Livia Benato

Mycobacterium microti Infection in Two Meerkats (Suricata suricatta)

Mycobacterium microti is a member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC). M. microti is generally considered a pathogen of small rodents, although sporadic infections in a range of other mammals, including domestic animals and man, have been reported. While many human infections have been associated with immunosuppression, an increasing number of cases are being reported in immunocompetent patients. Two cases of M. microti infection in meerkats (Suricata suricatta) are reported. These are the first cases of mycobacterial disease to be described in meerkats outside Africa.

Effects of probiotic Enterococcus faecium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the faecal microflora of pet rabbits

OBJECTIVES Probiotics are frequently used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases in pet rabbits based largely on anecdotal evidence of a beneficial effect. However, there has been little work performed to assess any such benefit in health or disease. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of probiotics on faecal levels of four important candidate gastrointestinal bacteria (Bacteroides species, Enterococcus faecium, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Clostridium spiroforme) in pet rabbits. Additional aims were to evaluate the effect of probiotics on bodyweight and faecal weight and diameter. MATERIALS AND METHODS Double-blind triple cross-over study in six healthy rabbits orally administered two probiotic strains, Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCYC Sc47 and E. faecium NCIMB 30183. Levels of bacteria in faecal pellets were subsequently determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Oral administration of probiotic E. faecium NCIMB 30183 was associated with a significant (P = 0 · 042) increase in faecal levels of E. faecium. However, probiotic treatment did not affect faecal levels of Bacteroides species, F. succinogenes or C. spiroforme, bodyweight, or faecal weight and diameter. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The inclusion of dietary probiotic supplementation using E. faecium NCIMB 30183 can increase faecal levels of certain bacterial flora of healthy adult rabbits. Further work is required to investigate the effects of probiotics in animals affected with gastrointestinal disease.

Use of arterial blood gas analysis as a superior method for evaluating respiratory function in pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

A retrospective study compared invasive (arterial blood gas analysis) and non-invasive (capnography and pulse oximetry) methods of monitoring respiratory function in conscious rabbits. Arterial samples from 50 healthy dwarf lop rabbits, presenting for routine surgical neutering, were analysed on a point-of-care blood gas analysis machine. Reference intervals were obtained for pH (7.35–7.54), PaCO2 (mm Hg) (25.29–40.37), PaO2 (mm Hg) (50.3–98.2), base excess (mmol/l) (6.7–6.5), HCO3 (mmol/l) (17.96–29.41), TCO2 (mmol/l) (18.9–30.5). SaO2 (per cent) (88.8–98.0), Na (mmol/l) (137.6–145.2), K (mmol/l) (3.28–4.87), iCal (mmol/l) (1.64–1.94), glucose (mmol/l) (6.23–10.53), haematocrit (per cent) (23.3–40.2) and haemoglobin (mg/dl) (7.91–13.63). Pulse oximetry (SPO2) and capnography (ETCO2) readings were taken concurrently. There was no statistically significant relationship between SPO2 and SaO2 with a mean difference between SPO2 and SaO2 of 8.22 per cent. There was a statistically significant relationship between ETCO2 vs PaCO2, but a wide range of ETCO2 values were observed for a given PaCO2. The mean difference between these was 16.16 mm Hg. The study has provided reference intervals for arterial blood gas analysis in rabbits and demonstrated that capnography and pulse oximetry readings should not be relied upon in conscious rabbits as a guide to ventilation and oxygenation.

Arterial blood gas parameters in pet rabbits anaesthetized using a combination of fentanyl‐fluanisone‐midazolam‐isoflurane

OBJECTIVES Blood gas analysis is a well-recognized method to monitor pulmonary function, blood oxygenation, ventilation and acid-base status during general anaesthesia. The aim of this study was to report blood gas analysis results in pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) obtained during general anaesthesia using a portable clinical analyser. METHODS Thirty-two rabbits were premedicated with 0·2 mL/kg fentanyl and fluanisone. Anaesthesia was induced with 0·2 mg/kg midazolam and maintained with 2% isoflurane in oxygen via endotracheal tube. Arterial blood samples were taken from the central ear artery 10 minutes after induction of anaesthesia. RESULTS Respiratory acidaemia was observed during anaesthesia. Mean ±sd (range) arterial blood pH was 7·33 ±0·08 (7·15 to 7·48). PaCO2 and PaO2 were, respectively, 55·02 ±10·5 (37·7 to 92·1) mmHg and 370·0 ±120·5 (67 to 561) mmHg. Base excess was 2·8 ±3·6 (-3 to 11) mmol/L, HCO3 was 28·73 ±3·07 (23·7 to 35·4) mmol/L and TCO2 was 30·4 ±3·2 (25 to 37) mmol/L. None of the rabbits developed haematoma during arterial blood collection or ischaemia of the pinna during the hospitalization period. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Arterial blood gas analysis is a safe and easy to perform diagnostic technique that can contribute to improved safety of rabbit anaesthesia, by providing information on the respiratory and metabolic status of the patient.

Odontogenic abscesses in pet rabbits

Dental disease is a common presentation in pet rabbits1,2 and facial abscesses are often an associated complication.3 Dental diseases may be either congenital or acquired.4, 5 Acquired dental disease is often caused by a combination of factors including reduced chewing,6 reduced dietary abrasiveness,7 and a diet rich in carbohydrates and poor in fibres.8 Other causes such as metabolic bone disease,4 trauma, neoplasia and infections have also been reported.6, 9 Insufficient wear and overgrowth of the teeth may eventually lead to malocclusion, periapical infections and odontogenic abscesses.5, 10, 11 Abscesses in rabbits present as a large and thick fibrous capsule with poor vascularisation that antibiotics penetrate with difficulties.6 Moreover, unlike other companion animals, such as cats and dogs, rabbits lack the lysosomal enzyme that digests dead cells transforming them into a liquid form.6, 12 The purulent material in rabbits is therefore thick and dense making it more difficult to drain when the abscess is lanced. For these reasons, treatment of abscesses in rabbits can be challenging and unrewarding often leading to the euthanasia of the animal.13 A combination of surgical and medical treatments is …

Intervertebral Disk Disease in 3 Striped Skunks (Mephitis mephitis)

OBJECTIVE To describe diagnostic findings, surgical technique, and outcome in 3 striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) with a history of paraparesis. STUDY DESIGN Case series. ANIMALS Skunks (n = 3) with paraparesis. METHODS Neurologic examination revealed upper motor neuron disease (T2-L2) in 2 skunks and lower motor neuron disease (L3-S3) in 1 skunk. Diagnostic imaging included radiography, myelography, CT, and MRI and confirmed intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH) in each skunk. Because initial treatment with pain medication and cage rest did not result in lasting improvement, spinal surgery was performed. RESULTS Hemilaminectomy (2 skunks) and dorsal laminectomy (1 skunk) was performed with removal of extruded disk material. The skunks improved after surgery but all had minor residual neurologic deficits when examined at various times postoperatively. CONCLUSION Thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation occurs in skunks, and must be included in the differential diagnosis of paraparesis.

SURVEY OF CARDIAC PATHOLOGIES IN CAPTIVE STRIPED SKUNKS (MEPHITIS MEPHITIS)

Abstract: Cardiac disease is a common finding in small mammals but it is rarely reported in striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis). The aim of this survey was to evaluate the prevalence of cardiac disease in striped skunks and to characterize the types of cardiac disease that might be present. In April 2010, a questionnaire was sent to veterinarians in zoologic collections with membership in the International Species Inventory System. Surveys were distributed to 55 institutions in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Twenty collections with a total of 95 skunks replied to the questionnaire. Of these, five collections reported at least one skunk with cardiac conditions for a total of 11 cases. In these 11 animals, the following conditions were diagnosed: myocardial fibrosis (n = 4), myxomatous valve degeneration (n = 4), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (n = 1), dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 1), and valvular endocarditis (n = 1). Based on these findings, cardiac diseases should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis in captive striped skunks presenting with weakness, lethargy, and decreased appetite. Cardiac ultrasound also should be considered at the time of annual health examinations to evaluate for possible cardiac conditions at an early stage.

Respiratory diseases in rats

ABSTRACT: Respiratory disease due to infectious disease is one of the most common presentations in rats but the cause is in many cases multifactorial. Predisposing factors are generally related to poor husbandry and diet. Respiratory disease is caused primarily by infectious agents such as Mycoplasma pulmonis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Corynebacterium kutscheri, cilia associated respiratory (CAR) bacillus, Sendai virus and coronavirus. Other causes are cardiovascular diseases, neoplastic diseases and trauma of the upper and lower respiratory tract. A presumptive diagnosis can be made by good history and physical examination. However, many diagnostic tests are best performed under general anaesthesia. Medical treatment generally includes oxygen therapy, fluid therapy, analgesia and administration of antibiotics, the use of mucolytic agents and bronchodilators and supportive care. Medications can be administrated orally, parentally or via nebulisation.

Necrosis of the pinnae in a grey short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica)

SOUTH American short-tailed opossums ( Monodelphis domestica ) are marsupials belonging to the family Didelphidae and are native to the forests of Brazil. They are increasingly popular as pets in North America. This is a trend that may be repeated in the UK, but current knowledge and experience with