Meg Sutherland-Smith

Immobilization of chacoan peccaries (Catagonus wagneri) using medetomidine, telazol®, and ketamine

A combination of medetomidine, Telazol®, and ketamine hydrochloride was used to immobilize captive Chacoan peccaries (Catagonus wagneri) for translocation within Paraguay during August–October 2002. Animals were darted in enclosed areas of varying size. The average dose used was 32.5±7.2 μg/kg of medetomidine, 0.63±0.2 mg/kg of Telazol®, and 3.9±0.65 mg/kg of ketamine. First effects were noted at 4.3±2.1 min, and ability to handle the animals was achieved by 12.6±3.7 min. Heart and respiratory rates declined and oxygen saturation increased during anesthesia. Muscle relaxation was good. Atipamezole was used to antagonize the medetomidine, although recoveries were still slow. This drug combination provided adequate immobilization of Chacoan peccaries; however, this protocol would not be considered to be reversible, and confinement during recovery is recommended.

TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMAS IN FOUR FISHING CATS (PRIONAILURUS VIVERRINUS)

Abstract Transitional cell carcinomas (TCC) of the urinary bladder were diagnosed in four related fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus). The major clinical sign in each case was persistent hematuria unresponsive to medical therapy. Cystotomy and biopsy provided an antemortem diagnosis in three of the fishing cats before euthanasia because of progression of clinical signs. The diagnosis was made in the fourth cat after euthanasia because of renal failure. Hematuria improved temporarily in one of the cats diagnosed antemortem and treated with piroxicam and carboplatin. Attempts to isolate a herpesvirus in two of the cats failed. Histopathologic appearance of the TCC was similar to that described for other species. TCC metastasis to the lungs was noted at necropsy in one cat; metastatic disease was not noted in the other fishing cats on gross or histopathologic examination. TCC of the urinary bladder appears to be more prevalent in fishing cats than in other species of domestic or nondomestic felids.

Combination Therapy Using Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, Pyrimethamine, and Diclazuril to Treat Sarcocystosis in a Pied Imperial Pigeon (Ducula bicolor bicolor)

Abstract A pied imperial pigeon (Ducula bicolor bicolor) presented weak and unable to fly. Results of a complete blood count and plasma biochemical analysis revealed a leukocytosis and elevations in multiple enzymes, respectively. Sarcocystosis was suspected and was definitively diagnosed from muscle biopsy samples. A multidrug treatment regimen consisting of diclazuril, pyrimethamine, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was instituted. Muscle biopsies collected after 40 days of treatment were normal. The bird died of a bacterial septicemia 18 months after treatment with no evidence of sarcocystosis. This case suggests that diclazuril may be a useful drug in the treatment of avian sarcocystosis.

Successful Transabdominal Subxiphoid Pericardiostomy to Relieve Chronic Pericardial Effusion in a Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelli)

Abstract A 46-yr-old female Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelli) was first diagnosed with pericardial effusion in July 2006. Pericardiocentesis performed in January 2007 only provided short-term relief. In May 2007, a pericardial-peritoneal window was created using a transabdominal subxiphoid pericardiostomy technique, providing immediate and long-term relief. Seven months later, the orangutan was euthanized due to worsening heart failure, and no pericardial effusion was present. Transabdominal subxiphoid pericardiostomy offers a straightforward surgical approach that can provide significant relief in cases of chronic pericardial effusion in great apes.

GASTROINTESTINAL TORSIONS AND INTUSSUSCEPTION IN NORTHERN KOALAS (PHASCOLARCTOS CINEREUS) AT SAN DIEGO ZOO (1976–2012)

Abstract: The recent classification as threatened status of the northern koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) by the Australian Government highlights the importance of the conservation and health management of this iconic Australian marsupial. This case series describes gastrointestinal torsion and intussusception in six northern koalas (three males, three females, 2–11 yr old) at the San Diego Zoo from 1976 to 2012. Two koalas died shortly after presentation. Diagnoses of ileocecal intussusception, resulting from enteritis in one case and cecal torsion in the other, were made at postmortem examination. One koala died 4 days after an exploratory laparotomy, with negative findings, and an acute double colonic intussusception was diagnosed at postmortem examination. Two small intestinal mesenteric torsion and one proximal colon mesenteric torsion cases were successfully corrected surgically. In the case of colonic mesenteric torsion, the koala had recurrent clinical signs 2 wk later, and a second surgery requiring resection and anastomosis of ischemic jejunum was performed, with the koala dying shortly afterward. One koala with small intestinal torsion had a recurrence of torsion 22 mo later and subsequently died. The koala with the second case of small intestinal torsion remains alive 14 mo postsurgical correction. All six koalas presented with signs of colic that included anorexia, lethargy, depression, acute abdominal distension, abdominal stretching, decreased fecal output, open-mouth gasping, or a combination of symptoms. Abdominal radiographs may show stacked gastrointestinal linear gas patterns and contrast stasis. Prevalence of torsion and intussusception is low at this institution (2%), although recurrence in individuals is common (50%) and overall survival is poor (83%), which emphasizes the importance of timely recognition, surgical correction, and postoperative management. While inciting etiologies were unable to be determined in these cases, monitoring generalized gastrointestinal health and differing Eucalyptus sp. effects on individual koalas gastrointestinal function, parasite control, and stress minimization through standardized husbandry practices are likely important.

SEASONAL DERMATOPATHY AND CONCURRENT REPRODUCTIVE FINDINGS IN CAPTIVE FOSSA (CRYPTOPROCTA FEROX)

Abstract Six female intact fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) in the San Diego Zoo collection presented with episodic, seasonal alopecia and variable pruritus between the years 1984 and 2015. Presentation was often accompanied by findings such as prominent palpable uterus or cervix and thickened, enlarged uterus on ultrasound. Dermatologic testing has been consistently nondiagnostic for primary cause of alopecia. Both the alopecia and reproductive findings have a higher occurrence from midspring to midsummer. Hormonal changes associated with reproductive activity are proposed as a possible explanation for the dermal clinical signs seen in these six fossas.

TIBIAL PLATEAU LEVELING OSTEOTOMY IN A CAPE CLAWLESS OTTER (AONYX CAPENSIS) WITH CRANIAL CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RUPTURES

Abstract:  A 13-yr-old female Cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) presented with an acute mild right pelvic limb lameness that progressed to a non–weight-bearing lameness. Diagnosis of a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) was made based on positive cranial drawer during physical examination and was supported by radiographs. A surgical repair with a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and bone anchor with an OrthoFiber suture was performed. The tibial plateau angle was reduced from 30 to 5°. The otter returned to normal function after 12 wk of exercise restriction. Twelve months after surgery, the left CCL ruptured and a TPLO was performed. No complications developed after either surgery, and the otter had an excellent return to function. This is the first report of a cranial cruciate ligament rupture and TPLO procedure in a mustelid, supporting its application to noncanid and felid species.

ESOPHAGEAL DISSECTION AND HEMATOMA ASSOCIATED WITH OBSTRUCTION IN AN INDIAN ELEPHANT (ELEPHAS MAXIMUS INDICUS)

Abstract: A 42-year-old female Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) developed a sudden onset of excessive salivation and dysphagia. Esophageal obstruction was suspected; possibly related to palm frond ingestion. Esophageal endoscopy revealed a mat of plant material in the distal esophagus. An initial attempt at relieving the obstruction was unsuccessful, but subsequent use of custom-made instruments along with insufflation and hydropulsion enabled partial removal of the material. Postimmobilization care included aggressive intravenous and rectal fluids, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic administration, and fasting. Despite treatment, the dysphagia persisted and the elephant was euthanized due to lack of improvement and grave prognosis. Postmortem examination revealed remaining plant material in the esophagus, complicated by an esophageal dissection, mural hematoma, and secondary bacterial infection. Iatrogenic trauma may have contributed to the extent of esophageal injury. Although treatment was ultimately unsuccessful, the supportive care employed could potentially aid recovery in cases of less severe esophageal trauma.

Repair of Horn and Frontal Bone Avulsion in a Forest Buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus) with a Polymethylmethacrylate Dressing

Abstract A 2-yr-old female forest buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus) presented with acute trauma to the right horn following a fight with a conspecific resulting in fracture and avulsion of the frontal bone, cornual process, horn, and juxtaposed skin. The animal was sedated for wound care and debridement followed by placement of an antibacterial-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) dressing. The dressing was noted to be intact on examination at day 7 post-injury, but had become dislodged and had to be replaced at day 11 postinjury. The replacement dressing ultimately fell off 68 days post-injury, revealing a healed circular scar. The use of PMMA in this case provided optimal wound care. In the 6 yr since the injury, the animal has grown a nearly normal-appearing horn, suggesting that the noncornual skin and associated skull structures may retain the ability to differentiate into a near-normal appearing horn because the entire horn apparatus in this case was avulsed.