Medical and Surgical Management of Phaeohyphomycosis in a Kea (Nestor notabilis).

A 2.5-year-old female kea (Nestor notabilis) weighing 711 g was presented for acute lethargy, pelvic limb paraparesis, and decreased appetite. Results from a complete blood count revealed a leukocytosis (67540 cells/µL [reference interval 4200 - 37880 cells/µL]). Radiographic images revealed a mass effect within the mid coelom. The patient was provided supportive care that included antifungal medication (voriconazole 15 mg/kg PO q12h x 6 months and 10 days) and antibiotic therapy (enrofloxacin 20 mg/kg PO q12h x 27 days). A discrete 2.3 × 2.7 × 2.6 cm soft tissue mass adjacent to multiple organs was identified on contrast computed tomographic images (IsoVue 370 at 4 mL/kg IV over 2 minutes). The mass was medial and dorsal to the proventriculus, cranial to the ventriculus, caudal to the liver, and ventral to the cranial renal divisions. The mass had an irregular vascularized wall with a poorly vascularized center. Ten days after initial presentation, exploratory coeliotomy and mass removal via left lateral coeliotomy were performed. Bacterial (aerobic and anaerobic) and fungal cultures were negative. Fourteen days postsurgery, the leukocytosis was resolved. Microscopic review of the submitted tissue mass found multinucleated giant cells, macrophages, and brown fungal hyphae with irregular internal septations and some branching, leading to a diagnosis of phaeohyphomycosis. Panfungal polymerase chain reaction testing and sequencing were unsuccessful at speciation. Treatment with voriconazole was continued until behavioral, hematologic, and computed tomographic assessments indicated resolution of the problem 6 months postsurgery. No recurrence of disease has been reported 20 months following mass removal.

Removal of a Tracheal Myelolipoma in a Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) by Surgical Resection and Anastomosis.

A 17-year-old, female cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) was presented for a 1-week history of respiratory distress. The clinical signs were consistent with tracheal obstruction; therefore, an air sac cannula was placed to reduce respiratory compromise. Radiographic images of the patient revealed a round, intraluminal, soft tissue opacity in the trachea. The obstruction could be visualized via transtracheal illumination, but tracheoscopy was not feasible because of the size of the patient. Attempts to manually extirpate the obstruction were unsuccessful, and the trachea subsequently avulsed in the midcervical region. Tracheal resection and anastomosis was performed, and the obstruction was removed with the associated tracheal ring. The patient recovered uneventfully and was doing well at follow-up evaluations at 9 days, 24 days, and 10 months after the surgical procedure. The histologic diagnosis was ossifying myelolipoma arising from bone marrow within the tracheal ring.

Evaluation of portable blood glucose meters for measurement of blood glucose concentration in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate agreement of 3 models of portable blood glucose meters (PBGMs; 2 designed for use with human samples and 1 designed for veterinary use) with a laboratory analyzer for measurement of blood glucose concentrations in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo). DESIGN: Evaluation study. ANIMALS: 52 ferrets. PROCEDURES: Samples were analyzed with 4 PBGMs (whole blood) and a laboratory analyzer (plasma). Two PBGMs of the model designed for veterinary use were tested; each was set to a code corresponding to canine or feline sample analysis throughout the study. Agreement and bias between measurements obtained with the PBGMs and the laboratory analyzer were assessed with Bland-Altman plots. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate associations with venipuncture site by comparison of central (jugular) and peripheral (lateral saphenous or cephalic) venous blood samples. RESULTS: Plasma glucose concentrations measured with the laboratory analyzer ranged from 41 to 160 mg/dL. Results from the PBGM for veterinary use coded to test a canine blood sample had the greatest agreement with the laboratory analyzer (mean bias, 1.9 mg/dL); all other PBGMs significantly underestimated blood glucose concentrations. A PBGM designed for use with human samples had the least agreement with the laboratory analyzer (mean bias, -34.0 mg/dL). Blood glucose concentration was not significantly different between central and peripheral venous blood samples for any analyzer used. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Significant underestimation of blood glucose concentrations as detected for 3 of the 4 PBGMs used in the study could have a substantial impact on clinical decision making. Verification of blood glucose concentrations in ferrets with a laboratory analyzer is highly recommended.

Ferret oncology: diseases, diagnostics, and therapeutics.

Many standard diagnostic and chemotherapeutic protocols can be adapted for use in ferrets. Unique anatomic and clinical features dictate modification of protocols, but should not prohibit diagnosis or treatment. Ferrets may be the easiest of nontraditional species to treat with chemotherapeutics. We can provide more options for our patients, with improved quality of life and longer survival times than ever before. Although clients are never happy to hear the diagnosis of "cancer," it is no longer a word that condemns their beloved pet.