Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine最新文献

Salmonella 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 Salmonella enterica, 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 Salmonella enterica 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 Salmonella 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 Salmonella enterica 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 Salmonella 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 Salmonella spp. we require a One Health approach.

Bone lengths of paired digits of front and hind limbs from 12 captive European bison (Bison bonasus) 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 (P > 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 (P = 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 (P < 0.05), except for LP2 and LP3 of the hind limbs. Length measurement ratios did not vary significantly with age (P > 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.

Malaysian fire snails (Platymma tweediei), 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 P. tweediei casualties in a captive population at Chester Zoo. In October 2022, a captive breeding program was established with 20 wild-born P. tweediei. 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.

Aspergillosis is the most important disease in hunting/racing falcons in the Middle East. Based on clinical observations, the gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) 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 (F. rusticolus) had a prevalence of 27%, peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) of 18%, and saker falcons (Falco cherrug) 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.

Yersiniosis due to Yersinia psuedotuberculosis 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 (Acinonyx jubatus), a great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus), a rainbow lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus), and a squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus). 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 Yersinia outbreak across taxa. Aggressive treatment or prophylaxis were shown to improve survival rates.

Anticoagulant choice can have significant effect on complete blood counts of reptiles and has not been reported in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). 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.

Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) 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.

Evaluating renal function is essential for managing captive wild animals, particularly threatened species like the Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) 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) (P < 0.01 for both). Males presented higher urine creatinine:urea ratio than females (24.8 ± 29.2 and 20.5 ± 29.2, respectively) (P < 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) (P = 0.02) using the benchtop pH meter but showed no difference between areas in the dipstick reaction (P = 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 (P = 0.02), and between serum and urine creatinine concentrations (P = 0.01). Serum SDMA did not differ between sex or between captive and semicaptive individuals. However, it positively correlated with urine (P = 0.02) and serum creatinine (P = 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.

A one-year-old female Eastern black-and-white Colobus (Colobus guereza) 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.

American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) 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 Lactococcus garvieae 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.