causes of unexpected death in managed red pandas include kidney, liver, gastrointestinal, and cardiac disease. A previ...
Red pandas () are endangered with extinction due to deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Reported causes of unexpected death in managed red pandas include kidney, liver, gastrointestinal, and cardiac disease. A previously undetailed syndrome, red panda peracute mortality syndrome, may be emerging, as red pandas have died unexpectedly, with no clear cause of death identified at necropsy. This case series describes the clinical and postmortem findings of five red pandas at Brookfield Zoo with abnormal adrenal size and associated histologic lesions as possible contributing factors to acute death. Antemortem clinical signs consisted of thin body condition, vomiting, intermittent diarrhea, neck ventroflexion, ataxia, and electrolyte abnormalities. Mortality may have been due to abnormal adrenal function, resulting in fatal electrolyte disturbances. Antemortem adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation tests indicated an inappropriate response to ACTH with persistently low cortisol and aldosterone levels after cosyntropin administration. Clinical improvement was seen when red pandas were provided steroids, but all cases were eventually fatal. Further study is needed to understand red panda peracute mortality syndrome and associated adrenal dysfunction.
CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGIC PRESENTATIONS OF YERSINIOSIS IN VARIOUS NONDOMESTIC SPECIES: AN INVESTIGATION OF OUTBREAKS FROM FOUR NORTH AMERICAN ZOOLOGICAL INSTITUTIONS.
Peel M, Hardgrove E, Swenson J … +6 more , Clancy M, Marinkovich M, Garner MM, Haefele H, Hernández BA, Kubiski SV
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699157 · Publisher ↗
Yersiniosis due to can be associated with high morbidity and mortality in various species and has been a cosmopolitan management challenge in zoological institutions. This gram-negative, environmental bacterium thrives...
Yersiniosis due to can be associated with high morbidity and mortality in various species and has been a cosmopolitan management challenge in zoological institutions. This gram-negative, environmental bacterium thrives in cold, wet conditions and poses a risk to zoo species. Outbreaks can be costly and impact conservation efforts through loss of threatened and endangered species. Antemortem or clinical diagnosis can be challenging due to intermittent fecal shedding and nonspecific clinical signs. This case series describes common clinical presentations, typical postmortem findings, and response to treatment and prophylaxis at four North American zoological institutions. In total, five outbreaks occurred at four institutions during the winter months from 2013 to 2021. Artiodactyls were by far the most common species involved, and clinical signs included separation from the herd, lethargy, diarrhea, and unexpected death. Other species affected in these outbreaks included cheetahs (), a great-tailed grackle (), a rainbow lorikeet (), and a squirrel monkey (). Necrotizing enteritis with sepsis and pneumonia were common postmortem findings. Mortality rates were originally 76.7%, and herd prophylaxis with a third-generation cephalosporin reduced these rates. These data describe the observational and diagnostic tools to aid in timely diagnosis of a outbreak across taxa. Aggressive treatment or prophylaxis were shown to improve survival rates.
CHRONIC GASTRIC INSTABILITY IN REHABILITATED VIRGINIA OPOSSUMS ().
Rappaport AL, AqV C, Schott RG
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699156 · Publisher ↗
Chronic gastric instability (CGI), potentially part of the gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) syndrome, was identified in four free-ranging Virginia opossums () treated at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minneso...
Chronic gastric instability (CGI), potentially part of the gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) syndrome, was identified in four free-ranging Virginia opossums () treated at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota in Roseville, Minnesota. These individuals displayed lack of expected weight gain, inappetence, gastric gas distension, and delayed gastric emptying time. One was diagnosed with GDV via diagnostic radiology, whereas the other three were diagnosed with suspected CGI using radiographs, ultrasound, and confirmed with exploratory surgery. Clinical signs fully resolved after surgical intervention and supportive management in all four cases. This case series illustrates the clinical signs, diagnostics, and treatment of CGI in Virginia opossums.
SEROCONVERSION CAN PRECEDE CULTURE CONFIRMED DIAGNOSIS OF INFECTION IN ASIAN ELEPHANTS () BY DECADES.
Miller MA, Calle PP, Gai J … +2 more , Sanchez C, Young L
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699155 · Publisher ↗
() infection was diagnosed in 16 human-managed Asian elephants () at four different US facilities. A retrospective review was performed to collate information on serological test results and describe the timelines from e...
() infection was diagnosed in 16 human-managed Asian elephants () at four different US facilities. A retrospective review was performed to collate information on serological test results and describe the timelines from exposure to an elephant known to be positive for , detection of antimycobacterial antibodies in the exposed elephant, and isolation from the exposed elephant to confirm diagnosis. Seroconversion was defined by a positive test result using ElephantTB STAT-PAK, multiantigen print immunoassay, or DPP VetTB assay for elephants (Chembio Diagnostic Systems, Inc). Fifteen elephants were adults (age ≥24 yr) at first seroconversion and 26 yr or older when confirmed by a positive culture. Six animals were diagnosed postmortem, and 10 were diagnosed antemortem by positive trunk wash (TW) culture. The interval between last known exposure to an -positive elephant and serological conversion was 8.5 yr (median; range 0-18 yr) in the eight animals that had not already seroconverted. The median time from seroconversion to isolation of was 2.8 yr in elephants diagnosed by TW culture (antemortem) compared with those diagnosed postmortem (median 1.2 yr). Of the 10 elephants diagnosed antemortem, four were seropositive for 14 or more yr (range 0-33 yr) prior to the -positive culture. The median number of negative TW samples submitted between seroconversion and diagnosis by culture was 16 (range 0-151 samples). In contrast, a median of 48 negative TW cultures and 10 yr elapsed (range 0-41 yr) between exposure and culture diagnosis. Although this descriptive report has limitations, these findings are useful for veterinarians faced with an -seropositive elephant. This report supports the recommendation of increasing TW surveillance if an elephant has a history of exposure to an -positive elephant and has multiple seropositive results.
PENILE ABNORMALITIES IN WILD-BORN CAPTIVE CHEETAHS ().
Basto AFF, Hidalgo A, Marker L … +2 more , Bornman N, Schmidt-Küntzel A
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699154 · Publisher ↗
Penile abnormalities in cheetahs () are rare but can present significant challenges to both captive and wild populations. This is the first report of penile abnormalities in cheetahs, and results from the screening of 54...
Penile abnormalities in cheetahs () are rare but can present significant challenges to both captive and wild populations. This is the first report of penile abnormalities in cheetahs, and results from the screening of 549 male individuals from 1994 to 2023. Four cases of penile abnormalities were identified and included three types of penile abnormalities: one case of frenulum persistence, one case of paraphimosis, and two cases of penile-preputial adherence. Their clinical presentation and treatment are described here. The diagnostic workup for each case involved a combination of physical examinations and anesthesia-assisted evaluations. Treatment strategies varied depending on the specific penile abnormality, but all included surgical intervention and supportive care. Through these case reports, it becomes evident that penile abnormalities in cheetahs, while rare, can manifest in different forms. Underlying causes are as yet unknown for the cheetah. Breeding decisions need to be tailored to individual cases and include consideration of the overall genetic value of the individual to the population relative to the risk of the abnormality potentially including an inheritable component. Penile abnormalities have the potential to affect the reproductive health and overall well-being of affected animals; hence early detection, accurate diagnosis, and timely interventions are crucial for successful management and treatment. These multiple case reports emphasize the need for further research on penile abnormalities in cheetahs to enhance our understanding of the underlying causes, risk factors, and potential long-term implications.
PHENOTYPIC RESISTANCE PROFILES OF SALMONELLA ENTERICA ISOLATED FROM WILD FELIDS IN COSTA RICA BETWEEN 2021 AND 2022.
Rojas-Sanchez E, Munoz-Vargas L, Jimenez-Soto M
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699153 · Publisher ↗
spp. are one of the leading causes of illness, and in the last years there is an increasing interest in the role of different wild animals as reservoir of , especially multidrug resistant strains. To establish preventive...
spp. are one of the leading causes of illness, and in the last years there is an increasing interest in the role of different wild animals as reservoir of , especially multidrug resistant strains. To establish preventive and action strategies, it is essential to monitor bacterial resistance profiles and systematically collect information. This study aims to report and their resistance profile isolated from feces of wild felids that receive veterinary cares by the Hospital de Especies Menores y Silvestres, Costa Rica in 2021 and 2022. Overall, 100% (7/7) of spp. isolates exhibited resistance against cefazoline, followed by 71% (5/7) to ciprofloxacin, and 43% (3/7) to nitrofurantoin. A single isolate was found to be multidrug resistant against Ampicillin/Sulbactam-Cefazolin-Ceftriaxone-Gentamicin-Ciprofloxacin-Nitrofurantoin. These resistant profiles highlight that isolation can represent a threat to public health and wildlife conservation, especially for those organisms expressing resistant phenotypes to drugs commonly used in clinical settings. Fluoroquinolone resistant spp. have been called by the World Health Organization a high priority for research. As these organisms are expanding beyond livestock and hospital associated environments, to understand the epidemiology and impact of fluoroquinolone-resistant spp. we require a One Health approach.
PLASMA TRACE ELEMENTS IN MANAGED HUMBOLDT PENGUINS () FROM A SINGLE ZOOLOGICAL COLLECTION IN GERMANY.
Leineweber C, Gohl C, Lücht M … +2 more , Steinmetz HW, Marschang RE
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699152 · Publisher ↗
Only limited data on concentrations of trace elements in the blood of avian species have been published. This information can play an important role in the conservation of endangered species and their protection from env...
Only limited data on concentrations of trace elements in the blood of avian species have been published. This information can play an important role in the conservation of endangered species and their protection from environmental pollutants and can also be clinically relevant in managed individuals. Some elements are essential for the health of the animals in human care, but little is known about expected concentrations for some of these elements. Therefore, 21 elements (silver, arsenic, gold, barium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, iodine, mercury, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, platinum, antimony, selenium, thallium, vanadium, and zinc) were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in lithium-heparinized plasma samples from Humboldt penguins () from a single zoological collection in Germany ( = 39). The plasma concentrations of cadmium, nickel, platinum, antimony, and thallium were under the limit of detection in most of the analyzed samples. The results also showed that the females had significantly ( ≤ 0.05) higher concentrations of silver, barium, cobalt, chromium, iron, mercury, magnesium, vanadium, and zinc in their plasma in comparison with males. A correlation between the element plasma concentration and the age of the individuals could not be found. The differences in plasma concentrations of individual element between males and females could be due to hormonal influences on the metabolism. Further studies in different seasons and other age groups are needed in the future to investigate environmental and host effects in more detail and to understand physiological mechanisms responsible for observed differences.
COMPARISON OF HAND-REARED PRONGHORN () MILK REPLACER COMPOSITIONS AND GROWTH RATES.
Hashem B, Gaston M, Carlisle JD … +1 more , Van Wick P
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699151 · Publisher ↗
Hand-rearing protocols for nondomestic ungulates used for research, zoological parks, and reintroduction to the wild are evaluated on the basis of implementation practicality, gastrointestinal disturbances, survival to w...
Hand-rearing protocols for nondomestic ungulates used for research, zoological parks, and reintroduction to the wild are evaluated on the basis of implementation practicality, gastrointestinal disturbances, survival to weaning, and growth rates compared with those of dam-raised individuals. Although species-specific protocols utilizing milk replacers formulated for nondomestic ungulates have been reported, no such protocols have been published for pronghorn (Antilocapra americana). Five pronghorn fawns were fed Day One 30/40 Black Tail Deer plus Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotics four times per day with Day One Ultra Boost (all products from Fox Valley Animal Nutrition, Inc, Huntley, IL 60142, USA) added at one feeding per day and weighed twice per week for up to the first 16 wk of life. All fawns survived beyond weaning and four out of five fawns experienced a combined total of seven bouts of diarrhea. Based on a linear mixed-effects model, the growth rate of pronghorn fawns was 178 g/d (SE, 14.8; 95% CI, 149-207). The observed growth rate was greater than or similar to that of individuals fed evaporated milk five times per day, a dam-raised singlet, and a singular set of dam-raised twins. Despite small sample sizes, this protocol shows promise as a method for hand-rearing pronghorn at growth rates comparable to those of dam-raised fawns.
PHARMACOKINETICS OF METRONIDAZOLE IN GREEN (), LOGGERHEAD (), AND KEMP'S RIDLEY () SEA TURTLES AFTER SINGLE ORAL AND INTRAVENOUS DOSES.
Norton TM, Cox S, Manire CA … +18 more , Zirkelbach B, Morrison I, Overmeyer R, Stowell S, Adelman L, Buttrey S, Marcialis T, Polyak MMR, Clark S, Gamby J, Hardman A, Gilbert I, Breshears K, Chadam M, Crowder W, Mirowski E, Hoover S, Page A
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699150 · Publisher ↗
Currently there are few antibacterial dosage regimens established to be safe and effective for sea turtles. Pharmacokinetic evaluation of antibiotics is an essential step in establishing accurate dosage guidelines for a...
Currently there are few antibacterial dosage regimens established to be safe and effective for sea turtles. Pharmacokinetic evaluation of antibiotics is an essential step in establishing accurate dosage guidelines for a particular species. Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is effective against anaerobic bacteria and some protozoa. For most anaerobic bacteria, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for metronidazole ranges from 0.25 to 4.0 µg/ml. The MIC values for some species are up to 8 µg/ml, and for protozoal agents of trichomoniasis (MIC of 0.05 µg/ml), amebiasis, and giardiasis the MIC ranges from 1 to 50 µg/ml. The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters after administration of metronidazole to aid in the establishment of species-specific dose guidelines in green (), loggerhead (), and Kemp's ridley () sea turtles. After administering metronidazole at a dose of 20 mg/kg orally and IV, the pharmacokinetics were very similar for these three species of sea turtles ( = 6 for each species). For both oral and IV routes of administration, plasma metronidazole concentrations were maintained above 8 µg/ml for approximately 24 h and above 4 µg/ml for approximately 48 h; however, plasma concentrations of 8 µg/ml were reached within 5 min only for the IV route, versus 8 h for the oral route.
EFFECT OF DIPOTASSIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETIC ACID AND LITHIUM HEPARIN ANTICOAGULANT ON HEMATOLOGIC VALUES IN THE BEARDED DRAGON () IN A CLINICAL SETTING.
Cutler DC, Divers S, Mitchell MA … +3 more , Cusack L, Comolli J, Mayer J
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699149 · Publisher ↗
Anticoagulant choice can have significant effect on complete blood counts of reptiles and has not been reported in bearded dragons (). Whole blood was collected from 14 captive individuals and aliquoted into separate blo...
Anticoagulant choice can have significant effect on complete blood counts of reptiles and has not been reported in bearded dragons (). Whole blood was collected from 14 captive individuals and aliquoted into separate blood tubes containing dipotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and lithium heparin. Samples were shipped and processed within 24 h. A CBC, including a WBC count using a commercial phloxine method, was performed on blood from both tubes. A WBC estimate, WBC differential, and morphologic review were performed on blood smears made from the anticoagulated blood, as well as on a direct blood smear made from anticoagulant-free blood. Some CBC values were significantly different between the EDTA and lithium heparin samples. Hematologic data generated from direct blood smears were more similar to data from EDTA samples than to data from lithium heparin samples. Additionally, multiple lithium heparin samples had poor phloxine stain uptake and leukocyte clumping, so that many WBC parameters were altered or unreportable. These results support EDTA as an appropriate anticoagulant for bearded dragon hematologic evaluation and suggest it may be superior to heparin for some individuals in generating a WBC count using a commercial phloxine method.
BLOOD FATTY ACID PROFILES IN CHILEAN () AND CARIBBEAN () FLAMINGOS IN MANAGED CARE.
Mumm LE, Ange-van Heugten KD, Young S … +3 more , Bibus D, Georoff TA, Minter LJ
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699148 · Publisher ↗
Flamingos in managed care are vulnerable to inflammatory states, including pododermatitis, trauma, and capture myopathy. Fatty acids are an important component of well-balanced nutrition and crucial to endogenous immune...
Flamingos in managed care are vulnerable to inflammatory states, including pododermatitis, trauma, and capture myopathy. Fatty acids are an important component of well-balanced nutrition and crucial to endogenous immune responses associated with these conditions, yet fatty acids have not been assessed in flamingos. This study reported complete whole blood circulating fatty acid profiles in two flamingo species in managed care receiving different diets. Whole blood from Chilean flamingos () (n=16) and Caribbean flamingos () (n=17) was collected during routine exams and prepared on blood spot cards for complete fatty acid profile analysis in which 24 individual fatty acids, nine fatty acids groups, and four calculated parameters were quantifiable. Non-parametric statistical analysis compared profiles between species, and between sex of Chilean flamingos. The median ratio of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids was 5.64. Chilean flamingos had significantly (<0.05) higher percentages of 11 individual fatty acids, total polyunsaturated and highly unsaturated fatty acids, total omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, arachidonic acid (AA; 20:4w6)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5w3) ratio, and total EPA + DHA, whereas Caribbean flamingos had significantly (<0.05) higher percentages of eight individual fatty acids, and total saturated fatty acids. Male Chilean flamingos had significantly (<0.05) higher percentages of AA, EPA, and total polyunsaturated fatty acids, whereas females had significantly (<0.05) higher oleic acid (18:1w9), total monounsaturated fatty acids, and total omega-9 fatty acids. Differences reported are highly attributable to variability in diet, although differences in fatty acid synthesizing pathways and hormonal influences may also play a role. This novel fatty acid data set in healthy flamingos is a valuable reference for complete health evaluations in managed care settings. Further comparisons with controlled diets and inclusion of free-ranging animals may enhance clinical utility.
HEMATOLOGY AND BIOCHEMICAL REFERENCE INTERVALS AND SEROPREVALENCE OF HEMORRHAGIC DISEASES FOR FREE-RANGING MULE DEER () IN WEST TEXAS.
Reeves AM, Gray SS, Campbell JC … +7 more , Harveson LA, Hilton CD, Heffelfinger LJ, Springer CM, Hewitt DG, Conway WC, Dittmar RO
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699147 · Publisher ↗
Wildlife species are routinely captured for translocation, general health monitoring, and research-based pursuits to guide wildlife management. Mule deer () were captured for various research projects and management acti...
Wildlife species are routinely captured for translocation, general health monitoring, and research-based pursuits to guide wildlife management. Mule deer () were captured for various research projects and management actions in the Trans-Pecos and Panhandle regions of Texas from 2015 to 2019. The objective of this study was to develop hematologic and biochemical parameters for free-ranging mule deer in Texas and to develop a health monitoring system for current and future mule deer population management. Blood samples were collected from 364 mule deer (male = 81; female = 283) and complete blood counts and serum biochemical profiles were performed by Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. A subset of 263 individuals, deemed healthy based on several inclusion criteria, were used to establish normal reference intervals for the species. The deer were also tested for serologic evidence of previous exposure to bluetongue virus (BTV) and/or epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) to further characterize the health status of the population. Several variables associated with deer capture and/or health status, including the use of anesthetic drugs, elevated body temperature, capture location, and sex, affected mean blood values; however, the development of separate reference intervals by class was not warranted because of the lack of any clinically relevant change. Antibodies to BTV and EHDV were identified in 76% (277/364) and 78% (285/364) of the population, respectively, and 71% (258/364) had antibodies to both diseases. This study provides hematologic and biochemical reference intervals based on a subpopulation of apparently healthy free-ranging mule deer that should guide wildlife managers in decision-making for future conservation and restoration objectives.
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