Anneke Moresco

USE OF NALOXONE TO REVERSE CARFENTANIL CITRATE- INDUCED HYPOXEMIA AND CARDIOPULMONARY DEPRESSION IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN WAPITI (CERVUS ELAPHUS NELSONI)

Abstract With the use of a crossover study design, we investigated the respiratory and cardiovascular effects of naloxone administration in eight healthy Rocky Mountain wapiti (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) anesthetized with carfentanil (10 μg/kg i.m.) and xylazine (0.1 mg/kg). Anesthetized animals showed profound hypoxemia with mild hypercapnia, tachycardia, hypertension, and acidosis prior to naloxone administration. After monitoring equipment was placed, animals were administered either naloxone (2 μg/μg carfentanil i.v.) or an equivalent volume of normal saline. Mean values for PaO2, PaCO2, heart rate, and respiratory rate were significantly different between naloxone- and saline-treated groups, but mean blood pressure, hematocrit, and serum electrolyte concentrations were not. Mean PaO2 was 23.0 ± 4.1 mm Hg prior to administration of naloxone or saline and increased to 50.2 ± 7.3 mm Hg after naloxone administration. Mean PaO2 of saline-treated animals did not change significantly. Electrocardiograms of three saline-treated animals suggested myocardial hypoxia. Hypoxemia appeared to be caused by respiratory depression, hemodynamic alterations, and lateral recumbency. All but one animal remained anesthetized after naloxone administration. Anesthesia in all animals was reversed in ≤4 min with naltrexone (100 mg/mg carfentanil i.v. s.c.) and yohimbine (0.1 mg/kg i.v.). One bolus of naloxone improved oxygenation in carfentanil–xylazine-anesthetized wapiti.

Factors Associated With Uterine Endometrial Hyperplasia and Pyometra in Wild Canids: Implications for Fertility

The ability to safely and effectively manage reproduction is central to the success of AZA captive-breeding programs. Although the AZA Wildlife Contraception Center routinely monitors contraceptive safety, there have been no studies that compare the effects of contraceptive use to separation of males from females, the other option for preventing reproduction. We used retrospective medical records and pathology reports submitted by AZA and related facilities for the seven AZA-managed canid species to assess rates of uterine pathology relative to female reproductive life histories. Our results showed that the prevalence of both pyometra and endometrial hyperplasia (EH) was associated not only with treatment with the two most common contraceptives (Suprelorin® and MGA implants) but also with the number of years barren (i.e., not producing a litter and not contracepted). Rates of pyometra and EH were especially high in African painted dogs and red wolves, but lowest in swift and fennec foxes. The number of years producing a litter had a low association, suggesting it could be protective against uterine pathology. A more recently developed Suprelorin® protocol using Ovaban® to prevent the initial stimulation phase, followed by implant removal when reversal is desired, may be a safer contraceptive option. These results concerning the relationship between reproductive management and uterine health have important implications for AZA-managed programs, since the unsustainability of many captive populations may be due at least in part to infertility. Managing a females reproductive lifespan to optimize or maintain fertility will require a reconsideration of how breeding recommendations are formulated.

MEDETOMIDINE–KETAMINE–BUTORPHANOL ANESTHETIC COMBINATIONS IN BINTURONGS (ARCTICTIS BINTURONG)

Abstract The efficacy, safety, and reliability of two ketamine–medetomidine–butorphanol anesthetic combinations were evaluated in 34 adult binturongs (Arctictis binturong). The animals were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. On the basis of estimated body weights, group high ketamine (HK) received ketamine (8 mg/kg, i.m.), medetomidine (0.02 mg/kg, i.m.), and butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg, i.m.) combined in a single injection, and group low ketamine (LK) received ketamine (2 mg/kg, i.m), medetomidine (0.04 mg/kg, i.m.), and butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg, i.m.). Cardiopulmonary parameters were measured for approximately 45 min; the animals were then administered atipamezole (5 mg/mg medetomidine, i.m.). Individual responses varied greatly to the anesthetic combinations, but similar numbers of animals in each group needed supplemental anesthetic agents (seven in group HK and six in group LK). Mean heart rates were higher in the LK group throughout anesthesia. Animals in both groups were mildly to moderately hypoxemic, but oxygenation improved in both groups following supplemental oxygen administration. Respiratory rates, arterial blood pressures, body temperatures, and end-tidal CO2 values were similar in both groups. Both protocols were effective; however, the LK combination is preferable because the mean recovery time was shorter.

Conjunctivitis, rhinitis, and sinusitis in cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) found in association with Mycoplasma sturni infection and cryptosporidiosis

Fledgling cliff swallows were cared for at a rehabilitation facility when clinical signs of ocular disease, characterized by conjunctivitis, epiphora, and hyperaemia of palpebrae and nictitans, were recognized. Treatment consisted of topical and oral antibiotic therapy and one topical steroid administration. However, one cliff swallow died and three were killed due to poor therapeutic response. Conjunctival swabs were obtained ante-mortem from the three cliff swallows and were submitted for mycoplasma culture and molecular diagnostics. Heads of the three birds were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and submitted for histopathologic examination of oculonasal tissues. Mycoplasma cultures and molecular evaluation of isolates identified Mycoplasma sturni, but not Mycoplasma gallisepticum, from each specimen. Histopathologic examination revealed lymphoplasmacytic conjunctivitis, rhinitis and infraorbital sinusitis with follicular lymphoid hyperplasia, epithelial hyperplasia, and protozoal stages compatible with Cryptosporidium spp. arranged in and along the apical surfaces of epithelial cells. Identification of concurrent M. sturni and Cryptosporidium spp. infections in these cliff swallows demonstrates an alternative infectious condition that can produce gross and microscopic lesions comparable with those commonly observed in M. gallisepticum infections of house finches and other passerine species. Conjunctivitis associated with M. sturni and Cryptosporidium spp. in cliff swallows may represent an emerging disease risk to a naïve, high-density and colonial species such as colony-nesting cliff swallows.

Reproductive endocrine patterns and volatile urinary compounds of Arctictis binturong: discovering why bearcats smell like popcorn

Members of the order Carnivora rely on urinary scent signaling, particularly for communicating about reproductive parameters. Here, we describe reproductive endocrine patterns in relation to urinary olfactory cues in a vulnerable and relatively unknown viverrid—the binturong (Arctictis binturong). Female binturongs are larger than and dominate males, and both sexes engage in glandular and urinary scent marking. Using a large (n = 33), captive population, we collected serum samples to measure circulating sex steroids via enzyme immunoassay and urine samples to assay volatile chemicals via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Male binturongs had expectedly greater androgen concentrations than did females but, more unusually, had equal estrogen concentrations, which may be linked to male deference. Males also expressed a significantly richer array of volatile chemical compounds than did females. A subset of these volatile chemicals resisted decay at ambient temperatures, potentially indicating their importance as long-lasting semiochemicals. Among these compounds was 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP), which is typically produced at high temperatures by the Maillard reaction and is likely to be responsible for the binturong’s characteristic popcorn aroma. 2-AP, the only compound expressed by all of the subjects, was found in greater abundance in males than females and was significantly and positively related to circulating androstenedione concentrations in both sexes. This unusual compound may have a more significant role in mammalian semiochemistry than previously appreciated. Based on these novel data, we suggest that hormonal action and potentially complex chemical reactions mediate communication of the binturong’s signature scent and convey information about sex and reproductive state.

Evaluation of the effects of naloxone on recovery time and quality after ketamine-medetomidine-butorphanol anesthesia in servals (Leptailurus serval).

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate whether the administration of naloxone (NAL) had an impact on the speed or quality of recovery in servals anesthetized with ketamine, butorphanol, and medetomidine. Twenty-two clinically healthy, captive servals (Leptailurus serval) were anesthetized for routine physical examinations using ketamine (3 mg/kg), medetomidine (0.03 mg/kg), and butorphanol (0.3 mg/kg). Eleven animals were administered atipamezole (5 mg/mg medetomidine) and NAL (0.1 mg/mg butorphanol), while the other 11 were administered atipamezole (5 mg/mg medetomidine) and sterile saline (SAL). There was no statistically significant difference in recovery time between the NAL and the SAL group; similarly, there were no significant differences between groups at any time point for the measures of quality of recovery used in this study. This investigation was unable to detect a clinically significant difference in anesthetic recovery for servals that received NAL relative to those that did not. These results suggest that butorphanol does not routinely need to be antagonized in captive servals that are anesthetized with these dosages of ketamine, medetomidine, and butorphanol. It may be more important to administer opioid antagonists in free-ranging animals, where residual sedation would be more detrimental. In these cases, a long-acting antagonist, such as naltrexone, may be indicated. An opioid antagonist, such as NAL or naltrexone, should always be available for emergency administration whenever opioids are used. Additionally, this study provided physiologic data for servals anesthetized with a ketamine-medetomidine-butorphanol combination.

LOCATION AND REMOVAL OF DESLORELIN ACETATE IMPLANTS IN FEMALE AFRICAN LIONS (PANTHERA LEO)

Abstract: Contraception is necessary to manage zoo animal populations and to be able to house animals in groups without producing additional unwanted offspring. In felids and canids, an association between exposure to progestins and the occurrence of endometrial and mammary gland pathology has been documented. Therefore, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Wildlife Contraceptive Center recommends the use of deslorelin acetate for long-term contraception in carnivores. Return to cyclicity after deslorelin treatment has been variable; some individuals show ovarian suppression for long periods after the expected end of the deslorelin efficacy. In an attempt to reduce the time to reversal, techniques to locate and remove previous implants are being developed. This report documents the successful implementation of high-frequency ultrasonography in lions (Panthera leo) to locate and direct surgical removal of multiple deslorelin implants placed at least 2 yr previously as well as the return of follicular activity in both females at 7 months post-removal of implants.

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SURVEILLANCE IN ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE

Abstract:  For over 25 years, the Reproductive Health Surveillance Program has collected, processed, evaluated, and archived reproductive tracts from nondomestic mammals submitted by zoos. The analysis of the data from this archive has been used to recognize lesions associated with exposure to certain contraceptives; but arguably more importantly, to also document naturally occurring lesions. The goals of this program are to enhance the reproductive management of captive and free-ranging species by providing information about the effects of various contraceptives and to provide basic information regarding the natural reproductive histories and naturally occurring lesions in male and female zoo animals.

SERIAL ULTRASOUND TO ESTIMATE FETAL GROWTH CURVES IN SOUTHERN TAMANDUA (TAMANDUA TETRADACTYLA)

Abstract From 2012 to 2015, 16 pregnancies were monitored by ultrasonography in nine tamanduas (Tamandua tetradactyla) housed in three zoological facilities. Sonographic measurements were recorded to establish fetal growth curves using thoracic and skull landmarks described for giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). All pregnancies resulted in the uncomplicated delivery of healthy offspring, thus gestational development was considered normal. These data may be used as a reference for normal fetal development with potential for estimating parturition date in the absence of breeding data.