Dawn M. Zimmerman

XYLAZINE–MIDAZOLAM–KETAMINE VERSUS MEDETOMIDINE– MIDAZOLAM–KETAMINE ANESTHESIA IN CAPTIVE SIBERIAN TIGERS (PANTHERA TIGRIS ALTAICA)

Abstract Two α2-adrenoceptor agents, xylazine and medetomidine, in combination with midazolam and ketamine safely and effectively immobilized Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris altaica). The medetomidine protocol used smaller drug volumes, and induction and recovery times were shorter. Although cardiopulmonary abnormalities were noted, none were likely to be life threatening.

Renal Adenocarcinoma in Cape Coral Snakes (Aspidelaps lubricus lubricus)

Abstract Renal adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in three Cape coral snakes (Aspidelaps lubricus lubricus) by histopathologic examination. A hereditary basis was suspected, because all affected snakes were genetically related. Presentations included caudal coelomic swelling as well as anorexia, regurgitation, and constipation. Moderate amounts of urate tophi throughout the kidneys were noted in all three animals. Nephrectomy appeared to prolong life if the disease was caught early and the remaining kidney was functional.

Tool use for food acquisition in a wild mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei).

On May 14, 2013, a wild, human‐habituated, juvenile female mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda was observed utilizing a tool to acquire food. The young gorilla watched an adult male use his hand to collect ants from a hole in the ground, and then quickly withdrew his hand and move away from the hole, shaking his arm to presumably remove biting ants. The juvenile female engaged in similar behavior, withdrawing her hand covered in ants, and shaking her arm vigorously. She then selected a piece of wood approximately 20 cm long and 2 cm wide at one end, 1 cm wide at the other, and proceeded to insert the stick into the hole, withdraw the stick, and then lick ants off of the stick. In contrast to the sizeable body of literature on tool use in wild chimpanzees, this is the first report of tool use for food acquisition by a wild gorilla. Am. J. Primatol. 77:353–357, 2015.

PHARMACOKINETICS OF FLORFENICOL AFTER A SINGLE INTRAMUSCULAR DOSE IN WHITE-SPOTTED BAMBOO SHARKS (CHILOSCYLLIUM PLAGIOSUM)

Abstract This study evaluated the pharmacokinetics of florfenicol in the white-spotted bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum). In addition to the pharmacokinetics, the potential application for treatment of bacterial meningitis was explored. A pilot study was used to compare doses of 30, 40, and 50 mg/kg i.m. Following that study, 10 adult sharks were administered a single i.m. dose of florfenicol at 40 mg/kg. Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid were collected and analyzed for florfenicol by a sensitive and specific high-pressure liquid chromatographic method. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using both non-compartmental and compartmental techniques. The absorption produced an average peak at 54 (±19) hr from the i.m. site of administration, and the half-life was prolonged, averaging 269.79 hr (±135.87). Florfenicol plasma concentrations peaked at an average of 11.85 μg/ml (±1.45) and were maintained above our target minimum inhibitory concentration of 4–8 μg/ml for at least 120 hr. Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations peaked at an estimated 9 μg/ml around 48 hr, surpassing the target minimum inhibitory concentration for at least 72 hr.

Collection and characterization of semen from green iguanas (Iguana iguana)

OBJECTIVE To determine an efficient method for the collection of semen samples by means of electroejaculation, characterize spermatozoa quality and quantity, and determine the effect of refrigerated storage on motility of spermatozoa obtained from green iguanas (Iguana iguana). ANIMALS 18 adult green iguanas. PROCEDURES Green iguanas were anesthetized, and semen samples were obtained by means of electroejaculation. Up to 3 series of electrostimulations were performed; the procedure was stopped after a semen sample was obtained. Various semen sample variables were evaluated. RESULTS Semen samples were obtained from 16 iguanas; most (n = 10) iguanas produced a semen sample after the second series of electrostimulations. Median semen sample volume was 0.05 mL. Mean spermatozoa concentration was 2 69.0 × 10(6) spermatozoa/mL. Median percentage of motile spermatozoa was 78%. The only morphological abnormality of spermatozoa was bent tails (mean percentage in a semen sample, 5.7%). Spermatozoa motility decreased significantly during refrigeration (4°C); median percentage motility after 24, 48, and 72 hours of refrigeration was 60%, 33%, and 0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results of this study suggested electroejaculation can be performed to collect semen samples from green iguanas, characteristics of iguana semen samples are similar to those for semen samples obtained from other reptiles, and motility of iguana spermatozoa decreases during refrigeration within 48 to 72 hours.

Compressive Myelopathy of the Cervical Spine in Komodo Dragons (Varanus komodoensis)

Abstract Cervical subluxation and compressive myelopathy appears to be a cause of morbidity and mortality in captive Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis). Four cases of cervical subluxation resulting in nerve root compression or spinal cord compression were identified. Three were presumptively induced by trauma, and one had an unknown inciting cause. Two dragons exhibited signs of chronic instability. Cervical vertebrae affected included C1–C4. Clinical signs on presentation included ataxia, ambulatory paraparesis or tetraparesis to tetraplegia, depression to stupor, cervical scoliosis, and anorexia. Antemortem diagnosis of compression was only confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. Treatment ranged from supportive care to attempted surgical decompression. All dragons died or were euthanatized, at 4 days to 12 mo postpresentation. Studies to define normal vertebral anatomy in the species are necessary to determine whether the pathology is linked to cervical malformation, resulting in ligament laxity, subsequent instability, and subluxation.

ECHINOCOCCUS OLIGARTHRUS CYSTIC HYDATIDOSIS IN BRAZILIAN AGOUTI (DASYPROCTA LEPORINA)

Abstract Echinococcus oligarthrus hydatid cyst disease was diagnosed in two imported wild-caught Brazilian agouti (Dasyprocta leporina). The cysts were found incidentally during routine examinations and never appeared to cause any apparent clinical signs. Identification of the cysts was confirmed via histopathology. Over a period of 2 yr, the cysts calcified but did not reabsorb. Treatment with praziquantal and albendazole did not appear to affect the cysts. Agoutis are intermediate hosts of E. oligarthrus in the wild, where jaguars (Panthera onca) and pumas (Puma concolor) act as definitive hosts. Caution is advised when working with E. oligarthrus–infected animals because of the zoonotic disease potential.

Semen collection and ejaculate characteristics of the Leopard Tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis)

Chelonians are one of the most threatened groups of vertebrates in the world and conservation attempts are limited by a lack of reproductive assistance programs. This study developed a safe protocol for semen collection via electroejaculation of leopard tortoises, as a tool for use in chelonian reproductive assistance programs.

Femoral Fracture Repair Using a Locking Plate Technique in an Adult Captive Polar Bear (Ursus Maritimus)

OBJECTIVE To report successful femoral fracture repair in a polar bear. STUDY DESIGN Case report. ANIMALS Female polar bear (Ursus maritimus) 5 years and approximately 250 kg. METHODS A closed, complete, comminuted fracture of the distal midshaft femur was successfully reduced and stabilized using a compression plating technique with 2 specialized human femur plates offering axial, rotational, and bending support, and allowing the bone to share loads with the implant. Postoperative radiographs were obtained at 11.5 weeks, 11 months, and 24 months. RESULTS Bone healing characterized by marked periosteal reaction was evident at 11 months with extensive remodeling evident at 24 months. No complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS Distal mid shaft femoral fracture was reduced, stabilized, and healed in an adult polar bear with a locking plate technique using 2 plates. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Previously, femoral fractures in polar bears were considered irreparable. Use of 2 plates applied with a locking plate technique can result in successful fracture repair despite large body weight and inability to restrict postoperative activity.

Morbidity and mortality in infant mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei): A 46-year retrospective review

Long‐term studies of morbidity and mortality in free‐ranging primates are scarce, but may have important implications for the conservation of extant populations. Infants comprise a particularly important age group, as variation in survival rates may have a strong influence on population dynamics. Since 1968, the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project (MGVP, Inc.) and government partners have conducted a comprehensive health monitoring and disease investigation program on mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In an effort to better understand diseases in this species, we reviewed reliable field reports (n = 37), gross post‐mortem (n = 66), and histopathology (n = 53) reports for 103 infants (less than 3.5 years) mountain gorillas in the Virunga Massif. Our aim was to conduct the first comprehensive analysis of causes of infant mortality and to correlate histological evidence with antemortem morbidity in infant mountain gorillas. Causes of morbidity and mortality were described, and compared by age, sex, and over time. Trauma was the most common cause of death in infants (56%), followed by respiratory infections and aspiration (13%). Gastrointestinal parasitism (33%), atypical lymphoid hyperplasia (suggestive of infectious disease) (31%), and hepatic capillariasis (25%) were the most significant causes of antemortem morbidity identified post‐mortem. Identifying the causes of mortality and morbidity in infants of this critically endangered species will help to inform policy aimed at their protection and guide ante‐ and post‐mortem health monitoring and clinical decision‐making in the future.