CHRONIC PANCREATIC DISEASE IN THE LESSER KUDU (TRAGELAPHUS IMBERBIS): A REPORT OF 16 CASES IN THE UNITED STATES.

A review of archival cases at Northwest ZooPath from 1995-2018 identified 16/96 (17%; eight females, eight males) lesser kudus (Tragelaphus imberbis) with chronic pancreatic disease (CPD) from three institutions, all of which originated from an initial founder stock of 12 animals. Ages at time of death or euthanasia ranged from 2 to 132 mo (average age = 69 mo). All cases had varying degrees of pancreatic acinar cell depletion, ductular hyperplasia, and fibrosis. Serum fructosamine, glucose, insulin, and insulin to glucose ratio collected close to time of death from 13 affected animals were not significantly different from controls (n = 19). Of these analytes, receiver operating characteristic analysis identified fructosamine as the best-performing analyte with an area under the curve 0.671 (95% confidence interval = 0.480-0.828; sensitivity = 58.3%, specificity = 84.2%; cutoff point >352 µmol/L) in the diagnosis of CPD. With a 15% prevalence, there was a positive predictive value of 41% and a negative predictive value of 92%, indicating that the probability of false positives is high, but of false negatives is low. An etiologic agent was not identified by histology (n = 16), transmission electron microscopy (n = 1), or enterovirus PCR (n = 2). Serum zinc and hepatic heavy metal analyses were judged to be within normal limits. Chronic pancreatic disease is considered an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the lesser kudu; serum chemistry analysis warrants further investigation in its use for diagnosis. The etiopathogenesis is not understood, but the absence of obvious causes, the occurrence also in very young animals, and the inbred lineage of lesser kudus in the United States suggest a genetic basis for this disease.

SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY VALUES AND SELECT SEROLOGIC SCREENING OF BROWN HYENAS ( PARAHYAENA BRUNNEA) FROM THE NAMIB DESERT, NAMIBIA.

Blood from 30 free-ranging brown hyenas ( Parahyaena brunnea) was collected for biochemical analysis and select serologic screening in Namibia from 1997 to 2010. Age was found to have an influence on several biochemical parameters that may be related to growth, a developing immune system, and differences in diet. Seasonal differences in diet of coastal brown hyenas also had an overall significant effect on lipemia values, and differences in stress due to varying capture methods could be associated with an increase in glucose and creatinine kinase. Comparisons among hyena species from published data were inconclusive, as some samples may have been derived from captive populations and individuals. Sera were tested for antibodies against 18 pathogens. Antibodies were not detected for most pathogens, but the proportion of sera containing antibodies against canine adenovirus-1 (CAV-1) and canine adenovirus-2 (CAV-2) was 65% and 84%, respectively. There was no effect of sex, age, year of sampling, or contact with domestic dogs, indicating that CAV-1 or CAV-2 may be enzootic. The prevalence of antibodies to canine distemper virus (CDV) was 43%, and older brown hyenas were 6.9 times more likely to have been exposed to CDV, adjusting for year of sampling and degree of estimated contact with domestic dogs, suggesting epizootic outbreaks. This study is the first to present biochemical reference intervals for wild brown hyenas and provides an indication of disease exposure in this species.

T-CELL LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA IN A FALLOW DEER (DAMA DAMA).

A 17-yr-old female fallow deer presented with ataxia, inappetence, decreased fecal output, and decreased mentation. A complete blood count demonstrated leukocytosis (24.1×10(3)/µl, n=1.16-7.38×10(3)/µl), characterized by lymphocytosis (22.89×10(3)/µl, n=0.18-3.65×10(3)/µl), anemia (packed cell volume 20%, n=29.0-55.8%), decreased red blood cell count (4.1×10(3)/µl, n=6.86-14.72×10(3)/µl), and decreased hemoglobin (7.5 g/dl, n=9.4-19.2 g/dl). Numerous mature, well-differentiated lymphocytes were noted on the blood film. Despite treatment and clinical improvement, the decision was made to euthanize the deer. Histopathology identified a monomorphic population of CD3 positive, CD79a negative small lymphocytes replacing most of the hematopoietic tissue in the bone marrow without evidence of tissue invasion. Results of viral screening were negative.

Peters anomaly in a red kangaroo (Macropus rufus).

A 10-mo-old female red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) presented with a unilateral congenital corneal opacity OD. Complete ophthalmic examination revealed a shallow anterior chamber and a focal area of corneal edema with multiple persistent pupillary membranes extending from the iris colarette to the corneal endothelium adjacent to the edematous area of cornea. High-resolution B-scan ultrasound of the anterior segment showed an area consistent with thinning of Descemet's membrane in the area of corneal edema. Ophthalmic examination and ultrasound findings are consistent with a diagnosis of Peters anomaly, a form of anterior segment dysgenesis. An electroretinogram performed on the affected animal did not reveal any specific abnormalities. Karyotype analyses revealed a normal diploid number (2n = 20, -XX), with an abnormal pericentric inversion in the second largest chromosomal pair. The kangaroo exhibits mild compensated vision deficits in the affected eye. The maternal and paternal adult pairing has been discontinued in an effort to prevent future offspring anomalies.

Fatal Envenomation of a Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) From Eastern Yellow Jacket Wasps (Vespula maculifrons).

A 37-year-old, female Chilean flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) presented with severe facial angioedema, bilateral corneal and palpebral edema, nictitating membrane paralysis, bradycardia, bradypnea, hypothermia, and numerous stingers and remnants of eastern yellow jacket wasps (Vespula maculifrons) attached to the feathers of the head, palpebrae, and conjunctiva. Evaluation of 2 complete blood cell counts and results of plasma chemical analysis and serum protein electrophoresis revealed severe increases in creatinine phosphokinase and aspartate aminotransferase activity, electrolyte disturbances, and moderate increases in levels of α1, α2, ß1, and γ immunoglobulins when compared with reference interval values and conspecifics. Despite intensive treatment, the bird died 19 hours after presentation. Results of histologic evaluation of tissues were compatible with envenomation. Response to envenomation in avian species is not documented but should be considered in birds presenting with angioedema.

Generalized demodecosis in three sibling, juvenile rock hyraxes (Procavia capensis).

One female and two male 4-mo-old, sibling rock hyraxes (Procavia capensis) presented with severe generalized dermatitis characterized by nonpruritic, nonalopecic, mildly encrusted, focally, ulcerated pustular nodules. The dorsum, limbs, and dorsal cranium were most severely affected. Skin scrapings, histopathology, and scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of various life stages of a novel Demodex sp. As a result of the generalized nature of infestation, treatment began with ivermectin and then changed to doramectin, at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg s.c. every 7 days. Weekly skin scrapings and intermittent blood work, including serum protein electrophoresis, were used to evaluate treatment response. Complete resolution, as determined by two consecutive negative skin scrapings, was noted in all three hyraxes within 10-14 wk.

Diagnosis and treatment of vitiligo in a sub-adult eastern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli).

A captive-born female sub-adult Eastern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli) developed areas of non-ulcerated, non-pruritic depigmentation around the nares at 2 yr of age. Over the subsequent 18 mo, the symmetrical multifocal depigmented macules increased in size and distribution to include facial fold crypts, interdigital skin, lips, nares, palmar carpi, ventral abdomen, ventral mandible, axillae, lateral brachium and antebrachium, lateral thighs, ventral tail, and perineal region with an estimated 15% of the skin affected. Facial fold skin biopsies revealed multifocal hypopigmentation with melanin incontinence and mild perivascular lymphohistiocytic dermatitis. The gross appearance and histologic lesions were consistent with vitiligo. Treatment with UV-B narrowband phototherapy was performed on the lateral thighs, lateral elbows, palmar carpi, and rostral maxilla for a period of 12 mo. Significant repigmentation of the treatment areas was achieved.

Novel anellovirus discovered from a mortality event of captive California sea lions.

A viral metagenomic study was performed to investigate potential viral pathogens associated with a mortality event of three captive California sea lions (Zalophus californianus). This study identified a novel California sea lion anellovirus (ZcAV), with 35 % amino acid identity in the ORF1 region to feline anelloviruses. The double-stranded replicative form of ZcAV was detected in lung tissue, suggesting that ZcAV replicates in sea lion lungs. Specific PCR revealed the presence of ZcAV in the lung tissue of all three sea lions involved in the mortality event, but not in three other sea lions from the same zoo. In addition, ZcAV was detected at low frequency (11 %) in the lungs of wild sea lions. The higher prevalence of ZcAV and presence of the double-stranded replicative form in the lungs of sea lions from the mortality event suggest that ZcAV was associated with the death of these animals.

Survey of neoplasia in red kangaroos (Macropus rufus), 1992-2002, in a zoological collection.

An increase in the proportion of cases with neoplasia observed in a collection of captive red kangaroos (Macropus rufus) when compared with historical records and the paucity of reported neoplasms in kangaroos in the literature prompted a 10-yr review of all red kangaroo necropsies. Individual necropsy, medical, and inventory records for all kangaroos at the Kansas City Zoo were reviewed for the period 1 January 1992 to 31 December 2002. Two squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity, two mammary gland adenocarcinomas, a multicentric T-cell lymphosarcoma, and one submucosal pyloric lipoma were diagnosed in six of 28 kangaroo deaths. Three neoplasms were diagnosed antemortem. Four of the six neoplasms were considered malignant, and all four had metastasized. The mean age at death was 11 yr. All six animals with neoplasms were female; however, the exhibit population was composed solely of females. Only 11 cases of neoplasia in red kangaroos have been reported in the literature. On the basis of these cases and a review of the literature, the most commonly observed neoplasms in red kangaroos are mammary gland adenocarcinomas and oral squamous cell carcinomas. Common denominators were not identified in these cases, although chronic gingivitis could have been a contributing factor in the development of the oral squamous cell carcinomas.

Diagnosis and clinical management of multiple chromatophoromas in an eastern yellowbelly racer (Coluber constrictor flaviventris).

A wild-caught subadult eastern yellowbelly racer (Coluber constrictor flaviventris) presented with three raised, circumscribed, freely moveable subcutaneous masses over the dorsal and right epaxial musculature. Microscopic examination and special staining of surgically excised masses were diagnostic for chromatophoroma. No metastases were apparent on whole-body plain film radiographs and computed tomography. Additional excisional biopsies of previously affected sites performed 13 wk later demonstrated normal skin and subcutis. The snake recovered uneventfully and continued to do well 18 mo later. Surgical excision of chromatophoromas remains the treatment of choice in snakes. Subcutaneous masses in snakes should be thoroughly investigated.

Attempted photodynamic therapy against patagial squamous cell carcinoma in an African rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri).

A 5-yr-old female African rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) presented with an ulcerated mass in the medial postpatagial area of the right wing. Biopsy specimens of the mass demonstrated a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Photodynamic therapy resulted in tumor cell necrosis and initial reduction in tumor burden, but complete remission was not achieved. Based on this and other avian cases, it appears that photodynamic therapy designed to eradicate squamous cell carcinoma in avian species using protocols modeled after canine, feline, and human photodynamic therapy protocols may not be useful. It is hypothesized that differences in light penetration, photosensitizing agent pharmacokinetics, and wound healing properties in avian species necessitate alteration of photodynamic therapy protocols if this treatment modality is to be effective in avian oncology.

Klossiella equi infection in a Hartmann's Mountain zebra (Equus zebra hartmannae).

An 18-mo-old female Hartmann's Mountain zebra (Equus zebra hartmannae) died secondary to a traumatically induced cervical fracture. Microscopic examination of renal tissues revealed occasional coccidian sporocysts and budding sporonts containing sporoblasts encased within a bilaminated cell membrane within the renal tubules, compatible with a morphologic diagnosis of Klossiella equi, a coccidian parasite of renal parenchyma in equids. Repeated urinalyses of several Hartmann's Mountain zebra failed to reveal sporocysts, which are believed to be the infective stage of the parasite. The definitive life cycle of K. equi is unknown, although transmission is presumed to be via oral ingestion of sporocysts that are passed in the urine. Although generally considered an incidental finding, K. equi has been associated with nephrosis and nephritis in immune-compromised equids and should be considered when evaluating renal disease in equids, including zebras.

Surgical resection of an orbital fat prolapse in a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus).

A 23-year-old captive female California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) developed an inferiotemporal subconjunctival swelling of the right eye. Surgical excision of the mass was performed and a diagnosis of orbital fat prolapse was confirmed histopathologically. There was no recurrence of orbital fat prolapse at 15 months post operatively. This is the first known case of orbital fat prolapse in the California sea lion.

Primary lymphangiectasia in a dingo (Canis familiaris dingo).

A 3-yr-old intact male dingo (Canis familiaris dingo) presented with a 3-mo history of diarrhea. The diarrhea did not resolve with antibiotics or intestinal protectants. Fecal examination for parasites, fecal cultures, physical examination, and radiographs were unremarkable. Enteroscopic duodenal biopsies showed dilated lacteals without inflammation. Results of serum folate, cobalamin, and trypsin-like immunoreactivity were normal. Low serum total protein and albumin combined with increased fecal levels of alpha-1 protease inhibitor suggested the diagnosis of lymphangiectasia. Full-thickness intestinal biopsies of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum revealed dilated mucosal and submucosal lacteals without associated inflammation, confirming the diagnosis of primary lymphangiectasia. Currently, the dingo is being maintained with nutritional management.

Klinefelter syndrome (39 XXY) in an adult Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica).

Fibroblast cultures of a skin biopsy from an adult intact male Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) revealed an abnormal standard and G-banded karyotype diploid chromosome number of 2n = 39 XXY due to an extra sex chromosome as opposed to the expected 2n = 38 XY. The tiger was euthanatized 1 yr later due to acute multifocal intervertebral disc disease. Histopathology of the reproductive tract demonstrated a paucity of seminiferous tubules and these were devoid of spermatagonia. An increase in fibrous connective tissue was noted in sections of the prostate and epididymis, and expansion of the fibrous interstitium was observed in the testes.