Causes of Fatal Cyathostomiasis in Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) from Brazil: Identification of Pathogen and Implications for Management.

Fatal infection by Cyathostoma (Cyathostoma) phenisci (Nematoda: Syngamidae), was identified in 2 of 52 brown boobies (Sula leucogaster) collected on beaches in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and admitted to the veterinary clinic for rehabilitation. Both infected birds were in poor physical condition, with atrophied pectoral muscles, and died soon after starting treatment. The parasitological and pathological examination of the carcasses revealed the presence of C. (C.) phenisci in the trachea, resulting in tracheitis, as well as severe parasitic granulomatous bronchopneumonia caused by eggs deposited in the lungs. In our opinion, these serious pathological changes were the primary cause of chronic respiratory illness. This is the first description of fatal cyathostomiasis in a fish-eating avian host caused by infection by a member of the subgenus Cyathostoma (Cyathostoma). Therefore, it is reasonable to consider C. (C.) phenisci to be a real threat to a wide range of their definitive hosts, and cyathostomiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for fish-eating marine birds, even in cases without respiratory signs. This is also the first record of the genus Cyathostoma in Brazil.

Mortality of Rheas caused by a Synchamus trachea infection.

Over the last 3 years, chronic respiratory distress occurred occasionally in young birds on a farm with about one hundred Rheas americana. The sick Rheas died after 1 to 2 months. Post-mortem examination of a 7-week-old Rhea showed severe tracheitis. This tracheitis was caused by Synchamus trachea worms, which were present in large numbers. Therapy with fenbendazole cured the respiratory distress of the other Rheas within a few days.

Oslerus osleri tracheobronchitis: treatment with ivermectin in 4 dogs.

Oslerus osleri tracheobronchitis was diagnosed in 4 young dogs following endoscopic visualization of tracheal nodules and identification of larvae in airway cytologic samples. All dogs improved when ivermectin was administered (200-400 micrograms/kg body weight); however, most (3/4) required serial treatments in order to achieve long-term resolution of clinical signs.

[Economic losses in pheasant breeding evoked with endoparasites]. / Ekonomiczne straty w hodowli bazantów wywolane pasozytami wewnetrznymi.

Parasitical invasions constitute a serious veterinary-economic problem in pheasant breeding. The studies were carried out between 1995-1997 in a big breeding centre situated in the Middle Pomerania region, where the basic flock amounted to 1000-1200 bird individuals. The aim of the study was to determine a condition of the pheasants' affliction with nematodes, reasons for the invasion and possibilities of a decrease in the losses thus brought about. In the subsequent years, the flock affliction reached the following proportions: 40% in 1995, 42% in 1996, and 68% in 1997. Between 1995 and 1996, the findings revealed eggs of the nematode Capillaria sp (C. anatis and C. phasianina) in their faeces, with less frequent cases of Trichostrongylus tenuis, Heterakis isolonche and Syngamus trachea. Between 1995-1996 40% deaths in the afflicted flock were brought about by Syngamus trachea whilst in 1997 syngamosis resulted in 80% deaths among the afflicted birds. To determine reasons for the confirmed nematode invasion in the studied period during which all the requirements were fulfilled in the pheasant breeding, conclusions were drawn on the basis of the study. Also, preventive measures were suggested to stop any further appearance of syngamosis or losses due to other endoparasites, as those in 1997.

Filaroides osleri (Oslerus osleri): two case reports and a review of canid infections in North America.

Infections of domesticated dogs by a worldwide parasitic nematode Filaroides osleri (Oslerus osleri) lead to verminous tracheobronchitis that are often misdiagnosed clinically as kennel cough, due to infection with the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. Diagnosis of two canine cases in Wyoming, USA prompted a search of the literature of canid infections in North America. Infections of domestic dogs are reported in nine US states and four Canadian provinces. Dogs of multiple breeds and both sexes were infected. Most were two years old or younger at diagnosis. Anthelmintic treatments were effective in relieving clinical symptoms, as well as causing resolution of tracheobronchial nodules. Other canid species, including coyotes (Canis latrans) and wolves (Canis lupus), have been infected across North America with a prevalence of 23% and 4%, respectively. Infection with F. osleri should be included in the differential diagnosis of infectious tracheobronchitis of dogs. It can be confirmed most readily by endoscopic detection of distinctive submucosal parasite-filled nodules, combined with histological examination of endoscopic biopsies.

Obstructive, granulomatous tracheitis caused by Onchocerca sp. in a dog.

A 3-year-old spayed female dog was admitted with a history of episodes of dyspnoea and coughing. Severe tracheal stenosis was found on radiography. The dog died during an episode of refractory dyspnoea. Necropsy revealed an obstruction of the thoracic part of the trachea because of a chronic granulomatous inflammation protruding into the tracheal lumen. Histological examination revealed nematodes, which were identified as Onchocerca sp. according to their morphological characteristics. In contrast to the common ocular manifestation in dogs, obstructive tracheitis caused by Onchocerca infection has not been reported before.