Epidemiology of Pathogenic Retroviruses and Domestic Cat Hepadnavirus in Community and Client-Owned Cats in Hong Kong.

Understanding the local epidemiology of feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in Hong Kong will inform retrovirus prevention strategies. Domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH), a novel hepatitis-B-like virus, is commonly detected among client-owned cats in Hong Kong, but community cats have not been studied. The aims of this study were to investigate the frequency and potential risk factors for (i) FeLV and FIV among community and client-owned cats and (ii) perform molecular detection of DCH among community cats in Hong Kong. Blood samples from 713 cats were obtained from client-owned (n = 415, residual diagnostic) and community cats (n = 298, at trap-neuter-return). Point-of-care (POC) testing for FeLV antigen and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) anti-p15 and p24 antibodies was performed. FeLV-positive samples were progressed to p27 sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Whole blood DNA was tested with qPCRs for FeLV U3 and gag, and nested PCRs where additional information was required. DCH qPCR was performed on a subset of community cats (n = 193). A single, regressive, FeLV infection was detected in a client-owned cat (1/415 FeLV U3 qPCR positive, 0.2%, 95% CI 0.0-1.3%). Five/415 client-owned cats tested presumably false FeLV-antigen positive (qPCR negative). No markers of FeLV infection were detected in community cats (0/298; 0%). FIV seroprevalence was much higher in community cats (46/298, 15.4%) than in client-owned cats (13/415, 3.1%) (p < 0.001). Mixed breed was a risk factor for FIV infection in client-owned cats. Neither sex nor age were associated with FIV infection. DCH DNA was detected in 34/193 (17.6%) community cats (median viral load 6.32 × 103 copies/reaction). FeLV infection is rare in Hong Kong, negatively impacting the positive predictive value of diagnostic tests. FeLV-antigen testing remains the screening test of choice, but confirmation of a positive result using FeLV qPCR is essential. FIV infection is common in community cats and the absence of a sex predisposition, seen previously in cats managed similarly, raises questions about virus-transmission dynamics in these groups. DCH infection is very common in Hong Kong, both in client-owned and community cats, highlighting the importance of understanding the pathogenic potential of this virus for cats.

Serum anti-Müllerian hormone around the time of ovulation simulated by exogenous hormones in clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa).

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is produced by granulosa cells of the antral follicles. It serves as a promising biomarker for ovarian reserve and responsiveness to ovarian stimulation in humans and domestic animals. This study aimed to validate the AMH Gen II enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and correlate ovarian structures with serum AMH concentrations after stimulation treatment in clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa). Serum samples were collected from 12 women (age 6.21 ± 3.56 years), and serum AMH concentrations were analysed using AMH Gen II ELISA. The animals were divided into two groups based on ovarian structures [preovulatory follicles (>2 mm) and/or corpora hemorrhagica] along with the presence of uterine tonicity visualized laparoscopically around the time of ovulation. Animals that exhibited these reproductive features were identified as the responder group (n = 9, aged 7.59 ± 2.96 years), whereas those lacking the corresponding features were assigned to the nonresponder group (n = 3, aged 2.06 ± 0.53 years). The intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) and interassay CV was 3.56% and 7.75%, respectively. The linearity of AMH dilution was confirmed (r2 = .998), and the percentage of recovery ranged from 93% to 115%. The results demonstrated that overall serum AMH concentrations around the time of ovulation were negatively correlated with age (rs = -.692, p = .013). However, serum AMH concentrations were not correlated with the average number of ovarian structures (rs = -.535, p = .074). Thus, AMH Gen II ELISA was validated in clouded leopards. Around the time of ovulation, serum AMH decreased with advancing age and ovarian responsiveness cannot be evaluated using serum AMH.

Pulmonary acinar adenocarcinoma in a captive lioness (Panthera leo).

Neoplasms in wild felids are more frequently observed in captive animals, of which clinicopathological features of pulmonary tumors are not commonly described. This study aimed to describe the clinical and pathological aspects of a case of diffuse pulmonary acinar adenocarcinoma in a 23-year-old, captive lioness with clinical history of dyspnea, progressive weight loss and inappetence. At necropsy, the lungs were mildly pale, moderately firm, and the pleural surface was diffusely irregular with multifocal to coalescent, grey to white areas. No masses or superficial nodules were detected, but, on the cut surface, there were numerous, spherical, firm, white to yellow areas up to 0.5 cm in diameter affecting all pulmonary lobes. Histologically, in the lungs, there were extensive, non-delineated areas of neoplastic proliferation of columnar, ciliated epithelial cells arranged in irregular tubuloacinar structures. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed immunolabeling of neoplastic cells for pan-cytokeratin and thyroid transcription factor-1. Napsin-A exhibited only scarce and scattered immunolabeling in the neoplastic cells. The gross, histologic and immunohistochemical findings confirmed the final diagnosis of primary diffuse pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Anatomical Characteristics of Duplicated Caudal Vena Cava in Cats-A Case Report.

Precise knowledge of the species-/breed-specific anatomy is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Existing literature has also been increasing in accordance with the growing demands of biomedical research, wherein mammals, including cats, have been used worldwide. Based on a vascular corrosion cast, complete duplication of the caudal vena cava (dCVC) was accidentally found in a 10-year-old male cat. The two separate symmetric veins corresponding to two caudal venae cavae cranially directed on both sides of the aorta; their first tributaries were the duplicated right and left deep circumflex iliac veins, and the median sacral vein ended in the right common iliac vein. At the L4 vertebra level, the left caudal vena cava crossed the aorta ventrally. It united with the right CVC immediately above the renal veins at the level of the cranial mesenteric artery (L2-L3). Embryologic knowledge is essential to understand the differences between the CVC variants in domestic mammals and the inferior vena cava in humans. However, views regarding the post-hepatic segment of the CVC during development vary considerably. Therefore, our case report also includes a summary of the CVC developmental theories and their clinical impact. We believe that this case and literature review contribute to the knowledge regarding the deep abdominal veins' variability, concomitant pathologies, and accurate diagnosis and surgery. Additionally, the latest robust studies demonstrating the exclusive participation of the caudal cardinal veins in the CVC development are discussed.

Endometrial hyperplasia and pyometra in captive lions (Panthera leo) and tigers (Panthera tigris).

Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is a pathologic condition of the uterus with increased endometrial gland to stroma ratio compared to normal cyclic uterine proliferation. In domestic animals, EH often involves cystic distension of proliferating endometrial glands and may be concurrent with pyometra. In large captive nondomestic felids, an association between EH and pyometra is common; however, detailed species differences between the histological uterine findings in lions (Panthera leo) and tigers (Panthera tigris) and clinical manifestations have yet to be described. Uterine sections from 14 lions and 24 tigers with EH and/or pyometra were scored for several histological parameters and clinical histories were recorded. The percentage of endometrium affected by hyperplasia, endometrial gland to stroma ratio, and adenomyosis were significantly (P = .0385, P = .0008, and P = .0463, respectively) more severe in lions compared to tigers as univariate analytes. Although tubular complexity was not statistically significant (P = .3254), when combined as a proposed EH grading scheme, these 4 features confirmed lions had significantly (P = .0068) more severe EH compared to tigers. Endometrial hyperplasia severity significantly correlated with inflammation/pyometra severity when controlling for species (P = .0203). A significant correlation exists between pyometra-associated clinical sign severity and the presence of pyometra in tigers, (P = .0026) but not in lions (P = .1144). There was no statistical difference in the severity of clinical signs associated with pyometra between these species (P = .1986). This proposed grading scheme may have clinical utility in providing a more consistent and objective evaluation of EH in large captive felids.

Ovarian and uterine two-dimensional and Doppler ultrasonographic changes in the feline peri-estrus period.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate two-dimensional and Doppler ultrasonographic changes of the ovary and uterus during estrus and the early post-estrus period in domestic cats. METHODS: Two-dimensional and Doppler ultrasonographic evaluations of the ovaries and uterus were performed in seven queens on days 1, 3 and 5 of estrus, and 5 days after estrus (AE5). RESULTS: On day 1, 5.4 ± 0.5 follicles of 2.1 ± 0.1 mm were detected progressively increasing in number and size up to day 5 and then decreased on AE5 (P <0.05). A maximum follicular diameter of 4.1 ± 0.1 mm was achieved on day 5. Both during and after estrus, the uterus was generally hypoechoic compared with the surrounding tissues and delineated by a thin hyperechoic line corresponding to the serosa. In some animals, the uterine layers were distinguished during and after estrus. The blood flow waveforms of the intraovarian and uterine arteries were characterized by a systolic peak and diastolic flow extending throughout the remainder of the cardiac cycle to the next systole. In the uterine artery waveforms, the early diastolic notch was mild or absent during most estrous observations. The resistance index of the intraovarian arteries decreased up to day 5, and then increased on AE5 (P <0.05). The resistance index of the uterine arteries was lower during estrus than in the post-estrus period (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: It is concluded that in the domestic cat, follicular number and diameter as well as ovarian and uterine blood flow changed during and immediately after estrus. Doppler ultrasound proved suitable to evaluate the hemodynamic changes involved in the cyclic remodeling of ovarian and uterine tissues that occurs during and after follicular growth in domestic cats.

Accelerometry and infrared thermography show potential for assessing ovarian activity in domestic cats (Felis catus).

Accurate and reliable monitoring of ovarian activity is challenging in many felids as current methods are either invasive or not amenable to real-time assessments. This 45-day study assessed whether accelerometry and infrared (IR) thermography can be used to address these limitations. Intact female domestic cats (n = 12) were given 0.088 mg kg-1 day-1 altrenogest (progestin) orally for 37 days to suppress follicular growth. On Day 40, cats were given 75 IU eCG im to induce follicular growth and 50 IU hCG im 80 h later to induce ovulation. Cats were ovariohysterectomised 30-31 h after the hCG treatment. Actical® accelerometers were fitted to the cats' collars and activity monitored continuously from the start of the altrenogest treatment until ovariohysterectomy. Infrared images of the perivulvar, perianal, and gluteal area were taken of each cat on Day 30 and daily from Days 36-45 of the study. Perivulvar temperature (PVT), PVT relative to gluteal temperatures (PVT-GT), and PVT relative to perianal temperature (PVT-PAT) were recorded for each image. Blood samples were collected on Days 0, 10, 30, and 40, immediately prior to the hCG treatment, and at the time of ovariohysterectomy. Serum oestradiol and progesterone concentrations indicated complete ovarian suppression by Day 30 and, together with morphological assessment of the ovaries, confirmed the induction of follicular growth and ovulation in all cats. Daily activity counts differed among cats (P < 0.001), so the daily activity counts of each cat were converted to a proportional change from the average daily activity count from Days 30-39 (defined as the 'proportional daily activity'). Proportional daily activity counts increased after the stimulation of follicular growth with eCG, with peak levels (2.03 ± 0.29-fold higher than pre-treatment levels; P = 0.006) occurring three days after the eCG treatment. The PVT-GT showed the greatest sensitivity to detect subtle changes in body temperature, increasing from early to late follicular growth (1.96 ± 0.33 °C increase from Day 41-43; P < 0.001) and decreasing after hCG-induced ovulation (1.24 ± 0.41 °C decrease from Day 43-45; P = 0.01). In conclusion, both accelerometry and IR thermography show potential as non-invasive, real-time methods for assessing ovarian activity in cats, but further research is required to determine if these methods could be used to monitor natural/non-stimulated oestrous cycles.

Pulmonary adenocarcinoma in a captive ocelot (Leopardus pardalis): morphologic and immunophenotypic characterization - case report / Adenocarcinoma pulmonar em uma jaguatirica (Leopardus pardalis) de cativeiro: caracterização morfológica e imunofenotípica - relato de caso

Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is a malignant epithelial neoplasia that usually arises from conducting airways or alveolar parenchyma. It has rarely been described in wild felids, with no previous reports in ocelots. In domestic cats it is a very aggressive neoplasm with a high metastatic rate that usually evolves to death. This report aimed to describe a pulmonary adenocarcinoma in a captive and senile ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), with a thorough morphologic and immunophenotypically characterization, evidencing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenomenon in a high metastatic carcinoma, an important feature rarely described in veterinary medicine, even in domestic cats.(AU)

O adenocarcinoma pulmonar é uma neoplasia epitelial maligna originada do epitélio respiratório das vias aéreas inferiores e do parênquima alveolar. É uma neoplasia raramente descrita em felinos selvagens, sem nenhum relato em jaguatiricas. Em gatos domésticos, é uma neoplasia muito agressiva, com alta taxa de metástase, e geralmente evolui para o óbito do paciente. O presente relato objetiva descrever um adenocarcinoma pulmonar em uma jaguatirica (Leopardus pardalis) senil de cativeiro, com detalhada caracterização morfológica e imunofenotípica, evidenciando o fenômeno de transição epitelial-mesenquial (TEM) em um carcinoma altamente metastático, uma característica importante, com escassos relatos na medicina veterinária, mesmo em gatos domésticos.(AU)

Papillomaviruses in Domestic Cats.

Papillomaviruses (PVs) are well established to cause hyperplastic papillomas (warts) in humans and animals. In addition, due to their ability to alter cell regulation, PVs are also recognized to cause approximately 5% of human cancers and these viruses have been associated with neoplasia in a number of animal species. In contrast to other domestic species, cats have traditionally been thought to less frequently develop disease due to PV infection. However, in the last 15 years, the number of viruses and the different lesions associated with PVs in cats have greatly expanded. In this review, the PV life cycle and the subsequent immune response is briefly discussed along with methods used to investigate a PV etiology of a lesion. The seven PV types that are currently known to infect cats are reviewed. The lesions that have been associated with PV infections in cats are then discussed and the review finishes with a brief discussion on the use of vaccines to prevent PV-induced disease in domestic cats.

Safety and Efficacy of Felid Herpesvirus-1 Deletion Mutants in Cats.

Felid herpesvirus-1 (FeHV-1) is an important respiratory and ocular pathogen of cats and current vaccines are limited in duration and efficacy because they do not prevent infection, viral nasal shedding and latency. To address these shortcomings, we have constructed FeHV-1 gE-TK- and FeHV-1 PK- deletion mutants (gE-TK- and PK-) using bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) mutagenesis and shown safety and immunogenicity in vitro. Here, we compare the safety and efficacy of a prime boost FeHV-1 gE-TK- and FeHV-1 PK- vaccination regimen with commercial vaccination in cats. Cats in the vaccination groups were vaccinated at 3-week intervals and all cats were challenge infected 3 weeks after the last vaccination. Evaluations included clinical signs, nasal shedding, virus neutralizing antibodies (VN), cytokine mRNA gene expression, post-mortem histology and detection of latency establishment. Vaccination with gE-TK- and PK- mutants was safe and resulted in significantly reduced clinical disease scores, pathological changes, viral nasal shedding, and viral DNA in the trigeminal ganglia (the site of latency) following infection. Both mutants induced VN antibodies and interferons after immunization. In addition, after challenge infection, we observed a reduction of IL-1ß expression, and modulation of TNFα, TGFß and IL10 expression. In conclusion, this study shows the merits of using FeHV-1 deletion mutants for prevention of FeHV-1 infection in cats.

INACTIVITY AT NIGHT: A CASE STUDY OF THE NOCTURNAL BEHAVIORS OF TWO CAPTIVE Panthern onca (FELIDAE) SPECIMENS / Inactividad en la noche: un estudio de caso de los comportamientos nocturnos de dos especímenes de Panthera onca (felidae) cautivos

ABSTRACT Inactivity is a common daytime behavior expressed by wild cats in zoos. It is not clear whether this inactivity is due to the constraints of the captive environment or is a result of a more natural behavior by these animals. Therefore, this work evaluated the behavior of two Panthera onca captive specimens, including their inactivity, during the evening/night period. The jaguars were filmed individually in different days, starting at 5:30 pm and finishing between 7:00 pm and 1:30 am, including non-feeding and feeding days. Regardless of whether they were fed or not, both jaguars expressed a significant rate of inactivity. In addition, when fed, one of the jaguars increased its movements and active behaviors, although its inactivity remained high, while the other jaguar further reduced the expression of such behaviors. Therefore, this work concludes that these jaguars were just as inactive during the evening/night period as they were during daytime. Excessive inactivity might be regarded as a negative behavior; with its highest expression being an effect of the captive environment, which might compromise the welfare of the assessed jaguars and possibly of other wild cats. In addition, since the behavioral expression varied between the studied jaguars, depending on the feeding or non-feeding status, we recommend that futures studies should taking into account the individual variations, especially when there are differences in age, health, and management conditions between the specimens.

RESUMEN La inactividad es un comportamiento común expresado por gatos salvajes en los zoológicos durante el día. No está claro si esta inactividad es un efecto de las restricciones del ambiente de cautiverio o si puede representar un comportamiento más natural en estos animales. Por lo tanto, el comportamiento de dos Panthera onca cautivos, incluida la inactividad, se evaluó durante los períodos de tarde / noche. Los jaguares fueron filmados individualmente en diferentes días a partir de las 5:30 pm y terminando entre las 7:00 pm y la 1:30 am, incluidos los días en que fueron alimentados y los días en que no lo fueron. Independientemente de que se alimentaran o no, ambos jaguares expresaron una frecuencia significativa de inactividad. Además, cuando se alimentó, uno de los jaguares incrementó el movimiento y las conductas activas de pie, aunque su inactividad siguió siendo alta, mientras que el otro redujo aún más la expresión de tales conductas. Se concluye que estos jaguares son tan inactivos durante los períodos de tarde / noche, como lo son durante el día. La excesiva inactividad puede considerarse un comportamiento negativo y su alta expresión parece ser un efecto de las condiciones de cautiverio, las cuales podrían perjudicar el estado de bienestar de los jaguares evaluados y posiblemente de otros gatos salvajes. Además, como las expresiones de comportamiento variaron entre los jaguares, dependiendo de la alimentación o no, se recomienda que se considere la variabilidad individual de la respuesta en estudios futuros, especialmente cuando existen diferencias de edad, salud y condiciones de manejo.

High occurrence of felid alphaherpesvirus 1 and feline calicivirus in domestic cats from southern Brazil / Alta ocorrência de alphaherpesvirus felideo e calicivirus felino em gatos domésticos no Sul do Brasil

Felid alphaherpesvirus 1 (FeHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV) affect cats worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of occurrence of FeHV-1 and FCV in cats with clinical signs of respiratory, oral and/or ocular disease. Samples were collected from cats cared for in veterinary ambulatory and clinics and submitted to molecular detection and viral isolation. Of the 49 cats evaluated, 45 (92%) were positive for at least one of the viruses; 82% (40/49) were positive for FeHV-1 and 41% (20/49) for FCV. Of these, 31% (15/49) were coinfection cases. For FeHV-1, 45% (18/40) of the cats tested were positive from the collection of eye swab, and the same percentage (9/20) was obtained for the FCV by the oral swab. FeHV-1 and/or FCV were isolated in 35% (17/49) of the samples. The main clinical sign observed was ocular secretion in 71% (35/49) of cats, characterized as mild serous, purulent or serosanguineous, and in some cases associated with ocular injury and marked chemosis. Our findings demonstrate the high occurrence of FeHV-1 and FCV in domestic cats in southern Brazil and indicate that measures should be implemented to improve the diagnostic, prevention and management against of these important diseases.(AU)

Alphaherpesvírus felídeo 1 (FeHV-1) e calicivírus felino (FCV) afetam gatos mundialmente. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a frequência de ocorrência de FeHV-1 e FCV em gatos com sinais clínicos de doença respiratória, oral e/ou ocular. Amostras foram coletadas de gatos atendidos em ambulatório e clínicas veterinárias e submetidas à detecção molecular e isolamento viral. Dos 49 gatos avaliados, 45 (92%) foram positivos para ao menos um dos vírus; 82% (40/49) foram positivos para o FeHV-1 e 41% (20/49) para o FCV. Destes, 31% (15/49) foram casos de coinfecção. Para o FeHV-1, 45% (18/40) dos gatos foram positivos na coleta do swab ocular, e o mesmo percentual (9/20) foi obtido para o FCV a partir do swab oral. FeHV-1 e/ou FCV foram isolados em 35% (17/49) das amostras. O principal sinal clínico observado foi secreção ocular em 71% (35/49) dos gatos, caracterizada como serosa, purulenta ou serossanguinolenta e, em alguns casos, associada à lesão e quemose. Nossos resultados demonstram a alta ocorrência de FeHV-1 e FCV em gatos domésticos na região Sul do Brasil e indicam que devem ser implementadas medidas para melhorar o diagnóstico, a prevenção e o manejo contra essas importantes doenças.(AU)

AMYLOIDOSIS IN CARACALS (CARACAL CARACAL).

Nine cases of amyloidosis in caracals (Caracal caracal) from three different institutions in Europe were reviewed and evaluated histopathologically. The six males and three females died between 2008 and 2018 at an age of 6 yr ± 2.5 mo (median ± interquartile range). In two out of nine (2/9) animals, amyloidosis was an incidental postmortem finding; the animals died of bronchopneumonia and gastric ulceration due to Helicobacter spp., respectively. Seven (7/9) animals suffered from acute renal failure due to amyloidosis, one of them additionally of cardiac decompensation. The predominant clinical signs were weight loss, lethargy, dys- or anorexia, dehydration, increased BUN and creatinine, and azotemia. The main gross lesion was a pale renal cortex on cut surface; in two animals, the kidneys appeared enlarged. Histologically, glomerular amyloid was present in every animal (9/9), and was the predominant renal manifestation of amyloidosis. Additional findings included splenic amyloid (8/8), amyloid in the lamina propria of the intestine (5/5), and amyloid in the lingual submucosa (4/4). Gastric mineralization was present in four animals suffering from renal failure. In the animal dying from bronchopneumonia, severe pancreatic amyloid deposits mainly affecting the exocrine pancreas (1/5) were identified. Immunohistochemistry was employed to identify amyloid AA in eight cases; only in the caracal dying from bronchopneumonia AA was amyloid confirmed. In several organs, especially in those where only small amyloid deposits were detected, a Congo red stain was often necessary to confirm the deposition. The etiology of the amyloidosis remains unknown. Three caracals were related within two generations, another three within four generations, so one might hypothesize a familial trait. In conclusion, amyloidosis should be considered as a significant disease in the caracal. Particularly in cases with renal disease, it should be included as a major differential diagnosis.

Identification of A Novel Papillomavirus Associated with Squamous Cell Carcinoma in A Domestic Cat.

Papillomaviruses infect the skin and mucosal surfaces of diverse animal hosts with consequences ranging from asymptomatic colonization to highly malignant epithelial cancers. Increasing evidence suggests a role for papillomaviruses in the most common cutaneous malignancy of domestic cats, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Using total DNA sequencing we identified a novel feline papillomavirus in a nasal biopsy taken from a cat presenting with both nasal cavity lymphoma and recurrent squamous cell carcinoma affecting the nasal planum. We designate this novel virus as Felis catus papillomavirus 6 (FcaPV6). The complete FcaPV6 7453 bp genome was similar to those of other feline papillomaviruses and phylogenetic analysis revealed that it was most closely related to FcaPV3, although was distinct enough to represent a new viral type. Classification of FcaPV6 in a new genus alongside FcaPVs 3, 4 and 5 is supported. Archived excisional biopsy of the SCC, taken 20 months prior to presentation, was intensely positive on p16 immunostaining. FcaPV6, amplified using virus-specific, but not consensus, PCR, was the only papillomavirus detected in DNA extracted from the SCC. Conversely, renal lymphoma, sampled at necropsy two months after presentation, tested negative on FcaPV6-specific PCR. In sum, using metagenomics we demonstrate the presence of a novel feline papillomavirus in association with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

First record of Lagochilascaris minor (Nematoda: Ascarididae) in Leopardus geoffroyi (Carnivora: Felidae) in Brazil / Primeiro registro de Lagochilascaris minor (Nematoda: Ascarididae) em Leopardus geoffroyi (Carnivora: Felidae) no Brasil

Abstract Lagochilascariasis is a parasitic disease caused by nematodes of the genus Lagochilascaris. These parasites occur in the neotropical region and their definitive hosts are wild animals, domestic dogs and felids and, accidentally, humans. Here, infection by Lagochilascaris minor is recorded for the first time in a wild felid, in Brazil.

Resumo A lagochilascaríase é uma doença parasitária causada por nematoides do gênero Lagochilascaris. Com distribuição neotropical, este parasito tem como hospedeiros definitivos animais silvestres, canídeos e felídeos domésticos e, acidentalmente, seres humanos. Registra-se a primeira ocorrência de Lagochilascaris minor em um felídeo silvestre no Brasil.

Identification of a Novel Gammaherpesvirus in Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis).

Gammaherpesviruses (GHVs) infect many animal species and are associated with lymphoproliferative disorders in some. Previously, we identified several novel GHVs in North American felids; however, a GHV had never been identified in Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis). We, therefore, hypothesized the existence of an unidentified GHV in lynx. Using degenerate nested and subsequently virus-specific PCR, we amplified and sequenced 3.4 kb of DNA from a novel GHV in lynx, which we named Lynx canadensis gammaherpesvirus 1 (LcaGHV1). Phylogenetic analysis determined that LcaGHV1 is a distinct GHV species belonging to the genus Percavirus. We then estimated the prevalence of LcaGHV1 in lynx by developing a PCR-based assay and detected LcaGHV1 DNA in 36% (95% CI: 22-53%) of lynx spleen DNA samples from Maine, USA and 17% (95% CI: 8-31%) from Newfoundland, Canada. The LcaGHV1 DNA sequences from Maine and Newfoundland lynx were nearly identical to each other (two nucleotide substitutions in 3.4 kb), suggesting that the unique lynx subspecies present on the island of Newfoundland (Lynx canadensis subsolanus) is infected with virus that very closely resembles virus found in mainland lynx. The potential ecologic and pathologic consequences of this novel virus for Canada lynx populations warrant further study.

Treatment of leiomyosarcoma in a tiger (Panthera tigris) with stereotactic radiotherapy.

A 10-year-old male captive tiger (Panthera tigris) developed right-sided facial asymmetry and enlargement. Computed tomography revealed a destructive mass of the right maxillary bone with right nasal cavity involvement. Histopathology indicated a spindle cell sarcoma. A single fraction of 22 Gy using stereotactic radiotherapy was prescribed. After treatment, the facial conformation returned to normal and the tiger resumed normal behavior. Diagnostics 4 months later indicated severe metastatic disease. Humane euthanasia and necropsy were performed. This is the first case utilizing stereotactic radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer in a tiger.

A retrospective study of mortality in Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in UK zoos.

IUCN currently classifies the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) as "Least Concern," however, across its six to nine subspecies, some isolated populations are classified as "Endangered" or "Critically Endangered." Despite this and the species' relative ubiquity in European zoos, a retrospective mortality study of a captive population has not previously been performed. By analyzing necropsy reports, animal records, and the European studbook, we were able to ascertain a cause of death for 38 (73%) of the 52 recorded lynx deaths in UK zoos during the study period (January 1, 2000 to November 1, 2015). "Culling" as part of population management was the most common cause of death (21%) followed by neoplastic (16%), circulatory (11%), neurological (11%), and genitourinary (11%) disease. "Geriatric" individuals accounted for 62% of lynx to die within the study period, 23% were "neonates" and 15% "adults." Neoplasia, circulatory disease, and culling were the leading causes of death in each of these age categories, respectively. Excluding "culls" and "neonates," the mean age at death was 18.81 ± 0.42 years, consistent with existing data. Squamous cell carcinoma was reported in three individuals (8%) and suspected idiopathic epilepsy in four individuals (11%), warranting further investigation. Intraspecific killing (3%) and neonatal mortality, excluding culls, (14%) were reported with lower prevalence than expected based on previous studies of similar species. The lack of data available and high incidence of culling of individuals with a high inbreeding coefficient highlights the need for improved record-keeping and consultation with the studbook coordinator, respectively.

Neoplasia in Captive Panthera Species.

This retrospective study identified the spectrum of neoplasia diagnoses, prevalence rates and the contribution of neoplasia to death or humane destruction within Panthera species housed at a large cat sanctuary. Biopsy and necropsy reports from January 2002 to December 2017 were examined and histological material from cases diagnosed with neoplasia was reviewed. One hundred and sixty-eight neoplasms were diagnosed in 108 large felids: 70 tigers (Panthera tigris), 26 lions (Panthera leo), three ligers (P. leo × P. tigris), eight leopards (Panthera pardus) and one jaguar (Panthera onca). Forty-four felids had multiple neoplasms. The overall neoplasia rate (animals with neoplasms/all Panthera spp. pathology accessions) was 50.2%. Neoplasms predominantly originated from the reproductive (n = 47), endocrine (n = 27) and integumentary (n = 24) systems, with mammary carcinoma the most common neoplasm (n = 28). Mammary carcinomas comprised 59.6% of the reproductive tumours diagnosed and commonly metastasized widely. Neoplasia was the cause of death or humane destruction in 50.9% of the animals diagnosed with neoplasms. All lymphomas (n = 16) were responsible for death or humane destruction. This study shows that malignant and benign neoplasms are present in approximately half of ageing, captive Panthera spp., and that half of these animals will die or be humanely destroyed as a result of their neoplasms.

Time partitioning among jaguar Panthera onca, puma Puma concolor and ocelot Leopardus pardalis (Carnivora: Felidae) in Costa Rica's dry and rainforests / Separación temporal del jaguar Panthera onca, puma Puma concolor y ocelote Leopardus pardalis (Carnivora: Felidae) en los bosques tropicales húmedos y secos de Costa Rica

Abstract Segregation of daily activity patterns is considered an important mechanism facilitating the coexistance of competing species. Here, we evaluated if temporal separation existed among jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Puma concolor) and ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and if their activity patterns were related to that of a particular prey. We used camera trap records to estimate the activity schedules of these predators and their prey. We used the coefficient of overlapping (Δ; ranging from 0 to 1) to quantify the temporal interactions between predators and prey, and calculated confidence intervals from bootstrap samples. Strong temporal overlap occurred among the three felids (Δ = 0.63 - 0.82) in both dry and rainforests. However, a greater temporal separation was observed between the closest competitors (jaguar and puma, puma and ocelot). Jaguar and puma had a strong temporal overlap with medium and large-sized prey, while ocelots' activity matched that of smallsized prey. High overlapping coefficients among the felids suggest that temporal segregation is not the main mechanism facilitating their coexistence in these areas. However, fine-scale or spatiotemporal differences in their activity patterns might contribute to their coexistence in tropical environments.(AU)

Resumen La segregación de los patrones de actividad diaria es considerado un importante mecanismo para la coexistencia de especies competidoras. En este estudio, evaluamos si existía separación temporal entre el jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Puma concolor) y ocelote (Leopardus pardalis), y si sus patrones de actividad se relacionaban con los de sus presas potenciales. Utilizamos registros de cámaras trampa para estimar los patrones de actividad de los felinos y sus presas. Usamos el coeficiente de traslape (Δ; de 0 a 1) para cuantificar las interacciones temporales entre depredadores y presas y calculamos los intervalos de confianza mediante bootstrapping. Observamos un fuerte traslape temporal (Δ= 0.63-0.82) entre los felinos tanto en el bosque seco como en el lluvioso. La mayor segregación temporal ocurrió entre los competidores más cercanos (jaguar y puma, puma y ocelote). El jaguar y el puma tuvieron un fuerte traslape con las presas medianas y grandes, mientras que el ocelote se traslapó con presas más pequeñas. Los altos coeficientes de traslape entre los felinos sugieren que la segregación temporal no es el mecanismo principal de coexistencia en estos sitios. Sin embargo, pequeñas diferencias en los patrones de actividad (e.g. picos de actividad desfasados) podrían contribuir a su coexistencia en ambientes tropicales.(AU)