Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine最新文献

The red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) is a prominent marsupial species native to Australia and is kept in zoos worldwide. Captive red kangaroos are often plagued with several diseases, such as lumpy jaw, incurring high treatment costs. Recent research suggests a significant link between the gut microbiota and various diseases in many species, indicating potential benefits of probiotics in maintaining health. The microbiota of the digestive tract of red kangaroos has been reported; however, the fecal microbiota and any compositional changes in this microbiota caused by probiotic intervention remain to be elucidated. Herein, the effects of the probiotic Clostridium butyricum, which produces the short-chain fatty acid butyrate, on fecal microbiota and metabolites in red kangaroos were investigated. Fecal samples were collected from six red kangaroos free from signs of diseases (three males and three females, aged 1-2 yr) during C. butyricum supplementation and suspension periods. Fecal C. butyricum levels decreased during the suspension period and increased upon resumption by quantitative PCR analysis. Despite changes in C. butyricum levels, fecal concentrations of measured short-chain fatty acids remained unchanged. Total microbiome analysis showed no significant differences by C. butyricum supplementation. Functional predictions indicated alterations in microbial community functions, such as activating penicillin and cephalosporin biosynthesis and inactivating the bacterial secretion system during C. butyricum supplementation. Metabolomic analyses identified significant changes in pathways related to amino acid degradation and metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, glycolysis and glycogenesis, and the citrate cycle (the tricarboxylic acid cycle), suggesting that C. butyricum supplementation affects metabolism independent of microbiota composition. These findings suggest that C. butyricum alters metabolism. However, this study's kangaroos were supplemented with C. butyricum prior to the study period, so its impact could not be verified. Further study is also required to determine how these changes might contribute to maintaining health in captive red kangaroos.

Lions (Panthera leo) share an intrinsic susceptibility to chronic kidney disease (CKD) with other species of the Felidae. Interestingly, specific gut-derived uremic toxins-indoxyl sulfate, p-cresyl sulfate, and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO)-find their origin in amino acids highly abundant in the strict carnivorous feline diet. These toxins are well-recognized mediators of renal tubular inflammation and are associated with disease progression in cats. Therefore, a potential causal involvement of gut-derived uremic toxicity in the pathophysiology of CKD can be hypothesized in Felidae. However, it remains undetermined whether increased accumulation of these toxins is interconnected with renal dysfunction in other Felidae. Therefore, the present study aimed at uncovering shifts in gut-derived uremic toxins and related pathways associated with renal dysfunction in lions by using a targeted metabolomic approach, comparing serum and urine profiles of lions diagnosed with CKD (n = 6) and healthy controls (n = 9). Our results show that selected gut-derived uremic toxins (indoxyl sulfate, P = 0.017; TMAO, P = 0.021; and p-cresyl sulfate, P = 0.020) were increased in lions with renal dysfunction. Our study further underscores the role of a decreasing glomerular filtration rate and tubular dysfunction in toxin accumulation. Especially, indoxyl sulfate showed increased serum-to-urine ratios indicative of renal retention. However, TMAO demonstrated a different pattern, suggesting alternative mechanisms for its elevation in CKD, such as augmented intestinal microbial formation or adsorption of its precursor trimethylamine. Moreover, clear associations between circulating uremic toxin concentrations and renal proteinuria, a marker of tubular dysfunction or damage, were observed, further substantiating the potential underlying role of gut-derived uremic toxicity in the pathophysiology of CKD in lions. Collectively, our findings form a first rationale to implement dietary modifications aimed at mitigating toxin burden in the management of Felidae diagnosed with CKD.

Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) and Indian leopards (Panthera pardus fusca) are widespread across the Indian subcontinent and form a major part of apex predators in the forest ecosystem. However, both species are endangered, and their fragile populations could be threatened by the introduction of pathogenic agents. In the present study, archived biological samples of big cats collected from different protected areas and zoological parks in central India were subjected to molecular and histological analysis for canine distemper virus (CDV) infection. Preserved biological samples were processed for molecular detection of CDV using nucleoprotein gene primers. Nucleotide sequencing and BLAST analysis of the positive samples demonstrated a close similarity to the CDV isolates from several wild carnivore hosts. Immunohistochemistry performed on formalin-fixed tissues showed that CDV antigens were diffusely distributed in the tissues. Histopathological observations were consistent across all CDV-positive tigers and leopards. Histopathology revealed interstitial pneumonia, interstitial nephritis, lymphoid depletion in the spleen, hepatic inflammation, degeneration of transitional epithelium in the bladder, and white matter demyelination, gliosis, and neuronal necrosis in the brain. Our findings revealed that CDV is prevalent in the big cats in central India. Therefore, it is imperative to develop multifaceted protocols to screen for such emerging infectious diseases in field samples.

Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) has expedited the diagnosis of kidney disease in small animal practice and has become the gold standard for diagnosis and screening. SDMA could be a useful screening tool for kidney dysfunction in nonhuman primates under human care, allowing for earlier intervention if indicated. These results could also help stage kidney disease in nonhuman primates when coupled with other diagnostics, to assist with quality-of-life decision-making. This study evaluated 55 serum samples from two different zoologic institutions to establish an SDMA reference interval for healthy hamadryas baboons (Papio hamdryas), by using the published American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology reference interval guidelines. Samples from each animal were submitted to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. and analyzed via a high-throughput immunoassay called the IDEXX SDMA test. Once analyzed, one value was omitted as an outlier. For clinically healthy baboons, the SDMA reference interval ranges from 4 to 11 µg/dl. The average value for the entire population is 7.7 µg/dl, with a SD of 1.9 µg/dl, a 90% lower confidence interval of 3-5 µg/dl, and a 90% upper confidence interval of 11-12 µg/dl. There is no significant difference between males and females. The hamadryas baboon reference interval indicated that values exceeding 11 µg/dl should be considered possibly elevated and warrant further investigation of kidney function in that animal. Furthermore, determination of species-specific reference interval is critical for correct interpretation of SDMA data.

Optimal blood storage conditions, crossmatching protocol standardization, heterologous transfusion compatibility, and adverse reactions have not been well described in reptile transfusion medicine. This study investigated the effects of blood storage, incubation time, and temperature on crossmatching conducted between clinically normal loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) [Cc] and green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) [Cm]. Heparinized venous blood was collected from 17 turtles (n = 12 Cc; n = 5 Cm). Twenty-four homologous (Cc-Cc) donor-recipient pairings and eight heterologous (Cc-Cm) donor-recipient pairings were conducted. Protocols compared different blood storage times of <36 and 120h, incubation times of 30 and 60 min, and incubation at ambient (22.2°C) and refrigerated (7.78°C) temperatures. Major and minor crossmatching hemolysis, macroscopic agglutination, and microscopic erythrocyte agglutination were recorded. No significant differences were found between any protocol tested. Based on major and minor crossmatches, 76.2% (32/42) of homologous crossmatches were compatible and 43.8% (7/16) of heterologous crossmatches were compatible. Two Cc and one Cm that previously received whole blood transfusions did not have different crossmatching outcomes as compared to naive animals (p = 0.4844). This study found a higher crossmatching compatibility between homologous Cc crossmatches than for previously reported homologous Cm crossmatches. Crossmatching using the protocol of 30 min incubation at ambient temperature with blood stored for <36h appeared as an effective method for improving the safety of transfusion medicine in Cc patients. Heterologous compatibility of Cc to Cm is limited, and avoidance of cross-species transfusions is recommended.

Eight adult Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) rescued from bile farms in Vietnam were diagnosed with chronic cholecystitis that required surgical intervention. In addition, these bears exhibited various comorbidities, including cardiovascular changes, chronic kidney disease, degenerative joint disease, obesity, and sarcopenia. The bears were anesthetized for an open midline cholecystectomy using a combination of 3 mg/kg tiletamine/zolazepam, 0.035 mg/kg medetomidine, and 0.05 mg/kg butorphanol administered IM via blowpipe. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in 100% oxygen. Butorphanol IV was repeated q90 min, and meloxicam was given SC at the beginning of surgery. An ultrasound-guided one-point transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block with 0.25% bupivacaine (0.2 ml/kg) was performed in order to desensitize the ventral branches of the last thoracic and lumbar spinal nerves, which innervate the abdominal wall. Additionally, 0.1 ml/kg of same injectate was instilled intraperitoneally twice to manage visceral pain. Lidocaine was administered IV as a continuous-rate infusion at a rate of 10 µg/kg/min. Throughout the procedure, all bears received intravenous fluids and systemic antibiotics. In all bears, cardiovascular parameters remained stable during surgery: heart rate 56 ± 9 bpm, respiratory rate 8 ± 3 bpm and mean arterial blood pressure 128 ± 40 mmHg. No cardiovascular response to surgical stimuli was observed. The TAP block was easy to perform, and no complications were observed during or after the block. The overall dose of local anesthetics was maintained within the recommended range for carnivores, with no signs of local anesthetic toxicity observed. All animals recovered well from anesthesia and returned to their husbandry routine within 6 wk postcholecystectomy. This multimodal analgesic approach seemed to have been effective to provide perioperative analgesia in these Asiatic black bears. It was demonstrated to be a safe, cost-effective, and easily implemented protocol.

This case describes successful expectant management of pre-term pre-labor rupture of fetal membranes (PPROM) in a 20-year-old female western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). Rupture of fetal membranes occurred at estimated day 231 of gestation, prior to the birthing window (days 237-285) for this species. Expectant management consisted of broad-spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids, and monitoring of the dam and fetus via serial ultrasonography, vital signs, and behavioral observation. The pregnancy was supported to term and completed with unassisted parturition of a healthy neonate at estimated day 250 of gestation. PPROM is a common complication reported in human pregnancy but has not been reported previously in gorillas in managed care. Expectant management was successful in this case and underscores the importance of operant conditioning which allowed for maternal and fetal monitoring. This case may serve as a reference for future management of similar conditions, benefiting breeding goals for this species.

The common loon (Gavia immer) is considered a sentinel of ecosystem health, and declines in this species have been linked to several different drivers. Loons are widely recognized as being very sensitive to fungal respiratory disease, and this has proven a major barrier to successful clinical care and rehabilitation. The goal of the present study was to assess the presence of antibody reactivity to Aspergillus with secondary testing including Aspergillus antigen and gliotoxin detection as well as plasma protein electrophoresis and complete blood count as sample volume permitted. Conducted over two years in collaboration with multiple centers in Maine, New Hampshire, and Florida, samples were collected in the Northeast from healthy wild adult and juvenile birds (n = 72) as well as clinically abnormal birds presented for rehabilitation (n = 29). In addition, a cohort of rehabilitation samples was obtained from clinically abnormal overwintering birds (n = 6). Necropsy results were available for those found moribund or euthanized (n = 29). Of these birds, eight were confirmed to have aspergillosis where the remainder were diagnosed with other complications. Only three of eight displayed antibody reactivity to Aspergillus using a recombinant antigen-based ELISA and four tested positive for the presence of gliotoxin. An abnormal electrophoretogram was present in samples from all eight birds. The presence of antibody reactivity was not observed in clinically normal loons and only in one of the necropsied loons without aspergillosis. Overall, aspergillosis appears uncommon in healthy, free-ranging birds but likely can be an opportunistic infection after a stress inducing event. Serological testing and protein electrophoresis may provide an opportunity to monitor the health of this species and may improve the ability to manage this species in captivity.

African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) chicks in human care can develop perosis, also known as medial luxation of the gastrocnemius tendon. This case series presents four cases of perosis in African penguin chicks and their differing therapeutic approaches. Conservative management appears to have limited success compared to surgical approaches. However, surgical repair comes with risks of severe postoperative complications. Limiting excessive growth of penguin chicks, addressing perosis in a timely fashion, and aggressive pre- and postoperative antibiotic therapy appear to increase success of therapy.

Protein electrophoresis and acute phase proteins are valuable clinical diagnostic tools to identify inflammation. This study evaluated capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) for clinically normal giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) against individuals that were clinically ill. Assay validation for C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and haptoglobin (HP) was also attempted. Using CZE, total protein, alpha-1 and -2, beta globulins, beta-2 globulins, and gamma globulins were observed to be significantly higher, and albumin:globulin, pre-albumin, and albumin were significantly lower in clinically abnormal giant pandas (p < 0.05). Among the tested APPs, reactivity was only found for CRP reagents and was significantly higher in abnormal giant panda (p = 0.045).