Serum biochemical reference interval determination in wild Siberian weasel (Mustela sibirica).

Determining reference intervals (RI) is a valuable asset for assessing the health of wildlife species. This is the first study to establish serum biochemical RIs in Siberian weasels. Forty-two healthy free-ranging Siberian weasels were captured live and brought to Seoul Wildlife Center between June 2021 and August 2022. Blood samples from 42 healthy Siberian weasels of both sexes were used to calculate RIs. An automated analyser was used to perform serum biochemistry profiles. The American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology recommendations were used to calculate a nonparametric RI with 90% confidence intervals. The RIs of albumin, total protein, globulin, calcium, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, phosphorus, amylase, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, and creatine kinase were determined. The RIs established in this study will serve as a good starting point for analysing serum biochemical data in Siberian weasels.

VERTEBRAL HEART SCALE SYSTEM IN CLINICALLY HEALTHY SIBERIAN WEASEL (MUSTELA SIBIRICA).

In several species, the vertebral heart scale (VHS) measurement is frequently used to provide a more objective evaluation of cardiomegaly. However, normal-sized parameters for radiographic measures of the cardiac silhouette in Siberian weasels (Mustela sibirica) have not been determined. Right lateral (n = 24) and ventrodorsal (n = 20) thoracic radiographs from free-ranging Siberian weasels with clinically normal cardiac and pulmonary function were acquired and evaluated to determine the specific VHS for the Siberian weasel. The mean (SD) VHS of the right lateral (RL) and the ventrodorsal (VD) views were 6.70 (0.60) and 6.95 (0.69), respectively. VD view radiographs had a considerably higher VHS than RL view radiographs, and RL view measures were less variable than VD view values. The VHS of Siberian weasels was unaffected by age, body weight, or sex. The results determined in this study can be used in clinical diagnostic and radiographic evaluations of Siberian weasels.

Environmental Perturbations during the Rehabilitation of Wild Migratory Birds Induce Gut Microbiome Alteration and Antibiotic Resistance Acquisition.

Wild migratory birds are essential for sustaining healthy ecosystems, but the effects of a rehabilitation period on their gut microbiomes are still unclear. Here, we performed longitudinal sampling, 16S rRNA sequencing, and antibiotic resistance monitoring of the gut microbiome of six species of wild migratory birds protected as natural monuments in South Korea that are subject to short- or long-term rehabilitation periods. Overall, gut microbiome diversity was significantly decreased in the early stages of rehabilitation, and it did not recover to a level comparable to that of wild birds. Moreover, while the abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria decreased, that of zoonotic pathogens increased, indicating rehabilitation-induced dysbiosis. The metabolic pathways involved in the degradation of aromatic pollutants were significantly downregulated, suggesting the depletion of pollutant-degrading microorganisms. Antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli significantly increased during rehabilitation, particularly ciprofloxacin and tetracycline resistance, and seven of the rehabilitated wild birds acquired multidrug resistance. The diet and habitat changes experienced by wild migratory birds during rehabilitation may have induced the observed gut microbiome dysbiosis and acquisition of antibiotic resistance. These rehabilitation-induced alterations might affect the adaptability of wild birds to their natural environments and contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance after their release. IMPORTANCE Wild migratory birds are key for ecosystem health but highly sensitive to anthropogenic activities. Therefore, wild migratory birds often undergo rehabilitation to prevent species extinction or biodiversity monitoring. However, the impact of rehabilitation on the gut microbiome of wild migratory birds, which is closely associated with host fitness, remains unclear. For the migratory bird species considered natural monuments in South Korea evaluated here, such impacts could include rehabilitation-induced gut microbiome dysbiosis and acquisition of antibiotic resistance, with possible repercussions on the adaptability of wild birds and spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment after their release. Therefore, the dynamics of the gut microbiome and antibiotic resistance should be considered for implementing sustainable rehabilitation strategies.

Imaging characteristics of the eyes of cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus): morphology and comparative biometric measurement.

The aim of this study is to describe radiographic, ultrasonographic, and computed tomographic appearance of normal cinereous vulture's eye and to determine normal biometric values of intraocular structures. Twenty-six eyes of thirteen healthy cinereous vultures were examined. Under general anesthesia with isoflurane, ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT) and skull radiography were performed. Differences between both eyes as well as between US and CT measurements were investigated and correlation of measurements between both eyes as well as correlation between CT and US measurements of the various ocular structures were calculated. Most of paired data did not show any significant differences between both eyes and the CT and US measurements, while there were significant differences (P<0.05) between CT and US measurements of depth of both vitreous and anterior chambers, and axial length of the lens in right eyes. There was also a significant difference (P<0.05) between both eyes in depth of vitreous measured by CT. All the measurements had strong correlations between both eyes and between US and CT. In conclusion, ocular imaging techniques provided useful data of biometry and morphology, showing good correlation between CT and US in cinereous vulture's eye. Especially, when ophthalmoscopic examinations would not be available due to opaque anterior segment, imaging techniques could be essential for diagnosing and managing of the eye.

Severe hydrocephalus in a raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides).

Hydrocephalus is one of the most common central nervous system malformations in domestic dogs, yet they are poorly documented and studied in wild carnivoran mammals. A pup of raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) was rescued and brought to Wildlife Center. The pup showed generalized ataxia, a domed skull, and an open bregmatic fontanelle. Ultrasound and MRI showed severe enlargement of the lateral ventricle with the loss of septum pellucidum resulting in a single large ventricle and cervical syringohydromyelia. Although treatment was attempted, the animal was euthanized due to poor prognosis. At necropsy, macroscopic findings were identical to the diagnostic imaging, where marked enlargement of the calvarium, and attenuated gyri and sulci were observed. Finally, hydrocephalus was confirmed. Here, we describe a case of hydrocephalus in a raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides).

Treatment of two Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) with severe injuries and their subsequent release into the wild: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The rehabilitation of injured wildlife and their subsequent release into the wild is a humane act as well as important in wildlife conservation. However, little is known about the animals' fate after release. Therefore, to address these uncertainties, it is essential to adequately describe how the injured animals were treated and managed before releasing into the wild; moreover, post-release monitoring should also be performed. Herein, we document for the first time the process of rescue, surgery, and rehabilitation of severely injured Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus; endangered species in South Korea) and their fate after returning to the wild. CASE PRESENTATION: A six-year-old female (bear-01) and a three-year-old male (bear-02) bears were injured by an illegal snare and collision with a bus, respectively. Bear-01 had broad muscle necrosis and ruptures from the snared ankle on the right thoracic limb, with myiasis, and elbow disarticulation was performed. In bear-02, a non-reducible comminuted fracture of the left humerus was confirmed radiologically, and the operation was performed by using dual plate fixation with hydroxyapatite and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2. The bear-01 and -02 were completely healed approximately 30 and 60 days after surgery, respectively. After that, they underwent rehabilitation for 8 and 25 days, respectively, in an outdoor enclosure similar to their natural habitat. Bear-01 and -02 were released into the wild after 45 and 99 days after surgery, respectively, and their mean daily movement distance during the first 30 days after releasing was 2.9 ± 2.1 and 1.3 ± 1.6 km, respectively. The annual mean 95% Kernel home-range size of bear-01 and bear-02 was 265.8 and 486.9 km2, respectively. They hibernated every winter, gained weight, gave birth to cubs (bear-01), were not found to have any abnormalities in the veterinary tests, and were not involved in any conflicts with humans after returning to the wild. CONCLUSIONS: Bears without one leg or those with dual plates could adapt well in their natural habitat, which shows that our surgical and post-operative treatments were effective. Additionally, minimizing human contact and observing/evaluating behavior during the rehabilitation is essential in reducing human-bear conflicts after release.

Ophthalmic findings in cinereous vultures (Aegypius monachus).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to provide ophthalmic reference values under normal physiological conditions for Aegypius monachus (cinereous vulture). PROCEDURES: Thirty-two eyes of sixteen adult captive cinereous vultures were used for this study. Tear tests and tonometry in conscious and anesthetized states, neuro-ophthalmic tests, measurement of corneal diameter, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy, and funduscopy were performed. RESULTS: Schirmer tear test (STT) value was 11.4 ± 2.6 and 11.5 ± 2.8 mm/min in the right (OD) and left eye (OS), respectively. Phenol red thread test (PRT) values were 22.3 ± 2.1 mm/15 s OD and 22.8 ± 3.0 mm/15 s OS. The results showed a strong correlation between STT and PRT in both eyes. Intraocular pressure (IOP) values were 32.8 ± 6.9 mm Hg OD and 31.9 ± 7.1 mm Hg OS with TonoVet and 20.7 ± 4.5 mm Hg OD and 19.5 ± 4.1 mm Hg OS with Tono-Pen. There were significant differences in IOPs between rebound and applanation tonometry in both OD and OS. Tear production and IOP values showed significant reductions with general anesthesia in both tear tests and both tonometry (P < .001). Horizontal corneal diameter (mm) was 15.56 ± 0.96 OD and 15.56 ± 0.96 OS. Vertical diameter (mm) was 14.13 ± 0.96 OD and 14.06 ± 1.06 OS. The horizontal diameter was significantly longer than vertical diameter (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Ocular morphologic information and normal reference range values for various ophthalmic measurements were obtained in clinically healthy cinereous vultures, which can facilitate accurate diagnosis and better management of ophthalmic diseases in cinereous vultures.

Protective Effects of Nutria Bile against Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Injury in Mice.

Several eradication programs have been developed and executed to curb alien invasive species that tend to damage the ecological environments they colonize; however, only few studies have evaluated the utilization of carcasses of these species after eradication. Nutria (Myocastor coypus) is an invasive rodent species targeted by eradication programs in many countries. We noted that nutria produce large amounts of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in their bile. UDCA is a unique component responsible for the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects exerted by bear bile. Therefore, we sought to examine the medicinal utility of nutria carcasses by investigating the hepatoprotective effect of their bile in mice. C57BL/6 mice were injected with thioacetamide (TAA), which induced liver damage by increasing Kupffer cell infiltration. Administration of nutria bile reduced hepatic inflammation, improved hepatic function, and increased the levels of senescence marker protein 30 (an indicator of hepatocyte viability). Our results show that nutria bile exerts protective effects against TAA-induced liver injury in mice, suggesting that nutria carcasses may be used for the treatment of liver injuries.

Sex identification using ZFX and ZFY genes in leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) in Korea.

In this study, we used multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine the sex of leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) in Korea. When we applied PCR using primers based on the intronic region between ZFX and ZFY, only one DNA band of 143 bp was detected in females, compared with two specific bands of 143 and 310 bp in males, indicating that the band patterns were clearly different between females and males. Since the set of primers also proved compatible with tissue and fecal samples, the results of the present study demonstrate that the present PCR could be a convenient tool for identifying the sex of leopard cats.

Clinical efficacy of orally administered fluralaner for treatment of scabies in six free-ranging raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides).

BACKGROUND: Sarcoptic mange in free-ranging raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) caused by Sarcoptes scabiei is a widespread zoonotic disease that causes severe skin lesions with significant morbidity and mortality. Fluralaner is a member of the isoxazoline chemical class and is an acaricide and insecticide widely used in flea, tick and mite infections of dogs (Canis lupus familiaris). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of orally administered fluralaner in free-ranging raccoon dogs naturally infected with sarcoptic mange. ANIMALS: Six raccoon dogs rescued at the Seoul Wildlife Center between November 2017 and April 2018. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Raccoon dogs were treated with a single dose of a chewable fluralaner tablet. Clinical lesion scoring and superficial skin scraping were performed weekly for three weeks to assess treatment efficacy; the general health was assessed daily to monitor response and observe any adverse drug reactions. RESULTS: Within seven days of treatment, a marked reduction in skin lesions was observed and mites were no longer present in skin scrapings. There was no evidence of re-infestation and no additional drug administration was required. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Although this was a nonrandomized, uncontrolled study of a small number of animals, it demonstrated that fluralaner may be suitable for treating sarcoptic mange in raccoon dogs.

Development of microsatellite markers and the genetic diversity of Myocastor coypus introduced to South Korea.

The nutria (Myocastor coypus) was introduced to South Korea in 1987 for breeding of individuals for fur and meat industry, and was accidentally released into the wild. Here, we report the development of microsatellites for the nutria collected from South Korea using Illumina MiSeq genome sequencing to identify the genetic variability and demographic history of these introduced populations. A total of 626,282 microsatellite sequences were identified, and nine polymorphic loci were characterized. We used four novel loci developed and three previously known loci to investigate the genetic diversity of twelve South Korean populations. A low level of diversity was found, and no signature of genetic structuring was revealed among populations, indicating that Korean nutria individuals originated from a single population or a highly inbred reared herd.

FLUOXETINE THERAPY TO DECREASE STEREOTYPIC BEHAVIOR IN THE ASIATIC BLACK BEAR (URSUS THIBETANUS).

The present study evaluated the effects of fluoxetine on decreasing stereotypic behaviors in Asiatic black bears (ABB). Four captive ABB exhibiting stereotypic behaviors were administered fluoxetine (0.25-1 mg/ kg orally every 24 hr) for 91 days. The animals were monitored twice weekly for 213 days (April to October) using a scan sampling method (preadministration, 30 day; administration, 91 days; postadministration, 92 days). Five blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of each bear for serum chemistry analysis (one during preadministration; two each during administration and postadministration periods). Fluoxetine was safe and effective in decreasing stereotypies, but it may be difficult to decrease long-established stereotypies in ABB using fluoxetine alone. To decrease stereotypies in ABB effectively, it is necessary to identify underlying problems that contribute to stereotypic behavior and apply comprehensive interventions that can include fluoxetine treatment.

A Case of Fascioliasis in A Wild Nutria, Myocastor coypus, in Republic of Korea.

A total of 44 adult or juvenile nutrias were necropsied for disease survey. A large nodule was found in the liver of a nutria. The histopathological specimen of the hepatic nodule was microscopically examined, and sectional worms were found in the bile duct. The worms showed a tegument with spines, highly branches of vitelline glands and intestine. Finally, we histopathologically confirmed fascioliasis in a wild nutria. In the present study, a case of fascioliasis in a wild nutria is first confirmed in Korea.

Prediction of arterial blood gas values from venous blood gas values in Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) anesthetized with intramuscular medetomidine and zolazepam-tiletamine.

The objective of this study was to measure differences between arterial and venous blood gas parameters and to evaluate whether arterial blood gas values can be estimated from venous blood in Asiatic black bears (ABBs). Twelve healthy captive ABBs (8 males and 4 females; 8-16 years; 76.8-220 kg) were included in this study. The bears were immobilized with medetomidine and zolazepam-tiletamine using a dart gun. Arterial and venous samples were collected simultaneously at 5 and 35 min after recumbency (5- and 35-min points). Partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), pH, bicarbonate (HCO3-), total carbon dioxide (TCO2), oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (SO2) and base excess (BEecf) were analyzed using a portable blood gas analyzer. There was no marked difference in measured and calculated variables over time in both venous and arterial blood except for PO2. However, arterial PO2, SO2 and pH were significantly higher and arterial PCO2, TCO2 and HCO3- were lower than those of venous samples at both 5- and 35-min points. In the regression analysis to estimate arterial values from venous values, PCO2, TCO2, HCO3-, BEecf and pH significantly showed over 0.45 in coefficient of determination value (R2), and there were little differences between actual and predicted arterial values. Although there were limits in venous gas values replaced those of arterial blood, if we could not get the arterial samples, the regression formulas for arterial values from venous blood in this study would be useful clinically, except for PO2 and SO2.

Immobilization of Asiatic Black Bears ( Ursus thibetanus ) with Medetomidine-Zolazepam-Tiletamine in South Korea.

The Asiatic black bear ( Ursus thibetanus ; ABB) is a globally endangered species for which a restoration program has been ongoing in South Korea since 2001. However, there is little information on immobilization protocols for ABBs. We evaluated the use of medetomidine-zolazepam-tiletamine for their immobilization. During 2005-13, we anesthetized 60 ABBs (32 males, 28 females; 7 mo to 12 yr old) with medetomidine 0.03-0.045 mg/kg and zolazepam-tiletamine 1.54-2.3 mg/kg; reversal of anesthesia was done with atipamezole 0.15-0.225 mg/kg administered intravenously alone or intravenously and intramuscularly (50:50). Mean (and SD) for physiologic collected for 373 immobilizations of at least 60 min were: time to sedation, 7.8 (5.4) min; anesthesia induction time, 13.7 (8.1) min; complete recovery time, 14.8 (12.4) min; respiratory rate, 14 (7) breaths/min; heart rate, 51 (16) beats/min; rectal temperature, 37.3 (1.3) C; and hemoglobin oxygen saturation, 88% (6%). Few cardiopulmonary side effects occurred during immobilization and adequate depth of anesthesia was maintained for >60 min without need for supplementation. The dosage and drug combination used was effective for immobilization of ABBs with minimal adverse effects on vital signs and can be recommended in most clinical applications.

Histopathological findings in wild Nutrias (Myocastor coypus) with Capillaria hepatica infection.

Capillaria hepatica is a zoonotic nematode that uses rodents and other mammals as hosts, especially rats and mice, and causes hepatic granuloma and eventually fibrosis/cirrhosis. However, C. hepatica infection in nutria, a large semiaquatic rodent, has rarely been reported, and histopathologic features of the infection have not been described in detail. We conducted necropsy on 36 wild nutrias. Some animals were found to have milky spots, parasitic eggs and worms within hepatic microgranuloma involving central calcification with cell debris, macrophages, eosinophils and multinucleated giant cells (MGCs). Interestingly, the eggs were closely surrounded by MGCs and appeared to be destroyed without inducing further chronic changes. Based on microscopical examination, C. hepatica infection was diagnosed, and we describe its histopathological characteristics in wild nutrias.

Cardiorespiratory effects of isoflurane in Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) anesthetized with intramuscular medetomidine and zolazepam/tiletamine.

The objective of this study was to determine the dose-dependent effects of isoflurane on various cardiovascular parameters and the stable range of isoflurane concentrations in Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus). Seven Asiatic black bears were intramuscularly injected with medetomidine, zolazepam and tiletamine (MZT) to induce anesthesia, and anesthesia was maintained by administering isoflurane in 100% oxygen (4 l/min) without mechanical ventilation. Several cardiovascular parameters were measured at five end-tidal isoflurane concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5%). Blood was collected from the femoral artery before administration of isoflurane and after each administration for immediate blood gas analysis. Isoflurane produced dose-dependent increases in heart rate, respiratory rate, minute volume, end-tidal carbon dioxide (CO2) partial pressure and the partial pressure of arterial CO2, and dose-dependent decreases in non-invasive blood pressure and tidal volume. Rectal temperature, oxygenation and acid-base balance were unaffected by isoflurane. All parameters in this study were in a clinically acceptable range at all times. The data show that the combination of MZT and isoflurane is suitable for general anesthesia in Asiatic black bears with spontaneous breathing during prolonged procedures. End-tidal isoflurane concentrations of 0.5 to 2.5% can be used in Asiatic black bears without adverse side effects.

Cardiorespiratory dose-response relationship of isoflurane in Cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) during spontaneous ventilation.

Anesthesia is an inevitably important component of diagnosis and treatments examining the health condition of wild animals. Not only does anesthesia become an essential tool in minimizing stress of the patients and providing an opportunity to deliver accurate and safe procedures, but it also ensures the safety of the medical crew members. This study was conducted to investigate the dose-response cardiorespiratory effects of isoflurane during spontaneous ventilation in ten cinereous vultures. Each bird was administered isoflurane at initial concentration of 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 and then an end-tidal isoflurane concentrations (ETiso) of 1.0% for an equilibration period of 15 min in the given order. At the end of the equilibration period, the direct blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and end tidal CO2 partial pressure (PETCO2) were recorded, and blood gas analysis was performed. Increasing isoflurane concentrations during spontaneous ventilation led to dose-dependent increases in HR and PETCO2, with minimal changes in RR, decreased arterial BP and respiratory acidosis. Overall, isoflurane for anesthesia of spontaneously breathing cinereous vultures is a suitable choice for diagnostic or surgical procedures.

Immunologic properties of differentiated and undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood.

The expression of immunogenic markers after differentiation of umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) has been poorly investigated and requires extensive in vitro and in vivo testing for clinical application. The expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) classes on UCB-derived MSC was tested by Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis and immunocytochemical staining. The undifferentiated MSC were moderately positive for HLA-ABC, but almost completely negative for HLA-DR. The MSC differentiated to chondrocytes expressed neither HLA-ABC nor HLA-DR. The proliferation of MSC was not significantly affected by the allogeneic lymphocytes stimulated with concanavalin A. The responder lymphocytes showed no significant decrease in proliferation in the presence of the MSC, but the apoptosis rate of the lymphocytes was increased in the presence of MSC. Taken together, these findings indicate that UCB-derived MSC differentiated to chondrocytes expressed less HLA class I and no class II antigens. The MSC showed an immunomodulatory effect on the proliferation and apoptosis of allogeneic lymphocytes. These data suggest that the differentiated and undifferentiated allogeneic MSC derived from umbilical cord blood can be a useful candidate for allogeneic cell therapy and transplantation without a major risk of rejection.

Emphysematous pyonephrosis associated with extrahepatic portosystemic shunt in a dog.

A 16-month-old intact female Maltese dog was referred for examination of depression and vomiting. Ultrasonography revealed dilated right renal pelvis containing echogenic fluid with free gas. A hyperechoic material suspected of urolith was identified in the right ureter. Computed tomography revealed emphysematous change of the right kidney associated with ureteral obstruction and extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (EHPSS). Ureteronephrectomy and surgical correction were performed for the EHPSS. Escherichia coli was isolated from pus from the right kidney. Quantitative analysis revealed that the urolith was an ammonium urate stone. After 5 months follow-up, no complication was observed. This is the first report of emphysematous pyonephrosis associated with EHPSS in a dog.