Characteristics of the complete mitochondrial genome of the monotypic genus Arctictis (Family: Viverridae) and its phylogenetic implications.

The binturong (Arctictis binturong) is classified as a member of the subfamily Paradoxurinae within the family Viverridae (Carnivora: Mammalia) and comprises nine subspecies spread across Southern and Southeast Asia. Here, we describe the complete mitochondrial genome of the Indian subspecies A. b. albifrons using next-generation sequencing methods. The total length of the A. b. albifrons mitogenome was 16,642 bp. Phylogenetic analyses based on 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes placed the binturong as a sister taxon to Paguma larvata within the Paradoxurinae and supported the clustering of Genettinae and Viverrinae and the monophyly of Viverridae and six other families of feliforms, consistent with previous studies. Divergence time estimates suggest that the Viverridae diversified during the Miocene (22.62 Mya: 95% CI [20.78-24.54] Mya) and that Arctictis and Paguma split 12.57 Mya (95% CI [8.66-15.67] Mya). Further molecular studies are required to test the distinctiveness and diversity of the nine putative subspecies of binturong.

MYCOBACTERIUM INTRACELLULARE INFECTION CAUSING A RETROPERITONEAL MASS IN A BINTURONG (ARCTICTIS BINTURONG).

A 19-yr-old castrated male binturong ( Arctictis binturong ) with a history of recurrent pyogranulomatous panniculitis, lymphangitis, and dermatitis was presented for evaluation of hyporexia and tenesmus. A large caudal abdominal mass was palpated on physical examination. On ultrasound, the mass encircled and obstructed the left ureter, resulting in hydroureter and hydronephrosis. The animal was euthanized, and necropsy revealed a large retroperitoneal pyogranuloma with acid-fast organisms identified in both the mass and the perineal skin. The acid-fast organisms within the retroperitoneal mass were identified as Mycobacterium intracellulare by PCR. This case represents an unusual presentation of M. intracellulare in a novel species.

TREATMENT OF RENAL CARCINOMA IN A BINTURONG (ARCTICTIS BINTURONG) WITH NEPHRECTOMY AND A TYROSINE KINASE INHIBITOR.

A 13-yr-old female binturong ( Arctictis binturong ) presented with a 1 wk history of decreased appetite. The animal was thin, with hypercalcemia (calcium 12.2 mg/dl). A right renal mass was identified on ultrasound and removed via nephrectomy. Histopathology indicated a renal adenocarcinoma. Treatment with toceranib phosphate, a tyrosine-kinase inhibitor, was initiated and well tolerated by the animal. Four months after initial diagnosis radiographs indicated metastases to the lungs and the animal was euthanized. Necropsy revealed disseminated adenocarcinoma. Although treatment did not prevent metastasis, it was minimally invasive and well tolerated by the animal with minimal side effects. Review of records at the institution revealed that the cause of death for the primary case's dam and sire was disseminated renal carcinoma. These cases suggest that there may be a hereditary component to development of renal neoplasia in binturongs. Renal carcinoma should be considered an aggressive neoplasia in binturongs with a poor prognosis.