INTESTINAL TYMPANY AND VOLVULUS IN CENTRAL AMERICAN RIVER TURTLES (DERMATEMYS MAWII).

Ten cases of small intestinal tympany with or without volvulus were documented in Central American river turtles (Dermatemys mawii). These turtles were under managed care at the Philadelphia Zoo in Philadelphia, PA, USA, with one case followed after transfer to a different institution. The primary clinical presentation was abnormal buoyancy in nearly all cases (9/10) and anorexia in two cases (2/10). Five of 10 turtles with suspected or radiographically confirmed small intestinal tympany recovered (5/10), whereas five cases (5/ 10) resulted in death or euthanasia. In all fatal cases (5/5), small intestinal volvulus was identified at gross necropsy, with concurrent colonic volvulus identified in 2/5 cases. Other notable necropsy findings were hepatic lipidosis (3/5) and thrombosis of intestinal or renal vasculature (2/5). In all fatal cases (5/5), there was short (1 to 2 days) clinical progression from abnormal buoyancy to death or euthanasia. In the majority of cases (6/10), an abrupt change in diet, notably the overfeeding of fresh fruit or excessive amounts of mulberry (Morus spp.) browse, or ingestion of indigestible foreign material, occurred prior to presentation. Temporary suboptimal environmental temperatures were suspected prior to the onset of clinical signs in 4/10 cases. Optimal husbandry conditions including nutrition and environmental temperature appear vital to preventing this condition. Recognition of early clinical signs of this condition, such as abnormal buoyancy and anorexia, and environmental correction or medical therapy, may prevent fatality and result in a better outcome in these cases.

Metastatic Mixed Germ Cell Tumour with Embryonal Carcinoma and Choriocarcinoma in a Female Eurasian Harvest Mouse (Micromys minutus).

Mixed germ cell tumours occur rarely in veterinary species. This report describes a case of metastatic mixed germ cell tumour in a female Eurasian harvest mouse (Micromys minutus). The tumour was extensive in one ovary and the uterus, and was characterized by two distinct tumour cell populations with features typical of embryonal carcinoma (EC) and choriocarcinoma (CC). Metastases of CC to the lungs and liver were observed. The exact origin of the CC was unclear, but the possibility of a non-gestational CC is favoured, given the context of a mixed germ cell tumour and lack of p53 expression. EC diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemical labelling of CD30 and lack of immunoreactivity for c-Kit. In addition, membranous ß-catenin expression was present in the EC component, indicating an inactive Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, which is required for the maintenance of pluripotency.

Atypical fatal sarcocystosis associated with Sarcocystis neurona in a White-nosed coati (Nasua narica molaris).

The protozoan parasite Sarcocystis neurona is an important cause of disease in horses (equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, EPM) and marine mammals. Isolated reports of clinical EPM-like disease have been documented in a zebra, raccoon, domestic cat, domestic dog, ferret, skunk, mink, lynx, red panda and fisher. The predominant disease is encephalomyelitis associated with schizonts in neural tissues. Here, we report highly disseminated sarcocystosis, in many tissues of a captive White-nosed coati (Nasua narica molaris). The 14year old, neutered male coati was euthanized due to progressive weakness, lethargy, and inappetence. Schizonts, including free and intracellular merozoites were detected in many cell types, and differed morphologically from S. neurona schizonts in horses. Only a few sarcocysts were seen in skeletal muscle and the myocardium. Immunohistochemically, the protozoa reacted positively to S. neurona but not to Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Severe inflammtory disease detected in the stomach, intestine, adrenal and thyroid glands, ciliary body of eye, and urinary bladder associated with schizonts in the coati has not been reported earlier in any host with EPM. Although, a few schizonts were found in the brain, encephalitis was minimal and not the cause of clinical signs. Multilocus PCR-DNA sequencing using DNA derived from the coati lung tissue identified an S. neurona infection using the 18S, 28S and ITS-1 markers, and a novel genotype using primer pairs against antigenic surface proteins (SnSAG3, SnSAG4, SnSAG1-5-6) and microsatellite markers (MS, SN7, SN9). Although the genotype was similar to the widely distributed Type VI strain, it possessed a novel allele at SnSAG5, and a different MS combination of repeats at SN7 and SN9. Whether this severe parasitism was related to the host or the parasite needs further investigation.

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.

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in aquatic caecilians (Typhlonectes natans): a series of cases from two institutions.

Infection with the fungal organism Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis was documented in two captive populations of aquatic caecilians (Typhlonectes natans), including 24 confiscated animals at the Bronx Zoo's Wildlife Health Center and two captive-born animals at the Phoenix Zoo. The animals at the Bronx Zoo were asymptomatic, and infection was discovered during quarantine polymerase chain reaction screening. Both animals at the Phoenix Zoo were clinically ill, and Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infection was confirmed in both animals, but it is unclear what role, if any, the infection played in the animals' clinical signs. All of the Bronx Zoo's caecilians were successfully cleared of infection by elevating to and then holding water temperatures at 32.2 degrees C (90 degrees F) for 72 hr. One animal at the Phoenix Zoo died before treatment could be instituted, and the second died despite treatment with a 0.01% itraconazole bath. Chytridiomycosis has only been very recently first reported in caecilians, and much remains unknown about its behavior in this amphibian order. This is the first published report of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infection in captive-born caecilians and also the first describing details of treatment of chytridiomycosis in caecilians. It appears that raising tank temperature to 32.2 degrees C for 72 hr is a safe and effective treatment for aquatic caecilians with chytridiomycosis.

Surgical removal of a thymoma in a burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia).

A 12-year-old male burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) was presented for evaluation of a mass in the right cervical region. A thymoma was diagnosed after surgical resection and histopathologic evaluation. Extensive adherence of the thymoma to the esophagus and suspected invasion into the right jugular vein contributed to a poor postsurgical outcome. Diagnosis and treatment of thymomas in avian species is similar to that in mammals. Surgical removal of noninvasive thymomas is usually curative. Thymomas are rarely reported in avian species and this is the first report in a strigiform bird.

Dermatitis in captive Wyoming toads (Bufo baxteri) associated with Fusarium spp.

From May 2007 to June 2008, 30 of 49 Wyoming toads (Bufo baxteri) kept at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo (Nebraska, USA) died showing clinical signs of ventral erythema, inappetance, lethargy, and delayed righting reflex. Treatment with antifungals and antibiotics was unsuccessful in all cases. Histopathologic analyses revealed dermatitis as the primary problem in 20 of 21 toads in which skin was examined. Fungal dermatitis was present in 17 toads, with hyphae approximately 1-3 µm in diameter, and parallel cell walls and frequent septations. In 14 animals, the fungal dermatitis was the main pathologic lesion. Several species of bacteria were associated with all cases. A few animals tested positive for Ranavirus using polymerase chain reaction. Fusarium sp. was consistently cultured from skin, feces, kidneys, and from powdered food provided to crickets. Four isolates were identified as Fusarium proliferatum, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, and Fusarium verticillioides, which suggested a secondary role of fungi. A specific underlying cause of disease could not be found, although the roles of humidity and Ranavirus infection are discussed, along with the well-known susceptibility of bufonids to fungal dermatitis.

Pituitary cystadenoma, enterolipidosis, and cutaneous mycosis in an Everglades ratsnake (Elaphe obsoleta rossalleni).

An 11-yr-old captive-born male Everglades ratsnake (Elaphe obsoleta rosalleni) presented with dysecdysis, hyperkeratosis, and inappetance. Two skin biopsies demonstrated a diffuse hyperkeratosis with both a bacterial and fungal epidermitis. Fusarium oxysporum was cultured from both biopsies and considered an opportunistic infection rather than a primary pathogen. Medical management was unsuccessful, and the snake was euthanized. Histologic findings included a pituitary cystadenoma arising from the pars intermedia, severe intestinal lipidosis, generalized epidermal hyperkeratosis, and lesions consistent with sepsis. It is hypothesized that endocrine derangements from the pituitary tumor may have caused the skin and intestinal lesions.

Scoliosis in a tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) associated with encysted digenetic trematodes of the genus Clinostomum.

A group of 202 tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) was brought into captivity due to habitat destruction. Half of these animals died, over two mo, showing generalized hemorrhages compatible with an infectious disease, but an etiologic agent was not determined. Encysted metacercarial stages of trematodes within the skeletal musculature, coelomic cavity, and subcutaneous space were additional necropsy findings. One salamander had scoliosis and multiple skin nodules. A radiograph showed no skeletal abnormality to explain the scoliosis; however, numerous round nodules were more radiodense than the surrounding tissue. A presumptive diagnosis of generalized trematodiasis was made, yet the salamander did not improve after a course of praziquantel and subsequently died. Necropsy revealed massive, encysted trematode infection. Histologic examination revealed marked multifocal intramuscular, subcutaneous, and coelomic trematodiasis with associated necrosis and inflammation. Based on gross morphology, the trematode was identified as a member of the genus Clinostomum.

Oropharyngeal teratoma in a neonatal sable antelope (Hippotragus niger).

A neonatal male sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) was found dead. A 5 by 12-cm lobulated mass was present in the oral cavity, attached to the caudal border of the soft palate; this mass contained hair, cartilage, bone, nervous tissue, muscle, and multiple gland-like structures. Histopathologic diagnosis was consistent with oropharyngeal teratoma. As a result of the lack of wear of the fetal hooves, the firm, collapsed appearance of the lungs, and the lack of other gross or histopathologic abnormalities, the oropharyngeal tumor is suspected to have caused an airway obstruction, resulting in the calf's early postnatal death. This is the first report of an oropharyngeal teratoma in the veterinary literature.

Reptile neoplasia at the Philadelphia Zoological Garden, 1901-2002.

A retrospective study of neoplasia in reptiles held at the Philadelphia Zoological Garden was conducted. A total of 3,684 original necropsy reports for the period 1901-2002 were reviewed and revealed 86 cases of neoplasia. Original glass slides or re-cuts from paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were examined for confirmation of the original diagnosis. At necropsy, a total of six neoplasms were identified in six of 490 chelonians (1.2%), 22 neoplasms in 19 of 736 lizards (3.0%), and 58 neoplasms in 53 of 1,835 snakes (2.9%). An additional 12 neoplasms were found in biopsies of one turtle and 10 snakes. In the chelonians, all the neoplasms were seen in turtles, four of six tumors were malignant (66%) and no organ predilection was noted. For lizards, the liver was the most commonly affected organ, with 7 of 22 primary neoplasms (31%). Multiple tumor types were identified in three lizards (15%), metastasis occurred in five cases (25%), and malignant tumors were identified in 16 cases (73%). In snakes, the liver was most frequently affected by neoplasia at necropsy, with 13 of 58 primary neoplasms (22%); multiple types of neoplasm were identified in five cases (10%) and metastasis in six (9%); and 42 tumors (80%) were diagnosed as malignant. When biopsies were included for snakes, however, the skin was the most commonly affected organ, with 17 of 69 neoplasms (24%). One of five lizards (20%) and four of six snakes (66%) with metastasis also had a second primary neoplasm. Since 1967, the incidence of lizard neoplasia has increased from 0.7% to 5.9%, and snake neoplasia has increased from 2.6% to 9.3%.

Iron storage disease in tapirs.

Recent studies of serum iron and iron binding capacity have indicated that tapirs could be at risk of developing hemochromatosis. However, in recent surveys of pathologic findings in tapirs, hemochromatosis was not reported as a cause of death. This study reviews necropsy reports from three species of tapir (Baird's tapir [Tapirus bairdii], Malayan tapir [Tapirus indicus], and Brazilian tapir [Tapirus terrestris]) at the Philadelphia Zoological Garden between 1902 and 1994. Twelve cases of hemosiderosis, including fatal hemochromatosis in two Baird's tapirs, were found among 19 cases examined histologically. Hemochromatosis has previously been reported in the horse, rhinoceros, and in one Brazilian tapir. Dietary factors were investigated but could not be confirmed to have contributed to the incidence of hemosiderosis and hemochromatosis in the three species of tapir in the Philadelphia Zoological Garden collection.