Gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) post-mortem findings from December 2018 through 2021 during the Unusual Mortality Event in the Eastern North Pacific.

Beginning in December 2018, increased numbers of gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) strandings were reported along the west coast of Mexico, the United States, and Canada, prompting declaration of a gray whale Unusual Mortality Event (UME) by the United States National Marine Fisheries Service. Although strandings declined in 2020 and 2021 from a peak in 2019, the UME is still ongoing as of fall 2023. Between 17 December 2018 and 31 December 2021, 503 animals stranded along the west coast of North America, with 226 strandings in Mexico, 71 in California, 12 in Oregon, 56 in Washington, 21 in British Columbia, and 117 in Alaska. These included 187 males, 167 females, and 149 whales of undetermined sex; and 193 adults, 194 subadults, 40 calves, 1 fetus, and 75 whales of undetermined age class. We report on 61 of the 503 carcasses (12%) that had external and internal gross necropsy and/or histopathology data: of these 61 whales, findings that contributed to death were identified in 33 (54%) whales. Sixteen of the 61 (26%) were severely emaciated. Gross lesions of blunt force trauma consistent with vessel strike were identified in 11 of the 61 animals (18%), only two of which were emaciated. Two whales (3%) were entangled at time of death, and one died from entrapment. Signs of killer whale (Orcinus orca) interaction were documented in 19 of the 61 animals; five were deemed from recent interactions and three (5%) likely contributed to mortality. A specific cause of death could not be identified in 28 of 61 whales (46%). Additionally, logistical challenges and the advanced state of decomposition of most examined carcasses precluded detection of potential infectious or toxic causes of morbidity or mortality. Up to 2016, the eastern North Pacific population of gray whale population had generally been increasing since the cessation of historic whaling and a prior UME in 1999-2000. However, recent abundance and calf production estimates have declined, a trend that overlaps the current UME. The relative contributions of carrying capacity, environmental change, prey shifts, and infectious, toxic, and other processes to the increased gray whale mortalities have not yet been resolved. Nevertheless, the marked temporal increase in strandings, including findings of malnutrition in some of the whales, along with low calf production, likely represent consequences of complex and dynamic ecological interactions in the ocean impacting the population.

Bacterial abscesses in whitespotted bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) in managed care.

Sixteen whitespotted bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) with histologically similar bacterial abscesses were submitted to Northwest ZooPath from nine zoo and aquarium institutions over a 17-year period. These abscesses were characterized by inflammatory cell infiltrates and necrosis with intralesional small, Gram-positive, acid-fast negative, cocci bacteria. The clinical presentation, histologic findings, and culture results indicate that Enterococcus faecalis is a relatively common cause of these lesions in whitespotted bamboo sharks. This organism also provides a treatment challenge due to its inherent antibiotic-resistant properties and ability to form biofilms, confounding the host's immune response. Enterococcus faecalis represents an important cause for abscess formation and cellulitis in captive whitespotted bamboo sharks.

PRIMARY HEPATIC NEOPLASIA IN THREE ADULT BAMBOO SHARKS (CHILOSCYLLIUM PLAGIOSUM AND CHILOSCYLLIUM PUNCTATUM) IN AN AQUARIUM POPULATION.

Neoplasia in elasmobranchs is uncommonly documented. This report describes primary hepatic neoplasia in three adult female bamboo sharks under managed care: biliary adenocarcinoma in a whitespotted bamboo shark (Case 1; Chiloscyllium plagiosum), biliary adenocarcinoma in a brownbanded bamboo shark (Case 2; Chiloscyllium punctatum), and hepatocellular carcinoma in a whitespotted bamboo shark (Case 3). Case 1 presented with extensive cutaneous papillomas and was electively euthanized. At necropsy, a 4-cm-diameter, pale-tan, firm hepatic mass was identified and diagnosed histologically as a biliary adenocarcinoma. Case 2 presented with decreasing body condition despite normal food intake. Coelomic ultrasound and exploratory surgery revealed several large masses in both hepatic lobes, and the patient was euthanized. At necropsy, nine, 1-6-cm-diameter, black to tan, firm hepatic masses were identified and diagnosed histologically as biliary adenocarcinoma with branchial intravascular neoplastic emboli. Case 3 presented for routine health examination and was euthanized for diagnostic purposes after coelomic ultrasound revealed multiple hepatic masses. At necropsy, two 1-3-cm-diameter, brown- and-black mottled, firm hepatic masses were identified and diagnosed histologically as hepatocellular carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry was performed in two of these cases and was noncontributory, likely because of a lack of cross reactivity between antibodies (antipancytokeratin) and elasmobranch tissues.

USE OF HYSTEROSCOPIC MORCELLATION WITH A MYOSURE® DEVICE FOR REMOVAL OF UTERINE FOREIGN MATERIAL IN AN ORANGUTAN (PONGO SP.).

A 36-yr-old female intact hybrid orangutan (Pongo sp.) presented with evidence of chronic bacterial cystitis with no response to treatment with multiple systemic antibiotics. Abnormalities were identified within the reproductive tract on CT scan, and hysteroscopy was pursued based on the recommendation of an obstetrician-gynecologist. Hysteroscopic examination revealed a large amount of intrauterine foreign material consistent with wood wool from the orangutan's bedding. A hysteroscopic morcellator (MyoSure®) was used to remove the foreign material. Histologic examination of endometrial biopsies showed severe suppurative to pyogranulomatous endometritis with intralesional foreign (wood) fibers and bacteria. The orangutan was treated with antibiotics, but evidence of bacterial cystitis persisted. After 15 wk, additional wood wool was identified within the uterus by hysteroscopic examination and was removed similarly. Five months later, there was no recurrence of foreign material on hysteroscopy or CT. This report describes the first documentation of intrauterine foreign material in a nonhuman primate. Hysteroscopic morcellation is a useful technique for noninvasive removal of intrauterine foreign material in great apes.

Amdoparvovirus-associated disease in red pandas (Ailurus fulgens).

The roster of amdoparvoviruses (APVs) in small carnivores is growing rapidly, but in most cases, the consequences of infection are poorly understood. Red panda amdoparvovirus (RPAV) is highly prevalent in zoo-housed red pandas and has been detected in both healthy and sick animals. Clarifying the clinical impact of RPAV in this endangered species is critical, and zoological collections offer a unique opportunity to examine viral disease association in carefully managed populations. We evaluated the potential impact of RPAV in captive red pandas with a combination of prospective and retrospective analyses. First, we collected feces from 2 healthy animals from one collection over a 6-year period and detected virus in 72/75 total samples, suggesting that RPAV can be a long-term subclinical infection. We next investigated the infections using a retrospective study of infection status and tissue distribution in a cohort of necropsied animals. We performed polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization on 43 necropsy cases from 4 zoo collections (3 from the United States, 1 from Europe, 1997-2022). RPAV was present in these populations for at least 2 decades before its discovery and is detectable in common and significant lesions of zoo-housed red pandas, including myocarditis (3/3 cases), nephritis (9/10), and interstitial pneumonia (2/4). RPAV is also detectable in sporadic lesions, including multisystemic pyogranulomatous inflammation, oral/pharyngeal mucosal inflammation, and dermatitis. The colocalization of virus with lesions supports a role in causation, suggesting that despite the apparently persistent and subclinical carriage of most infections, RPAV may have a significant impact in zoo collections.

Aneurysm Associated with Vascular Wall Degeneration in Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

This study describes the clinical, gross, and histologic findings in 17 cases of aneurysms in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). The clinical presentation ranged from incidental to sudden and unexpected death. The affected vasculature was predominantly arterial; however, based on the topographical locations of the lesions, gross structure, and drainage, some veins were likely involved. Magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography scans of 1 animal showed a large aneurysm of the internal carotid artery extending from near its aortic origin into the caudal head. Aneurysms were organized in 5 groups based on their anatomical locations: cephalic, cranial coelom (for all near the heart), caudal coelom (for the mesenteric vessels and descending aorta), limbs, and tail. The cranial coelomic region was the most prevalent location. Gross findings were large hematomas or red serosanguineous fluid filling the adjacent area, as most of the aneurysms (94%) were ruptured at the time of the study. The main histological findings were degenerative changes of the vessel walls characterized by moderate to severe disruption of the collagen and elastic fibers of the tunica media and adventitia (100%), followed by thickening of the intima with thrombi formation (54%) and dissecting hematoma of the vessel wall (47%). Vasculitis (29%), mineralization (6%), and lipid deposits (6%) in the vessel wall were observed occasionally. Based on these findings, the vascular dilations and ruptures observed in bearded dragons likely are associated with weakness of the vessel walls caused by degenerative changes in the intimal and medial tunics.

AN OUTBREAK OF FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS IN THREE RELATED SAND CATS (FELIS MARGARITA) IN HUMAN CARE.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a systemic disease in felid species caused by infection with mutated forms of feline coronavirus (FCoV), and outbreaks can devastate exotic felid populations in human care. Feline infectious peritonitis was diagnosed in three of four related juvenile sand cats (Felis margarita) from a single institution over a 6-wk period. Case 1 was a 7-mon-old male found deceased with no premonitory signs. Case 2, an 8-mon-old male (littermate to Case 1), and Case 3, a 6-mon-old male (from a different litter with identical parentage), were evaluated for lethargy and anorexia 1 mon after Case 1. Both exhibited transient anisocoria and progressive lethargy, anorexia, and dehydration despite antibiotic and supportive treatment. Approximately 1 wk after initial presentation, Case 2 was humanely euthanized, and Case 3 was found deceased. Necropsy findings included intrathoracic and/or intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy (3/3 cases), bicavitary effusion (2/3), multifocal tan hepatic and intestinal nodules (1/3), and multifocal yellow renal nodules (1/3). Histologically, all cats had severe pyogranulomatous vasculitis in multiple organs, and the presence of FCoV antigen was confirmed using immunohistochemical staining. Next-generation sequencing of the virus from Case 3's affected kidney demonstrated ∼93% homology to the UG-FH8 virus, a serotype 1 feline alphacoronavirus isolated from Denmark. Future research will focus on comparative viral genomic sequencing with the goals of identifying potential sources of FCoV infection and identifying features that may have contributed to the development of FIP in this species.

HISTOLOGIC ANALYSIS OF TESTICULAR DEVELOPMENT AND SEXUAL MATURATION IN REHABILITATED NORTHERN SEA OTTERS (ENHYDRA LUTRIS KENYONI).

As part of routine captive management of the species, sea otter (Enhydra lutris) males are often castrated to prevent reproduction, to preserve limited spaces for future nonreleasable stranded individuals, and to minimize potential aggression among cohorts. To determine the relative stage of testicular development, testicles from 14 castrated, rehabilitated northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) were submitted for histologic examination. Eight of the otters (aged 201, 304, 344, 352, 360, 373, 401, and 1,423 d old) had evidence of varying degrees of sexual maturity. Histologic grading of maturity of individual testicles showed inactive testes, spermatocytes with some maturation of spermatogenic precursors, and fully active spermatogenesis. Spermatozoa were seen in the otters that were 401 and 1,423 d old (1.1 and 3.9 yr old). Sexual maturity for wild male sea otters in Alaska has been previously reported to occur from 3 to 5-6 yr. Social maturity, or the ability to breed and reproduce, may occur a few years later than the onset of physiologic maturity; age, weight, territory quality, and the length of time holding a territory may influence a male otter's mating success. Early testicular development in rehabilitated sea otters may be related to abundant resources, lack of competition, and decreased environmental pressures. Additionally, these findings have implications for husbandry and management practices in short- and long-term care facilities.

TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI INFECTION IN THREE SLENDER-TAILED MEERKATS (SURICATA SURICATTA).

Trypanosoma cruzi is a protozoan parasite primarily transmitted by triatomine insects (Hemiptera: subfamily Reduviidae) and is the cause of Chagas disease (CD). This report describes three cases of CD in a mob of five slender-tailed meerkats (Suricata suricatta) living in an outdoor exhibit at one zoological institution in Texas. The index case was a 9.5-yr-old female that presented with ataxia, lethargy, and pleural effusion. This case was diagnosed with CD postmortem via cytology, T. cruzi PCR of whole blood and lung fluid, and histology. Blood was opportunistically collected from the remaining four meerkats 28 d after the death of the index case and tested by PCR and serology. The second case was a clinically normal 7.5-yr-old male that tested PCR and antibody positive and the third case was a clinically normal 9-yr-old female that tested PCR positive. The second animal presented depressed, with pneumonia, and with continuous shivering 53 d after blood collection, and clinically improved after treatment with antibiotics and supportive care. Fifteen days later, the animal was found minimally responsive and died shortly thereafter. Histologic examination revealed Trypanosoma sp. amastigotes in the myocardium and the tissue was positive for T. cruzi DNA. The third meerkat, which received two separate courses of benznidazole over a span of almost 2 yr, was monitored routinely by PCR and serology and appeared clinically normal until found dead on exhibit 93 d after completion of the second treatment. Myocardium was positive for T. cruzi DNA. To the authors' knowledge, this case series is the first to document Chagas disease in meerkats and features associated cytologic and histologic findings.

A retrospective study of the range of cutaneous clinical and histological features of erythema multiforme in five ferrets (Mustela putorius furo).

BACKGROUND: Erythema multiforme (EM) is an uncommon cutaneous reaction pattern characterised by panepidermal keratinocyte apoptosis with lymphocytic satellitosis, and is reported in domestic animal species, livestock and rarely ferrets. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyse the spectrum of cutaneous clinical and histological features in ferrets with EM and to evaluate history and treatment outcomes. ANIMALS: Five client-owned ferrets with biopsy-confirmed EM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of electronic medical records and histopathological reports from 2002 to 2021. Tissue blocks, haematoxylin and eosin re-cuts, and unstained slides were collected to review EM lesions and evaluate for infectious agents with special stains. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to assess cases for viral pathogens. RESULTS: Panepidermal cytotoxic dermatitis consistent with EM was identified in all cases and involved haired skin in four of five and mucous membranes in one of five ferrets. Skin lesions included variably pruritic alopecia, erythema, scaling, crusts and erosions/ulcerations. Histological features included primarily parakeratotic hyperkeratosis, panepidermal keratinocyte apoptosis, lymphocytic satellitosis and interface dermatitis. Superficial colonisation by bacteria, yeasts or by both was a common finding. Four of five ferrets had concurrent adrenal disease, one of which had resolution of skin lesions with deslorelin acetate treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Awareness of the distinct clinical and histological features is key to the diagnosis of EM in ferrets. Clinical resolution was observed with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists in two cases, suggesting that adrenal disease should be ruled out as a potential trigger of EM in ferrets.

The Effect of Omega-9 on Bone Viscoelasticity and Strength in an Ovariectomized Diet-Fed Murine Model.

Few studies have investigated the effect of a monosaturated diet high in ω-9 on osteoporosis. We hypothesized that omega-9 (ω-9) protects ovariectomized (OVX) mice from a decline in bone microarchitecture, tissue loss, and mechanical strength, thereby serving as a modifiable dietary intervention against osteoporotic deterioration. Female C57BL/6J mice were assigned to sham-ovariectomy, ovariectomy, or ovariectomy + estradiol treatment prior to switching their feed to a diet high in ω-9 for 12 weeks. Tibiae were evaluated using DMA, 3-point-bending, histomorphometry, and microCT. A significant decrease in lean mass (p = 0.05), tibial area (p = 0.009), and cross-sectional moment of inertia (p = 0.028) was measured in OVX mice compared to the control. A trend was seen where OVX bone displayed increased elastic modulus, ductility, storage modulus, and loss modulus, suggesting the ω-9 diet paradoxically increased both stiffness and viscosity. This implies beneficial alterations on the macro-structural, and micro-tissue level in OVX bone, potentially decreasing the fracture risk. Supporting this, no significant differences in ultimate, fracture, and yield stresses were measured. A diet high in ω-9 did not prevent microarchitectural deterioration, nevertheless, healthy tibial strength and resistance to fracture was maintained via mechanisms independent of bone structure/shape. Further investigation of ω-9 as a therapeutic in osteoporosis is warranted.

FATAL SYSTEMIC FUNGAL INFECTION IN EASTERN BONGO ANTELOPE (TRAGELAPHUS EURYCERUS ISAACI): SIX CASES.

Over a span of 6 yr, six adult eastern bongo antelope (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) from a single institution died due to systemic mycotic infections. All animals were of the same genetic lineage and in good body condition at the time of death. Gross findings in all cases included multifocal white-to-tan nodules up to 10 cm in diameter that were most numerous in the heart, lung, and kidney. Histologic examination identified these nodules as foci of granulomatous inflammation containing branching, septate, broad, undulating fungal elements. Identification of the fungal species was pursued using PCR with sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and culture. Multiple fungal species were identified using the various modalities, and commonality of species identification was limited to Cladosporium sp. in four of the cases. The clinical and postmortem findings in these cases were identical and were considered to be the same infectious disease. The Cladosporium sp. was considered a candidate as an emerging fatal infectious agent in this population of bongo antelopes. In all of these cases, death was attributed to conduction abnormalities associated with the cardiac lesions or euthanasia.

DEGENERATIVE CARDIAC DISEASE IN TWO SPECIES OF TORTOISE (CHELONOIDIS NIGRA COMPLEX, CENTROCHELYS SULCATA).

Cardiac lesions in tortoises are incompletely described in the literature. This retrospective case series includes 11 cases of degenerative cardiac disease in young tortoises from two species in human care: Galápagos tortoise complex (Chelonoidis nigra complex) (n = 9) and sulcata tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata) (n = 2). Eight tortoises were male, two were female, and sex was undetermined for one individual. The age range at the time of death was 10-32 yr with a mean of 19 yr. The most common clinical signs noted prior to death were peripheral edema, lethargy, and inappetence. Common necropsy findings included generalized edema and pericardial effusion. All cases had ventricular myocardial fibrosis and several cases had epicardial adhesions. Additional common findings included hepatic lesions (hepatic lipidosis, hepatic fibrosis, and hepatitis) and pulmonary lesions (pulmonary edema, pulmonary fibrosis, and pneumocytic hypertrophy). A definitive cause for degenerative cardiac disease was not identified in this case series, but the young age distribution of the tortoises suggests that inappropriate environmental parameters, husbandry, and diet should be investigated as possible underlying contributing factors.

IDENTIFICATION AND RETROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF A FILARIOID NEMATODE SPECIES IN MANAGED GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS (AMMODRAMUS SAVANNARUM).

The grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) is a species of ground-dwelling passerine bird with 12 different subspecies. The Florida subspecies (Ammodramus savannarum floridanus) is classified as federally endangered, with the most common threats including habitat loss, nest predation, and floods. A managed breeding program was established at White Oak Conservation (Yulee, FL) in 2015 with eastern grasshopper sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum pratensis) as a model for breeding Florida grasshopper sparrows as part of an assurance colony. A filarioid parasite species (Aproctella sp.) was characterized by PCR after identification by blood films and postmortem examinations of both subspecies housed at White Oak Conservation. This Aproctella species was distinct from others with available sequence. Records from 157 eastern and Florida grasshopper sparrows were reviewed, and correlations between presence of filariasis and subspecies, sex, body condition score, and presence of systemic isosporosis, squamous metaplasia, coelomitis, airsacculitis, or a combination of conditions were investigated. Twenty-nine (18.5%) birds (13 of 71 Florida grasshopper sparrows; 16 of 86 eastern grasshopper sparrows) were positive for filariasis by blood film review, grossly or by tissue imprint at postmortem examination, or histologically. Filariasis was significantly correlated with systemic isosporosis, coelomitis, and airsacculitis; was not correlated with subspecies, sex, or squamous metaplasia; and had a questionable correlation with body condition score. This report provides evidence that this Aproctella species has potential to contribute to morbidity and mortality in the grasshopper sparrow. This information will be helpful for implementing effective measures against suspected vectors and for the development of best practice strategies for the health management of the species in breeding programs.

MELANOCYTIC NEOPLASIA IN PANTHERA SPECIES: CLINICAL PRESENTATIONS, PATHOLOGIC FINDINGS AND RESPONSES TO TREATMENT.

Neoplasia is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in captive nondomestic felids. Seven tigers (Panthera tigris), two African lions (Panthera leo), and two snow leopards (Panthera uncia) were diagnosed with melanocytic neoplasia (10 malignant melanomas, two benign melanocytomas) over a 20-yr period. Animals were 10-19 yr old and 5/7 tigers were phenotypically white. Malignant melanoma tumor location included skin (n = 4), oral mucosa (n = 2), nasal planum (n = 1), iris/uvea (n = 2), and lip margin (n = 1); melanocytomas were found in skin (n = 2). Metastasis to regional lymph nodes was seen at diagnosis in 3/7 melanoma cases. Thoracic radiography (n = 6) and/or computed tomography (n = 2) did not detect pulmonary metastasis at diagnosis but were useful for detection later in the disease course. Median survival time (MST) for all cases ranged from 1 mon - 40 mon. Seven cases with malignant melanoma underwent treatment, which included surgery, radiation therapy, and administration of the canine melanoma vaccine (Oncept®) or a combination of these treatments; MST was 5-40 mon for these cases. While multimodal therapy may provide an improved survival time, the majority of animals with malignant melanoma invariably died from neoplastic disease. Necropsy confirmed metastasis of malignant melanoma in 7/9 animals; sites included lung, liver, lymph node, kidney, mesentery, pleural cavity, heart, stomach, spleen, and adrenal gland. This case series describes the clinical and histologic findings of melanocytic neoplasia in nondomestic felids as well as multimodal treatment strategies incorporating the canine melanoma vaccine.

MAMMARY GLAND ADENOCARCINOMA IN FOUR INDIAN CRESTED PORCUPINES (HYSTRIX INDICA).

Neoplasia in porcupines is rarely reported in the literature, and the prevalence is unknown. A retrospective review of records from a private zoo diagnostic pathology service found four cases of mammary adenocarcinoma in Indian crested porcupines (Hystrix indica) from four separate zoological institutions. All cases presented in geriatric females (14-19 yr of age) as freely movable subcutaneous masses within the mammary chain. None of the individuals had additional clinical signs, radiographic, or hematologic changes at initial presentation. All cases were managed with surgical excision in the form of either an excisional biopsy or a partial mastectomy. Histologic examination diagnosed all tumors with anaplasia and moderate to high numbers of mitotic figures. Two cases required subsequent surgeries for management of local recurrence in the years following initial diagnosis. One case is 19 months postsurgical removal without evidence of metastasis or local recurrence. Two of the cases were euthanized after diagnosis of inoperable metastases to the lungs and spinal cord, including one previously treated with an oral nonsteroidal antiestrogen medication, tamoxifen. The third case was euthanized due to degenerative mobility changes and renal dysfunction and had no evidence of metastasis. The average survival time from initial surgical excision to euthanasia for the three applicable cases was 33 months. These cases suggest that surgical excision alone may result in temporary management of mammary adenocarcinoma in this species. Metastasis can occur, and routine screening with advanced imaging may aid in early detection of these lesions.

MAST CELL NEOPLASIA IN THE GREEN IGUANA, IGUANA IGUANA.

This case series is the first description of mast cell neoplasia in green iguanas, Iguana iguana. All iguanas were adults. Six were females, and four were males. Lesions were associated with the oral cavity in 3 of 10 cases, and on the head in 3 of 10 cases. Three of the cases had masses over the trunk; a single case had a lesion on a limb. Single masses were most common involving the face or oral cavity (6 of 10), whereas four cases with neoplasia distributed along the trunk had multiple masses. One case developed peripheral blood mastocytosis. In most neoplasms, cells contained metachromatic granules in toluidine blue-stained sections. Polymerase chain reaction identified no internal tandem duplication mutation in exon 11 of c-kit, but a mutation in exon 8 in a single case. Compared with other reptiles, green iguanas may be predisposed to development of mast cell neoplasia.

Histologic lesions of cestodiasis in octopuses.

Parasitism of cephalopods is common, including infection with Aggregata spp., Ichthyobodo spp., dicyemids, cestodes of the orders Tetraphyllidea and Trypanorhynchidea, and various crustaceans. Cestodiasis in octopuses is reported, although a full histologic description of lesions has not been previously described. Cestodiasis was identified in 10 octopuses of 4 different species, which included 4 common octopuses (Octopus vulgaris), 3 Caribbean reef octopuses (Octopus briareus), 2 two-spot octopuses (Octopus bimaculoides), and 1 giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini). Larval cestodes were present in the cecum (n = 5), intestines (n = 4), digestive gland (n = 3), chitinous alimentary tract (n = 2), renal appendage (n = 1), and salivary duct (n = 1). In 5 cases, larval cestodes invaded tissue and were associated with hemocytic inflammation and tracts of necrotic tissue in the intestines (n = 3), digestive gland (n = 3), and/or renal appendage (n = 1). When present in the chitinous alimentary tract (esophagus, stomach) or cecum, larval cestodes were in the central lumen and not associated with lesions. One adult cestode was identified in the mantle cavity and was not associated with lesions. Other common concurrent parasitic infections included enteric Aggregata spp. infection, branchial Rickettsia-like organism infection, enteric nematodiasis, and an arthropod-associated branchitis.

Ocular lesions of captive cephalopods.

Ocular lesions are uncommonly reported and described in invertebrate species. In this study, cases from 2 diagnostic laboratories, in which lesions were noted in 33 diagnostic specimens from various species of cephalopods, including octopuses, squid, nautiluses, and cuttlefish, were reviewed. Clinical information and gross lesions were described in a minority of cases. The most common lesion was inflammation of varying severity and was most commonly within the anterior uvea (iris and ciliary papilla), followed by the posterior chamber and lens. More than half of the cases with inflammation had concurrent hyperplastic lesions of the iris and ciliary papilla, including posterior iris epithelial hyperplasia, cystic adenomatous hyperplasia, and/or posterior epithelial cysts. The most common clinical observation was cloudy eyes, which correlated histologically to anterior uveitis in all cases where it was documented. Dermatitis and cutaneous ulceration were the most frequent comorbidities in cases where clinical information was available.