Z. Knotková

Combined exposure to cyanobacterial biomass, lead and the Newcastle virus enhances avian toxicity.

Under environmental conditions, wild birds can be exposed to multiple stressors including natural toxins, anthropogenic pollutants and infectious agents at the same time. This experimental study was successful in testing the hypothesis that adverse effects of cyanotoxins, heavy metals and a non-pathogenic immunological challenge combine to enhance avian toxicity. Mortality occurred in combined exposures to naturally occurring cyanobacterial biomass and lead shots, lead shots and Newcastle vaccination as well as in single lead shot exposure. Mostly acute effects around day 10 were observed. On day 30 of exposure, there were no differences in the liver accumulation of lead in single and combined exposure groups. Interestingly, liver microcystin levels were elevated in birds co-exposed to cyanobacterial biomass together with lead or lead and the Newcastle virus. Significant differences in body weights between all Pb-exposed and Pb-non-exposed birds were found on days 10 and 20. Single exposure to cyanobacterial biomass resulted in hepatic vacuolar dystrophy, whereas co-exposure with lead led to more severe granular dystrophy. Haematological changes were associated with lead exposure, in particular. Biochemical analysis revealed a decrease in glucose and an increase in lactate dehydrogenase in single and combined cyanobacterial and lead exposures, which also showed a decreased antibody response to vaccination. The combined exposure of experimental birds to sub-lethal doses of individual stressors is ecologically realistic. It brings together new pieces of knowledge on avian health. In light of this study, investigators of wild bird die-offs should be circumspect when evaluating findings of low concentrations of contaminants that would not result in mortality on a separate basis. As such it has implications for wildlife biologists, veterinarians and conservationists of avian biodiversity.

Variations of plasma protein electrophoresis in healthy captive Green Iguanas (Iguana iguana)

BACKGROUND Serum or plasma protein electrophoresis is used as a routine test for health assessment in veterinary medicine, but there are only a limited number of studies regarding clinical use of electrophoresis in reptile species. OBJECTIVE The goals of this study were to establish reference intervals for plasma protein electrophoresis in the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana), compare values between males and females, and to identify season-related changes. METHODS Plasma samples were obtained from 21 healthy captive male and female Green Iguanas. Agarose gel electrophoresis was performed using an automated Hydrasys system. RESULTS Four main protein fractions were observed: albumin, α globulins, β globulins, and γ globulins. Bisalbuminemia was observed in 4 of 21 healthy iguanas. Minimum and maximum values were reported for healthy Green Iguanas in March, June, September, and December. Seasonal changes in albumin were determined between March and December, and in γ globulins between June and September. Differences between males and females were seen in albumin concentration in September. CONCLUSIONS Reference intervals of the plasma protein fractions according to electrophoresis in the Green Iguana can be affected by seasonal changes and sex of animals. It should be taken into account when clinical evaluation is performed.

Endoscopic Removal of a Bullet From the Cranial Thoracic Air Sac of a Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

ABSTRACT A 9-month-old, 630-g male peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) was admitted for examination with a history of a suspected traumatic injury acquired during training. A circular, 5-mm diameter wound was found in the skin overlying the left pectoral muscle. A similar wound was located in the midline in the apertura thoracis cranialis (thoracic inlet). Radiographic examination revealed the presence of a bullet in the coelom on the midline, immediately ventral to the base of the heart. The shape of the bullet was consistent with those fired from an air-powered rifle. Endoscopy through a left lateral approach facilitated visualization of the bullet, which was then removed with a pair of flexible grasping forceps. This minimally invasive approach enabled removal of the foreign body without damage to vessels or internal organs.

INTRAVENOUS ALFAXALONE ANAESTHESIA IN LEOPARD GECKOS (EUBLEPHARIS MACULARIUS)

Abstract Intravenous alfaxalone, administered at a dose of 5 mg/kg in the jugular vein, was evaluated in 20 leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) to ascertain its ability to provide anesthesia. The induction time, time to loss of mandibular tone, interval of deep anesthesia, and full recovery time were 27.5 ± 30.7 seconds (10 to 56 seconds), 1.3 ± 1.4 minutes (11 seconds to 4 minutes), 12.5 ± 2.2 minutes (11.11 to 15.39 minutes), and 18.8 ± 12.1 minutes (10.4 to 52.31 minutes), respectively. A significant reduction in heart rate (74 ± 12.9 beats/minute) was recorded between 2 and 24 minutes after alfaxalone administration. A significant decrease in respiratory rate (26.8 ± 10.1 breaths/minute) was recorded 2 minutes after alfaxalone administration, and respiratory rate remained lower than the basal rate (31.4 ± 3.1 breaths/minute) for 24 minutes but without statistical significance. The intravenous administration of alfaxalone in leopard geckos achieved a rapid onset of anesthesia and a suitable recovery time. Based on this investigation, an afaxalone dose of 5 mg/kg intravenously proved to be suitable for sedation before tracheal intubation. Moreover, the administration route via the jugular vein, was acceptable in leopard geckos; a species in which other venipuncture sites can be challenging or inaccessible.