Serum vitamin D concentrations in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are more affected by UVB irradiation of food than irradiation of animals.

Rabbits kept under ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiation respond with increasing serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations, but it is unknown whether irradiation of the animals or their feed contributes more. Twenty-four New Zealand White rabbits were divided into three groups for a four-week period: the control group (C) received no UVB-exposure and non-irradiated hay (ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) concentration 2.22µg/100g dry matter). The direct exposure group (D) was provided with 12hours of UVB-irradiation daily and fed the same hay as group C in shaded areas to prevent UVB-irradiation thereof. The indirect exposure group (I) did not receive direct UVB-irradiation but was fed hay of the same batch that was exposed to 12hours of UVB-irradiation (vitamin D2 6.06µg/100g dry matter). Serum 25(OH)D2, 25(OH)D3, ionised calcium, total calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium concentrations were measured weekly. There was no systematic effect on serum mineral concentrations. The serum 25(OH)D2 concentrations were significantly higher in group I compared to groups C and D from the second week onwards. 25(OH)D3 concentrations increased only in group D, with significant differences to both other groups from the third week onwards, yet at lower magnitudes than the noted increase of 25(OH)D2 in group I. Total 25(OH)D concentrations were highest in group I, intermediate in group D and lowest in group C. Serum total 25(OH)D concentration was more affected by UVB-irradiation of rabbits' feed than by direct irradiation of the animals themselves. If rabbit serum total 25(OH)D concentrations should be managed, diet manipulation rather than animal UVB-exposure appears to be more effective.

Comparison of metagenomic and traditional methods for diagnosis of E. coli enteric infections.

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, collectively known as DEC, is a leading cause of diarrhea, particularly in children in low- and middle-income countries. Diagnosing infections caused by different DEC pathotypes traditionally relies on the cultivation and identification of virulence genes, a resource-intensive and error-prone process. Here, we compared culture-based DEC identification with shotgun metagenomic sequencing of whole stool using 35 randomly drawn samples from a cohort of diarrhea-afflicted patients. Metagenomic sequencing detected the cultured isolates in 97% of samples, revealing, overall, reliable detection by this approach. Genome binning yielded high-quality E. coli metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) for 13 samples, and we observed that the MAG did not carry the diagnostic DEC virulence genes of the corresponding isolate in 60% of these samples. Specifically, two distinct scenarios were observed: diffusely adherent E. coli (DAEC) isolates without corresponding DAEC MAGs appeared to be relatively rare members of the microbiome, which was further corroborated by quantitative PCR (qPCR), and thus unlikely to represent the etiological agent in 3 of the 13 samples (~23%). In contrast, ETEC virulence genes were located on plasmids and largely escaped binning in associated MAGs despite being prevalent in the sample (5/13 samples or ~38%), revealing limitations of the metagenomic approach. These results provide important insights for diagnosing DEC infections and demonstrate how metagenomic methods can complement isolation efforts and PCR for pathogen identification and population abundance. IMPORTANCE: Diagnosing enteric infections based on traditional methods involving isolation and PCR can be erroneous due to isolation and other biases, e.g., the most abundant pathogen may not be recovered on isolation media. By employing shotgun metagenomics together with traditional methods on the same stool samples, we show that mixed infections caused by multiple pathogens are much more frequent than traditional methods indicate in the case of acute diarrhea. Further, in at least 8.5% of the total samples examined, the metagenomic approach reliably identified a different pathogen than the traditional approach. Therefore, our results provide a methodology to complement existing methods for enteric infection diagnostics with cutting-edge, culture-independent metagenomic techniques, and highlight the strengths and limitations of each approach.

A comparison of commercially available feeds for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus with evidence of their diet and feeding behaviour in natural habitats.

INTRODUCTION: A large variety of pet feeds is commercially available for pet herbivores; these feeds may differ in nutrient composition from the natural diet, and may trigger different feeding behaviours than observed in natural habitats. Here, we surveyed literature on the natural diet and activity budget of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus), chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) and degus (Octodon degus), as well as 260 compound feeds commercially available for these species between 1982 and 2020. The species are classified as herbivores, with available data on natural diets suggesting a crude fibre (CF) level of approximately 250 g/kg dry matter (DM), natural feeding activity at a magnitude of 4-7 h per day, with distinctively shorter feeding when fed on compound pet feeds. Only for a minority of feeds did the first 5 listed ingredients not include a starchy ingredient, or only ingredients not considered suitable for human consumption. The percentage of feeds whose CF level was less than 150 g/kg DM was 22 % for production rabbits, 18 % for pet rabbits, 26 % for guinea pigs, 18 % for chinchillas and 14 % for degus; in other words, a majority of currently marketed products have CF levels in accord with published recommendations, even if that means a discrepancy to natural diets. Screening the producers' feeding instructions suggests they should generally not be followed uncritically. No temporal trends in the CF levels of these diets was evident. There is no consensus whether only products resembling natural diet items should be included in pet feeds, or whether vegetable byproducts not edible by humans should also be included. The observed practice of pet feed composition largely did not follow either concept, questioning the general rationale of pet feed composition. Whole forage like hay is recommended as the main diet component for these species, and 76 % of pet feed products noted that hay should be fed in the feeding instructions.

INTRODUCTION: Une grande variété d'aliments pour animaux de compagnie est disponible dans le commerce pour les herbivores de compagnie; ces aliments peuvent différer du régime naturel dans leur composition en nutriments et peuvent déclencher des comportements alimentaires différents de ceux observés dans les habitats naturels. Nous avons étudié la littérature sur le régime alimentaire naturel et le budget d'activité des lapins (Oryctolagus cuniculus), des cochons d'Inde (Cavia porcellus), des chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) et des dégus (Octodon degus), ainsi que 260 aliments composés disponibles dans le commerce pour ces espèces entre 1982 et 2020. Les espèces sont classées comme herbivores et les données disponibles sur leurs régimes alimentaires naturels suggèrent une teneur en fibres brutes (FB) d'environ 250 g/kg de matière sèche (MS), une activité alimentaire naturelle de l'ordre de 4 à 7 heures par jour, avec une durée d'alimentation nettement plus courte lorsque l'animal est nourri avec des aliments composés pour animaux de compagnie. Ce n'est que pour une minorité d'aliments que les cinq premiers ingrédients énumérés ne comprenaient pas d'ingrédient amylacé, ou seulement des ingrédients considérés comme impropres à la consommation humaine. Le pourcentage d'aliments dont la teneur en FB était inférieure à 150 g/kg MS était de 22 % pour les lapins de production, 18 % pour les lapins de compagnie, 26 % pour les cochons d'Inde, 18 % pour les chinchillas et 14 % pour les dégus ; en d'autres termes, la majorité des produits actuellement commercialisés ont des teneurs en FB conformes aux recommandations publiées, même si cela signifie une divergence par rapport aux régimes naturels. L'examen des instructions d'alimentation des producteurs suggère qu'elles ne doivent généralement pas être suivies sans discernement. Aucune évolution temporelle dans les teneurs en FB de ces régimes n'a été mise en évidence. Il n'y a pas de consensus sur la question de savoir si seuls les produits ressemblant à des aliments naturels doivent être inclus dans les aliments pour animaux de compagnie ou si des sous-produits végétaux non comestibles pour l'homme doivent également être inclus. La pratique observée en matière de composition des aliments pour animaux de compagnie n'a en grande partie respecté aucun de ces deux concepts, ce qui remet en question la logique générale de la composition de ces aliments. Les fourrages entiers, comme le foin, sont recommandés comme principale composante de l'alimentation de ces espèces et 76 % des produits alimentaires pour animaux de compagnie indiquent, dans les instructions d'alimentation, que du foin doit être donné.

[Methods of analgesia and euthanasia in backyard poultry]. / Methoden der Analgesie und Euthanasie in der Hobby-Hühnerhaltung.

INTRODUCTION: The keeping of chickens in the backyard is growing in popularity in urban and suburban areas, numbers of animals are increasing and as a result small animal practitioners are more and more frequently faced with chickens as patient. Clinical conditions in backyard poultry often require the treatment of pain. The challenges regarding the adequate use of analgesics include: 1. Recognition and assessment of pain, which necessitates good knowledge of chicken behaviour, 2. Selection of the adequate drug and dosage based on evidence that is often not available for chickens, but spread over different species of birds, and 3. Implementation of food safety regulations, which result from the dual use of backyard poultry as «food producing pets¼. Analgesics used in chickens include opiates, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and local analgesics. The opiate butorphanol has been shown to have an analgesic effect of approximately two hours in chickens. Tramadol and methadone show some promise as analgesics, but more evidence is needed especially regarding bioavailability. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs meloxicam and carprofen appear to have an analgesic effect. Variable metabolism between breeds of chickens and the risk of accumulation, especially when used for periods exceeding five consecutive days, need to be taken into account regarding dosage. Lidocaine and bupivacaine have successfully been used in chickens for nerve blocks and spinal anaesthesia and should be included as part of multimodal analgesia especially during surgery. In cases, where termination of life is necessary the preferred method consists of an injectable anaesthesia followed by intravenous application of a barbiturate.

INTRODUCTION: L'élevage de volailles de basse-cour est de plus en plus populaire dans les zones urbaines et suburbaines, le nombre d'animaux augmente et les praticiens pour petits animaux sont, par conséquent, de plus en plus souvent confrontés à ces animaux en tant que patients. Les conditions cliniques des volailles de basse-cour nécessitent souvent le traitement de la douleur. Les défis liés à l'utilisation adéquate des analgésiques sont les suivants 1. La reconnaissance et l'évaluation de la douleur, qui nécessitent une bonne connaissance du comportement des volailles, 2. la sélection du médicament et du dosage adéquats sur la base de preuves qui ne sont souvent pas disponibles pour les volailles mais sont réparties entre différentes espèces d'oiseaux, et 3. la mise en œuvre des réglementations en matière de sécurité alimentaire, qui résultent de la double utilisation des volailles de basse-cour en tant qu'«animaux de compagnie producteurs de denrées alimentaires¼. Les analgésiques utilisés chez les poulets comprennent les opiacés, les anti-inflammatoires non stéroïdiens et les analgésiques locaux. Il a été démontré que l'opiacé butorphanol a un effet analgésique chez les poulets, d'une durée d'environ deux heures. Le Tramadol et la méthadone sont des analgésiques prometteurs, mais des preuves supplémentaires sont nécessaires, notamment en ce qui concerne leur biodisponibilité. Les anti-inflammatoires non stéroïdiens Meloxicam et Carprofen semblent avoir un effet analgésique. En ce qui concerne la posologie, il convient de tenir compte du métabolisme variable selon les races de poules et du risque d'accumulation, en particulier en cas d'utilisation pendant des périodes supérieures à cinq jours consécutifs. La lidocaïne et la bupivacaïne ont été utilisées avec succès chez les poules pour les blocs nerveux ainsi que pour l'anesthésie spinale et devraient être incluses dans l'analgésie multimodale, en particulier pendant la chirurgie. Dans les cas où il est nécessaire de mettre fin à la vie de l'animal, la méthode de choix consiste en une anesthésie injectable suivie d'une application intraveineuse d'un barbiturique.

[Survey on the use of antibiotics in exotic pets among Swiss veterinarians]. / Umfrage bei Schweizer Tierärzte/-innen über den Einsatz von Antibiotika bei exotischen Heimtieren.

INTRODUCTION: Monitoring programs and guidelines on the use of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in human and veterinary medicine have been developed worldwide to promote the prudent use of antibiotics in recent years. However, such information on the use of antibiotics in exotic pets is absent. This fact must be taken into account, since the number of exotic pet patients is constantly increasing and the administration of antibiotics is particular challenging due to the diversity of species and the differences in physiology. The present study reports the results of a survey of frequently used antibiotics and the criteria of antibiotic usage in exotic pets (rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles) among Swiss veterinarians. These data should form the basis for the development of antibiotic usage guidelines in exotic pets. A total of 61 veterinarians returned the questionnaire. The most important decision-making criteria for antibiotic treatment and antibiotic selection were clinical symptoms (55/59, 93% for antibiotic treatment and 40/59, 68% for antibiotic selection), experience (41/59, 69% and 36/59, 61%, respectively) and textbooks (39/59, 66% and 40/59, 68%). The most important decision-making criteria for dosage and duration of therapy were textbooks (59/59, 100%) and experience (31/59, 53%). The use of a microbial culture was used as a decision criterion for both antibiotic treatment and antibiotic selection by 39% of the participants, sensitivity testing was chosen as a decision criterion by 37% for antibiotic treatment and by 46% for antibiotic selection. Fluoroquinolones were used most frequently, 46/56 (82% of the participants) for rabbits, 49/57 (86%) for rodents, 36/37 (97%) for reptiles and 38/46 (83%) for birds. The vast majority of veterinarians (57/58, 98%) would consult a guide for the use of antibiotics. The frequent use of critical antibiotics in exotic pets underscores the need for a guide to the prudent use of antibiotics. The positive influence of such guidelines has already been proven in dogs and cats.

INTRODUCTION: Pour promouvoir une utilisation prudente des antibiotiques, des programmes de surveillance et des lignes directrices sur l'utilisation des antibiotiques et la résistance aux antibiotiques en médecine humaine et vétérinaire ont été élaborés dans le monde entier ces dernières années. Cependant, il n'existe actuellement aucune information de ce type en ce qui concerne les nouveaux animaux de compagnie ainsi que des informations exhaustives sur l'utilisation d'antibiotiques dans la pratique vétérinaire. Ce fait doit être pris en compte, d'autant plus que le nombre d'nouveaux animaux de compagnie est en constante augmentation dans la patientèle et que l'administration d'antibiotiques est un défi particulier en raison de la diversité des espèces et des différences de physiologie. Dans la présente étude, une enquête a été menée pour avoir un aperçu des antibiotiques fréquemment utilisés et de leurs critères d'utilisation chez les nouveaux animaux de compagnie (lapins, rongeurs, oiseaux et reptiles) auprès de vétérinaires suisses. Ces données sont destinées à servir de base à l'élaboration d'un guide sur les antibiotiques pour les animaux exotiques. Au total 61 vétérinaires ont répondu au questionnaire. Les critères de décision les plus importants pour le traitement antibiotique et la sélection d'un antibiotique étaient les symptômes (55/59, 93% pour le traitement antibiotique et 40/59, 68% pour la sélection de l'antibiotique), l'expérience (41/59, 69% et 36/59, 61%, respectivement) et la littérature spécialisée (39/59, 66% et 40/59, 68%). Les critères de décision les plus importants pour e dosage et la durée du traitement étaient la littérature spécialisée (59/59, 100%) et l'expérience (31/59, 53%). L'utilisation d'une culture bactériologique a été donnée par 39% des participants comme critère de décision à la fois pour le traitement antibiotique et le choix de l'antibiotique et un antibiogramme a été choisi par 37% comme critère de décision pour le traitement antibiotique et 46% pour le choix de l'antibiotique. Il a été constaté que les fluoroquinolones sont utilisées le plus fréquemment, chez 46/56 (82% des participants) pour les lapins, 49/57 (86%) pour les rongeurs, 36/37 (97%) pour les reptiles et 38/46 (83%) pour les oiseaux. La grande majorité des vétérinaires (57/58, 98%) a déclaré qu'ils consulteraient un guide pour l'utilisation des antibiotiques. L'utilisation fréquente d'antibiotiques critiques chez les nouveaux animaux de compagnie souligne la nécessité d'un guide sur l'utilisation prudente des antibiotiques. L'influence positive de ces recommandations a déjà été prouvée pour les chiens et les chats.

Time series metagenomic sampling of the Thermopyles, Greece, geothermal springs reveals stable microbial communities dominated by novel sulfur-oxidizing chemoautotrophs.

Geothermal springs are essentially unaffected by environmental conditions aboveground as they are continuously supplied with subsurface water with little variability in chemistry. Therefore, changes in their microbial community composition and function, especially over a long period, are expected to be limited but this assumption has not yet been rigorously tested. Toward closing this knowledge gap, we applied whole metagenome sequencing to 17 water samples collected between 2010 and 2016 from the Thermopyles sulfur-rich geothermal springs in central Greece. As revealed by 16S rRNA gene fragments recovered in the metagenomes, Epsilonproteobacteria-related operational taxonomic units (OTUs) dominated most samples and grouping of samples based on OTU abundances exhibited no apparent seasonal pattern. Similarities between samples regarding functional gene content were high, with all samples sharing >70% similarity in functional pathways. These community-wide patterns were further confirmed by analysis of metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), which showed that novel species and genera of the chemoautotrophic Campylobacterales order dominated the springs. These MAGs carried different pathways for thiosulfate or sulfide oxidation coupled to carbon fixation pathways. Overall, our study showed that even in the long term, functions of microbial communities in a moderately hot terrestrial spring remain stable, presumably driving the corresponding stability in community structure.

The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Resisting Norovirus Infection as Revealed by a Human Challenge Study.

Norovirus infections take a heavy toll on worldwide public health. While progress has been made toward understanding host responses to infection, the role of the gut microbiome in determining infection outcome is unknown. Moreover, data are lacking on the nature and duration of the microbiome response to norovirus infection, which has important implications for diagnostics and host recovery. Here, we characterized the gut microbiomes of subjects enrolled in a norovirus challenge study. We analyzed microbiome features of asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals at the genome (population) and gene levels and assessed their response over time in symptomatic individuals. We show that the preinfection microbiomes of subjects with asymptomatic infections were enriched in Bacteroidetes and depleted in Clostridia relative to the microbiomes of symptomatic subjects. These compositional differences were accompanied by differences in genes involved in the metabolism of glycans and sphingolipids that may aid in host resilience to infection. We further show that microbiomes shifted in composition following infection and that recovery times were variable among human hosts. In particular, Firmicutes increased immediately following the challenge, while Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria decreased over the same time. Genes enriched in the microbiomes of symptomatic subjects, including the adenylyltransferase glgC, were linked to glycan metabolism and cell-cell signaling, suggesting as-yet unknown roles for these processes in determining infection outcome. These results provide important context for understanding the gut microbiome role in host susceptibility to symptomatic norovirus infection and long-term health outcomes.IMPORTANCE The role of the human gut microbiome in determining whether an individual infected with norovirus will be symptomatic is poorly understood. This study provides important data on microbes that distinguish asymptomatic from symptomatic microbiomes and links these features to infection responses in a human challenge study. The results have implications for understanding resistance to and treatment of norovirus infections.

[Confirmation of Tick-borne encephalitis virus in an European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)]. / Frühsommer-Meningoenzephalitis-Virus Nachweis beim Europäischen Igel (Erinaceus europaeus).

INTRODUCTION: European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) have a high exposure to various ticks, which could transmit pathogens with direct health significance for the host and may have zoonotic potential. Tick-borne meningoencephalitis (FSME) is an important tick-borne disease in Switzerland, caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus. About its occurrence in the European hedgehog population is little known. The present study examined various organs, blood and ticks of 65 European hedgehogs to obtain data of FSME virus presence in this species in Switzerland. Real-time RT-PCR from the lungs, liver, spleen and kidney of 56 hedgehogs and of 114 infesting ticks (Ixodes hexagonus or Ixodes ricinus) were used for the detection of viral RNA. In addition, 19 blood samples were tested for antibodies against FSME by ELISA. FSME virus antibodies were detected for the first time in the serum of a European hedgehog. Lung and spleen tissue samples of the same animal tested also weak virus positive on RT-PCR. Clinically, the hedgehog showed neurological symptoms, although these symptoms could have originated from an other diseases. No viral RNA was detected in any of the ticks. This study could not confirm if the meningoencephalitis in the hedgehog was triggered by the FSME viral infection. Nevertheless, the simultaneous detection of antibodies and virus RNA in the same animal makes the European hedgehog a competent host of the tick-borne encephalitis virus and leads to the assumption that this species can act as a reservoir.

INTRODUCTION: En raison du nombre élevé de tiques présents chez les hérissons d'Europe (Erinaceus europaeus), ces animaux sont fortement exposés aux différents pathogènes qu'ils transmettent, pathogènes qui, en plus de l'importance directe pour la santé de l'hôte, peuvent aussi avoir un potentiel en termes de zoonose. La méningo-encéphalite à tique est, en Suisse, une maladie importante transmise par les tiques. Elle est causée par le virus de la méningo-encéphalite verno-estivale. Son occurrence chez les hérissons d'Europe est jusqu'à maintenant peu connue. Au travers de l'étude des organes, du sang et des tiques provenant de 65 hérissons européens, il devrait pour la première fois être possible de se prononcer sur la présence du virus chez cette espèce en Suisse. La détection de l'ARN viral a été effectuée au moyen d'une RT-PCR en temps réel sur les poumons, le foie, la rate et les reins de 56 hérissons ainsi que sur un total de 114 tiques dont ils étaient porteurs, appartenant aux espèces Ixodes hexagonus ou Ixodes ricinus. En outre, 19 échantillons de sang ont été testés par ELISA pour des anticorps contre le virus. Dans la présente étude, des anticorps contre le virus de l'encéphalite à tiques dans le sérum d'un hérisson européen ont pu être détectés pour la première fois. Les échantillons de poumon et de rate du même animal ont également montré une faible présence virale. Le même hérisson a présenté des symptômes neurologiques, mais ceux-ci pouvaient également être associés à d'autres maladies. On n'a démontré la présence d'ARN viral chez aucune tique. La possibilité d'une encéphalite causée par l'infection virale chez les hérissons ne peut pas être confirmée ou exclues avec cette étude. La détection simultanée des anticorps et de l'ARN viral chez le même animal fait du hérisson européen non seulement un hôte compétent du virus de l'encéphalite verno-estivale mais donne également également à penser que cette espèce pourrait servir de réservoir.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in Barbary striped grass mice (Lemniscomys barbarus).

INTRODUCTION: Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an obligate intracellular microsporidian parasite that commonly induces subclinical infections in rabbits, but occurs also in a range of other species, including various rodents, carnivores, humans and birds. The present report describes encephalitozoonosis in a group of captive Barbary striped grass mice (Lemniscomys barbarus) in a zoo collection. The aetiology was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and PCR with subsequent sequencing. The source of infection is not known.

Microanatomy of the digestive tract, hooves and some visceral organs of addax antelope (Addax nasomaculatus) following a concentrate or forage feeding regime.

Subacute ruminal acidosis is a common disease in captive non-domesticated ruminants and is mainly diagnosed by rumen fluid pH and rumen histology. Furthermore, differences in ruminant gastrointestinal histology have been hypothesized to correlate with the browser-grazer continuum. Twelve surplus addax antelope (Addax nasomaculatus) were divided into two groups, fed either their usual diet, consisting of a concentrate feed with a limited amount of hay, or a diet of unlimited hay only, for 3 months. After culling, descriptive and morphometric histology and pH measurements were compared between groups. Significant variations in cellular subpopulations were noted between groups, with roughage-fed individuals presenting primarily with balloon cells of the Stratum corneum and living layer cell vacuolization, whereas parakeratosis and intermediate-type cells were more frequent in the concentrate-fed group. Lesions typical of subacute ruminal acidosis were significantly more pronounced in concentrate-fed individuals. Ruminal pH measurements did not differ significantly, but were more consistent in forage-fed individuals, indicating a more stable reticuloruminal environment. The results indicate that ruminal histology may be more appropriate in assessing ruminal health compared to a single post-mortem pH measurement. It is proposed that Stratum corneum balloon cells may indicate cell maturation and not, as previously assumed, hyperfunction. Concentrate-fed individuals scored higher on the presence of inflammatory cells on hoof corium histology. The study further emphasizes the adaptability of ruminant digestive tract microanatomy in adult animals even after a short period of time and the positive effects an increased roughage diet may have in populations of captive grazing ruminants.

Gross Measurements of the Digestive Tract and Visceral Organs of Addax Antelope (Addax nasomaculatus) Following a Concentrate or Forage Feeding Regime.

Differences in macroscopic measurements of the gastrointestinal tract have been hypothesized to correlate with the browser-grazer continuum in the natural diet of ruminants. However, to what extent these characteristics represent species-specific traits, or respond to the actually ingested diet, remains to be investigated. Twelve surplus addax antelope (Addax nasomaculatus) were divided into two groups and fed, for 3 months, either their usual diet, consisting of a concentrate feed with a limited amount of hay, or a diet of unlimited hay only. After culling, macroscopic measurements were compared between groups. The macroscopic anatomy of the addax showed many characteristics considered typical for grazing or 'cattle-type' ruminants. While both diet groups had mesenteric, pericardial and perirenal adipose tissue, these depots were subjectively more pronounced in concentrate-fed animals. Hay-fed animals had significantly heavier filled forestomach compartments, with corresponding significantly longer linear measurements. Masseter muscles and the surface of first-order omasal leaves were significantly more prominent in hay-fed animals, reflecting possible adaptations to overcome resistance of grass forage and to reabsorb fluid from increased rumination, but differences were not as distinct as reported between 'cattle-type' and 'moose-type' ruminants. Some measurements such as reticular crests and empty foregut mass remained stable between groups, indicating possibly genetically pre-defined characteristics less prone to change in adult life. The results emphasize the adaptability of ruminant digestive tract anatomy in adult animals even after a short period of time, but also suggest limits to this adaptability that reveals a species-specific anatomy regardless of the diet actually consumed.

Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) drinking preferences: do nipple drinkers compensate for behaviourally deficient diets?

When offered diets with hay ad libitum, rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) clearly prefer open dishes over nipple drinkers, but whether this preference also applies in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) is unsure. We tested the drinker preference of 10 guinea pigs when offered open dishes (OD) and nipple drinkers (ND) simultaneously and measured the amount of water consumed by each animal on four different diets (grass hay 100%, or as 10% of intake on diets of fresh parsley, seed mix or pelleted complete feed, respectively) on either of the drinking systems. All animals ingested the hay portion of the combined diets first. The amount of water consumed differed significantly between individual animals. Animals drank less water on parsley than on the other diets. Nine of 10 animals clearly preferred ND when having a choice, and eight of these drank more when on ND only. The difference between the drinking systems was not consistent across all diets: on hay, similar amounts of water were drunk when on OD or ND only. Differences in water intake were reflected in urine production. Because drinking from ND in guinea pigs involves jaw movements similar to those in chewing, the results could suggest that when motivation for oral processing behaviour is not satisfied by a diet, animals may respond in using ND beyond physiological water necessity. Whereas physiological water requirements are probably better investigated with other drinking systems due to a possible overestimation when using ND, offering ND to pet guinea pigs most likely offers a form of behavioural enrichment that at the same time may increase water intake and hence act as prophylaxis against urolithiasis.

Ultrasonographic findings in two sheep with enzootic calcinosis.

INTRODUCTION: This report describes 2 sheep with enzootic calcinosis characterized by abnormal cardiovascular and respiratory findings and ascites causing abdominal distension. Both sheep were anorexic and listless and had increased heart and respiratory rates. Auscultation of the heart revealed a gallop rhythm in sheep 1 and a loud systolic heart murmur in sheep 2. The activities of liver enzymes were severely increased in both sheep. Abdominal ultrasonography showed severe ascites and congestion of the liver and caudal vena cava. Echocardiography in sheep 2 showed hyperechoic and markedly thickened mitral and aortic valves with moderate-severe mitral insufficiency and generalized cardiomegaly. Both sheep were euthanized and examined postmortem. In addition to ascites and pleural effusion, the principal lesions were nodular thickening of the heart valves and calcification of the aorta and other arteries. Nutrition of the sheep did not include hay pellets, but the sheep were kept together with alpacas and lamas and had access to the hay pellets of these animals. In addition visitors were allowed to feed the sheep with hay pellets offered by the zoo in a dispenser. The two types of hay pellets had Vit D concentrations of 9'900 IU VitD3/kg and 7'000 IU Vit D2/kg, respectively. The definitive diagnosis was enzootic calcinosis.

[Veterinary care of birds of prey: Development from 1985 to 2015]. / Tierärztliche Betreuung von Greifvögeln: Entwicklungen im Zeitraum von 1985 bis 2015.

INTRODUCTION: A retrospective study was conducted which analysed the patient histories of free-living birds of prey presented to the Clinic of Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife of the University of Zürich from 2009 to 2015. The data were compared with a previous study on the period from 1985 to 1994. The average number of cases presented per year increased from 55 to 109. Most cases are presented in the months of February, June and July. Surgical problems were most frequently diagnosed and occurred in 61.5% of the cases, with 66.5% of patients presenting with one or more fractures. Regarding medical cases (29.5%) the most frequent finding was unspecified weakness (47.8%). Ophthalmic pathologies were diagnosed in 9% of the patients. With respect to outcome 41.7% of the patients could be released, 47.3% and 11.0% had to be euthanized or died, respectively. In 6 of 9 of the most frequently presented species the rate of release increased significantly compared to the previous study.

INTRODUCTION: Dans le cadre d'une étude rétrospective, on a analysé des dossiers des oiseaux de proies admis entre 2009 et 2015 à la Clinique pour animaux de zoo, animaux de compagnie et animaux sauvages de l'Université de Zürich et on les a comparés avec les résultats d'une étude effectuée entre 1985 et 1994. Le nombre moyen de cas durant cette période a augmenté de 55 à 109 patients par an. C'est en février ainsi qu'en juin/juillet que sont présentés le plus grand nombre d'oiseaux. Les problèmes chirurgicaux étaient, avec 61.5% les plus fréquents; parmi ceux-ci 66.5% des oiseaux de proie présentaient une ou plusieurs fractures, la plupart au niveau de l'aile. Parmi les problèmes médicaux (29.5%), une faiblesse non-spécifique était la principale cause de consultation (47.8%). Au total 9% des patients présentaient des lésions occulaires. En ce qui concerne les suites, 41.7 % des oiseaux de proie ont pu être remis en liberté, 47.3% ont dû être euthanasiés et 11% ont péri. Une augmentation du taux de remise en liberté par rapport à l'étude antérieure a pu être constatée pour 6 des 9 espèces les plus fréquemment présentées.

Retention of solute and particle markers in the digestive tract of chinchillas (Chinchilla laniger).

The chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger) is a herbivorous hystricomorph South American rodent for which no mean digesta retention times have been reported so far. Six animals (mean body mass ± standard deviation: 513 ± 99 g) on a diet of grass hay and lucerne-based pellets were given a pulse dose of a solute (cobalt-EDTA) and a particle (chromium-mordanted fibre, <2 mm) marker with subsequent frequent faecal collection. Dry matter intake was 45.2 ± 8.0 g/kg(0.75) /day. Mean retention times were 22.2 ± 5.3 h for solutes and 25.4 ± 5.2 h for particles, with the difference being not significant within individuals. This indicates the presence of a 'mucus-trap' colonic separation mechanism, which is in accord with morphological descriptions of the typical colonic furrow in chinchillas. Corresponding to a strategy of colonic digesta separation and caecotroph formation, secondary marker excretion peaks indicated coprophagic events that were spaced approximately 12 h apart. Given that these retention times appear longer than measures reported for rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) or guinea pigs (Cavia procellus), it would be interesting to compare the digestive efficiency of chinchillas on high levels of dietary fibre to other species.

Anatomical Atlas of the Quail's Ear (Coturnix coturnix).

This study aims to enhance the anatomical knowledge of the ear of the adult quail (Coturnix coturnix) through the creation of a scaled 3D model utilizing data from micro-CT images. In addition, 17 annotated histological sections of the quail's ear are aligned to their 3D position in the model. The resulting anatomical atlas provides an intuitive insight into the 3D anatomy and can be used for medical education. The model also allows measuring anatomical structures and can thus serve as reference for the quail's auricular anatomy and as a basis to evaluate clinical diagnostic imaging results.

Organic matter and macromineral digestibility in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) as compared to other hindgut fermenters.

It is generally assumed that animal species differ in physiological characteristics of their digestive tract. Because investigating digestive processes is often labour-intensive, requiring lengthy adaptation and collection periods, comparisons are often made on the basis of data collated from different studies. We added a new data set on dietary crude fibre (CF) and macromineral (Na, K, Ca, P, Mg) composition and apparent digestibility (aD) of organic matter (OM) and macrominerals in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus; a total of 180 measurements with 12 individuals and 10 different diets) to a literature data collection for rodents and domestic horses (Equus caballus). Significant negative relationships between dietary CF and aD OM were obtained, but the significant difference in digestive efficiency between rabbits and guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) reported from studies where both species had been investigated under identical conditions were not detectable in the larger data collection. However, the 95% confidence interval of the negative slope of the CF-aD OM relationship did not overlap between domestic horses on the one hand, and rabbits and guinea pigs on the other hand, indicating a less depressing effect of CF in horses. Akaike's information criterion indicated that aD of a macromineral did not only depend on its concentration in the diet, but also on the individual and various other diet characteristics and the presence of other macrominerals, indicating complex interactions. The data indicate similar mechanisms in the absorption of macrominerals amongst rabbits, rodents and horses, with the exception of Na and K in guinea pigs and Ca in chinchillas (Chinchilla laniger) that should be further corroborated. In particular, the occurrence of high aD Ca in hindgut fermenters, regardless of whether they employ a digestive strategy of coprophagy or whether they have fossorial habits, suggests that this peculiarity might represent an adaptation to hindgut fermentation in general.

Digestive physiology of captive giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla): determinants of faecal dry matter content.

Giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) are specialized insectivores and consume mainly ants and termites in the wild. In captivity, giant anteaters are either fed a complete diet, or a combination of a domestic carnivore diet with leaf eater pellets, or a traditional gruel-type diet. Soft faeces are a frequently encountered problem with this type of feeding. In the present study, we analysed diet and faeces composition, calculated digestibility and measured mean retention time on various diets in eight giant anteaters (total of n = 64 experiments). The results suggest that the digestive physiology of giant anteaters is similar to that of domestic dogs and cats in terms of nutrient digestibility and digesta retention. When testing correlations between faecal dry matter content and other variables, no relationship with dietary crude fibre content or mean digesta retention time could be detected. However, acid insoluble ash intake was significantly and positively correlated with faecal dry matter content. The amount of acid insoluble ash excreted with the faeces was higher than that ingested with the diet offered, indicating that the giant anteaters ingested soil from their enclosure of up to 93 g per day. This finding is consistent with observation of faeces of wild giant anteaters that contain soil or sand most likely due to indiscriminate feeding. It also corresponds to reports that indigestible materials such as peat, soil, chitin or cellulose contribute to a firmer faecal consistency in various carnivore species. Therefore, offering giant anteaters the opportunity to voluntarily ingest soil from their enclosure might be beneficial.

Tooth length and incisal wear and growth in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) fed diets of different abrasiveness.

Dental diseases are among the most important reasons for presenting guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) and other rodents to veterinary clinics, but the aetiopathology of this disease complex is unclear. Clinicians tend to believe that the ever-growing teeth of rabbits and rodents have a constant growth that needs to be worn down by the mastication of an appropriate diet. In this study, we tested the effect of four different pelleted diets of increasing abrasiveness [due to both internal (phytoliths) and external abrasives (sand)] or whole grass hay fed for 2 weeks each in random order to 16 guinea pigs on incisor growth and wear, and tooth length of incisors and cheek teeth. There was a positive correlation between wear and growth of incisors. Tooth lengths depended both on internal and external abrasives, but only upper incisors were additionally affected by the feeding of whole hay. Diet effects were most prominent in anterior cheek teeth, in particular M1 and m1. Cheek tooth angle did not become shallower with decreasing diet abrasiveness, suggesting that a lack of dietary abrasiveness does not cause the typical 'bridge formation' of anterior cheek teeth frequently observed in guinea pigs. The findings suggest that other factors than diet abrasiveness, such as mineral imbalances and in particular hereditary malocclusion, are more likely causes for dental problems observed in this species.