Maud Lafortune

WOUND MANAGEMENT IN A JUVENILE TIGER (PANTHERA TIGRIS) WITH VACUUM-ASSISTED CLOSURE (V.A.C. THERAPY)

Abstract A 6-wk-old tiger (Panthera tigris) was evaluated for severe skin lacerations from an adult tiger attack. A caudal superficial epigastric skin flap was surgically placed to cover a defect that could not be closed over the hind limb; however, the skin flap did not adhere well to the granulation tissue over a period of 1 mo. The granulation bed matured and deteriorated. A subatmospheric pressure technique (vacuum-assisted closure, V.A.C.® Therapy™, Kinetic Concepts Inc., San Antonio, Texas 78219, USA) was utilized, and flap adherence occurred after 4 wk. This technique should be considered when dealing with severe or chronic wounds in tractable animals.

PYTHIOSIS IN A DROMEDARY CAMEL (CAMELUS DROMEDARIUS)

Abstract A 4.5-yr-old male dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) was evaluated for a mass on the right side of the face. A complete blood count and blood chemistry revealed anemia and hypoproteinemia. Radiographs did not reveal bony involvement. The mass was resected and Pythium insidiosum was cultured. The camel was treated with an experimental immunotherapeutic vaccine and with sodium iodide and ceftiofur. The camel began to lose weight postoperatively and died 6 mo later. At necropsy, the camel was found to have gastritis of the third compartment of the stomach with intralesional hyphae of this oomycete pathogen.

Vacuum-assisted Closure (Turtle VAC) in the Management of Traumatic Shell Defects in Chelonians

ABSTRACT Wound management is an important and challenging aspect of care in the chelonian patient. Shell injuries are slow to heal and wound management is labor intensive. While shell fractures can be reduced with screws and wire or metal bridging, shell defects exposing underlying soft-tissue are usually treated with wet-to-dry bandages. These bandages need to be changed twice a day and continuous care is generally needed for weeks to months due to the slow healing process of chelonians. Vacuum-assisted closure has been shown to increase the rate of wound healing in humans, and offers an alternative to wet-to-dry bandages. This technique is particularly well suited for use in chelonians. We report the use of vacuum-assisted closure in 13 chelonian patients with traumatic shell defects, where underlying tissue was exposed.

Proliferative enteritis associated with Lawsonia intracellularis in a Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata)

Abstract A 2.5-yr-old, intact male Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata) was observed to have a thickened ileum during exploratory laparotomy. Lawsonia intracellularis–associated proliferative enteritis was diagnosed using histopathology (Warthin–Starry stain), immunohistochemistry, and polymerase chain reaction analysis of the ileal biopsy. The animal developed transient diarrhea and severe hypoproteinemia 16 days after surgery but recovered with intensive treatment using azithromycin. Given the fact that very specific tests are required for identifying this organism, L. intracellularis may be underdiagnosed in nonhuman primates.

Shell and Systemic Hyalohyphomycosis in Fly River Turtles, Carettochelys insculpta, caused by Paecilomyces lilacinus

ABSTRACT Eleven wild-caught Fly River turtle hatchlings, Carettochelys insculpta, were presented for anorexia and circular shell lesions. One animal died shortly after arrival, and three others within the next month. Necropsy of two animals and one shell biopsy revealed systemic and shell mycoses. A biopsy culture demonstrated infection due to Paecilomyces lilacinus, a ubiquitous fungal pathogen rarely affecting mammals, fish, and reptiles. Malachite green, formaldehyde, and parenteral itraconazole were used to effectively treat the shell lesions. In addition, changes in husbandry were made, and included frequent water changes, increasing the salinity to 7 ppt, increasing the water temperature to 32°C (90°F), and provision of enteral support.

Identification and Initial Characterization of an Adenovirus Associated With Fatal Hepatic and Lymphoid Necrosis in a Meyer's Parrot (Poicephalus meyeri)

Abstract A juvenile Meyers parrot (Poicephalus meyeri) was presented for acute depression and crop stasis and died. On histopathologic examination, intranuclear inclusion bodies were seen in the liver, spleen, proventriculus, and intestinal mucosa. DNA in situ hybridization of tissues was positive for adenovirus and negative for herpesvirus, polyomavirus, and circovirus. Degenerate (polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) primers targeting a conserved region of adenovirus DNA–dependent DNA polymerase were used to amplify and sequence a product from paraffin-embedded tissue. This is the first sequence information available for a psittacine adenovirus. Phylogenetic and comparative sequence analysis indicated that this virus is a member of the genus Aviadenovirus and is here termed Meyers parrot adenovirus 1. Consensus nested PCR and sequencing can be used to rapidly identify novel adenoviruses, and DNA in situ hybridization may be used for rapid localization of novel viruses in tissues. Identification of adenoviral types and species will provide useful diagnostic, prognostic, and epidemiologic information for clinicians.

RESPIRATORY BRONCHOSCOPY OF SUBADULT AMERICAN ALLIGATORS (ALLIGATOR MISSISSIPPIENSIS) AND TRACHEAL WASH EVALUATION

Abstract Twelve healthy approximately 3-yr-old captive-born 4.5–9 kg American alligators (Alligator mississipiensis) each had bronchoscopy and tracheal washes performed four times during a 10-mo period to evaluate seasonal respiratory microbiology and cytology. Cytologic evaluation of most samples showed a small amount of mucus and low numbers of ciliated columnar epithelium, cubodial epithelium, and keratinized squamous cells. No bacteria or parasites were observed, and there was no seasonal variation in the cytology. No significant bacterial or fungal growth was identified in any season. Hematology performed in the spring and fall evaluations showed seasonal variation in the red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, eosinophil count, and thrombocyte count. The lower respiratory tract (at the tracheal level) of healthy subadult alligators appears to be sterile, and cytology is similar to that described in domestic mammals.

Coccygeal Vascular Catheterization in Lizards and Crocodilians

ABSTRACT Maintenance of fluid support is an important aspect of care in the critical lizard or crocodilian patient. However, obtaining and maintaining vascular access in reptilian species has previously been reported to be challenging. A technique is described for vascular catheter placement in the tail of lizards and crocodilians. The practitioner should be aware that drugs and other therapeutics administered through this route may be affected by the renal portal system.

Medical and Surgical Management of Otitis in Captive Bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus)

Abstract Six cases of severe otitis media-interna, an uncommon problem in nondomestic ruminants, were diagnosed in five captive bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus). The cases were geographically clustered at zoological facilities in Florida. A visible ear droop, head shaking, and otic discharge were common at clinical presentation. Medical management with prolonged systemic and topical antimicrobial therapy, combined with repeated manual removal of debris from the otic canal, was successful in resolving two cases and effectively controlled a third case. Two bongo with severe otitis did not respond to medical management and required surgical intervention. A bulla osteotomy and total ear canal ablation were performed on these animals (bilaterally in one bongo). Surgery was successful in providing complete clinical resolution of the otitis and is recommended for severe cases that fail to respond to less invasive management.

Renal Failure and Bilateral Thymoma in an American Bullfrog, Rana catesbiana

ABSTRACT An adult female American bullfrog, Rana catesbiana, from a zoological collection, was examined because of a slowly progressive distension of the coelomic cavity. Approximately 750 cc of clear fluid was removed by celiocentesis. Using cardiocentesis, a blood sample was obtained and plasma was removed for biochemical analyses. The frog was kept in a isotonic solution of saline that contained calcium gluconate, and enrofloxacin was administered orally for 17 d. The frog was found dead in its cage at 17 d following removal of the coelomic fluid and was submitted for necropsy. Major gross findings were cystic kidneys and bilateral cystic masses in the cervical region. Using light microscopy, glomeruli were swollen and were surrounded by thick rims of dense fibrous connective tissues; some also were sclerotic. Additionally there was chronic, diffuse, severe tubulointerstitial nephritis. The bilaterally symmetrical cystic masses in the cervical region had microscopic features most consistent with those ...