Behavioral Development of Pediatric Exotic Pets and Practical Applications.

The discovery of epigenetics and the interaction between genes and the environment have moved our understanding of how animal behavior develops from gestation to adulthood, and even throughout generations, to a new level. Studying the natural biology of exotic pets is key to providing them with a rich social and physical environment that will encourage species-specific behaviors. Combining parent-raising with appropriately timed human handling is likely to result in individuals with more resilience to stress. Using operant conditioning techniques early in life to train the animals' basic behaviors gives them control over their environment, empowering them through their social interactions.

VALIDATION OF ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY TECHNIQUES TO MEASURE SERUM DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE (DHEA) AND DHEA-S IN NARWHALS (MONODON MONOCEROS).

Narwhals (Monodon monoceros) are increasingly exposed to anthropogenic disturbances that may increase their stress levels with unknown consequences for the overall population dynamics. The validation and measurement of chronic stress biomarkers could contribute toward improved understanding and conservation efforts for this species. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated metabolite DHEA-S are collectively referred to as DHEA(S). Serum DHEA(S) concentrations combined in ratios with cortisol [cortisol/DHEA(S)] have been shown to be promising indicators of chronic stress in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. During field tagging in 2017 and 2018 in Baffin Bay, Nunavut, Canada, 14 wild narwhals were sampled at the beginning and end of the capture-tagging procedures. Serum DHEA(S) were measured with commercially available competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) developed for humans. A partial validation of the ELISA assays was performed by the determination of the intra-assay coefficient of variation, confirmation of the DHEA(S) dilutional linearity, and the calculation of the percentage of recovery. Mean values (nanograms per milliliter ± standard error of the mean) of narwhal serum cortisol, DHEA(S), and cortisol/DHEA(S) ratios, at the beginning and at the end of handling, respectively, are reported (cortisol = 30.74 ± 4.87 and 41.83 ± 4.83; DHEA = 1.01 ± 0.52 and 0.99 ± 0.50; DHEA-S = 8.72 ± 1.68 and 7.70 ± 1.02; cortisol/DHEA = 75.43 ± 24.35 and 84.41 ± 11.76, and cortisol/DHEA-S = 4.16 ± 1.07 and 6.14 ± 1.00). Serum cortisol and cortisol/DHEA-S were statistically higher at the end of the capture (P= 0.024 and P= 0.035, respectively). Moreover, serum cortisol at the end of handling was positively correlated to total body length (P = 0.042) and tended to be higher in males (P = 0.086). These assays proved easy to perform, rapid, and suitable for measuring serum DHEA(S) of narwhals and that calculated cortisol/DHEA(S) are potential biomarkers for chronic stress in narwhals and possibly other cetaceans.

Behavioral and Physiologic Effects of a Single Dose of Oral Gabapentin in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

Stress in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) may influence veterinarians' ability to assess their health and can lead to complications such as gastrointestinal hypomotility and poor anesthetic outcomes. Gabapentin has been used as an anxiolytic in various species, but little information is available on its use in rabbits. To assess the effect of gabapentin on stress in rabbits, 5 female and 3 male New Zealand white rabbits, aged 8-12 months, weighing 3-4.5 kg, were administered a single dose (25 mg/kg) of oral compounded gabapentin. Effects on individual behaviors and selected physiologic parameters were assessed by a blinded observer using a human intruder test and tractability score (summed total 0-8, most to least tractable). Heart and respiratory rate, rectal temperature, body weight, and fecal output were also recorded. Baseline measurements for each rabbit were assessed immediately prior to gabapentin administration, and at 1, 2, and 4 hours post-administration. With this method rabbits acted as their own concurrent control group. Rabbits were assessed at 7 AM, 11 AM, and 3 PM. Data were analyzed as continuous, binary, and continuous nonparametric (P ≤ .05). No significant differences in physiologic parameters were observed between baseline and the post-administration timepoints. Fecal output was reduced similar to baseline measurements. Behaviors pressing down decreased (at 2 and 4 hours; P = .05 and P = .013, respectively) and approaching human increased (at 2 hours; P = .022) post-gabapentin compared to baseline. Tractability scores were improved at the 2-hour timepoint compared to baseline (Friedman P = .0461; Wilcoxon P = .0413). These results suggest gabapentin 25 mg/kg orally decreased reactivity with a peak effect at 2 hours, without significant effects on measured physiologic parameters. Oral gabapentin in rabbits should be considered to reduce stress in the presence of humans and to facilitate handling.

EFFECTS OF A SINGLE ORAL DOSE OF TRAZODONE ON BEHAVIOR AND SERUM CORTISOL LEVELS IN BLUE WILDEBEEST (CONNOCHAETES TAURINUS).

Trazodone is a dose-dependent serotonin antagonist and agonist used to treat anxiety-related conditions. Trauma has been identified as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in several nondomestic ruminant species and can be exacerbated by stress. In a recent study in domestic goats (Capra aegagrus hircus), trazodone reduced activity levels without adverse effects. Trazodone could allow for safer capture and handling in nondomestic ruminant species. The objectives of this study were to identify a dose of trazodone that decreases activity levels in captive blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) and to evaluate its safety and its effects on serum cortisol levels following a routine veterinary procedure. A pilot study using ethograms identified a group fed 15 mg/kg oral dose of trazodone as effective to reduce activity levels. Over 6 h, this dose resulted in a 111% increase in time spent sleeping or resting (P = 0.0003), a 41% increase in time spent lying down (P = 0.0016), a 64% reduction in time spent moving (P= 0.005), and a 65% reduction in time spent being vigilant (P= 0.026). Systemic absorption of trazodone was identified when plasma concentrations were measured after 2 h (95 ± 48 µg/L). Serum cortisol levels during a routine venipuncture event were not significantly different following trazodone administration (P > 0.05). Mild hyporexia was the only adverse effect noted at 15 mg/kg and was absent at a 12 mg/kg dose. Trazodone appears safe and promising to decrease activity in blue wildebeest and might thus have a positive effect on nondomestic ruminant welfare and the safety of veterinary procedures.

HEALTH STATUS INCLUDING LEAD LEVELS OF NESTLING BALD EAGLES (HALIAEETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS) ON PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, CANADA IN 2012 AND 2013.

Published research on the health status of wild bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in Eastern Canada is limited. This study examined the health status of 53 nestling bald eagles on Prince Edward Island in the summers of 2012 and 2013, including biochemistry reference intervals, a summary of hematological parameters, and background lead accumulation. Baseline lead levels of greater than 0.02 ppm were noted in nine nestlings, and the odds of lead accumulation decreased with increased weight and body condition score. Biochemical reference intervals were developed using a method outlined by the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology. These intervals can vary between populations based on age and geographic area. These findings will therefore be useful in further research and clinical cases within this population, as well as further research into subclinical lead accumulation in growing raptors.

Association between Pet Ownership and Mental Health and Well-Being of Canadians Assessed in a Cross-Sectional Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the association between pet ownership and quality of life (QoL), loneliness, anxiety, stress, overall health, and mental health of Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic using a One Health perspective. An online bilingual survey was completed by 1500 Canadians in April-May 2021. Socio-demographics, health, QoL, stress and anxiety, loneliness, social support, pet ownership, and attitude towards pets data were collected. Crude and adjusted associations between pet ownership and mental health and well-being indicators were estimated. The 1500 participants were from all provinces and territories, half were women; half of the participants were pet owners by design. The crude association estimates showed that pet owners had poorer QoL, overall health, and mental health than non-pet owners, and were lonelier, more stressed, and more anxious than non-pet owners. Adjusted estimates showed that these associations disappeared with the inclusion of the confounders (socio-economic, demographic, health, and pet-related variables). Our results suggest that there was no association between pet ownership and the mental health and well-being indicators measured in the present study.

Impact of Dietary Fructose on the Lipid Profile in Six Macaws.

Atherosclerosis is frequently diagnosed in captive parrots. Recent studies have highlighted the potential role of high fructose intake in the development of human cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary fructose on the lipid profile in psittacine birds. Six macaws, composed of 3 green-winged macaws (Ara chloropterus, 2 females, 1 male), and 3 blue-and-gold macaws (Ara ararauna, 1 female, 2 males), ranging from 15 to 26 years of age, were used as subject animals for this dietary investigation. Initially, fruits were removed from the diet and replaced with vegetables lower in fructose for a month. Then, with a crossover study design, each bird was randomly selected to receive either 34 kcal of a fructose solution daily for 5 days then an equivalent volume of water for 5 days, or water in the first 5 days followed by the 34 kcal fructose solution. Lipid profiles were repeatedly performed over the course of the study at specific intervals. Serum cholesterol (3.01-5.55 mmol/L), triglycerides (0.27-2.70 mmol/L), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (1.43-4.79 mmol/L), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (0.02-0.85 mmol/L), and very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (0.12-1.22 mmol/L) levels were not statistically significantly different over time and treatment. Although no significant effect could be demonstrated in this study, further studies are needed to investigate the effect of a high fructose intake in psittacine birds, because it could have a deleterious influence on their cardiovascular health if proven to be linked with dyslipidemia as reported in humans. Higher amounts of fructose and longer periods of administration should be considered for future studies.

A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF FEMORAL FRACTURES IN WILD BIRDS OF PREY: 119 CASES.

A retrospective study was performed to describe patient and fracture characteristics, treatments, complications, and outcomes associated with femoral fractures in free-ranging birds of prey. Cases were identified from the electronic database and included raptors admitted with femoral fractures at the Bird of Prey Clinic of the Université de Montréal, from 1986 to 2018. In total, 119 individuals from 24 species, with 123 femoral fractures, were included in the study. Twenty-seven birds (23%) were declared dead upon arrival. Ninety-two birds (77%) were admitted alive; 80 with acute fractures and 12 with a fracture that had already healed. A conservative treatment (cage rest) was used to manage eight fractures. Surgical repair was attempted on 34 femoral fractures in 33 birds. An intramedullary pin alone was used in 28 cases (82%), and an external skeletal fixator-intramedullary pin tie-in fixator was used in 6 cases (18%). For surgically treated fractures, 19 healed (in 18 birds), 4 did not heal, and 11 birds died or were euthanized before healing could be achieved. Of the 23/34 fractures where the healing process could be assessed, healing rate for comminuted fractures (11/23) was 91% (10/11). Surgical complications occurred in 10 cases (including 7 cases of migration and loosening of the pin, and 1 case of osteomyelitis), leading to euthanasia in 4 cases. Out of the 21 birds with acute femoral fracture upon presentation that were released, 14 had received a surgical treatment and 7 had received a conservative treatment. Nine of the 21 released birds (43%) had at least one other fractured bone. The majority of deaths and euthanasia occurred within 2 wk after admission (51/59; 86%). Thirteen birds were euthanized primarily because of their femoral fracture. Thirteen birds died in treatment and 33 were deemed nonreleasable and euthanized because of a comorbidity not related to the femoral fracture.

PHARMACOKINETICS AND CLINICAL EFFECTS OF A SINGLE ORAL DOSE OF TRAZODONE IN THE DOMESTIC GOAT (CAPRA HIRCUS) AS A MODEL FOR WILD RUMINANTS.

Trazodone is an antianxiety medication commonly used in human and veterinary medicine. Stress-related trauma is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in wild ruminant species. Trazodone could reduce stress and allow safer capture and handling, thus having a positive effect on their welfare. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical effects and pharmacokinetic profile of an oral dose of trazodone in domestic goats (Capra hircus) as a model for wild ruminants. A pilot study using ethograms and accelerometers identified an oral dose of 10 mg/kg as optimal to reduce activity levels. This dose resulted in a 502% increase in time spent sleeping (P=0.0016) and a 623% increase in time spent lying down (P=0.01). Additionally, there were reductions of 72% in time spent grooming (P=0.02), 49% in time spent moving (P=0.01), and 87% in time spent observing (P=0.0002). Activity levels were significantly decreased by 31% for 4 hr following administration (P=0.049). There were no observed adverse effects. Time spent eating or ruminating was not affected by trazodone administration (P > 0.05). The pharmacokinetics of trazodone following a single oral dose of 10 mg/kg in 7 goats was assessed. All animals achieved plasma concentrations over 130 ng/ml, a level considered therapeutic in humans and dogs, for a mean of 6.4 ± 5.0 hr. Mean terminal half-life was 10.55 ± 6.80 hr. All goats achieved maximum concentration within 5-15 min and still had detectable plasma levels at 24 hr. Trazodone appears promising to decrease stress in exotic ruminant species. Further research is warranted to establish its efficacy in other ruminant species and clinical situations.

Animal Behavior and Learning: Support from Applied Behavior Analysis.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a relevant field for veterinarians helping clients whose animals engage in problem behaviors. In ABA, learning is defined as behavior change due to changes in the environment. Changing behavior then requires changes in conditions. Understanding the importance of control and the difference between emotional behavior and emotional feelings also is informed by ABA. Every behavior intervention should start with a systematic, analytical process called a functional assessment. Behavior change strategies are described, including an ethical procedural hierarchy based on the least intrusive, effective behavior change solution.

Clinical Psychopharmacology for the Exotic Animal Practitioner.

Literature regarding the clinical use of psychotropic drugs in exotic animals remains scarce. Psychotropic drugs acting on serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid pathways work by decreasing fear and anxiety, reactivity, and hypervigilance, and by improving impulse control. They are indicated for some cases of aggression, self-mutilation, and compulsive and anxiety disorders, including feather-damaging behavior. Side effects are rarely seen when dosages are appropriately adjusted to the individual, starting with a low dose and slowly titrating to effect. Several drug interactions exist between psychotropic drugs and other classes. Psychotropic drugs cannot be used to replace appropriate environmental conditions in exotic animals. before "Side effects".

Clinical Reptile Behavior.

Reptile behavior varies widely among the approximately 11,000 species of this class. The authors' objective is to allow practitioners to discriminate between normal and abnormal behaviors in reptiles. Some of the most common reasons for presentation of behavioral issues are discussed, including hyperactivity, self-mutilation, biting, repetitive behaviors, and postural abnormalities. Medical problems and suboptimal husbandry causing abnormal behaviors should be ruled out by attending veterinarians. Addressing behavior issues involves determining a differential diagnosis through a systematic approach, which then allows implementation of necessary environmental changes including enrichment, developing plans for behavior modification and biomedical training, and medication when appropriate.

SURGICAL ORCHIECTOMY IN FRUIT BATS-DESCRIPTION OF TWO TECHNIQUES IN THE RUWENZORI LONG-HAIRED FRUIT BAT (ROUSETTUS LANOSUS) AND THE JAMAICAN FRUIT-EATING BAT (ARTIBEUS JAMAICENSIS).

Contraception is needed to prevent overpopulation and inbreeding in highly fecund captive bat colonies. Reports on surgical contraception in bats are limited. The objective of this study was to describe surgical castration techniques in a megachiropteran and a microchiropteran fruit bat species. Open orchiectomy by transfixing ligation of the spermatic cord was performed in 14 Ruwenzori long-haired fruit bats (Rousettus lanosus) (RL-LIG), and orchiectomy with radiosurgery alone was performed in 125 Jamaican fruit-eating bats (Artibeus jamaicensis) (AJ-RS) and one Ruwenzori bat (RL-RS). The surgical techniques were not compared in different species with the exception of the one Ruwenzori bat operated with RS. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen via facemask. Preoperatively, all bats received butorphanol and subcutaneous fluids. Meloxicam was administered postoperatively for the RL-LIG. For the RL-LIG, anesthesia lasted 49 ± 15 min (mean ± SD) with a total surgery time of 26 ± 12 min. In comparison, the RS was considerably shorter, lasting 10 ± 3 min for anesthesia and 5 ± 2 min for surgery. Complications were rare, with a morbidity rate of 6.7% with the RL-LIG (prolonged recovery [n = 1]) and of 4.8% with the RS (dyspnea [n = 3], hemorrhage [n = 2], and prolonged recovery [n = 1]). One of the cases of hemorrhage was in the single Ruwenzori bat castrated using the RS technique. Mortality rate was 1.6% (n = 2) with the RS. No mortality occurred with the RL-LIG. In conclusion, using radiosurgery alone appears to be a safe and rapid surgical technique in smaller species of fruit bats. For larger species, such as the Ruwenzori fruit bats, ligation or use of an advanced vessel sealing system is recommended.

Horner Syndrome in Birds of Prey.

Horner syndrome, which results from oculosympathetic denervation, has rarely been reported in birds. A retrospective study was conducted in a raptor rehabilitation program to gain further insight into Horner syndrome in birds. Data from 5128 live raptors admitted over 20 years were reviewed. Horner syndrome was identified in 22 individuals from 13 different species. Raptors from the orders Strigiformes, Accipitriformes, and Falconiformes were affected, with the last order being underrepresented. Ptosis of the upper eyelid was the most commonly reported clinical sign in the birds diagnosed with Horner syndrome, having been noted in 21 cases. Signs of traumatic injury, such as fractures, wounds, and hematomas, were documented in 18 cases. Among the 22 cases, 12 birds were euthanatized, 3 died in treatment, and 7 were successfully released back into the wild.

Determination of the pharmacokinetics of a single oral dose of trazodone and its effect on the activity level of domestic pigeons (Columba livia).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the pharmacokinetics of a single oral dose of trazodone and its effect on the activity of domestic pigeons (Columba livia). ANIMALS: 6 healthy adult male domestic pigeons. PROCEDURES: During the first of 3 experiments, birds received orally administered trazodone at doses ranging from 3 to 30 mg/kg to determine the dose for subsequent experiments. During the second experiment, each bird received 1 dose of trazodone (30 mg/kg, PO). Blood was collected for determination of plasma trazodone concentration before and at predetermined times for 24 hours after drug administration. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by noncompartmental analysis. During experiment 3, birds were instrumented with ultralightweight accelerometers and received orally administered trazodone (30 mg/kg) or an equal volume of water twice at a 48-hour interval. Activity of birds was monitored for 24 hours after administration of each treatment. RESULTS: No adverse effects were observed. Mean ± SD terminal half-life of trazodone was 5.65 ± 1.75 hours. Plasma trazodone concentrations remained > 0.130 µg/mL for approximately 20 hours. Trazodone did not affect the activity of birds during the first 2 and 15 hours after administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that oral administration of 1 dose (30 mg/kg) of trazodone to healthy pigeons was safe and resulted in plasma drug concentrations that were similar to those considered therapeutic in humans and dogs for up to 20 hours. Further research is necessary to characterize the pharmacokinetics for repeated doses as well as the clinical effects of trazodone in birds with behavior problems.

HUMAN PARAINFLUENZA 2 RELATED ILLNESS AND A DEATH IN A GROUP OF CAPTIVE WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLAS (GORILLA GORILLA GORILLA).

An onset of respiratory disease in a captive bachelor group (n = 3) of western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) was concomitant with peak attendance of visitors at the institution and with unwanted occurrences of food items being thrown in the gorillas' enclosure. While the condition of two individuals improved with supportive therapy and antibiotics, the third gorilla died three days following initiation of treatment. A fatal bacterial pneumonia, secondary to an infection by a human parainfluenza virus 2 (HIPV-2), was considered to be the cause of death based on histopathology, lung cultures, and reverse transcription PCR. HPIV-2 activity in the human population of the province was detected for that period, including the same viral strain. This report confirms a HPIV-2 respiratory illness and associated death in a gorilla. Clinical presentation and context suggest conspecifics were also affected and that contaminated food thrown by visitors may have been the source of infection.

ANESTHESIA OF AQUARIUM-HOUSED WALRUS ( ODOBENUS ROSMARUS): A CASE SERIES.

Walruses are a challenging species to anesthetize as a result of their large mass, limited access for drug delivery, unique physiology, and small number of reports describing anesthetic procedures. Three aquarium-housed walruses ( Odobenus rosmarus) ranging in age from 3 to 11 yr old (344-1,000 kg) were anesthetized for dental or ophthalmic surgical procedures, with one animal anesthetized twice and one anesthetized three times. Preanesthetic medication was with intramuscular midazolam (0.1-0.2 mg/kg) and meperidine (2-3 mg/kg). A catheter was placed in the extradural intravertebral vein, and anesthesia was induced with propofol to effect. Orotracheal intubation was performed and anesthesia maintained with isoflurane in oxygen using a circle breathing system connected to a ventilator. Intermittent positive pressure ventilation was used in all procedures. For the ophthalmic surgery, the neuromuscular blocking agent, cisatracurium, was given intravenously to provide a central eye and optimal surgical conditions. The neuromuscular block was antagonized with edrophonium. Total anesthesia times ranged from 1.5 to 6 hr. Midazolam and meperidine were antagonized with flumazenil and naltrexone, respectively, in five of six cases. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents were provided for analgesia. Recoveries were calm and uneventful. The described anesthetic protocols and case management were successful under the conditions encountered.

Pneumatosis coli in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo).

A 4-year-old spayed female ferret was presented with acute diarrhea and partial anorexia. Pneumatosis coli and segmental enteropathy were identified by ultrasonography and radiography. Fecal culture did not identify any pathogenic bacteria. Medical management of concurrent diseases and antibiotic therapy resulted in resolution of clinical signs and pneumatosis coli.

Pneumatose chez un furet domestique(Mustela putorius furo). Un furet femelle stérilisé âgé de 4 ans a été présenté avec une diarrhée aiguë et de l'anorexie partielle. Une pneumatose et une entéropathie segmentaire ont été identifiés par échographie et radiographie. Une culture fécale n'a pas permis de mettre en évidence une bactérie pathogène. La gestion médicale de maladies concomitantes et d'une thérapie antibiotique ont produit une résolution des signes cliniques et de pneumatose.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).