ARTERIAL CATHETERIZATION IN GREAT APES.

Anesthesia is frequently required to provide appropriate medical care to captive great apes. Anesthetic safety can be optimized through placement of an arterial catheter, which allows direct measurement of arterial blood pressure and easy sampling of arterial blood for blood-gas analysis. Arterial catheterization in great apes can be achieved through palpation-guided or ultrasound-guided placement with or without a modified Seldinger technique. Potential sites for arterial catheterization include the anterior tibial artery, caudal tibial and posterior saphenous arteries, dorsal pedal artery, femoral artery, radial artery, and brachial artery. Arterial catheterization is recommended for lengthy great ape anesthetic procedures or those involving invasive procedures.

HYPERKALEMIA IN FOUR ANESTHETIZED RED WOLVES (CANIS RUFUS).

Four clinically healthy red wolves (Canis rufus) developed hyperkalemia during routine anesthetic procedures. All cases were anesthetized using a combination of dexmedetomidine (10-24 mcg/kg), ketamine (2-3 mg/kg), and either midazolam (0.25-0.5 mg/kg) or butorphanol (0.2-0.48 mg/kg). Additional anesthetics were given to effect. Total anesthetic time ranged from 60 to 420 min. Three out of four cases were treated using terbutaline (0.01 mg/kg SC), which successfully resolved the hyperkalemia. No bradyarrhythmias were seen in any cases where electrocardiography (ECG) was monitored (3/4). All cases recovered from anesthesia, with one prolonged recovery. All animals are clinically healthy at the time of writing. Factors including anesthetic duration, the use of α-2 agonists, hyperthermia, and genetics are discussed as possible triggers for hyperkalemia. Serial blood gases, with electrolyte measurements, are recommended during anesthesia of red wolves, particularly when anesthetic time may be prolonged or the patient suffers from hyperthermia. Terbutaline appears to be a successful treatment should hyperkalemia arise.

CLINICOPATHOLOGIC EVALUATION OF AN EX SITU POPULATION OF ADULT AFRICAN WHITE-BELLIED PANGOLIN (PHATAGINUS TRICUSPIS).

Death due to illegal trade and trafficking serves as the largest threat to pangolins in their geographic range countries. Appropriate veterinary care is essential to the welfare of sick or debilitated pangolins. Given the challenge of comprehensive physical examination of this species due to its unique anatomic features and poorly studied physiology, laboratory diagnostics can provide essential information to guide appropriate medical care. This retrospective study included previously analyzed blood and urine samples collected from adult (n = 17) African white-bellied pangolins (Phataginus tricuspis) under managed care that were sampled over a 4-yr period as part of routine veterinary examinations. Samples from clinically normal animals were used to summarize results for this species. Pangolins had a lymphocyte-predominant leukogram with a mean neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio of 0.83 (min-max: 0.13-4.81). Seasonal, sex, and age differences were present for several hematologic and serum biochemical analytes. Urine samples had a median urine specific gravity (USG) of 1.040 (min-max: 1.006-1.060), a neutral-to-basic urine pH (6.0-8.6), and contained mainly struvite crystals or infrequently calcium oxalate dihydrate crystals. Winter samples had higher USG than summer samples. The clinicopathologic data provided herein offers applicable information useful for the clinical management of pangolins.

OPTIMIZING THE PHARMACODYNAMICS AND EVALUATING CARDIOGENIC EFFECTS OF THE INJECTABLE ANESTHETIC ALFAXALONE IN PRAIRIE RATTLESNAKES (CROTALUS VIRIDIS).

North American vipers are commonly housed in zoological institutions or studied as free-ranging populations. Because of their venomous predatory and defensive mechanism, sedation or anesthesia is frequently employed to facilitate safe handling and medical procedures, especially of the head. A new formulation of alfaxalone with proprietary preservatives was recently approved and indexed for 28-d use post-vial puncture. Pharmacodynamic effects of alfaxalone in its prior formulation have been researched in nonvenomous species, but the optimal dose and route of administration in vipers have not been reported. In part one, 10 prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis) participated in a complete four-route crossover study evaluating 20 mg/kg alfaxalone administered intracoelomically (ICo), SC cranial to the heart, IM cranial to the heart, and IV in the ventral coccygeal vein. HR significantly decreased from baseline during IV (P= 0.024), IM (P= 0.024), and SC (P= 0.028) administration. Respiratory rate significantly decreased following alfaxalone delivered IV (P = 0.027). Time to first effects was significantly faster in IV compared with IM (P= 0.01), SC (P= 0.001), and ICo (P= 0.036). All IV and IM administrations resulted in deep sedation, but 70% of the IV and 10% of the IM sedation events resulted in apnea and required intermittent positive ventilation via endotracheal tube. Fifty percent of the ICo sedation events and 10% of the SC sedation events did not result in sedation. One successful SC sedation event resulted in apnea. In part two, echocardiograms were performed in the same rattlesnakes at baseline and at maximum effect of sedation with 20 mg/kg alfaxalone administered IM. Cardiac contractility and output were unaffected. Administration of alfaxalone at 20 mg/kg IM cranial to the heart should facilitate safe handling and minimally invasive procedures in prairie rattlesnakes and related species.

SERUM ACUTE-PHASE PROTEINS IN BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS) AND CORRELATION WITH COMMONLY UTILIZED INFLAMMATORY INDICES.

Acute-phase proteins (APP) are the foundation to the innate immune response and valuable biomarkers that increase with inflammation, infection, neoplasia, stress, and trauma.2,4,16 Little is known about the acute-phase response in cetaceans and if these proteins can be used for health monitoring in individuals and free-ranging populations. The purpose of this study was to characterize serum concentrations of haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA), as well as electrophoretic profiles of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in free-ranging (n = 33) and professional care (n = 27) settings. Results were correlated to commonly utilized inflammatory indices including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), fibrinogen, total white blood cell count (WBC), and absolute neutrophil count. SAA levels, measured with a dolphin-specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), were significantly higher (P = 0.05) in free-ranging dolphins (mean = 4.26; SE = 1.12) when compared with those under professional care (mean = 1.82; SE = 0.45). For dolphins under professional care, a statistically significant correlation was identified between ESR and Hp (P < 0.001; r = 0.69), ESR and SAA (P < 0.001; r = 0.67), fibrinogen and Hp (P = 0.001; r = 0.58), and fibrinogen and SAA (P = 0.002; r = 0.56). In addition, there was a significant correlation between WBC and SAA (P = 0.01; r = 0.38) and absolute neutrophil count and SAA (P = 0.04; r = 0.32). There were no significant correlations between study variables observed in free-ranging dolphins. The variable correlation of APPs with commonly utilized inflammatory indices demonstrates that these proteins are independent measures of inflammation with unique sensitivity, specificity, and timeline of expression. The results of this study contribute to improved health monitoring of dolphins and have the potential to assist in identification of compromised health.

OBJECTIVE GAIT ANALYSIS IN HUMBOLDT PENGUINS (SPHENISCUS HUMBOLDTI) USING A PRESSURE-SENSITIVE WALKWAY.

Assessment of pododermatitis, osteoarthritis, and other causes of lameness in penguins can be challenging. Subjective gait analysis using visual observation and response to analgesic therapy can be affected by observer variation and caregiver placebo bias. A pressure-sensitive walkway (PSW), however, allows for objective gait analysis and assessment of analgesic therapeutic response. In this study, a 3-m-long PSW was used to analyze gait in 21 adult Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti). Medical record reviews and comprehensive examinations were performed on all penguins; five penguins were considered abnormal, with either right-sided (n = 3) or bilateral historical lameness-causing disease (n = 2) and were analyzed separately from the normal data set. All penguins walked across the PSW four times and gait parameters (step and stride distances and velocities, maximum force, impulse, and peak pressure) were calculated for each foot in each penguin. Statistical comparisons were made between right and left feet, sexes, and normal and abnormal penguins for each gait parameter. Among normal penguins, there were no significant differences between feet or sex. Left step width was shorter in abnormal penguins than that of normal penguins. Study results established baseline values for Humboldt penguins. This will allow objective monitoring of progression and response to therapy in penguin lameness cases, both current and future. The data also provide a foundation to compare gait parameters with other penguin populations and species.

Pharmacokinetics of orally administered tramadol in Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata domestica).

This study documents the pharmacokinetics of oral tramadol in Muscovy ducks. Six ducks received a single 30 mg/kg dose of tramadol, orally by stomach tube, with blood collection prior to and up to 24 hr after tramadol administration. Plasma tramadol, and metabolites O-desmethyltramadol (M1), and N,O-didesmethyltramadol (M5) concentrations were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence (FL) detection. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a one-compartment model with first-order input. No adverse effects were noted after oral administration. All ducks achieved plasma concentrations of tramadol above 0.10 µg/ml and maintained those concentrations for at least 12 hr. Elimination half-life was 3.95 hr for tramadol in ducks, which is similar to other avian species. All ducks in this study produced the M1 metabolite and maintained plasma concentrations above 0.1 µg/ml for at least 24 hr.

EVALUATION OF NONINVASIVE OSCILLOMETRIC BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING IN ANESTHETIZED BENNETT'S WALLABIES (MACROPUS RUFOGRISEUS).

The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of a noninvasive oscillometric method in relation to invasively measured blood pressure in anesthetized Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus) and also to compare the accuracy of two commonly used oscillometric blood pressure monitors (manufactured by Cardell and Datascope). Eleven animals were anesthetized, and each animal was instrumented with an arterial catheter in the right medial metatarsal artery connected to a pressure transducer to obtain invasive measurements of systolic (SAP), diastolic (DAP), and mean (MAP) arterial blood pressure as well as a pressure waveform. A cuff connected to an oscillometric device was placed on the base of the tail for noninvasive measurements. Paired data from noninvasive and invasive blood pressure measurements (SAP, DAP, and MAP) were obtained every 5 min for 60 min. Bland-Altman plots were used to compare invasive and noninvasive measurements and calculate bias and 95% limits of agreement for SAP, DAP, and MAP. For both monitors, the bias of SAP, DAP, and MAP was significant, although the bias of the Cardell was consistently lower than that of the Datascope for all parameters. Limits of agreement were wide for all parameters. In conclusion, when using an oscillometric blood pressure monitor on anesthetized Bennett's wallabies, trends in blood pressure may be monitored, although all displayed readings may not represent the true blood pressure measurement. Indirect measurements of blood pressure made with the oscillometric device cannot substitute for direct measurements.

IMMERSION IN TRICAINE METHANESULFONATE (MS-222) IS NOT SUFFICIENT FOR EUTHANASIA OF SMOKEY JUNGLE FROGS (LEPTODACTYLUS PENTADACTYLUS).

Although tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) immersion has historically been standard of care for fish and anuran euthanasia, recent research has proven it insufficient for euthanasia of goldfish. To assess appropriateness for humane euthanasia of anurans, this study evaluated the efficacy of MS-222 in Smokey Jungle Frogs (Leptodactylus pentadactylus). Eighteen frogs (21-33 g) were exposed to one of three MS-222 concentrations via partial immersion: 2.5 g/L for 90 min (M2.5/90), 5 g/L for 60 min (M5/60), or 10 g/L for 60 min (M10/60). Physiologic parameters and times to loss of spontaneous movement, righting reflex, and noxious stimulus response were recorded. Following exposure, frogs were rinsed with dechlorinated water, and time to cessation of heart beat was recorded. Survival in M2.5/90, M5/60, and M10/60 was one of six, zero of six, and zero of six, respectively. In M2.5/90, three of six frogs had continued purposeful, spontaneous movement throughout exposure. In M5/60 and M10/60, median (range) time to initial loss of movement was 14.3 (5.5-30.0) and 7.6 (4.8-19.7) min, respectively. Twelve of 18 frogs among all groups demonstrated a median (range) of two (one to six) episodes of regained consciousness with purposeful, spontaneous movement following loss of noxious stimulus response. Median (range) time to heart beat cessation in M2.5/90, M5/60, and M10/60 was 150 (135-210), 157.5 (60-225), and 90 (75-210) min, respectively. Although death was achieved in 17 of 18 frogs, given the repeated events of regained consciousness, MS-222 immersion when used at concentrations ≤10 g/L did not result in rapid and distress-free death and is not sufficient for humane euthanasia in this species.

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC PARAMETERS IN AFRICAN WHITE-BELLIED PANGOLINS (PHATAGINUS TRICUSPIS) WITHOUT CARDIAC DISEASE.

Relatively little is known about pangolin care and physiology, and it has become increasingly important to have a better understanding of normal health parameters for evaluation of free-ranging, rehabilitating, and managed populations. Echocardiograms were performed on six African white-bellied pangolins (Phataginus tricuspis) under professional care at a single institution. Because of the propensity of pangolins to roll up with only thick keratinized scales exposed, the pangolins were anesthetized with either isoflurane or sevoflurane. All echocardiograms were performed and evaluated by a board-certified cardiologist. None of the pangolins had any evidence of prior cardiac disease. All standard measurements were obtained. Four pangolins (66.7%) had trace to mild mitral regurgitation, six (100%) had trace to mild tricuspid regurgitation, and two (33.3%) had trace to mild pulmonic regurgitation. All examinations were determined to be normal, with no evidence of valvular structural abnormalities, cardiac dysfunction, chamber enlargement, or cardiac hypertrophy. This report broadens understanding of normal echocardiogram parameters in pangolin species and contributes techniques and baseline data for veterinarians caring for these vulnerable populations.

EFFECTS OF OXYGEN AND ISOFLURANE ANESTHESIA ON HEMOLYMPH GAS ANALYSIS AND RIGHTING REFLEX OF ASIAN FOREST (HETEROMETRUS LONGIMANUS) AND DICTATOR SCORPIONS (PANDINUS DICTATOR).

Large arachnids are commonly managed under professional care, and anesthesia is occasionally required for physical examination and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Anesthetic responses and hemolymph gas analysis have been studied previously in spiders, but scorpions have yet to be investigated. This study measured hemolymph gas values with an i-STAT point of care blood gas analyzer in healthy adult Asian forest scorpions (Heterometrus longimanus = HL, n = 8) and dictator scorpions (Pandinus dictator = PD, n = 12) breathing: 1) room air (RA), 2) 100% oxygen for 10 min in a chamber (OX), and 3) 5% isoflurane and oxygen (ISO) in a chamber until induction or loss of righting reflex. All scorpions recovered without complications, and there were no cartridge failures. Analysis of hemolymph gas values revealed that pH was lower in OX compared with RA and ISO and was lower in PD compared with HL scorpions. The partial pressure of carbon dioxide did not differ between inhaled gases but was higher in PD compared with HL. The partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) was higher in ISO compared with OX, and both were higher than when breathing RA. Despite a lack of species difference in pO2, PD had a more dramatic increase in pO2 in ISO compared with HL (significant species and inhalant interaction). PD had a significantly shorter induction time than HL, but recovery time (return of righting reflex) did not differ between species. Subjectively, HL exhibited rough inductions compared with PD, characterized by violent whole-body and tail movements. The unexpected increase in pO2 in ISO compared with OX, along with the species-specific differences and anesthetic effects, emphasizes the unique respiratory physiology of scorpions and demonstrates that further species-specific studies of anesthetics are warranted.

COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH PREGNANCY AND PARTURITION IN AFRICAN WHITE-BELLIED PANGOLINS (PHATAGINUS TRICUSPIS).

There are no studies to date on the normal reproductive physiology of African white-bellied pangolins (Phataginus tricuspis). As a reclusive species, little is known about normal gestation, successful parturition, and potential complications during pregnancy. Ten female P. tricuspis were diagnosed as pregnant and monitored under professional care. Five developed complications during pregnancies or during parturition and are detailed in this case series. Dystocia occurred in two dams each, with malposition of a singleton fetus. Both dams were successfully treated with surgical intervention by caesarian section. Of the two individuals, one fetus was nonviable, but the other neonate survived and was reared by the dam to weaning. A third pregnant female died during pregnancy from septicemia resulting in death of the preterm fetus. The two additional dams of the five gave birth to full-term neonates. One fetus was stillborn with evidence of fetal distress, and the other died immediately after birth (perinatal death) with undetermined etiology. Based on this case series, complications associated with pregnancy occur in P. tricuspis, indicating the need for further study and close monitoring during impending parturition.

Analgesic Efficacy of Tramadol Compared With Meloxicam in Ducks (Cairina moschata domestica) Evaluated by Ground-Reactive Forces.

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of tramadol and meloxicam in an induced, temporary arthritis model in ducks as assessed by ground-reactive forces measured by a pressure-sensitive walkway (PSW) system. Twelve ducks (Cairina moschata domestica) were randomly separated into 3 equal groups of 4 birds each: water control, tramadol treatment, and meloxicam treatment. Baseline measurements were collected by having all ducks walk along a 3-m-long PSW in a custom-built corral before anesthesia and induction of arthritis. Arthritis was induced in all groups through injection, under anesthesia, of a 3% monosodium urate (MSU) solution into the intertarsal joint. One hour after MSU injection, birds were orally gavage fed 1 mL of tap water (control), tramadol (30 mg/kg), or meloxicam (1 mg/kg). After treatments, all ducks were reevaluated on the PSW at 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 24 hours post-MSU injection. The difference in maximum force was significantly greater in the control group than in both the tramadol- (P = .006) and meloxicam-treated (P = .03) individuals. Post hoc comparisons revealed differences between control and treated birds occurred only at the 3- and 4-hour time points after administration. No differences were found in the absolute difference in maximum force between tramadol- and meloxicam-treated birds at any time point (P > .05). Results of this study support the hypothesis that tramadol (30 mg/kg PO) and meloxicam (1 mg/kg PO) improve certain objective variables in an induced arthritis model in ducks. Our findings also support studies in other avian species that determined that both tramadol and meloxicam are effective analgesic drugs in some birds.

VENOUS BLOOD GAS AND SELECTED BIOCHEMICAL VALUES FROM AWAKE AND ANESTHETIZED WHITE-BELLIED PANGOLINS ( PHATAGINUS TRICUSPIS).

Pangolins are one of the most-trafficked endangered species and are rare in zoologic collections. Blood gas and select biochemical analysis was performed on nine African white-bellied tree pangolins ( Phataginus tricuspis). Paired blood samples were collected from the ventral tail vasculature prior to (T1) and after 10 min (T2) of sevoflurane anesthesia, and selected blood gas and biochemical parameters were measured using a portable blood gas analyzer. Median (min-max) values for corrected venous blood were pH = 7.372 (7.207-7.529) at T1 and 7.278 (7.124-7.418) at T2. Corrected values were PCO2 = 51.7 (29.6-69.0) mmHg at T1 and 58.431 (38.1-90.8) mmHg at T2. Clinicians should be aware that this species may hypoventilate while anesthetized with sevoflurane and develop a respiratory acidosis. Concomitant administration of respiratory depressants could compound this effect in a species where oro-tracheal intubation has not been described.

COMPARISON OF TRANSCUTANEOUS ULTRASOUND AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY EVALUATION OF KIDNEY SIZE AND EVALUATION OF ADRENAL GLAND SIZE USING ULTRASOUND IN A COLONY OF CALLIMICOS ( CALLIMICO GOELDII).

Both kidney and adrenal gland disease have been identified in callimicos ( Callimico goeldii). Ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) are routinely utilized in veterinary patients with suspected renal or adrenal disease to determine size, shape, and echogenicity of these organs. No previous US and CT kidney and adrenal gland measurements have been published for callimicos. In this study, 14 callimicos were anesthetized using isoflurane via facemask to evaluate kidney and adrenal gland size using US for both organs and CT for kidneys. Animals were considered clinically healthy based on history, physical examination, hematology, serum chemistry, urinalysis, and abdominal US. Ultrasound organ measurements for length (L), width (W), and height (H) in centimeters (mean/median, 95% confidence interval) in clinically healthy animals were right kidney (L = 1.90, 1.76-2.01; W = 1.05, 0.97-1.13; H = 1.59, 1.48-1.69), left kidney (L = 1.84, 1.72-1.95; W = 1.16, 1.04-1.28; H = 1.54, 1.43-1.65), right adrenal gland (L = 0.38, 0.33-0.57; H = 0.19, 0.15-0.31) and left adrenal gland (L = 0.36, 0.32-0.39; H = 0.18, 0.17-0.20). All kidney measurements were positively correlated with animal weight ( P < 0.05) but had no significant correlation to age. Measurements did not have any significant relationship to evaluated blood and urine parameters. Results from this study establish baseline measurements for callimico kidneys and adrenal glands to help clinicians use these imaging modalities for evaluation of these organs in this endangered species.

OSTEOCHONDRAL AUTOGRAFT TRANSFER FOR TREATMENT OF STIFLE OSTEOCHONDRITIS DISSECANS IN TWO RELATED SNOW LEOPARDS ( PANTHERA UNCIA).

Two related female snow leopards ( Panthera uncia) were diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans of the lateral femoral condyle via radiographs and computed tomography. Lesions were either bilateral (Patient 1) or unilateral (Patient 2). Surgical treatment was performed using an osteochondral autograft transfer system following cartilage flap removal. After a 6-wk recovery period, both animals had a markedly improved gait with mild pelvic limb stiffness. Patient 1 developed intermittent lameness 9 mo postsurgery and Patient 2 had mild lameness 3 yr postsurgery. Because of recurrent lameness, both animals were treated with platelet-rich plasma intra-articular injections and oral gabapentin (Patient 1) or oral meloxicam (Patient 2). Full incorporation of autografts was confirmed with computed tomography (both patients) and arthroscopy (Patient 1 only). Osteochondritis dissecans has been previously reported in snow leopards and these cases represent the first reported use of osteochondral autograft repair and platelet-rich plasma to treat the condition.

Comparison of the Sedative Effects of Alfaxalone and Butorphanol-Midazolam Administered Intramuscularly in Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus).

Intramuscular (IM) administration of either alfaxalone or butorphanol with midazolam was evaluated for sedation and effects on heart and respiratory rates in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). Twenty adult budgerigars were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 2 treatments: alfaxalone at 15 mg/kg IM or butorphanol and midazolam at 2.5 mg/kg IM and 1.25 mg/kg IM, respectively. Baseline heart and respiratory rates and sedation score were collected and, after injection, time to initial effects and initial recumbency were recorded. Five minutes after injection, birds were assessed for a righting reflex, and, if absent, response to noxious stimulus was assessed by hemostat clamp on the first digit. Birds then underwent a standardized diagnostic evaluation of radiographs, jugular venipuncture, and physical examination. At the end of the physical examination, a sedation score was assigned, and birds were placed in dorsal recumbency for recovery. Times from injection to initial arousal, final recumbency, standing, and full recovery were recorded. Although time to onset of sedation was the same between groups, alfaxalone produced a shorter (P = .04) and more consistent duration of sedation (mean ± SD: 27.5 ± 5.9 minutes) compared with butorphanol-midazolam (72.0 ± 56.9 minutes). Only 3 of 10 birds receiving butorphanol-midazolam were recumbent by 5 minutes compared with 10 of 10 birds receiving alfaxalone. Radiographs were successfully obtained in 9 of 10 and 7 of 10 birds administered alfaxalone and butorphanol-midazolam, respectively. No adverse effects were observed in any bird. Intramuscular alfaxalone produces safe, effective, and reliable sedation in budgerigars and is a more consistent and shorter duration alternative to intramuscular butorphanol-midazolam.

CANINE DISTEMPER IN A VACCINATED SNOW LEOPARD ( PANTHERA UNCIA).

A 6-yr-old male snow leopard ( Panthera uncia) presented with acute seizures, hyperthermia, and tachypnea. Because of a diagnosis of anuric renal failure, the animal was euthanized. On histopathologic examination, numerous intralesional intracytoplasmic and intranuclear inclusions were found in the lungs, lymph nodes, and stomach. Positive immunohistochemical staining for canine distemper virus (CDV) was found in the lungs and, to a lesser extent, in the lymph nodes and brain. Molecular testing yielded a CDV H gene sequence that was closely related to CDV isolates concurrently found in wild raccoons from adjacent forested areas. The leopard had been vaccinated once against CDV with the use of a recombinant canarypox-vectored live vaccine during a routine wellness examination 12 wk prior to death. Serial serum neutralization titers performed on banked serum collected between vaccination and death showed poor serologic response to the vaccine. This case demonstrates a probable failure of protection against naturally occurring CDV.

The minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane in ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) and aye-ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane for ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) and aye-ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental trial. ANIMALS: Six adult ring-tailed lemurs, aged 1.3-11.2 years (median age: 8.26) and weighing a mean ± standard deviation (SD) of 2283 ± 254 g. Five adult aye-ayes, aged 4.4-19.3 years (median age: 8.0) and weighing 2712 ± 191 g. METHODS: Minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane was determined using a tail-clamp stimulus. The end-tidal sevoflurane (Fe'Sevo) concentration was increased or decreased by approximately 10% after a positive or negative response to tail clamping, respectively. This procedure was repeated until a positive and negative result were seen on two consecutive trials (i.e. a negative result was achieved and a single 10% decrease in Fe'Sevo concentration resulted in a positive test). The MAC for that animal was determined to be the mean of the concentrations at the two consecutive trials. RESULTS: The mean ± SD MAC of sevoflurane for ring-tailed lemurs was 3.48 ± 0.55% and 1.84 ± 0.17 for aye-ayes. This represents a 47.1% higher MAC in ring-tailed lemurs compared to aye-ayes. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The sevoflurane MAC was significantly higher in ring-tailed lemurs, compared to aye-ayes. The MAC of sevoflurane in aye-ayes is consistent with reported MAC values in other species. Extrapolation of sevoflurane anesthetic dose between different species of lemurs could lead to significant errors in anesthetic dosing.

COMPARISON OF MEDETOMIDINE-KETAMINE AND BUTORPHANOL-AZAPERONE-MEDETOMIDINE IN CAPTIVE BENNETT'S WALLABIES (MACROPUS RUFOGRISEUS).

The objective of this study was to compare a traditional partially reversible medetomidine-ketamine sedation with a more reversible butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine combination in Bennett's wallabies ( Macropus rufogriseus ) maintained in a zoological collection. Fourteen animals were divided into two treatment groups. Individuals in group 1 received an intramuscular (i.m.) injection of butorphanol (0.54 ± 0.05 mg/kg), azaperone (0.22 ± 0.02 mg/kg), and medetomidine (0.16 ± 0.02 mg/kg). Individuals in group 2 received an i.m. injection of ketamine (5.43 ±1.16 mg/kg) with medetomidine (0.05 ± 0.014 mg/kg). For group 1, sedation was reversed with atipamezole (0.81 ± 0.069 mg/kg i.m.) and naltrexone (1.08 ± 0.09 mg/kg i.m.). For group 2, sedation was reversed with atipamezole (0.27 ± 0.056 mg/kg i.m.). There were no significant differences between the groups in mean time to induction, time spent on gas anesthesia, or time to standing after reversal was administered. Animals in both groups required supplemental gas anesthesia to facilitate intubation. No adverse reactions or effects were noted with either protocol; however, the BAM protocol did not provide sufficient sedation for handling in all animals and may not be suitable for use in this species.