Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine最新文献

{"title":"MULTISYSTEM EFFECTS OF MUSTH ON IMMUNE FUNCTION AND PHYSIOLOGY OF ASIAN ELEPHANTS (<i>ELEPHAS MAXIMUS</i>).","authors":"Chase A LaDue, Elizabeth A McCrae, Jennifer J D'Agostino","doi":"10.1638/2025-0074","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1638/2025-0074","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Understanding how reproductive states influence immune function is critical for advancing the care of managed wildlife species. Male Asian elephants (<i>Elephas maximus</i>) undergo musth, a periodic reproductive state characterized by elevated testosterone and behavioral changes, which may impose physiological costs. The effects of musth on immune function and systemic physiology remain poorly understood. This study evaluated multisystem biomarkers to characterize physiological changes associated with musth in two zoo-housed male Asian elephants over a five-year period. We analyzed hematologic parameters, serum amyloid A (SAA), and cortisol concentrations from blood samples collected before, during, and after musth episodes. Linear mixed-effects models revealed that musth was associated with significant increases in white blood cell and platelet counts, SAA, cortisol, and heterophil percentage, and decreases in red blood cell count, hematocrit, and eosinophil percentage. Principal component analysis indicated that musth samples clustered distinctly from non-musth samples, reflecting coordinated shifts across hematologic, inflammatory, and endocrine systems. The magnitude of physiological deviation from baseline peaked after 72 days of musth progression and declined over time, suggesting dynamic physiological adjustment. These findings support the hypothesis that musth incurs measurable physiological costs, characterized by immune activation and stress axis engagement. Clinically, our results highlight the importance of reproductive state when interpreting health biomarkers in male elephants and suggest that early musth may represent a period of elevated health risk. Broader application of integrative, multi-biomarker approaches may enhance clinical monitoring and improve welfare outcomes for elephants and other large mammals undergoing energetically demanding life-history events.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"57 1","pages":"94-103"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147609216","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"RETROSPECTIVE CLASSIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT OF CANINE FRACTURES IN LARGE APES WITHIN SPECIES SURVIVAL PLAN©-MANAGED POPULATIONS (2004-2017).","authors":"Sophia E Valeo, Jill A Moyse, George A Prevolos, Dianne Mohr, Amanda M Wonn, Norbert A Voit, Kathryn C Gamble","doi":"10.1638/2024-0143","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1638/2024-0143","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The prominent canine tooth of the large ape species western lowland gorilla (WLG; <i>Gorilla gorilla gorilla</i>), chimpanzee (CH; <i>Pan troglodytes</i>), bonobo (BO; <i>Pan paniscus</i>), and orangutan (ORG; <i>Pongo pygmaeus</i> spp.) is vulnerable to injury. Specialty consultation is often sought for severe dental fractures to optimize care. Although several options are possible (none, medical, endodontic, extraction), treatment by type of fracture for this tooth has not been well documented in apes. A retrospective review by survey was performed to assess the frequency of canine dental fracture in large apes that were managed in Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan© (SSP) holding institutions during 2004-2017. From 40 participating institutions, 13 facilities reported no canine tooth fractures in 96 individual apes (WLG, <i>n</i> = 40; CH, <i>n</i> = 18; BO, <i>n</i> = 0; ORG, <i>n</i> = 38). In the remaining 27 institutions, 108 individual apes (WLG, <i>n</i> = 55; CH, <i>n</i> = 45; BO, <i>n</i> = 6; ORG, <i>n</i> = 2) were reported with canine fractures. In these latter apes, 179 canine fractures were described; more than 1 canine was involved in 26 individual apes, contributing to 66% (<i>n</i> = 118) of the total fractures. The cause of these fractures was frequently unknown, but when identified, the most frequent cause was conspecific trauma. Dental fracture descriptions were standardized and then assessed in the context of the initial treatment selected. Classifications included fractures of the enamel (16%, <i>n</i> = 29), enamel-dentin (21%, <i>n</i> = 38), enamel-dentin-pulp (15%, <i>n</i> = 27), crown root (36%, <i>n</i> = 64), and root (9%, <i>n</i> = 17), or avulsion (2%, <i>n</i> = 4). Treatment categories included none (58%, <i>n</i> = 103), medical treatment (4%, <i>n</i> = 8), endodontic procedure (21%, <i>n</i> = 38), or extraction (17%, <i>n</i> = 30), which varied by initial presentation and species. From this retrospective review, understanding of canine dental fractures in large apes has been improved. The data collected inform veterinarians on prevalence and type of dental injury in large apes and support prospective improvement of their dental care.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"57 1","pages":"125-132"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147609242","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY WITH INFRACYANINE GREEN (EMUNDO^®) FOLLOWING SURGICAL EXCISION OF MULTIPLE CUTANEOUS MELANOCYTIC TUMORS IN A WHITE BENGAL HYBRID TIGER (<i>PANTHERA TIGRIS</i> CROSS).","authors":"Lauren Charnock, Jackie Gai, Clinson C Lui, Verena K Affolter, Tyler J M Jordan, Kathryn Good","doi":"10.1638/2025-0066","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1638/2025-0066","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A white Bengal hybrid tiger (<i>Panthera tigris</i> cross) was presented for a tumor subjacent to the right inferior eyelid. Surgical excision under general anesthesia followed by photodynamic therapy (PDT) with infracyanine green (EmunDo^w) was performed. Two months after surgery, a new tumor involving the concave left pinna was noted, and surgical excision followed by PDT was again performed. Healing of both surgical sites was achieved by 37 d postoperatively. Histopathologic review of both masses was consistent with cutaneous melanocytic tumors with complete surgical margins. To the authors' knowledge, PDT is a novel surgical procedure in nondomestic species. Melanocytic tumors may be associated with the uncommon white hair phenotype of Bengal tigers. PDT removes the requirement for wound closure following surgery, provides adjunctive therapy for neoplastic lesions, appears well tolerated, and results in an excellent cosmetic outcome. This case highlights the potential use of this therapy for cutaneous melanoma in captive tigers.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"57 1","pages":"119-124"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147609312","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"DENTAL WEAR DUE TO ATTRITION AND ABRASION IN FREE-RANGING COATIS (<i>NASUA NASUA</i>) FROM SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL.","authors":"Sabrina Fracascio, Bárbara Sardela Ferro, Heloísa Coppini de Lima, Maria Fernanda Hussni, Felipe Saab Romano, Sheila Canevese Rahal, Priscylla Tatiana Chalfun Guimarães-Okamoto, Alessandra Melchert","doi":"10.1638/2023-0110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1638/2023-0110","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Coatis (<i>Nasua nasua</i>, Linnaeus, 1766), omnivorous mammals of the family Procyonidae of the order Carnivora, are ubiquitous in South America. Their diet varies seasonally, with a greater intake of invertebrates and small vertebrates during fruit-scarce periods. This study aimed to evaluate dental wear and dental formula variations in free-ranging coatis from Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil, using the modified Triadan system. Coatis typically have 40-42 teeth, with a dental formula of 2 × (3/3 incisors, 1/1 canines, 4/4 premolars, 2/2-3 molars). They exhibit heterodont, brachydont, and anisognathic dentition, with secodont and bunodont morphologies adapted to omnivorous feeding. Among nine coatis evaluated, 364 teeth were analyzed. Two males presented supernumerary lower third molars, considered a normal variation in the species. Two adults showed occlusal wear, including one female with no other visible oral disorders. A total of 26 teeth (7.1%) exhibited occlusal wear: 2 teeth (0.6%) had grade 1 (mild), 10 (2.7%) grade 2 (moderate), and 14 (3.8%) grade 3 (severe) wear. No teeth exhibited grade 4 (extreme) wear. Wear in coatis is likely physiological and may result from their anisognathic occlusion and abrasive diet. Tooth wear, involving loss of dental tissue through attrition or abrasion, is common in many wild species. Understanding these characteristics enhances knowledge of oral physiology and dental health in wildlife. These findings provide baseline data on dental morphology and wear in free-ranging coatis, supporting future clinical assessments and ecological research in wild carnivores.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"57 1","pages":"70-75"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147608973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"COMPARISON OF KETAMINE-DEXMEDETOMIDINE AND KETAMINE-DEXMEDETOMIDINE-MIDAZOLAM PROTOCOLS FOR ANESTHESIA IN FREE-RANGING CANADA LYNX (<i>LYNX CANADENSIS</i>).","authors":"Marianne Parlange, Émilie L Couture, Shannon Ferrell, Jacobo Romano Noriega, Céline Isaaz, Marianne Cheveau, Stéphane Lair","doi":"10.1638/2025-0044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1638/2025-0044","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Canada lynx (<i>Lynx canadensis</i>) is an emblematic species of the boreal forest. Few studies are available regarding anesthetic protocols for this species. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two IM anesthetic protocols consisting of 4 mg/kg ketamine and 0.025 mg/kg dexmedetomidine (KD) or 2 mg/kg ketamine, 0.025 mg/kg dexmedetomidine, and 0.1 mg/kg midazolam (KDM) on free-ranging Canada lynx undergoing noninvasive procedures. Fifteen adult Canada lynx (eight males, seven females, weighing from 8.54 to 13 kg) were anesthetized with either the KD protocol (n = 8) or the KDM protocol (n = 7) after being captured using cage traps or foot snares. Reversal was provided with 0.25 mg/kg atipamezole IM. Time to induction was similar between protocols (6 ± 3 min). Time to sternal recumbency for lynx anesthetized with KDM (mean = 4.3 min, range = 0-6 min) was significantly shorter than for lynx anesthetized with KD (mean = 7.9 min, range = 2-13 min). A tendency for shorter recovery time was observed in lynx anesthetized with KDM (13.7 ± 10.3 min) compared with lynx from the KD group (24.6 ± 9.0 min). Total anesthesia duration was set around 45 min for both protocols (43.5 ± 6.3 min) to allow the ketamine to be metabolized before injecting the reversal agent. No differences were observed between protocols regarding the different physiological parameters evaluated, which stayed within the accepted range throughout anesthesia. Though both protocols provided a safe and stable anesthesia, the shorter time to sternal recumbency of the KDM protocol was seen as an advantage for brief field immobilizations.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"57 1","pages":"56-63"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147608999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"THE GONADOTROPIN RELEASING HORMONE AGONIST, DESLORELIN ACETATE, IS CONTRAINDICATED FOR MITIGATION OF AGGRESSION AND REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR IN MALE COWNOSE RAYS (<i>RHINOPTERA BONASUS</i>).","authors":"Michael W Hyatt, Linda M Penfold, Alexis J Mone, Alisa L Newton, Michelle R Davis","doi":"10.1638/2025-0039","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1638/2025-0039","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Male cownose rays (<i>Rhinoptera bonasus</i>) can display aggressive behaviors toward other conspecifics. This can lead to accidental, self-inflicted trauma to the subordinate ray attempting to flee, such as rostral or ocular abrasions and ulcerations. Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, such as deslorelin acetate (Suprelorin^®), are commonly used among mammals for both reproductive management and behavioral mitigation, such as aggression in males. However, limited work has been done to advance our understanding of GnRH agonists in elasmobranchs. In an attempt to mitigate aggression, the use of deslorelin was investigated in three adult male cownose rays, that were implanted with either one (two rays) or two (one ray) 9.4 mg deslorelin implants. Another male ray was not implanted and used as the \"control\" male. Blood was collected from each ray prior to implantation, and then at various timepoints over 24 months, to evaluate plasma testosterone concentrations. Plasma testosterone was measured via enzyme immunoassay which was validated for this species. Behavior was monitored daily. The three males that received implants all had higher testosterone concentrations than the control animal two weeks to 24 months post-implantation. The ray that received two 9.4 mg implants displayed dose-dependent 50 to 100% higher concentrations compared to the two rays that received only one 9.4 mg implant. Testosterone concentrations in the control male were similar to previous published results. Implanted rays displayed increased aggressive and reproductive behaviors, that were not suppressed throughout the study. Female rays continued to be chased throughout the year, with some sustaining self-inflicted rostral abrasions requiring medical management. The deslorelin implants produced a persistent stimulation of testosterone production with no sign of suppression after two years. Based on the continued and sometimes enhanced unwanted aggressive behaviors, and failure of testosterone suppression, deslorelin is not recommended in male cownose rays for aggression and reproductive behavior mitigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"57 1","pages":"76-86"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147609273","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF VETERINARY STORYTELLING IN THE MEDIA ON THE PUBLIC'S PERCEPTION OF ZOOS.","authors":"Michael J Adkesson, Margaret Ramont, Yvonne Wong, Gloria Sari, Matthew C Allender, Sathya K Chinnadurai, Lance J Miller","doi":"10.1638/2025-0070","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1638/2025-0070","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Visitors at Brookfield Zoo Chicago were systematically recruited to participate in a survey before and after watching a video highlighting veterinary care of zoo animals. Thirteen survey questions on a 7-point scale evaluated participant perceptions of zoos and animal welfare. Participants reported demographic information, visiting frequency, and knowledge of Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation. Principal component analysis (PCA) on responses from 330 visitors reduced survey questions to one composite score and fitted them to a linear mixed-effects model. The best-fitting model determined that visitor perceptions were significantly more positive after the video, and visitors with knowledge of AZA accreditation had significantly more positive perceptions. Separately, participants rated the extent to which seven different media sources influenced their opinions of zoos and animal care on a 7-point scale, with the zoo's internally produced content rating the highest overall. This preliminary investigation suggests effective media and storytelling about veterinary care at Brookfield Zoo Chicago significantly improved participants' perceptions of zoos and animal welfare. Zoo veterinarians can effectively communicate important topics and inspire trust in zoo animal care and welfare, and the results suggest that zoo messaging is influential in developing zoogoers' opinions over other media sources. More research is needed to determine which aspects of veterinary media are most effective in influencing visitor perceptions. Veterinarians are publicly trusted experts in animal care and welfare, and highlighting the work of zoological medicine clinicians through media positively impacts public education about the conservation, research, and animal welfare missions of accredited zoos.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"57 1","pages":"148-156"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147608851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"EVALUATION OF A BUTORPHANOL-MEDETOMIDINE REVERSIBLE ANESTHETIC PROTOCOL FOR MANED WOLVES (<i>CHRYSOCYON BRACHYURUS</i> ) UNDER MANAGED CARE.","authors":"Alyssa G Palmer, Kristina M Delaski, Lee-Ann C Hayek, Kelly Helmick","doi":"10.1638/2025-0026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1638/2025-0026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study identified a safe, reversible protocol for maned wolves (<i>Chrysocyon brachyurus</i>). Over 15 anesthetic events, 11 healthy adult maned wolves (four females, seven males; ages 4.1-9.9 years; weights 24.3-28 kg) were anesthetized with medetomidine (target 0.05 mg/kg, range 0.049-0.052 mg/kg) and butorphanol (target 0.5 mg/kg, range 0.49-0.52 mg/kg) administered intramuscularly in a restraint device. At 40 ± 6 min after drug administration, the reversals atipamezole (5 mg per mg of medetomidine) and naltrexone (2 mg per mg of butorphanol) were administered intramuscularly. Inductions were rapid and smooth, median time to recumbency was five min (range 3-7 min), and safe handling was achieved at a median of nine min (range 7-18 min). Anesthetic depth in 14/15 anesthetic events was sufficient for physical examination, vaccine administration, blood collection, and urinary catheterization. One wolf demonstrated lighter sedation that did not allow more invasive procedures (urinary catheterization) but was sufficiently sedated for blood collection and physical examination. Heart rate, respiratory rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, rectal temperature, and indirect BP measurements were taken at 5-minute intervals. Bradycardia and hypoxemia were the most notable changes noted with this protocol but did not require medical intervention. Throughout anesthesia, all monitoring values remained stable, excluding rectal temperature which was seen to significantly decrease during this protocol. Venous blood gas evaluations at initial handling and immediately prior to reversal administration showed no significant changes during anesthesia. A single individual demonstrated a self-resolving ventricular tachycardia event of unknown origin. The only post-anesthetic complication was a single incidence of vomiting at recovery. Recoveries in all animals were smooth and rapid with a median time to standing of 11 minutes. A combination of medetomidine (0.05 mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.5 mg/kg) is expected to provide safe, smooth, reversible handling in maned wolves. These agents should be suitable for use for both minor procedures and sample collections.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"57 1","pages":"104-112"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147609155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"ACUTE MYOCARDIAL DEGENERATION AND DEATH IN AYE-AYES (<i>DAUBENTONIA MADAGASCARIENSIS)</i> FOLLOWING INGESTION OF AVOCADO <i>(PERSEA AMERICANA)</i>.","authors":"Cathy V Williams, Robert L Schopler, Yohannes G Asfaw, John M Cullen, Alan D Proia, Jeffrey I Everitt","doi":"10.1638/2025-0069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1638/2025-0069","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Five of a cohort of 13 aye-ayes (<i>Daubentonia madagascariensis)</i> at the Duke Lemur Center (DLC) exhibited acute, nonspecific signs of lethargy and ataxia within 24 h of ingesting a meal containing avocado fruit (<i>Persea americana)</i> that included the skin and pit. Deaths rapidly ensued in four of the five animals within 13 h of initial symptoms. All animals that died had pericardial effusion on postmortem examination and microscopic findings of acute myocardial degeneration. After ruling out other causes, all evidence points to avocado toxicity as the cause of death. Following an analysis of the DLC deaths in 2016, all deaths in aye-ayes from 1985 to 2022 occurring at the DLC or on loan to other institutions were reviewed. An additional six cases of acute death and pericardial effusion associated with cardiomyopathy and acute myocardial degeneration were identified for a total of 10 of 27 deaths (37%) over 37 yr. This analysis led the authors to conclude that aye-ayes may be acutely sensitive to toxins present in avocado and that mortality due to avocado toxicosis in this species is more common than previously recognized. Prior stress on animals in advance of avocado consumption may have contributed to the acute myocardial degeneration and death following avocado fruit ingestion, as noted in this report. Avocado toxicosis has been reported in various avian and mammalian species, but adverse effects have not been previously noted in other lemur or primate species. This case series is of particular interest because all affected animals had regularly been fed avocado previously and some zoologic institutions routinely use avocado in diets for primates.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"57 1","pages":"140-147"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147608888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"CHARACTERIZATION OF GOITER IN CAPTIVE EUROPEAN EASTERN BONGO (<i>TRAGELAPHUS EURYCERUS ISAACI</i>) AND ITS IMPACT ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND BODY CONDITION.","authors":"Charlotte E Bentley, Hannah Rowland, Julian Chantrey, Katie L Edwards, Andrew Moss, Gabby J Drake, Javier Lopez","doi":"10.1638/2024-0114","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1638/2024-0114","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Goiter or thyroid enlargement has been frequently reported at postmortem examination in Eastern bongos (<i>Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci)</i>. It has been hypothesized that associated thyroid hormone disturbance may be a cause of poor reproductive performance in captive bongos, but thyroid histology or hormone analysis are rarely described. Thyroid glands from 39 individuals within the European captive population were examined grossly, with goiter observed in 64.1% (<i>n</i> = 25) of individuals, of which 96.0% (24/25) had multinodular lesions. Older animals were significantly more likely to develop goiter (<i>P</i> = 0.004), with goiter present in individuals from 6 yrs of age. There was no correlation between the presence of goiter and reproductive success or body condition. Thyroid glands from 16 bongos were examined histologically by a board-certified veterinary pathologist. Histologic lesions were identified in all 16 samples and included giant colloid follicles (100.0%), interstitial fibrosis (93.8%), hyperplastic collapsed follicles (75.0%), papillary fronds (62.5%), inflammation (25.0%), and mineralization (12.5%). No neoplasia was found. Multinodular colloid goiter appears to be the most common thyroid lesion within the European Eastern bongo population. Serum samples collected within 30 d prior to death were available for 25/39 animals, both with and without goiter. Total triiodothyronine (tT3), free triiodothyronine (fT3) and total thyroxine (tT4) concentrations were validated and analyzed by competitive inhibition enzyme immunoassay using bovine ELISA kits. No thyroid hormone levels correlated to goiter presence. Findings suggest that although highly prevalent, colloid goiter is euthyroid and does not impact on reproductive success or body condition in Eastern bongos. The cause of goiter in this species remains unknown.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"57 1","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147608950","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}