Ectopic Pregnancy in a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus)

Ectopic pregnancies have been rarely reported in animals and little is known in wildlife species regarding the capacity of the placenta to support extrauterine fetal development. An adult, female, free-ranging California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) died suddenly after four weeks in a rehabilitation center. At necropsy, a partially mummified fetus, covered by light-brown membranes occupied the lower third of the abdominal cavity. The maternal uterus was intact and a prominent corpus luteus enlarged the right ovary. The fetal membranes epithelium had immunohistochemical profile identical to normal sea lion placenta but was different from the staining profile of sea lion omentum. The findings in this case suggest that partial placentation occurred in the abdominal cavity, highlighting the potential of otariids placenta to support ectopic fetal development. Acute toxic shock with disseminated intravascular coagulation was considered the most likely cause of death of the adult female sea lion.

Ectopic Pregnancy in a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus)

Ectopic pregnancies have been rarely reported in animals and little is known in wildlife species regarding the capacity of the placenta to support extrauterine fetal development. An adult, female, free-ranging California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) died suddenly after four weeks in a rehabilitation center. At necropsy, a partially mummified fetus, covered by light-brown membranes occupied the lower third of the abdominal cavity. The maternal uterus was intact and a prominent corpus luteus enlarged the right ovary. The fetal membranes epithelium had immunohistochemical profile identical to normal sea lion placenta but was different from the staining profile of sea lion omentum. The findings in this case suggest that partial placentation occurred in the abdominal cavity, highlighting the potential of otariids placenta to support ectopic fetal development. Acute toxic shock with disseminated intravascular coagulation was considered the most likely cause of death of the adult female sea lion.(AU)

Bacterial meningoencephalitis in a free Chimango Caracara (Milvago chimango temucoensis)

A subadult male Chimango Caracara (Milvago chimango temucoensis) was found in an agricultural beef cattle field of Southern Chile. The bird was non-responsive to visual or auditory stimulation, and unable to fly. Clinical examination showed moderate body condition, partial blindness and a left wing fracture. The bird was euthanized and a complete necropsy was performed. The most important macroscopic findings were a complete left radius fracture, a subcutaneous hematoma over the occipital bone region and the complete loss of structure of the left pallium and striatum of the telencephalon. Necrotic areas of greenish discoloration in the caudal telencephalon were observed. Histologically, the brain had wide areas of liquefactive necrosis surrounded by abundant inflammatory infiltrate. Escherichia coli was isolated from the affected areas of the brain. Although bacterial encephalitis is uncommon among free ranging birds, it should be considered as a candidate diagnosis in wild birds with neurological signs.(AU)

Bacterial meningoencephalitis in a free Chimango Caracara (Milvago chimango temucoensis)

A subadult male Chimango Caracara (Milvago chimango temucoensis) was found in an agricultural beef cattle field of Southern Chile. The bird was non-responsive to visual or auditory stimulation, and unable to fly. Clinical examination showed moderate body condition, partial blindness and a left wing fracture. The bird was euthanized and a complete necropsy was performed. The most important macroscopic findings were a complete left radius fracture, a subcutaneous hematoma over the occipital bone region and the complete loss of structure of the left pallium and striatum of the telencephalon. Necrotic areas of greenish discoloration in the caudal telencephalon were observed. Histologically, the brain had wide areas of liquefactive necrosis surrounded by abundant inflammatory infiltrate. Escherichia coli was isolated from the affected areas of the brain. Although bacterial encephalitis is uncommon among free ranging birds, it should be considered as a candidate diagnosis in wild birds with neurological signs.