Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine最新文献

{"title":"EVALUATION OF MORTALITY CAUSES AND PREVALENCE OF RENAL LESIONS IN ZOO-HOUSED CHAMELEONS: 2011-2022.","authors":"Amélie Aduriz, Isabelle Lanthier, Stéphane Lair, Claire Vergneau-Grosset","doi":"10.1638/2023-0023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1638/2023-0023","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Of the 202 species of Chamaeleonidae, 38.6% are globally threatened. Currently, nearly a thousand individual chameleons from 36 different species are kept in zoological institutions worldwide. The objectives of this study were to assess the main mortality causes of chameleons in zoological institutions, the prevalence of renal lesions at necropsy, and the environmental factors associated with renal lesions. An online survey was sent to 245 zoological institutions worldwide to collect information about species and sex distribution, necropsy results, and husbandry parameters. Necropsy reports of the last 10 yr were requested from participating institutions (<i>n</i> = 65) when available. Mortality causes were classified into three categories (open diagnosis, infectious, and noninfectious), and noninfectious causes were further subdivided into seven categories (renal, reproductive, myoarthroskeletal, digestive, ophthalmologic, denutrition/multisystemic, and neoplastic). The prevalence of renal lesions was recorded. Multiple linear regression models were used with the prevalence of renal diseases as the dependent variable, and exhibit minimum and maximum hygrometry; exhibit highest and coolest temperature; as well as minimum, mean, and maximum hygrometry of the geographical area as independent variables, combining all chameleon species with similar environmental requirements. Results were obtained for 14 species (<i>n</i> = 412 individuals). The main mortality causes were infectious (46.8%), noninfectious renal (11.4%), and noninfectious reproductive (10.7%) diseases, with all cases of fatal reproductive diseases reported in females. Of the individuals that underwent renal histopathology, 41.7% displayed renal lesions. There was a tendency towards higher renal lesion prevalence in zoos located in areas with lower mean hygrometry (<i>P</i> = 0.05). Further research studies about infectious, renal, and reproductive diseases of Chamaeleonidae are warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"55 2","pages":"381-392"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141321090","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":"SERUM VITAMIN D AND SELECTED BIOMARKERS OF CALCIUM HOMEOSTASIS IN ASIAN ELEPHANTS (<i>ELEPHAS MAXIMUS</i>) MANAGED AT A LOW LATITUDE.","authors":"Sara E Childs-Sanford, Wendy K Kiso, Dennis L Schmitt","doi":"10.1638/2023-0082","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1638/2023-0082","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>An understanding of species-specific vitamin D metabolism and its role in calcium homeostasis is essential for correct diet formulation and development of husbandry protocols for managed nondomestic species. This study documented serum vitamin D metabolites and other analytes involved in calcium homeostasis in Asian elephants (<i>Elephas maximus</i>) managed at a latitude similar to their wild natural habitat. Serum values for 33 elephants managed at a low latitude were measured in the peak of summer, revealing low vitamin D₂ (25(OH)D₂ 2.3 ± 0.6 ng/ ml and 24,25(OH)₂D₂ 2.17 ± 0.52 ng/ml) and nondetectable vitamin D₃. Serum minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium), ionized calcium, and parathyroid hormone were within normal reported ranges. In comparison with previously reported values in elephants managed at a high latitude, 25(OH)D₂ (<i>P</i> < 0.001), 24,25(OH)₂D₂ (<i>P</i> = 0.001), and magnesium (<i>P</i> = 0.013) were significantly lower, and parathyroid hormone was significantly higher (<i>P</i> < 0.001). The lack of D₃ production during ample sun exposure at a low latitude suggests that Asian elephants are incapable of cutaneous photobiosynthesis of vitamin D, and that low serum D₂ is normal for this species.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"55 2","pages":"430-435"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141321104","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":"FOUR-WEEK ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF BALOXAVIR MARBOXIL AS AN ANTI-INFLUENZA VIRUS DRUG SHOWS NO TOXICITY IN CHICKENS.","authors":"Mariko Miki, Ryo Daniel Obara, Kyohei Nishimura, Takao Shishido, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Ryoko Oka, Kenji Sato, Shouta M M Nakayama, Takashi Kimura, Atsushi Kobayashi, Keisuke Aoshima, Keisuke Saito, Takahiro Hiono, Norikazu Isoda, Yoshihiro Sakoda","doi":"10.1638/2023-0103","DOIUrl":"10.1638/2023-0103","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>High pathogenicity avian influenza is an acute zoonotic disease with high mortality in birds caused by a high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV). Recently, HPAIV has rapidly spread worldwide and has killed many wild birds, including endangered species. Baloxavir marboxil (BXM), an anti-influenza agent used for humans, was reported to reduce mortality and virus secretion from HPAIV-infected chickens (<i>Gallus domesticus</i>, order Galliformes) at a dosage of ≥2.5 mg/kg when administered simultaneously with viral challenge. Application of this treatment to endangered birds requires further information on potential avian-specific toxicity caused by repeated exposure to BXM over the long term. To obtain information of potential avian-specific toxicity, a 4-wk oral repeated-dose study of BXM was conducted in chickens (<i>n</i> = 6 or 7 per group), which are commonly used as laboratory avian species. The study was conducted in reference to the human pharmaceutical guidelines for nonclinical repeated-dose drug toxicity studies to evaluate systemic toxicity and exposure. No adverse changes were observed in any organs examined, and dose proportional increases in systemic exposure to active pharmaceutical ingredients were noted from 12.5 to 62.5 mg/kg per day. BXM showed no toxicity to chickens at doses of up to 62.5 mg/kg per day, at which systemic exposure was approximately 71 times higher than systemic exposure at 2.5 mg/kg, the reported efficacious dosage amount, in HPAIV-infected chickens. These results also suggest that BXM could be considered safe for treating HPAIV-infected endangered birds due to its high safety margin compared with the efficacy dose. The data in this study could contribute to the preservation of endangered birds by using BXM as a means of protecting biodiversity.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"55 2","pages":"313-321"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141321094","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":"COMPARING THE EFFECTS OF DIPOTASSIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETIC ACID AND LITHIUM HEPARIN ON HEMATOLOGIC VALUES IN BLANDING'S TURTLES (<i>EMYDOIDEA BLANDINGII</i>), PAINTED TURTLES (<i>CHRYSEMYS PICTA</i>), AND COMMON SNAPPING TURTLES (<i>CHELYDRA SERPENTINA</i>).","authors":"Alexis Davidson, Maura Ryan, Amy N Schnelle, William Graser, Laura Adamovicz, Matthew C Allender","doi":"10.1638/2022-0170","DOIUrl":"10.1638/2022-0170","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hematology is a routine component of clinical management in veterinary patients. Anticoagulant choice can profoundly influence morphologic assessment of erythrocytes, leukocytes, thrombocytes, and their subsequent quantification. Previous chelonian studies suggest that lithium heparin (LH) is a superior anticoagulant due to hemolysis resulting from dipotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (dEDTA) in some species. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of dEDTA and LH on hematologic values in Blanding's turtles (<i>Emydoidea blandingii</i>, n = 35), painted turtles (<i>Chrysemys picta</i>, n = 34), and common snapping turtles (<i>Chelydra serpentina</i>, n = 36). We collected samples from free-ranging turtles and immediately divided whole blood into LH and dEDTA tubes. Packed cell volume, total solids, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell counts, and differential leukocyte counts were determined. Hemolysis was observed macro- and microscopically in dEDTA samples from painted turtles and common snapping turtles. Packed cell volume and heterophil:lymphocyte was lower and erythrocyte sedimentation rate was higher in LH samples from painted turtles (p, 0.05). In snapping turtles, the PCV, number of monocytes, and number of eosinophils was lower in LH samples (p, 0.05). In Blanding's turtles, the number of eosinophils and basophils was higher in LH samples, while heterophil counts were lower (p, 0.05). Anticoagulant choice created constant and proportional bias for multiple analytes in a species-dependent fashion. LH is the recommended anticoagulant for hematology in painted turtles and common snapping turtles. Either LH or dEDTA may be used in Blanding's turtles, though anticoagulant-specific reference intervals may be necessary.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"55 1","pages":"92-101"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140059768","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":"SINGLE-DOSE, MULTIPLE-DOSE, AND THERAPEUTIC DRUG MONITORING PHARMACOKINETICS OF FIROCOXIB IN ASIAN ELEPHANTS (<i>ELEPHAS MAXIMUS</i>).","authors":"Jack Kottwitz, Ursula Bechert, Crisanta Cruz-Espindola, J Mark Christensen, Dawn Boothe","doi":"10.1638/2022-0118","DOIUrl":"10.1638/2022-0118","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Firocoxib is a COX-2-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with limited effects on COX-1, which means it likely has fewer side effects than typically associated with other NSAIDs. This study determined possible doses of firocoxib based on single- and multidose pharmacokinetic trials conducted in 10 Asian elephants (<i>Elephas maximus</i>). Initially, two single oral dose trials (0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg) of a commercially available tablet (n = 6) and paste (n = 4) formulation were used to determine a preferred dose. The 0.1 mg/kg dose was further evaluated via IV single dose (n = 3) and oral multidose trials (tablets n = 6; paste n = 4). Serum peak and trough firocoxib concentrations were also evaluated in Asian elephants (n = 4) that had been being treated for a minimum of 90 consecutive days. Key pharmacokinetic parameters for the 0.1 mg/kg single-dose trials included mean peak serum concentrations of 49 ± 3.3 ng/ml for tablets and 62 ± 14.8 ng/ml for paste, area under the curve (AUC) of 1,332 ± 878 h*mg/ml for tablets and 1,455 ± 634 h*mg/ml for paste, and half-life (T_1/2) of 34.3 ± 30.3 h for tablets and 19.9 ± 12.8 h for paste. After 8 d of dosing at 0.1 mg/kg every 24 h, pharmacokinetic parameters stabilized to an AUC of 6,341 ± 3,003 h*mg/ml for tablets and 5,613 ± 2,262 for paste, and T_1/2 of 84.4 ± 32.2 h for tablets and 62.9 ± 2.3 h for paste. Serum COX inhibition was evaluated in vitro and ex vivo in untreated elephant plasma, where firocoxib demonstrated preferential inhibition of COX-2. No adverse effects from firocoxib administration were identified in this study. Results suggest administering firocoxib to Asian elephants at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg orally, using either tablet or paste formulations, every 24 h.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"55 1","pages":"73-85"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140059792","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 TARSAL LUXATION IN A RED KANGAROO (<i>OSPHRANTER RUFUS</i>).","authors":"Katherine Dowling, Katherine Wells, Sharman Hoppes, Lauren Thielen","doi":"10.1638/2022-0120","DOIUrl":"10.1638/2022-0120","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Joint luxations commonly occur in animals secondary to traumatic injury. Because of the unique hind-limb anatomy of macropods, surgical stabilization of orthopedic injuries is considered challenging, and reports of successful management are limited. A 4-yr-old male neutered red kangaroo (<i>Osphranter rufus</i>) presented with a dorsolateral luxation of the left tibiotarsal joint. Surgical reduction and tarsal arthrodesis were performed. Although the full range of motion of the tarsal joint was limited, this kangaroo was still able to ambulate normally at slow speeds following surgery and recovery. The aim of this report was to describe the surgical and postoperative management of a tibiotarsal luxation in a kangaroo. There were significant postoperative complications in this kangaroo, and antibiotic regional limb perfusion was used to treat wound and implant infection.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"55 1","pages":"285-289"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140059793","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":"INTESTINAL TYMPANY AND VOLVULUS IN CENTRAL AMERICAN RIVER TURTLES (<i>DERMATEMYS MAWII</i>).","authors":"Tabitha B Gionfriddo, Tim Georoff, Kendra Baker, Donna Ialeggio, Keith Hinshaw, Barbara Toddes, John G Trupkiewicz","doi":"10.1638/2021-0109","DOIUrl":"10.1638/2021-0109","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ten cases of small intestinal tympany with or without volvulus were documented in Central American river turtles (<i>Dermatemys mawii</i>). These turtles were under managed care at the Philadelphia Zoo in Philadelphia, PA, USA, with one case followed after transfer to a different institution. The primary clinical presentation was abnormal buoyancy in nearly all cases (9/10) and anorexia in two cases (2/10). Five of 10 turtles with suspected or radiographically confirmed small intestinal tympany recovered (5/10), whereas five cases (5/ 10) resulted in death or euthanasia. In all fatal cases (5/5), small intestinal volvulus was identified at gross necropsy, with concurrent colonic volvulus identified in 2/5 cases. Other notable necropsy findings were hepatic lipidosis (3/5) and thrombosis of intestinal or renal vasculature (2/5). In all fatal cases (5/5), there was short (1 to 2 days) clinical progression from abnormal buoyancy to death or euthanasia. In the majority of cases (6/10), an abrupt change in diet, notably the overfeeding of fresh fruit or excessive amounts of mulberry (<i>Morus</i> spp.) browse, or ingestion of indigestible foreign material, occurred prior to presentation. Temporary suboptimal environmental temperatures were suspected prior to the onset of clinical signs in 4/10 cases. Optimal husbandry conditions including nutrition and environmental temperature appear vital to preventing this condition. Recognition of early clinical signs of this condition, such as abnormal buoyancy and anorexia, and environmental correction or medical therapy, may prevent fatality and result in a better outcome in these cases.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"55 1","pages":"224-234"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140059753","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":"ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING AND PATHOLOGIC FINDINGS OF THYROID LESIONS IN TWO SHORT-BEAKED ECHIDNAS (<i>TACHYGLOSSUS ACULEATUS</i>).","authors":"Emma Vaasjo, Meredith M Clancy, Matthew E Kinney, Eric T Hostnik, Rachel E Burns, Mary Duncan, Christopher S Hanley","doi":"10.1638/2023-0056","DOIUrl":"10.1638/2023-0056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Two zoo-maintained short-beaked echidnas (<i>Tachyglossus aculeatus</i>) had long histories of intermittent anorexia and lethargy. Case 1 presented with a recurrence of these signs after transfer to another facility and died shortly after arrival. A focal area of hyperattenuation within the paratracheal tissue of the cranial mediastinum was noted antemortem on CT. Postmortem, this corresponded with severe thyroid follicular hyperplasia with lymphoplasmacytic thyroiditis. Additional findings included a systemic fungal infection without an inflammatory response, suggesting underlying factors such as torpor or immunosuppression. In Case 2, an intrathoracic mass was identified during a preshipment examination. CT confirmed a contrast-enhanced mass compressing the cranial vena cava and right atrium, and the animal was euthanized. The mass was diagnosed histologically as thyroid adenocarcinoma. These cases report thyroiditis and thyroid adenocarcinoma in echidna and describe the use of IV contrast and CT as a diagnostic aid in this species.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"55 1","pages":"295-300"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140059764","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":"VALIDATION OF A NOVEL ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY FOR DETECTING PREGNANCY-SPECIFIC PROTEIN B IN MASAI GIRAFFE (<i>GIRAFFA CAMELOPARDALIS TIPPELSKIRCHI</i>).","authors":"Emily C Vincent, Priya Bapodra-Villaverde, Josh R Branen, Liza Dadone","doi":"10.1638/2023-0058","DOIUrl":"10.1638/2023-0058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Masai giraffe (<i>Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi</i>) is endangered in the wild, and successful reproduction in managed care is important to help maintain assurance populations of this highly charismatic subspecies. Detection of pregnancy in giraffes using hormonal monitoring requires multiple samples and cannot distinguish pregnancy from pseudopregnancy. A novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that can detect pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) for pregnancy diagnosis with a single serum sample was developed from a reticulated giraffe (<i>Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata</i>) placenta. Seventy-eight serum samples were analyzed from three female Masai giraffes before and during five gestation periods that resulted in live calf births. Using an optical density cutoff of 0.2, the assay showed a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 100% for all samples tested. At 59 d of gestation, sensitivity increased to 100%. The earliest pregnancy detection was at 40 d of gestation. This study documents the successful development of a blood-based PSPB assay for pregnancy diagnosis in Masai giraffe, which can help advance conservation efforts in this endangered species.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"55 1","pages":"42-47"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140059795","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":"A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF RETROSPECTIVE MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY STUDIES ON CAPTIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES.","authors":"Kyle McCreesh, Amanda L Guthrie, Simon Spiro, Stuart Patterson","doi":"10.1638/2023-0093","DOIUrl":"10.1638/2023-0093","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Zoological institutions manage animals for conservation, education, entertainment, and research purposes. Zoological staff have a responsibility to safeguard the welfare of animals in their care. Retrospective morbidity and/or mortality studies (MMSs) can be useful tools to highlight common diseases in captive wildlife populations. There is currently no standardized methodology for conducting MMSs. Variation in the methodology of MMSs, particularly the categorization of diseases, can make comparisons between studies challenging and may limit the applicability of the results. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) compliant systematic review was performed, which identified 67 MMSs describing 146 species of captive wildlife. These MMSs are becoming more common and were predominantly performed on mammals (76/146). Prospective authors are encouraged to perform MMSs on amphibians, birds, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates. The studied animals were mostly managed at institutions in the United States of America (28/67, 41.2%) and Europe (14/67, 20.9%). Classifying individuals into age groups facilitates the identification of disease trends within age classes. Only 22/67 (32.8%) studies cited justification for their age classification; classifications should be based on a referenced source on the breeding biology of the studied species. There is variation in the body systems used by authors and into which system a disease is categorized, which makes study comparisons challenging. Diseases were predominantly categorized by etiology and body system (28/77, 36.4%). Because of its ubiquity, the use of the categorization system employed by the pathology module of the Zoological Information Management System is recommended as a useful standard. This system is imperfect, and amendments to it are suggested. The results and recommendations of this study were discussed with a panel of zoo and wildlife experts; guidelines have been formulated for prospective authors aiming to conduct MMSs in captive wildlife.</p>","PeriodicalId":17667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine","volume":"55 1","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140059763","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}