Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine最新文献

{"title":"EFFECT OF DIPOTASSIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETIC ACID AND LITHIUM HEPARIN ANTICOAGULANT ON HEMATOLOGIC VALUES IN THE BEARDED DRAGON (<i>POGONA VITTICEPS</i>) IN A CLINICAL SETTING.","authors":"Daniel C Cutler, Stephen Divers, Mark A Mitchell, Lara Cusack, Jessica Comolli, Jörg Mayer","doi":"10.1638/2023-0120","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1638/2023-0120","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Anticoagulant choice can have significant effect on complete blood counts of reptiles and has not been reported in bearded dragons (<i>Pogona vitticeps</i>). Whole blood was collected from 14 captive individuals and aliquoted into separate blood tubes containing dipotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and lithium heparin. Samples were shipped and processed within 24 h. A CBC, including a WBC count using a commercial phloxine method, was performed on blood from both tubes. A WBC estimate, WBC differential, and morphologic review were performed on blood smears made from the anticoagulated blood, as well as on a direct blood smear made from anticoagulant-free blood. Some CBC values were significantly different between the EDTA and lithium heparin samples. Hematologic data generated from direct blood smears were more similar to data from EDTA samples than to data from lithium heparin samples. Additionally, multiple lithium heparin samples had poor phloxine stain uptake and leukocyte clumping, so that many WBC parameters were altered or unreportable. These results support EDTA as an appropriate anticoagulant for bearded dragon hematologic evaluation and suggest it may be superior to heparin for some individuals in generating a WBC count using a commercial phloxine method.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"55 4","pages":"1042-1048"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142854353","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":"PROFOUND HYPOGLYCEMIA AND BLOOD GLUCOSE TESTING METHODOLOGIES IN FLORIDA MANATEES (<i>TRICHECHUS MANATUS LATIROSTRIS</i>) PRESENTED TO A CRITICAL CARE CENTER.","authors":"Rachel B Long, Meredith E Persky, Yousuf S Jafarey, Nicole I Stacy","doi":"10.1638/2023-0079","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1638/2023-0079","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Florida manatees (<i>Trichechus manatus latirostris</i>) continue to experience pressure from various stressors that frequently result in the need for rescue and veterinary assistance. Interestingly, a subset of rescued manatees in critical condition exhibits profound hypoglycemia. The goals of this study were to enhance our understanding of this important aspect of manatee care by 1) characterizing the clinical presentation and factors associated with manatees that present with profound hypoglycemia, and 2) assessing agreement across blood glucose testing modalities [glucometer (whole blood), in-house bench-top analyzer (whole blood), a point of care analyzer (whole blood), and a local human hospital laboratory analyzer (serum)]. Twenty-five manatees were admitted to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens from 2017 to 2021. Seven manatees were profoundly hypoglycemic on presentation with blood glucose concentrations of < 30 mg/dL. Hypoglycemic manatees were admitted due to cold stress syndrome (n = 3; 1 calf, 2 adults) or emaciation consistent with an unusual mortality event (n = 4; 2 calves, 2 adults). Physical examination findings in hypoglycemic animals included emaciation (n = 7, 100%), lethargy (n = 7, 100%), and intermittent mild muscle fasciculations of the muzzle (n = 3, 42.8%). Hypoglycemia resolved with intense supportive care and monitoring in all affected animals within 32 h of admission. No associations were identified between hypoglycemia on presentation and life-stage, sex, transport distance to JZG's critical care facility, or rehabilitation outcome (death/euthanasia vs. release). Statistical agreement was observed between all blood glucose testing modalities except for the glucometer vs. the human hospital analyzer. Despite the limited sample size, these findings inform on the clinical presentation of severe hypoglycemia, the importance of close blood glucose monitoring after admission, blood glucose testing modalities, and clinical decision-making in Florida manatees admitted to critical care centers.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"55 4","pages":"915-925"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142854492","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":"RENAL FUNCTION PARAMETERS OF HEALTHY CAPTIVE AND SEMICAPTIVE AMAZONIAN MANATEES (<i>TRICHECHUS INUNGUIS</i>).","authors":"Daniela M D de Mello, Christian P Lourinho, Vera M F da Silva","doi":"10.1638/2022-0078","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1638/2022-0078","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Evaluating renal function is essential for managing captive wild animals, particularly threatened species like the Amazonian manatee (<i>Trichechus inunguis</i>) in rehabilitation and prerelease programs. A series of urine diagnostic tests, such as gross appearance, semiquantitative chemical analyses, microscopic review of sediments, and quantitative analyses of urea and creatinine, were performed in 57 free-catch urine samples. On the same occasion, 52 serum samples from the same individuals were analyzed for creatine kinase activity, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, albumin, sodium, potassium, and chloride concentrations; serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) was measured for the first time in the species. Females had higher urine creatinine concentration (21.7 ± 11.8 mg/dl) and specific gravity (1.003 ± 0.003 mg/dl) than males (11.9 ± 8.5 mg/dl and 1.001 ± 0.002 mg/dl) (<i>P</i> < 0.01 for both). Males presented higher urine creatinine:urea ratio than females (24.8 ± 29.2 and 20.5 ± 29.2, respectively) (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Urine pH was lower in manatees from the semicaptive area (7.8 ± 0.6) than in manatees under human care (8.5 ± 0.6) (<i>P</i> = 0.02) using the benchtop pH meter but showed no difference between areas in the dipstick reaction (<i>P</i> = 0.71), given its lower sensitivity and narrower range detection. Furthermore, 18 and 75% of urine samples were positive for the presence of blood and/or nitrite, respectively, in the dipstick reaction, possibly because of sample contamination. Significant correlation was observed between serum blood urea nitrogen and urine urea concentrations (<i>P</i> = 0.02), and between serum and urine creatinine concentrations (<i>P</i> = 0.01). Serum SDMA did not differ between sex or between captive and semicaptive individuals. However, it positively correlated with urine (<i>P</i> = 0.02) and serum creatinine (<i>P</i> = 0.01) demonstrating its potential as a bioindicator of kidney function. The renal function of Amazonian manatees can be effectively assessed by urinalysis, especially when combined with serum biochemistry.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"55 4","pages":"1005-1018"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142854632","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":"SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF A TYPE III MONTEGGIA FRACTURE IN AN EASTERN BLACK-AND-WHITE COLOBUS (<i>COLOBUS GUEREZA</i>).","authors":"Dana Clark, Eric Hans, Dennis Michels, Genevieve Dumonceaux","doi":"10.1638/2024-0006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1638/2024-0006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A one-year-old female Eastern black-and-white Colobus (<i>Colobus guereza</i>) was evaluated after tangling its right forelimb in exhibit netting. Radiographs of the right forelimb revealed craniolateral luxation of the radial head and a complete transverse fracture of the proximal ulna, otherwise known as a type III Monteggia fracture. Open reduction was performed and a locking cuttable bone plate was placed to address the ulnar fracture. The reduced radial head was maintained by the placement of a Mini Tightrope Fixation System. Rapid return to normal activity was observed. Radiographs taken four weeks post-operatively showed healing of the fracture as well as appropriate articulation of the radial head. At three years post-operatively, the Colobus continued to demonstrate normal ambulation without evidence of growth disruption. This is the first documented report of this specific surgical technique and implant in an exotic species.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"55 4","pages":"1120-1125"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142854646","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":"ASSESSMENT OF OPHTHALMIC DIAGNOSTIC PARAMETERS, CONJUNCTIVAL FLORA, AND PHARMACOLOGIC DILATION OF A LARGE POPULATION OF JUVENILE AMERICAN ALLIGATORS (<i>ALLIGATOR MISSISSIPPIENSIS</i>).","authors":"April R Beatty, Mark Flint, Jaylene Flint, Anne J Gemensky-Metzler, Dubraska Diaz-Campos, Joany C van Balen, Georgina Newbold","doi":"10.1638/2023-0146","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1638/2023-0146","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>American alligators (<i>Alligator mississippiensis</i>) are an important apex predator of semiaquatic habitats of the southern United States. Commercial alligator farming has grown in the last several decades, leading to a need to understand the health conditions that affect this species to ensure appropriate management and welfare. The aims of this study were 1) to establish and describe normative data including results of common ophthalmic diagnostic tests and conjunctival flora, 2) document ocular pathology in this population, and 3) assess the effect of topical rocuronium bromide and 10% phenylephrine for facilitating pharmacologic mydriasis. A total of 165 juvenile American alligators were evaluated in this study. Assessment included palpebral fissure length (PFL), intraocular pressure (IOP), strip meniscometry (SM), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior segment examination, and bacterial and fungal culture sampling of the conjunctiva. Topical rocuronium bromide (RB) and 10% phenylephrine (PE) were applied to the right eye (OD) of eight individuals, and pupil diameter (PD) of both eyes measured at regular time intervals. Mean (±standard deviation [SD]) PFL was 10.55 ± 1.47 mm, IOP was 8.16 ± 1.48 mmHg, CCT was 150.06 ± 8.25 µm, and SM was 3.42 ± 2.07 mm/5 s. Culture results stress the importance of proper handling protocols in crocodilians given the high number of opportunistic pathogens isolated from the conjunctiva, as well as the first report of isolation of <i>Lactococcus garvieae</i> in this species. Acquired ophthalmic lesions, likely traumatic, were recorded and no congenital anomalies were observed. Topical administration of RB and PE resulted in a significant increase in nonilluminated pupil diameter (PD) starting at 20 min, and maximum dilation was achieved at 90 min. Fundic examination was achievable, and no adverse systemic effects were noted. This study contributes to a growing body of knowledge regarding ocular health of American alligators.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"55 4","pages":"868-877"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142854076","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 HAND-REARED PRONGHORN (<i>ANTILOCAPRA AMERICANA</i>) MILK REPLACER COMPOSITIONS AND GROWTH RATES.","authors":"Brie Hashem, Mariah Gaston, Jason D Carlisle, Peach Van Wick","doi":"10.1638/2023-0112","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1638/2023-0112","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hand-rearing protocols for nondomestic ungulates used for research, zoological parks, and reintroduction to the wild are evaluated on the basis of implementation practicality, gastrointestinal disturbances, survival to weaning, and growth rates compared with those of dam-raised individuals. Although species-specific protocols utilizing milk replacers formulated for nondomestic ungulates have been reported, no such protocols have been published for pronghorn (Antilocapra americana). Five pronghorn fawns were fed Day One 30/40 Black Tail Deer plus Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotics four times per day with Day One Ultra Boost (all products from Fox Valley Animal Nutrition, Inc, Huntley, IL 60142, USA) added at one feeding per day and weighed twice per week for up to the first 16 wk of life. All fawns survived beyond weaning and four out of five fawns experienced a combined total of seven bouts of diarrhea. Based on a linear mixed-effects model, the growth rate of pronghorn fawns was 178 g/d (SE, 14.8; 95% CI, 149-207). The observed growth rate was greater than or similar to that of individuals fed evaporated milk five times per day, a dam-raised singlet, and a singular set of dam-raised twins. Despite small sample sizes, this protocol shows promise as a method for hand-rearing pronghorn at growth rates comparable to those of dam-raised fawns.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"55 4","pages":"1056-1061"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142854342","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":"DO HEALTHY COQUEREL'S SIFAKAS IN CAPTIVITY HAVE UNUSUALLY LOW CIRCULATING CORTISOL?","authors":"Lydia K Greene, Laura N Ellsaesser, Elaine E Guevara, Megan M Davison, Catherine A Ostrowski, Max Sitver, Sarah I Jacob, Erin E Ehmke, Cathy V Williams","doi":"10.1638/2023-0012","DOIUrl":"10.1638/2023-0012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cortisol, and other glucocorticoids, are routinely used as markers of physiological stress in wildlife. Typically, stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) signaling the adrenal glands to release cortisol. Nevertheless, recent anecdotes in captive Coquerel's sifakas (<i>Propithecus coquereli</i>), strepsirrhine primates that are difficult to maintain under human care, may challenge the assumption that physiological stress universally increases circulating cortisol. Here, the authors ask if low circulating cortisol and minimal response to adrenal stimulation might be hallmarks of outwardly healthy sifakas in captivity. Comparative ACTH stimulation or control tests were performed in 10 Coquerel's sifakas and six ring-tailed lemurs (<i>Lemur catta</i>) at the Duke Lemur Center (DLC). At baseline, sifakas had average cortisol concentrations of just 0.67 µg/dl, whereas those of ring-tailed lemurs averaged 12.53 µg/dl. Stressful pre-experiment procedures, including kenneling and handling, activated the HPA axis in ring-tailed lemurs, masking further cortisol release from ACTH administration; however, neither these procedures nor exogenous ACTH raised cortisol concentrations in sifakas. Additionally, cortisol in dozens of serum samples from DLC sifakas banked over 17 yr was assayed. Across samples, cortisol concentrations averaged just 0.49 µg/dl and did not vary by animal sex, age, or housing condition. Comparable samples from two individual sifakas in sepsis at the end of life (4.28 and 21.88 µg/dl) indicate that the assay does capture meaningful variation in cortisol in captive sifakas, although robust biological validation is needed. Currently there is a lack of comparative data from wild Coquerel's sifakas that might determine if these unusual endocrine patterns are characteristic of the species or a function of captivity. If the latter, chronic stress in captivity could lead to a downregulated HPA axis, with persistent hypocortisolism perhaps contributing to the Coquerel's sifaka's susceptibility to infection under human management.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"55 4","pages":"858-867"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142854350","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":"PHARMACOKINETICS OF METRONIDAZOLE IN GREEN (<i>CHELONIA MYDAS</i>), LOGGERHEAD (<i>CARETTA CARETTA</i>), AND KEMP'S RIDLEY (<i>LEPIDOCHELYS KEMPII</i>) SEA TURTLES AFTER SINGLE ORAL AND INTRAVENOUS DOSES.","authors":"Terry M Norton, Sherry Cox, Charles A Manire, Bette Zirkelbach, Ian Morrison, Rachel Overmeyer, Stephanie Stowell, Leah Adelman, Sarah Buttrey, Taylor Marcialis, Maximillian M R Polyak, Samantha Clark, Jamie Gamby, Allison Hardman, Isabelle Gilbert, Krista Breshears, Maria Chadam, Whitney Crowder, Emily Mirowski, Shelby Hoover, Annie Page","doi":"10.1638/2024-0012","DOIUrl":"10.1638/2024-0012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Currently there are few antibacterial dosage regimens established to be safe and effective for sea turtles. Pharmacokinetic evaluation of antibiotics is an essential step in establishing accurate dosage guidelines for a particular species. Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is effective against anaerobic bacteria and some protozoa. For most anaerobic bacteria, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for metronidazole ranges from 0.25 to 4.0 µg/ml. The MIC values for some <i>Clostridium</i> species are up to 8 µg/ml, and for protozoal agents of trichomoniasis (MIC of 0.05 µg/ml), amebiasis, and giardiasis the MIC ranges from 1 to 50 µg/ml. The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters after administration of metronidazole to aid in the establishment of species-specific dose guidelines in green (<i>Chelonia mydas</i>), loggerhead (<i>Caretta caretta</i>), and Kemp's ridley (<i>Lepidochelys kempii</i>) sea turtles. After administering metronidazole at a dose of 20 mg/kg orally and IV, the pharmacokinetics were very similar for these three species of sea turtles (<i>n</i> = 6 for each species). For both oral and IV routes of administration, plasma metronidazole concentrations were maintained above 8 µg/ml for approximately 24 h and above 4 µg/ml for approximately 48 h; however, plasma concentrations of 8 µg/ml were reached within 5 min only for the IV route, versus 8 h for the oral route.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"55 4","pages":"1049-1055"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142854556","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":"PLASMA TRACE ELEMENTS IN MANAGED HUMBOLDT PENGUINS (<i>SPHENISCUS HUMBOLDTI</i>) FROM A SINGLE ZOOLOGICAL COLLECTION IN GERMANY.","authors":"Christoph Leineweber, Christine Gohl, Maike Lücht, Hanspeter W Steinmetz, Rachel E Marschang","doi":"10.1638/2023-0094","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1638/2023-0094","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Only limited data on concentrations of trace elements in the blood of avian species have been published. This information can play an important role in the conservation of endangered species and their protection from environmental pollutants and can also be clinically relevant in managed individuals. Some elements are essential for the health of the animals in human care, but little is known about expected concentrations for some of these elements. Therefore, 21 elements (silver, arsenic, gold, barium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, iodine, mercury, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, platinum, antimony, selenium, thallium, vanadium, and zinc) were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in lithium-heparinized plasma samples from Humboldt penguins (<i>Spheniscus humboldti</i>) from a single zoological collection in Germany (<i>n</i> = 39). The plasma concentrations of cadmium, nickel, platinum, antimony, and thallium were under the limit of detection in most of the analyzed samples. The results also showed that the females had significantly (<i>P</i> ≤ 0.05) higher concentrations of silver, barium, cobalt, chromium, iron, mercury, magnesium, vanadium, and zinc in their plasma in comparison with males. A correlation between the element plasma concentration and the age of the individuals could not be found. The differences in plasma concentrations of individual element between males and females could be due to hormonal influences on the metabolism. Further studies in different seasons and other age groups are needed in the future to investigate environmental and host effects in more detail and to understand physiological mechanisms responsible for observed differences.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"55 4","pages":"1062-1070"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142854575","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":"DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATION OF AMERICAN ROBINS (<i>TURDUS MIGRATORIUS</i>) WITH FATAL ETHYLENE GLYCOL TOXICOSIS AND CONCURRENT <i>PLASMODIUM</i> SPP. INFECTION WITH RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF 44 YEARS OF DIAGNOSTIC DATA.","authors":"Alyssa Williams, Aidan O'Reilly, Michael J Yabsley, Kayla B Garrett, Robert Poppenga, Chelsea Sykes, Rusty Berry, Nicole M Nemeth","doi":"10.1638/2024-0041","DOIUrl":"10.1638/2024-0041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We describe a mortality event involving at least 44 adult American robins (<i>Turdus migratorius</i>) that were found dead on the morning of February 25, 2023 in a residential backyard in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. Five carcasses were submitted for diagnostic evaluation. All five robins were in good nutritional and feather condition with no external indicators of injury or illness. Grossly, kidneys were diffusely pale in all robins and 4/5 also had splenomegaly. Consistent histologic lesions included severe, multifocal to coalescing, renal tubular degeneration and necrosis with intraluminal, birefringent calcium oxalate crystals and calcified concretions. Toxicologic testing revealed a markedly elevated calcium concentration (10,000 parts per million) in a pooled kidney sample. Collectively, these findings support a diagnosis of ethylene glycol toxicosis. Ethylene glycol, an ingredient in antifreeze, is a hazardous toxicant in domestic and wild animals living in residential areas, although confirmed reports in songbirds are scarce. In the present case, the circumstances of ethylene glycol exposure are unknown but most likely anthropogenic in origin. Additionally, splenomegaly prompted molecular testing, which detected <i>Plasmodium unalis</i> in three robins and <i>P. vaughani</i> in one robin. Both <i>Plasmodium</i> spp. can infect a wide range of hosts, and although infections likely were subclinical, their detection raises awareness of their potential pathogenicity in wild birds. This mortality event underscores the need to recognize health risks posed by environmental contaminants and vector-borne pathogens to wildlife, and reinforces that wildlife, especially peridomestic species, can serve as sentinels for risks to domestic animal and human health.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"55 4","pages":"926-935"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142854344","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}