Journal Of Zoo And Wildlife Medicine[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
RENAL FUNCTION PARAMETERS OF HEALTHY CAPTIVE AND SEMICAPTIVE AMAZONIAN MANATEES ().
de Mello DMD, Lourinho CP, da Silva VMF
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699146 · Publisher ↗
Evaluating renal function is essential for managing captive wild animals, particularly threatened species like the Amazonian manatee () in rehabilitation and prerelease programs. A series of urine diagnostic tests, such...
Evaluating renal function is essential for managing captive wild animals, particularly threatened species like the Amazonian manatee () in rehabilitation and prerelease programs. A series of urine diagnostic tests, such as gross appearance, semiquantitative chemical analyses, microscopic review of sediments, and quantitative analyses of urea and creatinine, were performed in 57 free-catch urine samples. On the same occasion, 52 serum samples from the same individuals were analyzed for creatine kinase activity, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, albumin, sodium, potassium, and chloride concentrations; serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) was measured for the first time in the species. Females had higher urine creatinine concentration (21.7 ± 11.8 mg/dl) and specific gravity (1.003 ± 0.003 mg/dl) than males (11.9 ± 8.5 mg/dl and 1.001 ± 0.002 mg/dl) ( < 0.01 for both). Males presented higher urine creatinine:urea ratio than females (24.8 ± 29.2 and 20.5 ± 29.2, respectively) ( < 0.05). Urine pH was lower in manatees from the semicaptive area (7.8 ± 0.6) than in manatees under human care (8.5 ± 0.6) ( = 0.02) using the benchtop pH meter but showed no difference between areas in the dipstick reaction ( = 0.71), given its lower sensitivity and narrower range detection. Furthermore, 18 and 75% of urine samples were positive for the presence of blood and/or nitrite, respectively, in the dipstick reaction, possibly because of sample contamination. Significant correlation was observed between serum blood urea nitrogen and urine urea concentrations ( = 0.02), and between serum and urine creatinine concentrations ( = 0.01). Serum SDMA did not differ between sex or between captive and semicaptive individuals. However, it positively correlated with urine ( = 0.02) and serum creatinine ( = 0.01) demonstrating its potential as a bioindicator of kidney function. The renal function of Amazonian manatees can be effectively assessed by urinalysis, especially when combined with serum biochemistry.
SEASONAL VARIATION OF BLOOD ANALYTES ASSOCIATED WITH SKIN HEALTH IN ALASKAN ICE SEALS.
Pace C, Goertz CEC, Hunter N … +3 more , Abraham T, Goertz J, Reichmuth C
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699145 · Publisher ↗
Recent unusual mortality events involving skin pathology in bearded (), ringed (), and spotted seals () in Alaska highlight the potential sensitivity of ice-associated species to the complex effects of climate change. Th...
Recent unusual mortality events involving skin pathology in bearded (), ringed (), and spotted seals () in Alaska highlight the potential sensitivity of ice-associated species to the complex effects of climate change. The regulation of thyroid hormones, cortisol, and vitamin A have been shown to play essential roles in skin health and seasonal molt in some pinnipeds. Unfortunately, the lack of available reference data for healthy Alaskan ice seals has prevented the adequate evaluation of these factors in cases associated with mortality events. To improve understanding of blood analytes that may serve as useful markers of skin health, we compiled diagnostic information for individuals in long-term managed care following short-term rehabilitation. Thyroid hormones (TT4, TT3, and FT4d), cortisol, and vitamin A levels are reported for four ringed seals, four spotted seals, and three bearded seals at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska, with serial samples obtained when possible and referenced to time of year. For ringed and spotted seals, the thyroid hormones and vitamin A showed a strong seasonal pattern with peak values obtained during the annual molt in spring, whereas cortisol values did not vary predictably between molting and non-molting periods. Trends were similar for individuals across both sex and species. Bearded seals had fewer available data for younger individuals only, but observed analyte values are provided for this understudied species. Collectively, these measurements can be used to support veterinary management of ice seals under human care and to provide initial baselines for skin health monitoring in wild populations and in stranded individuals with known skin lesions or pathology.
BLOOD AND TISSUE ENZYME ACTIVITIES IN BEARDED DRAGONS ().
Higareda MS, Pacumio L, Ammersbach M … +1 more , Beaufrère H
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699144 · Publisher ↗
Bearded dragons () are a common reptile species kept under human care and suffer from a wide range of diseases for which plasma biochemistry is used as a first-line diagnostic test. There is limited information available...
Bearded dragons () are a common reptile species kept under human care and suffer from a wide range of diseases for which plasma biochemistry is used as a first-line diagnostic test. There is limited information available regarding tissue enzyme activities and origin that could assist in interpreting the bearded dragon plasma biochemistry enzymology profile. The aim of this study was to characterize the tissue activities of seven enzymes routinely used in the reptile biochemistry panel: alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK) in 12 adult inland bearded dragons in 13 tissues, plasma, and red blood cells. CK activity was highest in skeletal muscle followed by cardiac muscle; ALT and AST were distributed in several tissues and were relatively non-specific for all organs, additionally hepatic fat accumulation reduced AST hepatic activity on a weight per weight basis. ALP and GGT activities were mostly high in the kidneys; LDH activity was elevated in cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle followed by liver; and GLDH had primarily high enzyme activities in liver. Low red blood cell enzyme activities suggest that hemolysis is unlikely to artifactually increase AST or LDH plasma concentrations. These results provide a stepping stone to improve the interpretation of biochemistry results in bearded dragons, especially as it compares to other reptile species.
HEMATOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AS PROGNOSTIC INDICATORS FOR SUCCESSFUL REHABILITATION IN CONFISCATED TEMMINCK'S PANGOLINS ().
Bentley CE, Chimaliro L, Ashpole IP … +1 more , Curr-Smith V
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699143 · Publisher ↗
The establishment of prognostic indicators in wildlife patients aids clinical decision-making and resource allocation. Hematological and plasma biochemical parameters were evaluated as potential prognostic indicators in...
The establishment of prognostic indicators in wildlife patients aids clinical decision-making and resource allocation. Hematological and plasma biochemical parameters were evaluated as potential prognostic indicators in wild Temminck's pangolins () rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. In this prospective cohort study, EDTA and lithium heparin blood samples were collected from the ventral coccygeal vein in 41 pangolins within 48 h of confiscation and before veterinary intervention. Receiving operator characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess each parameter as a prognostic indicator for release outcome and, where known, for 28 d survival postadmission. RBC counts, hemoglobin concentration, and Hct were significantly lower in female than in male pangolins. On intake, pangolins that later failed to be released had significantly lower mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and higher creatinine (Crea) values than individuals that were released. Individuals with lower MCHC or higher Crea values were also less likely to achieve 28-d survival. No pangolin with MCHC < 30.2 g/dl, BUN > 84 mg/dl, or Crea > 0.8 mg/dl was successfully rehabilitated. No other hematological or biochemical parameter, including plasma cortisol, total protein, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase, and glucose, showed significant prognostic value. This study suggests that MCHC, BUN, and Crea measured on intake are useful prognostic indicators for rehabilitation success and MCHC and Crea for short-term survival in Temminck's pangolins.
SERIAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT WITH STANDARDIZED EXTERNAL SCORING AND HEMOLYMPH EVALUATION IN THE AMERICAN HORSESHOE CRAB ().
Baker KC, Nelson PJ, Hines ES … +3 more , Arnold JE, Hungerford LL, Berliner AL
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699142 · Publisher ↗
Serial health assessment of a managed population of American horseshoe crabs (HSC; ) was performed. Twenty HSC were examined once a month for 7 mon; this included a physical exam with a standardized scoring sheet, HR, mo...
Serial health assessment of a managed population of American horseshoe crabs (HSC; ) was performed. Twenty HSC were examined once a month for 7 mon; this included a physical exam with a standardized scoring sheet, HR, morphometrics, and hemolymph evaluation with hemocyte count, copper concentration, and biochemistry panel. The HSC in this population had varying levels of external lesions at enrollment. All HSC were clinically and behaviorally stable over the study period, with no apparent differences in evaluated parameters in relation to degree of external lesions. Although the standardized scoring sheet was found to be helpful to complete the evaluation, the qualitative criteria potentially masks clinically important gradations in some parameters. HR ranged from 4 to 60 bpm, with high intra- and interindividual variability. Increased prosomal widths (PW) were found to be correlated with lower HR. Plots of weight (W) in grams divided by PW in centimeters are roughly linear, and W:PW shows promise as a method of body condition evaluation in a hard-shelled animal. Serial collection of ∼2 ml of hemolymph led to no appreciable clinical decline in any animal. Total protein levels were stable and higher than previously reported for HSC in managed care. Glucose values were stable throughout the study period, which is interpreted as reflecting adequate nutritional intake in the study animals. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical utility of standardized vertebrate biochemistry panels in invertebrate species.
PHARMACOKINETICS OF CEFTAZIDIME IN SIGNAL CRAYFISH () FOLLOWING A SINGLE DOSE.
Jungers HT, Knych HK, Henderson EE … +10 more , Abraham TN, Heckman TI, Quijano Cardé EM, Yazdi Z, Nguyen DT, Silva IM, Krol L, Dunker FH, Martínez-López B, Soto E
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699141 · Publisher ↗
Crustaceans are housed in zoos and aquariums and have also gained importance in the private sector and food industry. Shell lesions are common and often attributed to bacterial infections. However, few controlled studies...
Crustaceans are housed in zoos and aquariums and have also gained importance in the private sector and food industry. Shell lesions are common and often attributed to bacterial infections. However, few controlled studies have been performed evaluating antibiotics in crustaceans. This study assessed the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of ceftazidime (22 mg/kg) given by IM or IV injection in wild-caught signal crayfish (). Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by noncompartmental analysis of sparse data. Maximum ceftazidime hemolymph concentration following IM administration was 124.6 ± 14.7 µg/mL and Tmax was 5 min, with 80% bioavailability. Following IV administration, the extrapolated maximum concentration of ceftazidime, (C [0]), was 581.4 µg/mL. Ceftazidime was last detected at 72 hr and 120 hr post IM and IV administration, respectively. Terminal half-life was 8.03 hr and 10.3 hr after IM and IV administration, respectively. Results suggest that both routes have the capacity to reach a maximum hemolymph concentration quickly in signal crayfish. Moreover, ceftazidime was maintained above a concentration of 4 µg/mL, a published minimal inhibitory concentration for spp., for 24 hr for both IM and IV routes. Therefore, ceftazidime may be useful for infections with susceptible spp. in signal crayfish.
HISTOPATHOLOGIC FINDINGS IN 10 CASES OF MORTALITY IN CAPTIVE MALAYSIAN FIRE SNAILS ().
Richards-Rios P, Ashpole I, Chantrey J … +1 more , Barbon AR
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699140 · Publisher ↗
Malaysian fire snails , face threats to their environment, including habitat destruction and the illegal wildlife trade. Captive breeding projects are likely to play a role in the survival of this species; however, morta...
Malaysian fire snails , face threats to their environment, including habitat destruction and the illegal wildlife trade. Captive breeding projects are likely to play a role in the survival of this species; however, mortality in captive populations potentially presents a significant challenge. This paper presents the results of histopathologic examination of tissues from 10 casualties in a captive population at Chester Zoo. In October 2022, a captive breeding program was established with 20 wild-born . All adult founder animals died by July 2023, of which 10 were submitted for necropsy and histopathology of organs. Significant histologic abnormalities were present in all cases, primarily affecting the lung, integument, and heart. Histological analyses indicated a pneumonia-like condition was prevalent in all cases, suggesting potential environmental factors contributed to respiratory infections. A variety of possible etiologic or secondary infectious agents were present in sections including bacteria, fungi, and trematodes. There were some challenges in interpreting the histologic changes, emphasizing the need for more reference material and studies on the normal histologic anatomy of terrestrial gastropods. The findings underline the importance of understanding mortality events in captive populations to improve husbandry and environmental management. Additionally, the study recommends the submission of fresh specimens for necropsy to enhance diagnostic capabilities, such as bacterial culture, and suggests targeted sampling strategies for future research on captive snail species.
DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATION OF AMERICAN ROBINS () WITH FATAL ETHYLENE GLYCOL TOXICOSIS AND CONCURRENT SPP. INFECTION WITH RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF 44 YEARS OF DIAGNOSTIC DATA.
Williams A, O'Reilly A, Yabsley MJ … +5 more , Garrett KB, Poppenga R, Sykes C, Berry R, Nemeth NM
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699139 · Publisher ↗
We describe a mortality event involving at least 44 adult American robins () that were found dead on the morning of February 25, 2023 in a residential backyard in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. Five carcasses were submi...
We describe a mortality event involving at least 44 adult American robins () that were found dead on the morning of February 25, 2023 in a residential backyard in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. Five carcasses were submitted for diagnostic evaluation. All five robins were in good nutritional and feather condition with no external indicators of injury or illness. Grossly, kidneys were diffusely pale in all robins and 4/5 also had splenomegaly. Consistent histologic lesions included severe, multifocal to coalescing, renal tubular degeneration and necrosis with intraluminal, birefringent calcium oxalate crystals and calcified concretions. Toxicologic testing revealed a markedly elevated calcium concentration (10,000 parts per million) in a pooled kidney sample. Collectively, these findings support a diagnosis of ethylene glycol toxicosis. Ethylene glycol, an ingredient in antifreeze, is a hazardous toxicant in domestic and wild animals living in residential areas, although confirmed reports in songbirds are scarce. In the present case, the circumstances of ethylene glycol exposure are unknown but most likely anthropogenic in origin. Additionally, splenomegaly prompted molecular testing, which detected in three robins and in one robin. Both spp. can infect a wide range of hosts, and although infections likely were subclinical, their detection raises awareness of their potential pathogenicity in wild birds. This mortality event underscores the need to recognize health risks posed by environmental contaminants and vector-borne pathogens to wildlife, and reinforces that wildlife, especially peridomestic species, can serve as sentinels for risks to domestic animal and human health.
PROFOUND HYPOGLYCEMIA AND BLOOD GLUCOSE TESTING METHODOLOGIES IN FLORIDA MANATEES () PRESENTED TO A CRITICAL CARE CENTER.
Long RB, Persky ME, Jafarey YS … +1 more , Stacy NI
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699138 · Publisher ↗
Florida manatees () continue to experience pressure from various stressors that frequently result in the need for rescue and veterinary assistance. Interestingly, a subset of rescued manatees in critical condition exhibi...
Florida manatees () continue to experience pressure from various stressors that frequently result in the need for rescue and veterinary assistance. Interestingly, a subset of rescued manatees in critical condition exhibits profound hypoglycemia. The goals of this study were to enhance our understanding of this important aspect of manatee care by 1) characterizing the clinical presentation and factors associated with manatees that present with profound hypoglycemia, and 2) assessing agreement across blood glucose testing modalities [glucometer (whole blood), in-house bench-top analyzer (whole blood), a point of care analyzer (whole blood), and a local human hospital laboratory analyzer (serum)]. Twenty-five manatees were admitted to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens from 2017 to 2021. Seven manatees were profoundly hypoglycemic on presentation with blood glucose concentrations of < 30 mg/dL. Hypoglycemic manatees were admitted due to cold stress syndrome (n = 3; 1 calf, 2 adults) or emaciation consistent with an unusual mortality event (n = 4; 2 calves, 2 adults). Physical examination findings in hypoglycemic animals included emaciation (n = 7, 100%), lethargy (n = 7, 100%), and intermittent mild muscle fasciculations of the muzzle (n = 3, 42.8%). Hypoglycemia resolved with intense supportive care and monitoring in all affected animals within 32 h of admission. No associations were identified between hypoglycemia on presentation and life-stage, sex, transport distance to JZG's critical care facility, or rehabilitation outcome (death/euthanasia vs. release). Statistical agreement was observed between all blood glucose testing modalities except for the glucometer vs. the human hospital analyzer. Despite the limited sample size, these findings inform on the clinical presentation of severe hypoglycemia, the importance of close blood glucose monitoring after admission, blood glucose testing modalities, and clinical decision-making in Florida manatees admitted to critical care centers.
RADIOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENT OF CARDIAC SIZE BY USING MULTIPLE SCALING SYSTEMS IN HEALTHY CAPTIVE AYE-AYES ().
Day CE, Colon V
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699137 · Publisher ↗
The aye-aye () is an unusual lemur with a small population in human care. Cardiac pathologies, but not normal size parameters, have been reported in this species. This study aimed to determine whether radiographic cardia...
The aye-aye () is an unusual lemur with a small population in human care. Cardiac pathologies, but not normal size parameters, have been reported in this species. This study aimed to determine whether radiographic cardiac scaling systems commonly used to evaluate heart size in domestic mammals have potential clinical application in aye-ayes. Selected cardiac silhouette, vertebral, and intrathoracic skeletal dimensions were measured retrospectively on paired sets of orthogonal thoracic radiographs collected during health examinations of aye-ayes maintained at three British zoos. Measurements from 21 healthy aye-ayes (10 males, 11 females) of varying ages were used to calculate reference intervals (RI) with 90% confidence intervals for vertebral heart scale in both right lateral (VHS-RLat) and ventrodorsal (VHS-VD) projections, a modified VHS (VHS-Mod), thoracic inlet heart size (TIHS), and cardiothoracic ratio (CTR). VHS-VD (9.49 ± 0.29) was slightly higher than VHS-RLat (9.32 ± 0.33; = 0.08) and had the lowest coefficient of variation of the scaling indices; TIHS was 4.89 ± 0.36, VHS-Mod was 11.07 ± 0.49, and CTR was 0.53 ± 0.05. Thoracic depth-to-width ratio of aye-ayes ranged between 0.75 and 0.91, equivalent to an intermediate thoracic morphology in dogs. No scaling indices differed significantly by sex, age group, or thoracic morphology; however, VHS-Mod and CTR were significantly correlated with bodyweight ( = 0.0022 and = 0.041, respectively) and CTR with age ( = 0.02). Summed cardiac dimensions demonstrated a near-linear relationship with bodyweight and T4 vertebral length (both < 0.05), but not thoracic inlet length ( = 0.12). Analysis of measurements by using serial radiographs from hand-reared animals indicated potential utility of RI in aye-ayes >0.4 yr. Overall, results suggest VHS-VD and VHS-RLat are preferred cardiac scaling indices in aye-ayes. These data will aid zoo clinicians in the evaluation of cardiac size and identification of cardiomegaly in this endangered primate.
RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF ASPERGILLOSIS IN JUVENILE FALCONS IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: PREVALENCE AND EFFECT OF HYBRIDIZATION.
Azmanis PN, Anzoategui AI, Somma AD … +3 more , Intzes S, Symeonidou M, Bailey T
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699136 · Publisher ↗
Aspergillosis is the most important disease in hunting/racing falcons in the Middle East. Based on clinical observations, the gyrfalcon () is considered to be more susceptible than other species of falcons, whereas it ha...
Aspergillosis is the most important disease in hunting/racing falcons in the Middle East. Based on clinical observations, the gyrfalcon () is considered to be more susceptible than other species of falcons, whereas it has been hypothesized that their hybrids might be more resistant. This retrospective study examined the endoscopic results of 3,754 captive-bred juvenile falcons of three different species and their hybrids, admitted to Dubai Falcon Hospital in their first year in the UAE over a 14-year period. A control cohort of confirmed genetic origin from Dubai Falcon Center was also examined. Aspergillosis was diagnosed in 887 falcons. The overall prevalence, regardless of species, was 24%. Gyrfalcons () had a prevalence of 27%, peregrine falcons () of 18%, and saker falcons () of 26%. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of aspergillosis between the total hybrid population and the total purebred population. Among purebreds, there was a statistically significant difference only between gyrfalcon and peregrine falcon, with the gyrfalcon being more sensitive. Additionally, the gyrfalcon had a statistically higher prevalence of aspergillosis than the total population of gyrfalcon hybrids. The most resistant hybrid proved to be the gyrfalcon × peregrine (prevalence 20%). This was also verified in the Dubai Falcon Center cohort. In assessment of two main gyrfalcon hybrids in accordance with their parental ancestors, the gyrfalcon-peregrine hybrid proved to be more resistant than the gyrfalcon ancestry, but not the peregrine ancestry. The gyrfalcon-saker presented numerically higher prevalence (30%) than both parents (gyrfalcon, saker falcon), showing outbreeding depression. There was no statistically significant difference between captive-bred sakers (prevalence 24%) and legally harvested wild-caught sakers from Mongolia (prevalence 26%). This work partially confirmed the clinical hypothesis of gyrfalcon sensitivity and hybrid superiority regarding aspergillosis prevalence, only in relation to the peregrine falcon and the gyrfalcon-peregrine hybrid.
FOOT RADIOGRAPHY IN EUROPEAN BISON ().
Hoby S, Guthruf S, Steiner A … +2 more , Van der Vekens E, Alsaaod M
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699135 · Publisher ↗
Bone lengths of paired digits of front and hind limbs from 12 captive European bison () of different ages (from nine to 175 months) and sexes were measured on digital radiographs in palmarodorsal (PaD) and dorsoplantar (...
Bone lengths of paired digits of front and hind limbs from 12 captive European bison () of different ages (from nine to 175 months) and sexes were measured on digital radiographs in palmarodorsal (PaD) and dorsoplantar (DPl) projections of each limb. All bone lengths were measured, and lateral/medial ratios calculated. The bone measurements included length of the canon bone condyle (LCBC), length of the first, second, and third phalanges (LP1, LP2, LP3), and overall digit length (OL). Furthermore, radiographic abnormalities such as new bone formation (NBF), soft tissue mineralization (SFT), osteolysis (OS), widened vascular channels (WVC), and soft tissue swelling (STS) were recorded using PaD, DPl, and oblique projections. NBF and SFT received a single combined grade as without radiographic changes (0), mild (one to 10 changes = 1), moderate (11 to 20 changes = 2), and severe (>20 changes = 3). OS, WVC, and STS were graded as 0 = absent and 1 = present. There were no significant differences ( > 0.1) of lateral to medial ratios for LCBC, LP1, LP2, and OL in front limbs as compared with hind limbs. Only LP3 was significantly longer ( = 0.004) in the lateral digit of the hind limbs as compared with the front limbs. For both the front and the hind limbs, the lateral LCBC, LP1, LP2, LP3 and OL were significantly longer than the respective measurements of the medial bones ( < 0.05), except for LP2 and LP3 of the hind limbs. Length measurement ratios did not vary significantly with age ( > 0.1). The most common radiographic changes were both NBF and SFT, observed in all animals from 39 months of age and older. This study provides baseline data on in vivo radiographic anatomy and evaluation of feet of European bison under field conditions.
EVALUATION OF ETORPHINE-MEDETOMIDINE-MIDAZOLAMAZAPERONE FOR IMMOBILIZATION IN CAPTIVE PRONGHORN ().
Ambros B, Hech B, Pelchat J
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699134 · Publisher ↗
Etorphine based immobilization protocols are reported to be effective in pronghorn; however, information on cardiorespiratory effects is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and cardiopulmona...
Etorphine based immobilization protocols are reported to be effective in pronghorn; however, information on cardiorespiratory effects is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and cardiopulmonary effects of etorphine, medetomidine, midazolam, and azaperone for immobilization in captive pronghorn. Additionally, the effects of endotracheal intubation and manual ventilation on cardiopulmonary variables were assessed. A combination of 5 mg etorphine, 10 mg medetomidine, 2.5 mg midazolam, and 5 mg azaperone was administered by hand or via dart to 10 pronghorn. Five pronghorn were endotracheally intubated once recumbent and manually ventilated. Oxygen at a flow of 6 L/min was supplemented to all animals. Induction and recovery times were recorded, and during recumbency vital parameters and arterial blood samples were collected. Time to lateral recumbency was 3.8 ± 1.25 min. Marked hypoxemia and hypercapnia was observed in both spontaneously breathing and manually ventilated pronghorn. Hypercapnia improved significantly in manually ventilated pronghorn compared to spontaneously breathing animals. All pronghorn recovered rapidly after reversal with 150 mg naltrexone and 30 mg atipamezole. Administration of etorphine, medetomidine, midazolam, and azaperone resulted in excellent chemical immobilization in pronghorn. Significant hypoxemia and hypercapnia occurred and oxygen supplementation, endotracheal intubation, and manual ventilation is recommended.
ASSESSMENT OF OPHTHALMIC DIAGNOSTIC PARAMETERS, CONJUNCTIVAL FLORA, AND PHARMACOLOGIC DILATION OF A LARGE POPULATION OF JUVENILE AMERICAN ALLIGATORS ().
Beatty AR, Flint M, Flint J … +4 more , Gemensky-Metzler AJ, Diaz-Campos D, van Balen JC, Newbold G
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699133 · Publisher ↗
American alligators () are an important apex predator of semiaquatic habitats of the southern United States. Commercial alligator farming has grown in the last several decades, leading to a need to understand the health...
American alligators () are an important apex predator of semiaquatic habitats of the southern United States. Commercial alligator farming has grown in the last several decades, leading to a need to understand the health conditions that affect this species to ensure appropriate management and welfare. The aims of this study were 1) to establish and describe normative data including results of common ophthalmic diagnostic tests and conjunctival flora, 2) document ocular pathology in this population, and 3) assess the effect of topical rocuronium bromide and 10% phenylephrine for facilitating pharmacologic mydriasis. A total of 165 juvenile American alligators were evaluated in this study. Assessment included palpebral fissure length (PFL), intraocular pressure (IOP), strip meniscometry (SM), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior segment examination, and bacterial and fungal culture sampling of the conjunctiva. Topical rocuronium bromide (RB) and 10% phenylephrine (PE) were applied to the right eye (OD) of eight individuals, and pupil diameter (PD) of both eyes measured at regular time intervals. Mean (±standard deviation [SD]) PFL was 10.55 ± 1.47 mm, IOP was 8.16 ± 1.48 mmHg, CCT was 150.06 ± 8.25 µm, and SM was 3.42 ± 2.07 mm/5 s. Culture results stress the importance of proper handling protocols in crocodilians given the high number of opportunistic pathogens isolated from the conjunctiva, as well as the first report of isolation of in this species. Acquired ophthalmic lesions, likely traumatic, were recorded and no congenital anomalies were observed. Topical administration of RB and PE resulted in a significant increase in nonilluminated pupil diameter (PD) starting at 20 min, and maximum dilation was achieved at 90 min. Fundic examination was achievable, and no adverse systemic effects were noted. This study contributes to a growing body of knowledge regarding ocular health of American alligators.
DO HEALTHY COQUEREL'S SIFAKAS IN CAPTIVITY HAVE UNUSUALLY LOW CIRCULATING CORTISOL?
Greene LK, Ellsaesser LN, Guevara EE … +6 more , Davison MM, Ostrowski CA, Sitver M, Jacob SI, Ehmke EE, Williams CV
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699132 · Publisher ↗
Cortisol, and other glucocorticoids, are routinely used as markers of physiological stress in wildlife. Typically, stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) s...
Cortisol, and other glucocorticoids, are routinely used as markers of physiological stress in wildlife. Typically, stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) signaling the adrenal glands to release cortisol. Nevertheless, recent anecdotes in captive Coquerel's sifakas (), strepsirrhine primates that are difficult to maintain under human care, may challenge the assumption that physiological stress universally increases circulating cortisol. Here, the authors ask if low circulating cortisol and minimal response to adrenal stimulation might be hallmarks of outwardly healthy sifakas in captivity. Comparative ACTH stimulation or control tests were performed in 10 Coquerel's sifakas and six ring-tailed lemurs () at the Duke Lemur Center (DLC). At baseline, sifakas had average cortisol concentrations of just 0.67 µg/dl, whereas those of ring-tailed lemurs averaged 12.53 µg/dl. Stressful pre-experiment procedures, including kenneling and handling, activated the HPA axis in ring-tailed lemurs, masking further cortisol release from ACTH administration; however, neither these procedures nor exogenous ACTH raised cortisol concentrations in sifakas. Additionally, cortisol in dozens of serum samples from DLC sifakas banked over 17 yr was assayed. Across samples, cortisol concentrations averaged just 0.49 µg/dl and did not vary by animal sex, age, or housing condition. Comparable samples from two individual sifakas in sepsis at the end of life (4.28 and 21.88 µg/dl) indicate that the assay does capture meaningful variation in cortisol in captive sifakas, although robust biological validation is needed. Currently there is a lack of comparative data from wild Coquerel's sifakas that might determine if these unusual endocrine patterns are characteristic of the species or a function of captivity. If the latter, chronic stress in captivity could lead to a downregulated HPA axis, with persistent hypocortisolism perhaps contributing to the Coquerel's sifaka's susceptibility to infection under human management.
ORAL MICROBIOME OF BENNETT'S () AND YELLOW-FOOTED () ROCK WALLABIES AND THE IMPACT OF INTRAORAL DISEASE.
Romano J, Hoyer N, Krumbeck JA … +3 more , Goodnight A, Brandão J, Sadar MJ
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699131 · Publisher ↗
Intraoral disease, including macropod progressive periodontal disease, is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality for wallabies under human care. Clinical signs associated with intraoral disease vary, and di...
Intraoral disease, including macropod progressive periodontal disease, is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality for wallabies under human care. Clinical signs associated with intraoral disease vary, and diagnostic findings can be difficult to interpret without intraoral radiographs or advanced imaging; therefore, this disease process can be challenging to detect in its early stages. Previous studies have investigated the effects of intraoral disease on the normal oral microbiome of various domestic species. Results from these studies demonstrate specific changes to the oral microbiome that have the potential to be used as an early indicator of intraoral disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oral microbiome of 12 Bennett's wallabies () and 3 yellow-footed rock wallabies (), using next-generation sequencing, to determine if intraoral disease influences the oral microbiome, as demonstrated in other species. The study identified a total of 295 bacterial species and 388 fungal species from the oral cavity of 15 wallabies. Although not statistically significant, the results of the study suggest an increase in the number of anaerobic bacterial species in sites of disease, including , a species from the family sp., and . It also revealed a decrease in microbial diversity in animals with active intraoral disease compared with animals without active disease, as well as at the site of disease compared with the control site. Results from this study support the findings of similar studies assessing the oral microbiome of macropods. Additional studies are warranted to better understand the normal oral microbiome of Bennett's and yellow-footed rock wallabies and the dynamic changes in the microbiome that occur in animals with intraoral disease.
INDUCTION OF PARTURITION IN A PYGMY HIPPOPOTAMUS ().
Phillips BE, Gradil C, Baitchman E
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Sep · PMID 39255230 · Publisher ↗
A 27-yr-old female pygmy hippopotamus () had two consecutive stillbirths with no overt signs of labor, suggestive of uterine inertia. After a third pregnancy was confirmed, an induction protocol was developed. Cloprosten...
A 27-yr-old female pygmy hippopotamus () had two consecutive stillbirths with no overt signs of labor, suggestive of uterine inertia. After a third pregnancy was confirmed, an induction protocol was developed. Cloprostenol and betamethasone were administered on d 200 of gestation (time 0 h). Additional doses of cloprostenol were administered at 24 and 48 h and oxytocin at 30, 31, and 48 h. Each injection resulted in preparturient behavior without overt evidence of contractions. Fetal membranes presented at the vulva at 54.5 h after initial cloprostenol and betamethasone administration with no progression of labor. Transvaginal palpation and manual delivery of a live calf followed. Despite confirmed nursing, the serum glutaraldehyde coagulation test was negative. Failure of passive transfer may have been secondary to the induction protocol. The calf was treated with broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents due to diarrhea, and clinical signs resolved. This clinical brief details the first known induction of parturition in a pygmy hippopotamus, which can serve as the basis for further development of the technique.
GASTRIC POLYPOID HYPERPLASIA IN MORAY EELS (): EIGHT CASES.
Minich DJ, Garner MM
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Sep · PMID 39255229 · Publisher ↗
Gastric and intestinal mucosal hyperplasia and polyps are identified as a cause of morbidity and mortality in moray eels. This report describes the clinical presentations, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic intervent...
Gastric and intestinal mucosal hyperplasia and polyps are identified as a cause of morbidity and mortality in moray eels. This report describes the clinical presentations, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic interventions in eight moray eels diagnosed with gastric polypoid hyperplasia. All described cases were humanely euthanized or found deceased, and multifocal adenomatous hyperplasia and polyps extending from the gastric mucosal epithelium were identified in all cases. The moray eels diagnosed with adenomatous hyperplasia and polyps often exhibited anorexia, regurgitation, and occasional changes in buoyancy, and supportive care was unsuccessful in alleviating or resolving these signs.
NOVEL USE OF NILE TILAPIA FISH () SKIN AS XENOGRAFT IN ZOOLOGICAL SPECIES.
Qabazard T, Al-Sayegh H
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Sep · PMID 39255228 · Publisher ↗
Nile tilapia fish skin () has been increasingly used in human and veterinary medicine in xenografts for treatment of burn wounds. The objective of this study was to self-prepare the graft using a Brazilian patent (WO2017...
Nile tilapia fish skin () has been increasingly used in human and veterinary medicine in xenografts for treatment of burn wounds. The objective of this study was to self-prepare the graft using a Brazilian patent (WO2017/035615 A1) as a guide and apply it to full-thickness wounds in zoological species ( = 4). The wounds, which were all characterized as contaminated wounds in which the entire dermal layer was missing, had all previously been surgically debrided and treated with traditional wound-healing techniques without success. This graft technique was developed in response to the poor treatment success. The graft was prepared and sutured to the affected area, leading to complete contraction and epithelialization in all cases. The patients were concurrently placed on one course of systemic antibiotics because of the severity of wound contamination. The frequency of dressing changes varied between species and no adverse effects were apparent. This method of processing Nile tilapia fish skin proves promising for use in contaminated wounds, as it is inexpensive and easy to acquire and develop, mitigates stress in wildlife patients because of a decreased frequency of dressing changes and therefore handling, and can be utilized in clinical environments.
HEMANGIOSARCOMA IN RED WOLVES () AND GRAY WOLVES () IN HUMAN CARE: SIX CASES.
Sarvi JY, Dowling KE, Swenson J … +2 more , Haefele HJ, Garner MM
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Sep · PMID 39255227 · Publisher ↗
Wolves are commonly housed in zoological institutions and captive breeding facilities that are essential for maintaining genetic diversity and for the recovery of declining populations. Neoplasia is a common cause of mor...
Wolves are commonly housed in zoological institutions and captive breeding facilities that are essential for maintaining genetic diversity and for the recovery of declining populations. Neoplasia is a common cause of mortality in wolves, but hemangiosarcoma has not previously been described. This condition was diagnosed in four red wolves () and two gray wolves () housed at five different institutions between 2008 and 2018. Animals were 11-16 yr of age at the time of presentation. Clinical signs included loss of body condition, abdominal distension, lethargy, weakness, ataxia, and hyporexia. Three animals were mildly anemic. All animals were humanely euthanized within an average of 3 d from onset of clinical signs. Two animals had primary splenic tumors, two had pelvic tumors with one originating from the aorta, and one had a cranial mediastinal mass. Diagnosis was made on postmortem histologic examination in all cases. Four wolves had evidence of metastases with foci in the lungs, lymph nodes, mesentery, liver, subcutis/skeletal muscle, kidney, adrenal, and thyroid gland. Hemangiosarcoma should be considered in geriatric wolves presenting with nonspecific signs, particularly if abdominal distension, free peritoneal fluid, or anemia is present.
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