HEPATIC TO PULMONARY EMBOLISM OF ABSORBABLE GELATIN HEMOSTATIC SPONGE IN TWO EGYPTIAN FRUIT BATS (ROUSETTUS AEGYPTIACUS).

In a study on iron regulation, liver biopsies were collected at two time points from 34 adult Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus). An absorbable gelatin hemostatic sponge (GS) was inserted at biopsy sites for local hemostasis in 16 bats. In the subsequent 10 yr, 12 of these bats died or were euthanized, and 11 were examined histologically; in 2 bats, intravascular GS was identified in the lungs and in 1 bat, unabsorbed GS was also identified at the hepatic biopsy site. The remaining hepatic GS was associated with local abscessation and intralesional bacteria and fungi and remained at the hepatic biopsy site for a prolonged period after placement (1 yr). The findings of local hepatic abscessation and GS embolization in the lungs of these two bats highlights a potential adverse effect related to its use in zoologic species.

Pharmacokinetics of imidocarb dipropionate in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) after single intramuscular administration.

This study was designed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of imidocarb, a carbanilide derivative, in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The pharmacokinetic properties of a single intramuscular (IM) dose of imidocarb were determined in 10 deer. A single IM injection of 3.0 mg/kg imidocarb dipropionate was administered, and blood samples were collected prior to, and up to 48 hr after imidocarb administration. Plasma imidocarb concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The disposition of plasma imidocarb was best characterized by a two-compartment open model. The mean ± SE maximal imidocarb concentration in deer was 880.78 ± 81.12 ng/ml at 38.63 ± 5.30 min postinjection. The distribution phase had a half-life (t1/2α ) of 25.90 ± 10.21 min, and plasma imidocarb concentration declined with a terminal elimination half-life (t1/2ß ) of 464.06 ± 104.08 min (7.73 ± 1.73 hr). Apparent volume of distribution based on the terminal phase (VZ /F) was 9.20 ± 2.70 L/kg, and apparent total body clearance (Cl/F) was 15.97 ± 1.28 ml min-1  kg-1 .

Clostridium (Clostridioides) difficile shedding by polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in the Canadian Arctic.

Clostridium (Clostridioides) difficile has been identified in humans and a wide range of animal species, but there has been little study of remote animal populations with limited human contact. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and types of C. difficile in wild and captive polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Fecal samples were collected from two populations of wild polar bears in Nunavut Canada; M'Clintock Channel and Hudson Strait (Davis Strait or Foxe Basin), as well as from a facility (PBJ) in Churchill, Manitoba that temporarily houses nuisance polar bears and from captive bears in a zoological park. Enrichment culture was performed and isolates were characterized by ribotyping and toxinotyping. Clostridium difficile was isolated from 24/143 (16.8%) of samples; 18/120 (15%) wild bear samples, 4/7 (57%) from the PBJ and 2/16 (13%) samples from three zoo bears. The prevalence of C. difficile was significantly higher in bears that were housed at the PBJ vs wild bears (P = 0.0042), but there was no difference between wild bears from M'Clintock Channel (14/100, 14%) and those from Hudson Strait (4/20, 20%) (P = 0.50). Fourteen of the 24 (58%) isolates were toxigenic; 13/18 (72%) wild bear isolates, 0/4 PBJ isolate and 1/2 zoo isolates. Four toxigenic ribotypes were identified, with one that possessed tcdB and cdtA predominating. None of the toxigenic isolates were ribotypes that have been identified previously by the authors. There was no overlap in toxigenic ribotypes between the different populations. Clostridium difficile was not uncommonly identified in polar bears, with differences in type distribution amongst the different regions. The presence of strains that have not been identified in humans or domestic animals suggests that polar bears may be a natural reservoir of unique strains of this important bacterium.

Aquatic bird bornavirus 1 infection in a captive Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae): presumed natural transmission from free-ranging wild waterfowl.

An adult female emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) presented with anorexia, maldigestion, weight loss, and various subtle nervous deficits. After four months of unrewarding diagnostics, treatments, and supportive care, the emu was euthanized due to lack of clinical improvement and progressive weight loss. Gross pathology revealed a very narrow pylorus and multiple flaccid diverticula of the small intestines. Histopathological findings included severe lymphoplasmacytic encephalomyelitis and multifocal lymphocytic neuritis associated with the gastrointestinal tract. Immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction on the brain were positive for an avian bornavirus (ABV), and partial sequencing of the matrix gene identified aquatic bird bornavirus-1 (ABBV-1), 100% identical to viruses circulating in wild Canada geese (Branta canadensis). As wild geese frequently grazed and defaecated in the emu's outdoor exhibit, natural transmission of ABBV-1 from free-ranging waterfowl to the emu was presumed to have occurred.

Babesia odocoilei as a cause of mortality in captive cervids in Canada.

Nine cases of fatal infection with Babesia odocoilei were confirmed in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) and elk (Cervus canadensis) housed in zoological institutions located in southern Quebec, Ontario, and Manitoba, Canada between 2013 and 2016. All animals died of a hemolytic crisis. Frequent postmortem findings were extensive hemorrhage, pigmenturia, and intrahepatic cholestasis. The described ante- and postmortem signs are consistent with those of previously reported cases in the United States. Diagnosis was confirmed in all cases by polymerase chain reaction performed on DNA extracted from whole blood or frozen spleen. We propose that babesiosis is an emerging disease of cervids in multiple Canadian provinces, most likely as a result of climate change and the northward range expansion of Ixodes scapularis, the primary tick vector for B. odocoilei. The role of captive animals as sentinels for wildlife health is also highlighted.

Babesia odocoilei,une cause de la mortalité chez les cervidés captifs au Canada. Entre 2013 à 2016, neuf cas d'infection fatale par Babesia odocoilei ont été détectés chez des caribous (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) et des wapitis (Cervus canadensis) gardés dans des établissements zoologiques situés dans le sud du Québec, de l'Ontario et du Manitoba, Canada. Les animaux sont morts suite à une crise hémolytique. Hémorragies, pigmenturie et cholestase intrahépatique ont fréquemment été identifiées à l'examen postmortem. Les signes ante- et postmortem décrits correspondent avec ceux des cas précédemment signalés aux États-Unis. Le diagnostic de babésiose fut confirmé par réaction en chaîne par polymérase sur l'ADN extrait d'échantillons de sang ou de rate congelée. Nous proposons que la babésiose des cervidés est une maladie émergente au Canada, et ce probablement en conséquence du réchauffement climatique et du mouvement vers le nord de la tique Ixodes scapularis, le principal vecteur de B. odocoilei. La valeur des animaux captifs comme sentinelles pour la santé de la faune est également discutée.(Traduit par les auteurs).

ECHINOCOCCUS EQUINUS HYDATID CYST IN THE LIVER OF A PRZEWALSKI'S HORSE ( EQUUS PRZEWALSKII) IN A CANADIAN ZOO.

A 23-yr-old captive-born Przewalski's horse mare ( Equus przewalskii) was euthanized at a Canadian zoo because of severe colic resulting from rupture of a jejunal pseudodiverticulum. An incidental finding of an encysted larval cestode within a hepatic granuloma was diagnosed on histopathology. Gel-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on liver tissue was positive for Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, and deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing of the PCR product was 100% homologous with Echinococcus equinus. This appears to be the first molecular confirmation of E. equinus in North America, and the first report of cystic echinococcosis in a Przewalski's horse.

Retro-orbital and disseminated B-cell lymphoma in a yellow-collared macaw (Primolius auricollis).

A yellow-collared macaw was presented with unilateral left exophthalmia. The complete blood cell count and biochemistry revealed a heterophilic leukocytosis and elevation in liver parameters, respectively. A computed tomography scan showed a contrast-enhancing retrobulbar mass and hepatomegaly. Cytology of the liver was consistent with a round cell tumor, most likely lymphoma. The bird died after 2 months of palliative care. Postmortem examination confirmed a retro-orbital and disseminated B-cell lymphoma.

Lymphome B rétro-orbital et disséminé chez un ara à collier jaune(Primolius auricollis). Un ara à collier jaune a été présenté avec de l'exophtalmie unilatérale gauche. La formule sanguine complète et la biochimie ont révélé une leucocytose hétérophile et une élévation des paramètres hépatiques, respectivement. La tomodensitométrie à l'aide d'une injection de milieu de contraste a montré une masse rétrobulbaire et une hépatomégalie. La cytologie du foie était conforme à une tumeur à cellules rondes, le plus probablement un lymphome. L'oiseau est mort après 2 mois de soins palliatifs. L'examen postmortem a confirmé un lymphome B rétro-orbital et disséminé.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Pelvic Limb Amputation for the Treatment of a Soft-tissue Sarcoma of the Tibiotarso-tarsometatarsal Joint in a Blue-and-gold Macaw (Ara ararauna).

An unsexed, 16-year-old blue-and-gold macaw (Ara ararauna) was presented for evaluation of rapidly growing subcutaneous masses at the left tibiotarso-tarsometatarsal joint. Results of incisional biopsy were diagnostic for an intermediate-grade soft-tissue sarcoma. A distal-femoral amputation was performed and the leg was submitted for histopathology. Histopathologic examination confirmed the biopsy diagnosis and revealed neoplastic spread into the bone marrow cavity of the tibiotarsus. Excisional margins were complete. The macaw recovered and did well until it died suddenly 32 months after surgery. At necropsy, death was attributed to acute hepatic hemorrhage. No recurrence or metastasis of the sarcoma was identified.

Aquatic Bird Bornavirus 1 in Wild Geese, Denmark.

To investigate aquatic bird bornavirus 1 in Europe, we examined 333 brains from hunter-killed geese in Denmark in 2014. Seven samples were positive by reverse transcription PCR and were 98.2%-99.8% identical; they were also 97.4%-98.1% identical to reference strains of aquatic bird bornavirus 1 from geese in North America.

Identification of avian bornavirus in a Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejanus) with neurological disease.

A one-year-old male Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejanus) was presented for veterinary attention with a history of chronic wasting, weakness and ataxia. The bird died, and post-mortem findings included mild non-suppurative encephalitis and degenerative encephalopathy, lymphoplasmacytic myenteric ganglioneuritis (particularly of the proventriculus), and Wallerian degeneration of the sciatic nerves. Avian bornavirus (ABV) was identified in the brain by immunohistochemistry and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Sequencing of the reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction product indicated the presence of ABV genotype 4, which is generally associated with disease in psittacine birds. Subsequent to the death of the pheasant, ABV genotype 4 was identified at autopsy from a juvenile white-bellied caique (Pionites leucogaster) in the same collection. We hypothesize that the pheasant became infected through contact with psittacine birds with which it shared an aviary. We believe this to be the first reported case of natural ABV infection in a bird in the Order Galliformes.

Risk factors for saddle-related skin lesions on elephants used in the tourism industry in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Lesions related to working conditions and improper saddle design are a concern for a variety of working animals including elephants. The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence of cutaneous lesions in anatomic regions (i.e., neck, girth, back, tail) in contact with saddle-related equipment among elephants in Thailand working in the tourism industry, and to identify potential risk factors associated with these lesions. Data for this cross-sectional study were collected between May 2007 and July 2007 on 194 elephants from 18 tourism camps across Thailand. RESULTS: There was a high prevalence (64.4 %; 95 % CI 57.3 - 71.2) of active lesions, most often located on the back region. Using multilevel multivariable logistic regression modelling containing a random intercept for camp we identified the following risk factors: increasing elephant age, the use of rice sacks as padding material in contact with the skin, and the provision of a break for the elephants. Working hours had a quadratic relationship with the log odds of an active lesion where the probability of an active lesion initially increased with the number of working hours per day and then declined possibly reflecting a "healthy worker" bias where only animals without lesions continue to be able to work these longer hours. CONCLUSIONS: While we recognize that the cross-sectional nature of the study posed some inferential limitations, our results offer several potential intervention points for the prevention of these lesions. Specifically, we recommend the following until longitudinal studies can be conducted: increased monitoring of older elephants and the back region of all elephants, working less than 6 hours per day, and the avoidance of rice sacks as padding material in contact with skin.

DIAGNOSIS AND SURGICAL TREATMENT OF A COMPLEX ANGULAR HIND LIMB DEFORMITY IN A SERVAL (FELIS SERVAL).

A 2-yr-old neutered male pet serval (Felis serval) was presented for progressive hind limb lameness that started at 6 mo of age. Previous therapy included only nutritional supplementation. Direct and video gait analysis confirmed bilateral hind limb lameness, more severe on the right. Physical examination and radiography revealed a multifocal complex bilateral angular deformity with a significant rotational component. A right tibial corrective osteotomy was followed by internal rotation and stabilization with a 2.7-mm eight-hole locking compression plate and locking screws. Other deformities were not corrected. Clinical improvement was noted immediately and has been maintained over the 16-mo follow-up.

Investigation into the possibility of vertical transmission of avian bornavirus in free-ranging Canada geese (Branta canadensis).

To investigate the possibility of in ovo infection with avian bornavirus (ABV) in wild Canada geese (Branta canadensis), 53 eggs were opportunistically collected at various stages of embryonic development from 16 free-ranging goose nests at a large urban zoo site where ABV infection is known to be present in this species. ABV RNA was detected in the yolk of one of three unembryonated eggs using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. ABV RNA was not identified in the brains from 23 newly hatched goslings or 19 embryos, nor from three early whole embryos. Antibodies against ABV were not detected in the plasma of any of the hatched goslings using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Possible reasons for the failure to detect ABV RNA in hatchlings or embryos include low sample size, eggs deriving from parents not actively infected with ABV, the testing of only brain tissue, and failure of the virus to replicate in Canada goose embryos. In conclusion, this preliminary investigation demonstrating the presence of ABV RNA in the yolk of a Canada goose egg provides the first evidence for the potential for vertical transmission of ABV in waterfowl.

Description of two new Isospora species causing visceral coccidiosis in captive superb glossy starlings, Lamprotornis superbus (Aves: Sturnidae).

Isospora greineri sp. n. and Isospora superbusi sp. n. are described from captive superb glossy starlings, Lamprotornis superbus, from the Toronto Zoo succumbing to visceral coccidiosis. Sequence data from nuclear 18S recombinant DNA (rDNA) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) loci from sporulated oocysts and infected tissues (liver, lung, or spleen) demonstrated two distinct Isospora sp. genotypes that varied in their relative abundance. In the tissues of one affected bird, as well as its associated fecal sample, two distinct COI sequences (1.7% divergence) and two distinct 18S rDNA sequences (0.6% divergence) were found at almost the same abundance; in other specimens, one of the 18S and one of the COI sequences were less abundant than the other. In the tissues of some birds, only a single COI and single 18S sequence were present. In all cases, the same pair of 18S rDNA and COI sequences fluctuated in abundance in parallel, indicating that there were two distinct species present rather than one species with more than one COI or 18S locus. The oocysts of these new species cannot be differentiated morphologically. Sporulated oocysts of both were spherical to subspherical measuring 17.7 ± 0.22 µm by 17.1 ± 0.20 µm with a mean L/W ratio of 1.03 ± 0.004. Sporocysts were ovoid measuring 13.5 ± 0.17 µm by 9.3 ± 0.15 µm with a mean L/W ratio of 1.4 ± 0.02. Sporocysts had a small Stieda body with indistinct sub-Stieda body; each sporocyst had a compact residuum. Two morphologically similar but genetically divergent Isospora species were shown to cause simultaneous enteric and extraintestinal infections in captive superb glossy starlings.

Pathology and diagnosis of avian bornavirus infection in wild Canada geese (Branta canadensis), trumpeter swans (Cygnus buccinator) and mute swans (Cygnus olor) in Canada: a retrospective study.

Nine hundred and fifty-five pathology cases collected in Ontario between 1992 and 2011 from wild free-ranging Canada geese, trumpeter swans and mute swans were retrospectively evaluated for the pathology associated with avian bornavirus (ABV) infection. Cases were selected based on the presence of upper gastrointestinal impaction, central nervous system histopathology or clinical history suggestive of ABV infection. The proportion of birds meeting at least one of these criteria was significantly higher at the Toronto Zoo (30/132) than elsewhere in Ontario (21/823). Central, peripheral and autonomic nervous tissues were examined for the presence of lymphocytes and plasma cells on histopathology. The presence of virus was assessed by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on frozen brains and on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. Among selected cases, 86.3% (44/51) were considered positive on histopathology, 56.8% (29/51) were positive by immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR was positive on 88.2% (15/17) of the frozen brains and 78.4% (40/51) of the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples. Histopathological lesions included gliosis and lymphoplasmacytic perivascular cuffing in brain (97.7%), spinal cord (50%), peripheral nerves (55.5%) and myenteric ganglia or nerves (62.8%), resembling lesions described in parrots affected with proventricular dilatation disease. Partial amino acid sequences of the nucleocapsid gene from seven geese were 100% identical amongst themselves and 98.1 to 100% identical to the waterfowl sequences recently described in the USA. Although ABV has been identified in apparently healthy geese, our study confirmed that ABV can also be associated with significant disease in wild waterfowl species.

Diagnosis and successful surgical treatment of an unusual inguinal liposarcoma in a pet ferret (Mustela putorius furo).

A 4 1/2-year-old female spayed ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was presented for a rapidly growing mass in the inguinal region. Following a complete clinical evaluation, the unusual mass was surgically removed and the histopathological diagnosis was an inguinal liposarcoma. No post-operative complications were observed over a 14-month follow-up period.

Diagnostic et traitement chirurgical réussi d'un liposarcome inguinal inhabituel chez un furet de compagnie (Mustela putorius furo) . Un furet (Mustela putorius furo) femelle stérilisé âgé de 4 ans et demi a été présenté pour une masse à croissance rapide dans la région inguinale. Après une évaluation clinique complète, une ablation chirurgicale de la masse inhabituelle a été réalisée et le diagnostic histopathologique a été un liposarcome inguinal. Aucune complication postopératoire n'a été observée pendant la période de suivi de 12 mois.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF ENTERIC COCCIDIA ISOLATED FROM BLACK-FOOTED FERRETS (MUSTELA NIGRIPES).

Black-footed ferrets (BFF; Mustela nigripes) are the only ferret species native to North America and have been listed as endangered since 1967. Starting in 1986, a multi-institutional effort has been breeding this species in captivity with successful reintroductions back into the wild. Enteric coccidiosis is recognized as a frequent cause of juvenile morbidity and mortality in captive breeding programs, and can result in substantial population losses. Despite this, little is known about the etiology of coccidiosis in BFF. Coccidia-positive fecal samples (n=12) and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded intestinal tissues (n=11) were obtained from BFF in the Toronto Zoo (Ontario, Canada) and Louisville Zoo (Kentucky, USA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) populations. Oocyst morphometrics and sequence genotyping at three loci (nuclear 18S rDNA, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit III) were conducted to characterize the coccidium or coccidia responsible for disease outbreaks in these ferrets in different age classes and years. Results suggest that a single Eimeria species, E. ictidea, was the cause of enteric coccidiosis in both SSP populations in both juvenile and adult age classes in all years evaluated. Wider research is indicated to determine whether these findings are representative of the broader captive and wild BFF populations.

Noninvasive analysis of fecal reproductive hormone metabolites in female veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) by enzyme immunoassay.

The noninvasive technique of gonadal steroid metabolite measurement in feces for evaluation of reproductive activity has proven an effective and important tool for population management in various captive species, but has not yet been validated and used in reptile species. In this study, enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) were validated for the analysis of fecal samples from female veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) for estrogen (E2), testosterone (T), and progesterone (P) and their metabolites. High performance liquid chromatography and physiological methods (GnRH stimulation) were used for the validation of the assays. Biological events, such as skin color changes indicative of ovarian activity and oviposition, correlated with the cyclical pattern of E2, T and P metabolites in feces over a period of two reproductive cycles. This is the first study to report frequent longitudinal measurements of fecal hormone levels by EIA in a reptile species.

Molecular characterization of enteric coccidia from domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo).

Combined morphometric and molecular characterization of coccidia that infect domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) was completed to improve the diagnostic specificity of 'coccidiosis' in this host. Coccidia-positive fecal samples (n = 11) and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded intestinal tissues (n = 3) from domestic ferrets were collected from diagnostic laboratories in Canada and Europe. An average of 3.5 and 13 domestic ferret fecal samples per year were coccidia-positive when tested by Canadian and European diagnostic laboratories, respectively, during the period 2008-2015. Oocyst morphometrics and sequence genotyping at two loci (nuclear 18S rDNA [nu 18S] and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I [mt COI]) were conducted on all samples. The first nu 18S and mt COI sequences for Cystoisospora laidlawi, and the first mt COI sequence for Eimeria furonis were generated during this study. Phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial COI sequences demonstrated that E. furonis was most closely related to E. ictidea isolated from a black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) and that C. laidlawi was closely related to C. canis and C. felis. The identifications provided by diagnostic laboratories of the specific parasite species present in a sample showed poor agreement with their identifications based on genotyping obtained in this study. Molecular techniques appear to be essential for determining the specific coccidial species responsible for individual and group outbreaks of coccidiosis and for further understanding of eimeriid host-parasite relationships.

Fecal hormone patterns during non-ovulatory reproductive cycles in female veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus).

Reproductive failure, in particular preovulatory stasis, is a common problem in captive female reptiles. For a better understanding of its pathogenesis, the patterns of fecal estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), progesterone (P) and their metabolites of 21 anovulatory female veiled chameleons, Chamaeleo calyptratus, were compared with those of 25 animals which ovulated during at least one cycle over the study period. Regular, cyclical hormone patterns, consisting of E2 peaks followed by simultaneous T and P peaks, were observed in all animals, regardless of whether oviposition occurred, indicating continuous ovarian activity. P concentrations were; however, significantly lower in animals undergoing anovulatory cycles. The average time period between the E2 and the T peak was 24.8 days, between the E2 and the P peak 26.5 days, and between the T and P peak 2.6 days. The mean length of reproductive cycles between two sequential ovulatory complexes (oviposition to oviposition) was 132.5 days (range 112-156 days). The results provide evidence that reproductive "failure" occurs more frequently than suspected with some females alternating between ovulatory and anovulatory cycles without any outward evidence of the variation in ovarian cycles. It is proposed that this may be related to physiological adaptation to adverse environmental conditions for breeding and that husbandry factors in captivity are primarily responsible for the progression from a physiological to pathological process.