Reference intervals for preprandial and postprandial serum bile acid in adult rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).

The purpose of this study was to determine the 12-h fasting preprandial and 2-h postprandial serum bile acid concentration (SBAC) reference intervals for healthy, adult rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). We hypothesized that the mean 2-h postprandial SBAC would be significantly higher than the mean preprandial SBAC. We included 40 (24 male, 16 female) macaques after confirming that their health records, physical examinations, CBC, serum chemistry panels, and urinalyses were all within normal limits. In addition, hepatitis A titers were determined, an ultrasound examination of the liver was performed, and two 16-gauge ultrasound guided percutaneous liver biopsies were collected and submitted for histopathology. Macaques were confirmed healthy according to hepatitis A screens and sonographic and histologic evaluation of hepatic tissue. Within 2 wk of the screening procedures, preprandial and postprandial SBACs were measured. Preprandial SBAC (mean ± 1 SD) was 11.1 ± 1.9 µmol/L and postprandial SBAC was 19.7 ± 8.0 µmol/L, which was significantly higher than the preprandial value. Sex and hepatitis titers did not significantly influence preprandial and postprandial SBAC. The current study indicates that the SBAC reference values for rhesus macaques are higher than those reported for humans and companion animals.

Meningoencephalitis due to Listeria monocytogenes in a pregnant rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta).

We here report a spontaneous case of meningoencephalitis due to Listeria monocytogenes in an adult primiparous rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) during an outbreak of listeriosis in an outdoor enclosure. Clinical signs included tremors, abnormal posture, and altered mental status. Hematology and analyses of cerebrospinal fluid were consistent with bacterial infection. Pure cultures of L. monocytogenes were recovered from the placenta-abortus, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain tissue. The macaque did not respond to treatment and was euthanized. Histopathologic examination of the brain revealed acute meningoencephalitis. This case represents an unusual clinical and pathologic presentation of listeriosis in a nonhuman primate in which the dam and fetus both were affected.

Congenital spinal malformations in small animals.

Congenital anomalies of the spine are common in small animals. The type of deformity, location, severity, time of onset of associated clinical signs, and progression of neurologic dysfunction varies widely. To promote clearer understanding, the authors present the various spinal malformations using modified human classification schemes and use current widely accepted definitions and terminology. The diagnostic approach, including utilization of advanced imaging, and surgical management is emphasized.

Vascular anomaly causing subclavian steal and cervical myelopathy in a dog: diagnosis and endovascular management.

A 3-year-old dog with cervical myelopathy resulting from a vascular anomaly is described. Marked intradural-extramedullary spinal cord compression was observed, in association with multilevel ectatic anastomotic radicular arterial branches connecting the left and right vertebral arteries. A nonpatent proximal segment of the right subclavian artery had resulted in compensatory enlargement of the left vertebral artery. Flow within the right vertebral artery was retrograde and fed into the patent distal segment of the right subclavian artery. Multiple imaging techniques including myelography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and selective digital angiography were used to document this anomaly. To reduce spinal cord compression the largest collateral vessel was embolized without complication. Good clinical response was observed within 6 weeks and improved clinical neurologic function was maintained at the time of a 12-month re-evaluation.