Hematology and serum biochemistry of free-ranging mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) at La Pacifica, Costa Rica.

BACKGROUND: Hematologic and blood biochemical values are key tools for assessing primate health. A long-term behavioral study of howler monkeys at a single site (La Pacífica, Guanacaste, Costa Rica), afforded the opportunity to develop baseline values for a large group of animals, evaluating differences between adult males and females and comparing to a report in the same population two decades later. METHODS: In 1998, 64 free-ranging mantled howler monkeys were anesthetized and sampled for hematologic and biochemical analysis. RESULTS: Blood analysis is reported for 29 adult females, 9 juvenile females, 19 adult males and 3 juvenile males. Four adults were excluded due to external injury or disease. There were few significant differences between adult females, juvenile females, and adult males. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline blood parameters are useful for determining normal values for howler monkey populations. The values for total protein, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, liver enzymes and potassium differed from a later study in 2019 may indicate changes that are influencing howler monkey health.

Female long-term sperm storage results in viable offspring in the Himalayan Mountain Pitviper, Ovophis monticola.

The ability of females to store sperm for extended periods in their reproductive tracts (termed long-term sperm storage, LTSS) has been reported across a diversity of vertebrate taxa. The evolutionary, ecological, and physiological significance of LTSS is wide-ranging and includes the ability to produce offspring when mates may be temporally scarce by way of decoupling copulation from ovulation, inbreeding avoidance, and the generation and maintenance of genetic diversity in progeny. Among vertebrate lineages, nonavian reptiles exhibit a remarkable capacity for LTSS, with the production of viable offspring reported after periods exceeding 6 years since prior contact with a potential mate. Given that female reptiles are able to store viable sperm for prolonged periods, it is important to disentangle LTSS from that of facultative parthenogenesis (FP), a reproductive trait which appears widespread among all reptile lineages. The implications of this distinction are particularly important in the context of the development and management of captive breeding programs. To accurately determine between the two reproductive strategies, genomic screening is highly recommended. Following a period of isolation for 13 months from a potential male mate, a female Himalayan Mountain Pitviper (Ovophis monticola) produced a clutch of three male offspring. Here, through genome-scale analyses of the female and her progeny, we document the first record of LTSS in this genus and exclude FP as the alternative hypothesis.

DESCRIPTION OF ESOPHAGOSTOMY TUBE PLACEMENT IN TWO GIANT ANTEATER (MYRMECOPHAGA TRIDACTYLA) CADAVERS.

Feeding of managed populations of giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is challenging in injured patients that present with anorexia. This report describes an approach for esophagostomy tube placement in this species. Cadavers of two adult giant anteaters were used for technique development. The animal was positioned in dorsal recumbency, and a guide feeding tube was inserted orally into the esophagus. A ventral midline incision in the midcervical region was made to access the esophagus and to protect submandibular salivary glands. The cervical musculature was dissected and retracted laterally to the right, the vagosympathetic nerve trunk was identified and preserved, and the esophagus was incised over the guide tube. The guide tube was removed to facilitate placement of the definitive tube, which was premeasured from its insertion point in the midcervical area to the level of the seventh-ninth intercostal space. The tube was secured to the cervical skin on the left side with a finger-trap suture.

Radiographic measurements of the hind limbs in capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.).

BACKGROUND: Radiographic measurements are a useful tool to assess skeletal health and development in primates. This study aimed to perform radiographic measurements of hind limbs in capuchin monkeys. METHODS: Twelve Sapajus spp. were used; ten adults and two sub-adults, nine females and three males. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The pelvimetry showed that the pelvic inlet area presented mean values of 7.63, 10.23, and 5.43 cm2 for adult males, adult females, and sub-adult females, respectively. The mean inclination angle was 129.45° and the mean values for the mechanical lateral proximal and distal femoral angles were 102.32° and 90.93°, respectively. The mean values for the anatomic lateral proximal and distal femoral angles were 104.59° and 85.98°, respectively. In conclusion, the radiographic measurements proved feasible for hind limb evaluation in Sapajus spp. and can be used for comparison with animals presenting orthopedic lesions.

Serial ultrasonographic measurements of fetal parameters over three successive pregnancies in a captive Eastern black-and-white colobus monkey (Colobus guereza).

This study provides ultrasonographic fetal growth charts for the Eastern black-and-white colobus monkey (Colobus guereza). Throughout three consecutive gestations (-162 to -2 days to parturition) in a single dam, we opportunistically obtained ultrasonographic measurements for the following parameters: biparietal diameter, head circumference, humerus length, femur length, tibia length, radius length, thoracic width, kidney length, and crown-rump length. Biparietal diameter was the most consistently measured parameter. First detection of fetuses occurred between 96 and 162 days before parturition. This report demonstrates that voluntary transabdominal ultrasound can be well-tolerated in the colobus monkey using operant conditioning. These findings may be useful to assess fetal development and predict parturition dates in the absence of a known conception date in this species.

MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY OF BINTURONGS (ARCTICTIS BINTURONG) IN UNITED STATES ZOOLOGICAL INSTITUTIONS (1986-2019).

Veterinary literature on diseases in binturong (Arctictis binturong) is often limited to case series or reports without population-level information. Morbidity and mortality data were collected from North American institutions through survey completion or submission of medical records. Responses included information about 74 individuals (37 males, 30 females, and 7 unknown neonates) representing 22 institutions, from 1986 to 2019. Antemortem data were available from 39 individuals, and postmortem data were available from 53 individuals. Eighteen individuals had both antemortem and postmortem records available. Age (mean ± SD) at death for adults (n = 41) was 15.2 ± 4.3 yr. Morbidity events were summarized by affected organ system; 160 events were reported. The systems with the most frequently reported events were gastrointestinal (33%; 53/160), integumentary (19%; 31/160), urinary (12%; 20/160), and musculoskeletal (19 [12%] of 160). Excluding neonates, primary causes of mortality included neoplasia (51%; 21/41), infectious or inflammatory diseases (24%; 10/41), and cardiovascular disease (17%; 7/41). Neoplasms (51%; 21/41) confirmed on histopathology included renal adenocarcinoma (47%; 10/21); mammary carcinoma (14%; 3/21); pancreatic islet cell carcinoma (2 [10%] of 21); and single instances of multicentric lymphoma, uterine carcinoma, and submucosal urethral adenoma. There were three additional cases of presumed neoplasia without histopathologic confirmation; masses were detected in the liver, heart base, and pancreas. Metastases were reported in 15 (71%) of 21 neoplasms. Although neoplasia and cardiovascular disease were common causes of mortality, they were rarely diagnosed antemortem. Neoplasia was often malignant and generally diagnosed after metastasis. Preventive medicine protocols with improved renal and cardiovascular evaluation are warranted and may result in earlier detection of subclinical disease in binturong.

Partial Amputation of a Nonreducing Prolapsed Phallus in an Ostrich (Struthio camelus).

A 19-year-old male ostrich (Struthio camelus) was referred to a veterinary teaching hospital (São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil) due to a 6-month history of recurrent prolapse of the phallus. On physical examination, 2 ulcerative wounds were present on the phallus, as well as caseous plaques and myiasis. Conservative treatment resulted in improvement but prolapse of the phallus remained. Thus, a decision was made to perform a partial phallectomy. The surgery was successful and no postoperative complications occurred. When the ostrich was reexamined 6 months postsurgery, the ostrich was alert, in good health, and the surgical site completely healed. The owner verbally reported no recurrence of the phallus prolapse 1 year after surgery.

Reproductive one health in primates.

One Health is a collaborative trans-disciplinary approach to health; integrating human, animal, and environmental health. The focus is often on infection disease transmission and disease risk mitigation. However, One Health also includes the multidisciplinary and comparative approach to disease investigation and health of humans, animals, and the environment. One key aspect of environmental/ecosystem health is conservation, the maintenance of healthy, actively reproducing wildlife populations. Reproduction and reproductive health are an integral part of the One Health approach: the comparative aspects of reproduction can inform conservation policies or breeding strategies (in situ and ex situ) in addition to physiology and disease. Differences in reproductive strategies affect the impact poaching and habitat disruption might have on a given population, as well as ex situ breeding programs and the management of zoo and sanctuary populations. Much is known about chimpanzees, macaques, and marmosets as these are common animal models, but there is much that remains unknown regarding reproduction in many other primates. Examining the similarities and differences between and within taxonomic groups allows reasonable extrapolation for decision-making when there are knowledge gaps. For example: (1) knowing that a species has very low reproductive rates adds urgency to conservation policy for that region or species; (2) identifying species with short or absent lactation anestrus allows ex situ institutions to better plan contraception options for specific individuals or prepare for the immediate next pregnancy; (3) recognizing that progestin contraceptives are effective contraceptives, but may be associated with endometrial hyperplasia in some species (in Lemuridae but not great apes) better guides empirical contraceptive choice; (4) recognizing the variable endometriosis prevalence across taxa improves preventive medicine programs. A summary of anatomical variation, endocrinology, contraception, pathology, and diagnostics is provided to illustrate these features and aid in routine physical and postmortem examinations as well as primate management.

Vaginal foreign bodies in six nonhuman primates with underlying pathological conditions.

Four female Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) from the same group as well as Wolf's guenon (Cercopithecus wolfi) and a Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) from a second institution presented with vaginal foreign bodies in parallel with diseases of the urogenital tract or with endocrine disorders. These foreign bodies were associated with a mild to marked, diffuse vaginitis in all cases. Underlying pathological conditions consisted of a cavernous uterine hemangioma in a 20-year-old macaque, diffuse endometritis in a 21-year-old macaque, an in situ endometrial carcinoma in a 24-year-old macaque, endometritis and an ovarian cyst-like structure in the 27-year-old Western lowland gorilla, chronic cystitis and chronic renal disease in a 24-year-old macaque, and a history of hypothyroidism with irregular reproductive cycles in the 12-year-old Wolf's guenon. Vaginal foreign bodies have been reported in nonhuman primates used in biomedical research, but their concurrence with underlying conditions has not been explored. In women, vaginal foreign bodies have been linked to serious underlying medical conditions. This case series emphasizes the recommendation to investigate this abnormal behavior for underlying medical or adverse psychosocial conditions in primates under human care.

Reproductive suppression of giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) under managed care using a GnRH immunological product.

Giraffe present unique contraception challenges as males persistently pursue females during estrus. Year-round pursuit during frequent recurring estrus can pose significant risk under slippery conditions. Complete ovarian suppression is a useful tool in giraffe because it eliminates estrous behavior, interest from the male, and controls reproduction. Effective reproduction control in giraffes has been achieved with porcine zona pellucida, oral melengestrol acetate, and depot medroxy-progesterone acetate. However, these methods allow some degree of folliculogenesis and estrous behavior. Improvest® is a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) immunological product that elicits antibodies against GnRH and abrogates the effects of endogenous GnRH. This study evaluated the efficacy of Improvest® for gonadal suppression in seven females and one male giraffe by monitoring steroid hormones. Seven female giraffe were treated intramuscularly with an initial dose, a booster at 4 weeks and maintenance boosters at 3-month intervals (600 µg/dose) for 12 months. Six females were on supplemental contraception during the induction phase because separation from males was not possible. In the male (treated with 400 µg), testosterone concentrations decreased after the second injection. However, even with low serum testosterone concentrations, mounting (of nontreated females) behavior was still observed occasionally. Ovarian activity was suppressed in all treated females and interest by the males stopped; supplemental contraceptives (during the induction phase) did not impede the effect of Improvest®. After 15.3 months (seven doses), Improvest® was discontinued in three females which no longer needed contraception. In these females, ovarian activity was noted approximately 90 days after the last dose.

Diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis in a hooded capuchin (Sapajus apella).

Spontaneous endometriosis is common in women, great apes and Old World monkeys, but rare in New World monkeys. We report on the clinical diagnosis and successful combination of surgical and medical treatment in a case of spontaneous endometriosis in a diabetic hooded capuchin. Addressing this painful condition had a positive welfare impact.

Severe Hydroxyapatite Deposition Disease in Binturongs (Arctictis binturong).

In a collection of 6 young binturongs (Arctictis binturong), 3 presented with anorexia, lethargy, and footpad swelling diagnosed by surgical biopsy as calcinosis circumscripta. Despite supportive care over the next 4 years, affected binturongs had progressive weight loss, hyperphosphatemia, and hyperkalemia and developed large radiodense deposits in tissues adjacent to appendicular joints, thoracolumbar vertebrae, and the sternum. Two binturongs died and necropsies showed severe periarticular mineral deposition with fibrosis and granulomatous inflammation. Additionally, binturongs had mineralization of distal renal tubules, mineralization of the renal interstitium, and marked mineralization of the pulmonary interstitium and peribronchiolar smooth muscle. Foot biopsies from the surviving binturong were evaluated by spectroscopic microanalysis and were positive for hydroxyapatite, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2. Periarticular and footpad mineralization in these binturongs is consistent with hydroxyapatite deposition disease, which is rarely described in humans and animals as a primary familial condition or a secondary condition often associated with renal injury.

HYDROMETRA IN ROCK HYRAX (PROCAVIA CAPENSIS) UNDER MANAGED CARE.

In zoos, rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) are commonly maintained in groups and population control is necessary. Here we report on hydrometra prevalence in a group of rock hyraxes. Prevalence of hydrometra in this small group (4/8) far exceeds reproductive pathology prevalence previously reported for this species under managed care. Affected females were nulliparous, but had not been contracepted; instead they were maintained as a single-sex group. The first case presented as sudden death and three additional cases were diagnosed antemortem via ultrasound. Two of these underwent ovariohysterectomy to treat the severe hydrometra. The last case was a mild hydrometra and during follow-up exam was found to have spontaneously resolved. Detailed information regarding clinical presentation, diagnostics and surgical techniques are provided.

Fertility Control in Wildlife: Review of Current Status, Including Novel and Future Technologies.

Wildlife conservation requires varying degrees of management of endangered species as well as management of their potential predators and competitors. Conservation also depends on ameliorating human-wildlife conflict, especially where there is a threat to the safety of people and of their pets and livestock. In addition, sustainability of wildlife populations can be affected by feral domestic animals or invasive species, that require removal or control. With the increasing concern for animal welfare, non-lethal methods of limiting population size and distribution, such as fertility control, are gaining favor. Breeding programs in zoos depend on highly effective and selective contraception to manage sustainable insurance populations. This review covers fertility control methods currently in use, those that have not lived up to past promises, and others that are under development and present hope for addressing remaining challenges.

Presumptive keratoglobus in a great horned owl (Bubo virginianus).

A juvenile to young adult, male, great horned owl (Bubo virginianus,GHOW) was presented to the wildlife rehabilitation hospital at Lindsay Wildlife Museum (WRHLWM) due to trauma to the right patagium from barbed wire entanglement. On presentation, both corneas were irregular, dry, and no movement of the third eyelid was noted. A severe corneal enlargement/globoid appearance was the predominant ophthalmic feature. The fundus was normal in both eyes (OU). Over the course of several days, both corneas developed edema combined with further dessication at the ocular surface associated with diffuse dorsal fluorescein stain uptake. Repeated ophthalmic examinations found normal intraocular pressures and an inability to move the third eyelid over the enlarged corneas. The bird was deemed nonreleasable due to severe wing damage and poor prognosis associated with eye abnormalities and was humanely euthanized. Postmortem CT, enucleation, and histopathology were performed to evaluate the ocular anatomical abnormality and confirm the suspected diagnosis of keratoglobus. This GHOW represents the first reported case of presumptive keratoglobus in a raptor.

SERIAL ULTRASOUND TO ESTIMATE FETAL GROWTH CURVES IN SOUTHERN TAMANDUA (TAMANDUA TETRADACTYLA).

From 2012 to 2015, 16 pregnancies were monitored by ultrasonography in nine tamanduas ( Tamandua tetradactyla ) housed in three zoological facilities. Sonographic measurements were recorded to establish fetal growth curves using thoracic and skull landmarks described for giant anteaters ( Myrmecophaga tridactyla ). All pregnancies resulted in the uncomplicated delivery of healthy offspring, thus gestational development was considered normal. These data may be used as a reference for normal fetal development with potential for estimating parturition date in the absence of breeding data.

Reproductive endocrine patterns and volatile urinary compounds of Arctictis binturong: discovering why bearcats smell like popcorn.

Members of the order Carnivora rely on urinary scent signaling, particularly for communicating about reproductive parameters. Here, we describe reproductive endocrine patterns in relation to urinary olfactory cues in a vulnerable and relatively unknown viverrid--the binturong (Arctictis binturong). Female binturongs are larger than and dominate males, and both sexes engage in glandular and urinary scent marking. Using a large (n = 33), captive population, we collected serum samples to measure circulating sex steroids via enzyme immunoassay and urine samples to assay volatile chemicals via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Male binturongs had expectedly greater androgen concentrations than did females but, more unusually, had equal estrogen concentrations, which may be linked to male deference. Males also expressed a significantly richer array of volatile chemical compounds than did females. A subset of these volatile chemicals resisted decay at ambient temperatures, potentially indicating their importance as long-lasting semiochemicals. Among these compounds was 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP), which is typically produced at high temperatures by the Maillard reaction and is likely to be responsible for the binturong's characteristic popcorn aroma. 2-AP, the only compound expressed by all of the subjects, was found in greater abundance in males than females and was significantly and positively related to circulating androstenedione concentrations in both sexes. This unusual compound may have a more significant role in mammalian semiochemistry than previously appreciated. Based on these novel data, we suggest that hormonal action and potentially complex chemical reactions mediate communication of the binturong's signature scent and convey information about sex and reproductive state.

Factors associated with uterine endometrial hyperplasia and pyometra in wild canids: implications for fertility.

The ability to safely and effectively manage reproduction is central to the success of AZA captive-breeding programs. Although the AZA Wildlife Contraception Center routinely monitors contraceptive safety, there have been no studies that compare the effects of contraceptive use to separation of males from females, the other option for preventing reproduction. We used retrospective medical records and pathology reports submitted by AZA and related facilities for the seven AZA-managed canid species to assess rates of uterine pathology relative to female reproductive life histories. Our results showed that the prevalence of both pyometra and endometrial hyperplasia (EH) was associated not only with treatment with the two most common contraceptives (Suprelorin® and MGA implants) but also with the number of years barren (i.e., not producing a litter and not contracepted). Rates of pyometra and EH were especially high in African painted dogs and red wolves, but lowest in swift and fennec foxes. The number of years producing a litter had a low association, suggesting it could be protective against uterine pathology. A more recently developed Suprelorin® protocol using Ovaban® to prevent the initial stimulation phase, followed by implant removal when reversal is desired, may be a safer contraceptive option. These results concerning the relationship between reproductive management and uterine health have important implications for AZA-managed programs, since the unsustainability of many captive populations may be due at least in part to infertility. Managing a female's reproductive lifespan to optimize or maintain fertility will require a reconsideration of how breeding recommendations are formulated.

Location and removal of deslorelin acetate implants in female African lions (Panthera leo).

Contraception is necessary to manage zoo animal populations and to be able to house animals in groups without producing additional unwanted offspring. In felids and canids, an association between exposure to progestins and the occurrence of endometrial and mammary gland pathology has been documented. Therefore, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Wildlife Contraceptive Center recommends the use of deslorelin acetate for long-term contraception in carnivores. Return to cyclicity after deslorelin treatment has been variable; some individuals show ovarian suppression for long periods after the expected end of the deslorelin efficacy. In an attempt to reduce the time to reversal, techniques to locate and remove previous implants are being developed. This report documents the successful implementation of high-frequency ultrasonography in lions (Panthera leo) to locate and direct surgical removal of multiple deslorelin implants placed at least 2 yr previously as well as the return of follicular activity in both females at 7 months post-removal of implants.

Radiographic and sonographic features, and histogram parameters of the liver and spleen in healthy Toco toucans (Ramphastos toco, Müller 1976).

This study aimed to evaluate radiographic and sonographic features, and histogram parameters based on grayscale ultrasound of the liver and spleen in healthy toco toucans. Fifteen adult toco toucans (Ramphastos toco), seven females and eight males, weighing approximately 650 g, were enrolled in the study. On the right lateral radiographic view, the liver was visualized in the midventral region of the coelomic cavity; ultrasonographically, the liver was located in the middle portion of the coelomic cavity in close relationship to the heart, and thoracic and abdominal air sacs. Two hepatic lobes were identified; the right lobe was larger than the left one. The spleen was visualized in 10 toco toucans on radiographs and only in eight toucans on ultrasound exams. The gallbladder was identified only on ultrasound. On the right lateral radiographic view, the spleen was visualized dorsal to the proventriculus and ventral to the lungs/air sacs as an oval shape. Ultrasonographically, the spleen was observed caudal to the liver, cranial to the proventriculus and craniodorsal to the ventriculus. There was no significant difference in spleen length for either radiographic or ultrasound measurements. The brightness intensity (BI) for mean gray level (G) and standard deviation of gray levels (SG ) in the liver were 101.315 (± 16.170) and 12.453 (± 2.616), respectively. Mean G and SG levels in the spleen were 63.940 (± 18.321) and 7.494 (± 3.595), respectively. In conclusion, the sonographic features and histogram parameters indicated that the liver is more echogenic and heterogeneous than the spleen, which must be considered for diagnosing alterations in these organs.