Enterococcus casseliflavus infection in a captive Southern Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius): clinical and post-mortem findings.

An adult 22-year-old, male southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) presented for lethargy, dysorexia and soft feces. Clinical findings under chemical immobilization were unremarkable except for heterophilic toxic changes on blood smear, reduced albumin/globulin ratio and potentially elevated liver parameters. The animal was treated for suspected hepatobiliary insufficiency and received supportive treatment with daily subcutaneous fluids and medication and was monitored with a quality-of-life assessment. It was eventually euthanized after further deterioration. Post-mortem examination revealed vegetative valvular endocarditis, bile duct obstruction, cholangiohepatitis and splenitis with intralesional Enterococcus casseliflavus isolated. This is a first documented case of E. casseliflavus infection in a bird with multiorgan involvement.

Pyelonephritis and Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia in a Captive Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica).

The Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) is one of the most trafficked animal species globally, and is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. There is limited information on reproductive biology or pathology of this species. We now document the clinical and pathological features of pyelonephritis and cystic endometrial hyperplasia in one of these animals. Ultrasonographic examination revealed pathological changes in the kidneys and uterus. On histopathological examination, there was marked interstitial infiltration of macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes in kidney tissue, fibrinonecrotic ureteritis and mild endometrial hyperplasia. This first report of these urogenital lesions in this species will be valuable for the conduct of health and reproductive assessments of the Sunda pangolin, which inform conservation and ex-situ management of this species.

Treatments and outcomes of severe hemorrhagic enteritis in three eastern bongos (Tragelpahus eurycerus isaacii) at the Singapore Zoo.

Three eastern bongos (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) presented acutely with hemorrhagic diarrhea at the Singapore Zoo, thought to be caused by a mouldy batch of hay. Repeated fecal tests were negative of parasites and common gastrointestinal bacteria including salmonella and campylobacter. The diarrhea resolved for all individuals after a week of leaf-only diet. However, 2 individuals developed signs of colic. Both animals were anesthetized for examination including blood tests and imaging studies. The findings were consistent of gastrointestinal ileus and a possible impaction. With intensive treatment involving repeated sedations for fluid therapy administration and treatments for gastrointestinal impaction, one individual eventually made a full recovery, but the other individual died due to septic peritonitis secondary to a rupture in the spiral colon. Persistent supportive therapy may be vital in treating severe gastrointestinal disease in this species.