Nadine Lamberski

EFFECTIVE USE OF TEA TO LIMIT DIETARY IRON AVAILABLE TO STARLINGS (STURNUS VULGARIS)

Abstract Wild-caught starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were fed an iron-enriched diet, with or without supplemental black tea leaves, to determine whether tea-derived tannins would prevent intestinal iron absorption. Hepatic biopsies were obtained to determine hepatic iron concentrations by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Hepatic iron concentrations increased significantly (P = 0.04) in 21 birds that consumed only the iron-enriched diet for 6 mo but not in the 20 birds that consumed the iron-enriched diet with tea leaf supplementation for the same time period.

DEVELOPMENT OF A CASE DEFINITION FOR CLINICAL FELINE HERPESVIRUS INFECTION IN CHEETAHS (ACINONYX JUBATUS) HOUSED IN ZOOS

The identification of feline herpesvirus (FHV) infected cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and characterization of shedding episodes is difficult due to nonspecific clinical signs and limitations of diagnostic tests. The goals of this study were to develop a case definition for clinical FHV and describe the distribution of signs. Medical records from six different zoologic institutions were reviewed to identify cheetahs with diagnostic test results confirming FHV. Published literature, expert opinion, and results of a multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) were used to develop a clinical case definition based on 69 episodes in FHV laboratory confirmed (LC) cheetahs. Four groups of signs were identified in the MCA: general ocular signs, serious ocular lesions, respiratory disease, and cutaneous lesions. Ocular disease occurred with respiratory signs alone, with skin lesions alone, and with both respiratory signs and skin lesions. Groups that did not occur together were respiratory signs and skin lesions. The resulting case definition included 1) LC cheetahs; and 2) clinically compatible (CC) cheetahs that exhibited a minimum of 7 days duration of the clinical sign groupings identified in the MCA or the presence of corneal ulcers or keratitis that occurred alone or in concert with other ocular signs and skin lesions. Exclusion criteria were applied. Application of the case definition to the study population identified an additional 78 clinical episodes, which represented 58 CC cheetahs. In total, 28.8% (93/322) of the population was identified as LC or CC. The distribution of identified clinical signs was similar across LC and CC cheetahs. Corneal ulcers and/or keratitis, and skin lesions were more frequently reported in severe episodes; in mild episodes, there were significantly more cheetahs with ocular-only or respiratory-only disease. Our results provide a better understanding of the clinical presentation of FHV, while presenting a standardized case definition that can both contribute to earlier diagnoses and be used for population-level studies.

IMMUNOCONTRACEPTION OF CAPTIVE EXOTIC SPECIES: V. PROLONGED ANTIBODY TITERS IN DALL SHEEP (OVIS DALLI DALLI) AND DOMESTIC GOATS (CAPRA HIRCUS) IMMUNIZED WITH PORCINE ZONA PELLUCIDA

Abstract:  Native porcine zona pellucida (PZP) immunocontraception has been used to inhibit fertility in more than 80 species of ungulates, although the duration of contraception efficacy varies among species in both Perissodactyla and Artiodactyla. This study examined anti-PZP antibody titers in Dall sheep and domestic goats at the Milwaukee County Zoo, and also Himalayan tahr and Armenian Mouflon sheep at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and, for comparison, Altai wapiti, lowland wisent, Javan banteng, and southern pudu at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, all were given a primer dose and booster dose of PZP. Of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park animals, the 4 comparison species demonstrated the typical 1-yr pattern of anti-PZP antibodies, whereas the Armenian sheep and Himalayan tahr showed prolonged (2–3 yr) antibody responses after a single primer and booster dose. The Dall sheep and domestic goats had significantly longer durations of antibody titers (3 yr) from a single years treatment (primer plus booster). Analysis of the data indicates that Armenian sheep, Himalayan tahr, Dall sheep, and domestic goats have prolonged responses, and are more sensitive to PZP in that they produce a protracted antibody response.

Evaluation of antibody response to vaccination against West Nile virus in thick billed parrots (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha).

Abstract:  West Nile virus (WNV) was first documented in North America in New York City in 1999. Several deaths attributable to WNV have been reported in captive thick-billed parrots (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha), an endangered psittacine native to North America. The serologic responses in 12 captive adult thick-billed parrots after a series of three initial WNV vaccine injections with annual boosters over 6 yr was evaluated. In addition, the serologic responses of 11 thick-billed parrot chicks following an initial vaccination series to determine if there were seroconversions were also reported. Most adults (67%) had seroconverted after 5 yr of annual vaccination, with a median titer of 1:80 (range 1:40–1:160) for those that seroconverted. After the first year, birds were likely naturally exposed to WNV, which limited interpretation of titers. None of the chicks seroconverted during the initial three-vaccine series; only two of four chicks (50%) had seroconverted when tested at the 1-yr yearly booster, and at 2 yr, three of four chicks had seroconverted. Although some birds had detectable antibody titers, it is unclear whether this vaccine can reliably provide protection against WNV in thick-billed parrots.

Colonic obstruction in three captive reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata).

Abstract Fatal colonic obstructions were diagnosed in three captive, adult, reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata). Clinical presentations varied, but all cases displayed decreased activity, anorexia, and considerably decreased fecal production, consistent with intestinal obstruction. Case 1 was diagnosed at necropsy with a phytobezoar obstructing the spiral colon. Case 2 was diagnosed at necropsy with a fecal impaction of the colon. Case 3 was diagnosed during surgery with colonic ileus. Cases 2 and 3 underwent surgical intervention but were markedly compromised by the time of surgery and died during surgery or 24 hr postoperatively. Gastrointestinal obstruction, requiring aggressive supportive care and early surgical intervention, should be considered in giraffe in which anorexia and substantially decreased fecal production are observed. Abdominal exploratory surgery will likely be necessary for diagnosis and treatment. Based on a small number of cases, gastrointestinal obstruction has a poor prognosis in giraffe.

Successful Treatment of a Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis helleri) Bite in a Caracal (Caracal caracal)

Abstract A caracal (Caracal caracal) was bitten on the lower lip by a southern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis helleri) and quickly developed progressive, severe soft tissue swelling and bruising of this site. Initial laboratory results revealed prolonged clotting times within the first hour of envenomation, followed by signs of vasculitis and anemia. The caracal was successfully treated with intravenous crystalloids, four vials of polyvalent crotalidae antivenom, and transfusions of bovine hemoglobin glutamer-200 (Oxyglobin®) and fresh whole blood. The progressive soft tissue swelling and bruising halted and the coagulation parameters improved after administration of antivenom; however, the caracal continued to show neurologic dysfunction, including depression, weakness, muscle fasciculations, anisocoria, and ataxia. Administration of an additional vial of antivenom 72 hr after envenomation quickly corrected the weakness and muscle fasciculations, whereas the anisocoria and mild ataxia persisted for another 24 hr. The caracal remains clinically normal 3 yr after the envenomation.

Chronic Monocytic Leukemia in an Inland Bearded Dragon, Pogona vitticeps

ABSTRACT Chronic monocytic leukemia with infiltration to the liver, small intestine, kidneys, and subconjunctival tissues was diagnosed in a 5-year-old, male, captive-bred inland bearded dragon, Pogona vitticeps, that presented with lethargy, weight loss, and dehydration. Characterization of the neoplastic cells was aided by the use of cytochemical and immunohistochemical techniques.

Physical, Hematologic, and Plasma Biochemistry Values of Five Crocodile Monitors, Varanus salvadorii

ABSTRACT Body weight, body length, including snout/tail (ST) and snout/vent (SV) lengths, environmental temperature and humidity, core body temperature, complete blood count (CBC) and plasma chemistry values were determined monthly for one year from five (three male and two female) crocodile monitors, Varanus salvadorii, housed in similar environmental conditions. Summary statistics were calculated for hematologic and plasma chemistry values. Two white blood cell enumeration methods, phloxine B and Natt and Herrick, were compared. The effects of sex and season on the blood values of the sample population were evaluated. Values determined were found to be similar to other varanid species (ISIS Physiological Reference Values, 1999).

Recovery of a Pathogenic Salmonella arizona from Four Snakes at the Riverbanks Zoo

ABSTRACT Salmonella arizona bacteremia was diagnosed in four snakes. Clinical signs were variable and ranged from animals having no clinical signs to profound lethargy. Diagnosis was based upon ante-mortem recovery of the organism from blood in all four snakes and from tissues collected post-mortem in two snakes. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to determine relatedness of the isolates. The serotype for three of the isolates was 51:Z4,Z23. The fourth isolate was genetically different from the others, but had a similar serotype (48:Z4,Z23). These S. arizona serotypes appear to be pathogenic in snakes.

Comparison of Thiafenantil-Xylazine and Carfentanil-Xylazine for Immobilization of Gemsbok (Oryx gazella)

Abstract This study compared immobilization of gemsbok (Oryx gazella) using thiafentanil-xylazine (TX) versus carfentanil-xylazine (CX). Twelve adult gemsboks were divided into two groups, TX and CX. Each group received either 6 mg thiafentanil (0.036 µg/kg (0.032–0.040 µg/kg) and 20 mg xylazine (TX) or 3.6 mg carfentanil (0.021 µg/kg (0.017–0.024 µg/kg) and 20 mg xylazine (CX). Once handled, physiologic measurements were taken every 5 min for 20 min. There were few physiologic differences between the groups, although TX gemsboks were more hypertensive. Quality of induction, quality of recovery, depth of anesthesia, and muscle relaxation were subjectively assessed. Although TX gemsboks showed a trend for more-rapid induction and recovery postantagonist administration, this difference was not statistically significant. Similarly, there was a trend for TX animals to have smoother inductions and improved immobilization quality, but only the quality of induction was significantly different. These trends suggest that TX is preferable to CX when anesthetizing adult gemsboks.