Murray E. Fowler

Chlamydiosis in captive raptors.

Chlamydia psittaci was isolated from four red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) that died suddenly and from seven birds that survived at a raptor rehabilitation center in California in 1983. One hundred captive raptors representing 14 species in five families were subsequently tested serologically and by direct cloacal culture. C. psittaci was isolated from seven clinically normal birds. Forty-four percent of the raptors were considered positive using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and 19% were suspects. The ELISA was repeated on 54 raptors in 1986. Forty-one percent of the birds were considered positive, and 35% were suspect, indicating that C. psittaci is endemic in the population.

Knemidokoptes mutans (Acari: Knemidocoptidae) in a great-horned owl (Bubo virginianus).

A routine examination of a captive juvenile great-horned owl (Bubo virginianus) revealed bilateral proliferative papillary hyperkeratosis on the feet. Microscopic examination of skin scrapings produced numerous mites identified as Knemidokoptes mutans. This is the first record of this parasite in a great-horned owl. A single dose of ivermectin (200 μg/kg) was effective in treatment of this infection.

Skin Diseases of Exotic Pets

This book is a handbook covering the common skin diseases of nondomestic pet animals. Five authors from the United Kingdom have contributed their experience and expertise to document and illustrate specific conditions that are found in the UK, Europe, and North America. The book is divided into sections on birds, reptiles, fish, and mammals, each following the same general format. First there is a short concise discussion of the anatomy and physiology of the skin, followed by the examination process and diagnostic tests used. The diseases are discussed on the basis of cause and pathogenesis, clinical signs, plus diagnosis and therapy. References are provided for a more in-depth discussion on each topic. The book is written for the practitioner who deals with nondomestic pet species and for veterinary students. It is the first monograph on skin diseases of nondomestic pets, to the reviewer’s knowledge, except for information in detailed books on individual animal groups. Section One of this book deals with birds. One chapter discusses caged birds; others are devoted to raptors and waterfowl. Section Two deals with pet reptiles. Crocodilians are excluded as they are not generally kept as pets. The discussion on ecdysis (shedding) is concise and well written. The discussion of diseases follows the general pattern used throughout the book based on etiology (bacterial, fungal, viral, parasitic, nutritional, metabolic, and neoplasia). Section Three is about the dermatology of ornamental fish. Fish are now being cared for by veterinarians and this section will aid practitioners in serving the needs of pet fish owners. As in the other sections, the text of this section is enhanced by illustrations in color. Tables are used effectively throughout. Section Four deals with mammals, with individual chapters devoted to chinchillas, gerbils, hamsters, hedgehogs, mice, rats, and rabbits. A real plus is that this book is easy to read. The table of contents quickly directs the reader to species of interest. The index is adequate, listing both diseases and species. Although the book is written for persons having a veterinary medical background, the terminology used by the authors is basic, and should be understood by owners with a vital concern for their pets. The book is recommended as a quick, concise handbook on dermatologic conditions in nondomestic pet animals.

Ophthalmic Disease in Veterinary Medicine

The author indicates in the preface that the book is not meant for the ophthalmic specialist, but for the generalist who desires a concise, well-explained discussion of eye conditions. The book is lavishly illustrated with more than 700 excellent color photographs, black and white line drawings, color drawings, flow charts, tables, and lists. The reviewer has seldom seen this quality of illustration in a book. The expanded table of contents provides a quick direction to the section desired by the reader. The initial chapters discuss general topics such as ocular examination, ophthalmic pharmacology, and basic ocular pathology. Additional introductory chapters discuss problem-based management of ocular diseases and basic principles of ophthalmic surgery. The remaining chapters are devoted to anatomic areas of the eye and adnexa. Chapters are well referenced for those who may wish to delve into a specific topic in more detail. Eye examination and treatment requires a unique array of instruments and pharmaceuticals that may be novel for a nonspecialist. The agents are described by pharmacologic action and in sufficient detail to assist the generalist to more accurately make a diagnosis and provide effective therapy. The reviewer was particularly impressed with the description and illustration of the placement of a subpalpebral lavage tube in the horse. The ocular pathology chapter was written by a pathologist. The illustrations are outstanding and the discussions are written for nonpathologists. The various pathologic processes are described in detail. The problem-based management chapter is filled with charts, lists, and diagrams that provide a step-by-step evaluation of a clinical sign. The surgery chapter emphasizes preparation for surgery, instrumentation, basic principles of surgery, and the postoperative care required for successful resolution of the condition. Intraocular surgery requires special equipment and instruments, and patients requiring such surgery should be referred to specialists. However, extraocular surgery may be performed by the general practitioner. Wildlife veterinarians must deal with ophthalmic emergencies. This book provides the information necessary to determine if moresophisticated diagnostic evaluation and management is required so that an appropriate referral may be made. It also provides the necessary information for dealing with cases in the field. The color drawings are particularly useful. Important structures are emphasized. The majority of the illustrations are original (presumably by the author); a few are credited to colleagues. Each of the anatomic discussions follow a similar outline, that being the special anatomy and physiology necessary for examination, diagnosis, and management of the condition. Each disease described presents data on breed prevalence. The author lists the ‘‘incidence’’ of the disease in a breed, but the precise definition of the word ‘‘incidence’’ is the rate of occurrence. The proper term should be ‘‘prevalence.’’ This minor error does not negate the value of the tables; the tables are based on hundreds of thousands of cases. The concluding chapter lists ocular diseases presumed to be inherited by a particular animal breed. The diseases that have been studied intensively are referenced. Breed predisposition is listed for dogs, cats, horses, and cattle. The appendices are also quite useful in this book. Appendix 1 provides rule-outs (differential diagnosis) of systemic diseases based on ocular lesions. Appendix 2 is an excellent glossary of ophthalmic terms. The index provides a useful feature by printing the page numbers for the major discussion of a topic in bold face.

Wildlife Feeding and Nutrition

Introduction. General Nutrient and Energy Requirements. Protein. Water. Minerals. Vitamins. Essential Fatty Acids. Energy Requirements for Maintenance. Protein Requirements for Maintenance. Reproductive Costs. Productive Costs. Food Composition. Gastrointestinal Anatomy and Function. Digestion and Nutrient Metabolism. Food Intake Regulation. Computer Models of the Nutritional Interaction. Index.

Restraint and Handling of Wild and Domestic Animals

Emphasises the importance of minimizing stress during the restraint of animals, with reference to federal and state regulations. This second edition offers a revised chapter on chemical restraint and coverage of all commonly-used drugs. New developments in physical restraint are also discussed.