Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine最新文献

Objective

To describe the clinical features of a ferret with a unilateral immature nuclear cataract treated using phacoemulsification and subsequent lens regeneration requiring an additional surgical procedure.

Animal

A 1-year-old, female-spayed, client-owned ferret was referred for evaluation because of a 1-month history of progressive unilateral ocular opacity in the left eye and infrequent ipsilateral blepharospasm.

Case description

On ophthalmic examination, the ferret had an immature nuclear cataract of the left eye with no other abnormal findings. An ocular ultrasound, electroretinogram, and unilateral phacoemulsification were scheduled 2 months after initial evaluation. At that time, mild pancortical cataract progression was identified with no additional new abnormalities. Apart from the cataract of the left eye, ultrasonography was within normal limits. Under preanesthetic medications, the electroretinogram revealed unremarkable b-wave amplitudes.

Treatment and outcome

Phacoemulsification was performed without complications. Histologic evaluation of the lens material did not reveal a specific etiology for cataractogenesis. Vision was restored in the operated eye, but blepharospasm recurred 4.5-months postoperatively. Ophthalmic examination revealed lens regrowth and anterior uveitis in the operated eye. Two-months of medical management improved uveitis and restored comfort. Lentoid irrigation and aspiration were performed routinely 6-months after the 1^st surgery. At the latest recheck, no new lens material was identified.

Clinical relevance

This case suggests that phacoemulsification is feasible in ferrets, with a good visual outcome in the short term. However, we observed lens regrowth that required lentoid irrigation and aspiration. Further studies are needed to investigate the prevalence of postsurgical lens regeneration as well as vision and comfort outcomes in the long term.

Tumors of the oviducts are commonly observed in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) and cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus). However, tumors are infrequently reported in passerine birds; based on the literature search, there are no case reports of tumors of the oviducts. Reports of right oviductal-derived tumors are limited, with adenomas reported only in cockatiels. A 3-year, 6-month-old female Java sparrow (Lonchura oryzivora) was presented for evaluation due to coelomic distension. Contrast imaging revealed left displacement of the intestines. Coelomic ultrasonography identified a 28.3 × 22.6 × 20.2 mm solid mass with multilocular cysts on the right side of the abdomen, indicating a mass likely originating from the right oviduct. Successful excision of the right oviduct was performed utilizing a ventral right paramedian inverted L-shaped incision. The mass extended from the infundibulum to the magnum of the right oviduct. Histopathological examination of the excised tissue confirmed a cystic adenoma of the right oviduct. This case represents the first report of a right oviduct tumor in a Java sparrow.

Background

Intravenous catheter placement is a routine procedure in exotic pet medicine, yet the selection of the optimal venous site for catheterization in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) remains controversial. Recommendations differ between countries and authors, and lack evidence-based data. This prospective study aimed to document and compare the prevalence and types of complications secondary to peripheral venous catheterization in domestic rabbits as related to the vein catheterized.

Methods

Catheterization events (n = 151) were randomly attributed to three groups, named according to the venous site selected: cephalic (n = 39), lateral saphenous (n = 58) and marginal ear vein (n = 54). Rabbits that needed a catheter for fluid therapy, surgery, or imaging, were included in the study. Catheters were placed by three veterinarians following a standardized method. Data regarding the patient, the type of catheter, and the treatment were recorded. Complications were evaluated every day after the catheter placement, at removal and after 15 days.

Results

Minor complications that were observed included catheters which were bent at the elbow or removed by the rabbit, and twisted or chewed tubing. Ear necrosis and signs of phlebitis were considered major complications. Catheter placement failure was significantly higher in the “cephalic” group (odds ratio = 4, 95% Confidence Interval = [16.67,1.04], P = 0.048), without differences between the operators. For the marginal ear vein, there was also a significant association between the failure rate and the length of the rabbit's ear (Wilcoxon effect size = 0.42, 95% CI = [0.14,0.64], P = 0.003). No major complication was observed in any groups. Minor complications occurred without significant differences between the groups.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

The results suggest that intravenous catheters in rabbits do not carry significant complications irrespective of the chosen site, but cephalic vein placement carries the highest risk of failure.

Background

Scapular luxation is a rare condition observed in dogs and cats. It occurs following disruption of the muscles attaching the scapula to the thoracic wall (trapezius, rhomboideus, and serratus ventralis muscles) leading to dorsal displacement of the scapula. Surgical stabilization requires reattachment of the affected muscle and fixation of the scapula to the thoracic wall. Sutures are passed around a rib and through holes made on the dorsal margin of the scapula to secure the scapula on the thoracic wall. This technique is reported to result in a good to excellent outcome.

Case description

A scapular luxation was diagnosed in a ferret (Mustela putorius furo) presenting with a 180° internal rotation of the right scapula and associated forelimb following rupture of the serratus ventralis muscle. The scapula was not dorsally displaced on the thoracic wall. Following orthopaedic reduction, the luxation was surgically stabilized as described in the dog and cat. The functional result was excellent with persistent resolution of lameness during the 5-month follow-up period.

Conclusions

Surgical correction of a scapular luxation in a ferret led to an excellent outcome.

Significant relevance

Scapular luxation should be included in the differential diagnosis of forelimb lameness in the ferret. Surgical correction is feasible and may result in an excellent long-term outcome.

Background

This study aimed to develop and validate a pain assessment scale for guinea pigs to be performed in clinics by veterinarians. The scale was established using pre-existing pain scales from other species and was based on signs expressed by guinea pigs in pain already identified in the literature. The scale consists of 14 descriptors grouped into 4 categories: appearance, functional, physiological, and behavioral. Each item on the scale was assigned a score based on the observation and handling of the animals. The total score obtained ranged from 0 to 26, with more intense pain scoring higher.

Methods

Fifty-eight adult guinea pigs presenting at the authors' Teaching Hospital between March 2021 and November 2022 were assessed. Guinea pigs were filmed during their consultation and an information sheet was completed. The information sheet provided details on the animals' appetite, fecal production, and behavior at home. The videos and corresponding information sheets were then reviewed to attribute a pain score to each animal. The pain scores were measured twice by a same observer 1 month apart to assess repeatability and by a second observer to assess reproducibility. The validity was assessed by correlating the pain scores given by the novel scale with scores using a numerical rating scale (NRS) as a gold standard method.

Results

The initial Cronbach's alpha obtained was 0.77, which was satisfactory. However, it highlighted that items concerning pruritus and spasmodic movements should be deleted to strengthen internal consistency. Then, Lin's coefficient and Bland and Altman's graphical method highlighted that the scale had an almost strong repeatability and intra-operator reproducibility. Moreover, the correlation between pain intensities obtained with the novel scale and the scores given using NRS was correct (Kappa = 0.72). The specificity was 87.5%, but the sensitivity of the scale was 52.0%. Each item's repeatability and reproducibility were assessed to identify items that would benefit from added clarification.

Conclusion

Our work is the first step in establishing a pain scale in guinea pigs. However, it should not yet be used in a clinical context. Indeed, the scale was not good at detecting pain when a guinea pig was actually painful. Further studies, including improvement of certain items and testing a larger sample of animals, are ongoing.

Background

Emydomyces testavorans is an emerging fungus associated with shell lesions in aquatic chelonians. At this time, reporting has focused on species of conservation concern including the northwestern pond turtle (Actinomyces marmorata) and aquatic chelonians in conservation programs or managed collections, however, little attention has been focused on the occurrence of E. testavorans infection in companion chelonians.

Methods

Swabs of the plastron and carapace of client owned companion chelonians (n = 64) presenting to a teaching hospital were collected and assayed for E. testavorans via qPCR. Categorical information including signalment, and the presence or absence of clinical shell and cutaneous lesions was collected.

Results

Three of 64 (4.7%, 95% confidence interval 1.6%–12.9%) companion chelonians had positive ET qPCR results with quantities of 150.93, 372.30 and 11,469 target copies per reaction. The 3 positive shell swabs were all from red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans). One of the 3 positive chelonians had grossly apparent shell lesions, while the others did not.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

E. testavorans DNA is detectable in companion chelonians both with and without externally appreciable shell lesions. Veterinarians working with aquatic companion chelonians, particularly red-eared sliders, should be aware of this important differential and consider diagnostic testing for E. testavorans in suspicious cases.

Diagnosis of chronic kidney disease can be challenging in ferrets. Physiological creatinine values are lower than in dogs and cats and marked elevations may only be detected in advanced disease. In canine and feline patients, specific staging, and treatment guidelines are available, based on serum creatinine, symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) levels, presence of proteinuria, and blood pressure measurement. No such guidelines exist for ferrets, and there is a lack of data concerning certain laboratory parameters. Blood and urine samples were taken from 60 clinically healthy pet ferrets to establish species-specific reference intervals for serum SDMA and urine protein/creatinine ratio (UPC ratio). Liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) was used for determination of serum SDMA, a colorimetric spectrophotometric method for urinary protein and an enzymatic method for urine creatinine. The calculated reference interval for serum SDMA (2.78–7.66 µg/dL) was found to be lower than in dogs and cats, while the UPC ratio is similar to dogs (<0.5).