Exotic Animal Practice in Mexico, Central, and South America.

This article provides an overview of the development of exotic animal medicine in Latin America (LATAM), highlighting its historical evolution, current evidence, and future considerations. The practice of exotic animal medicine began in the 1970s and 1980s. The lack of knowledge and scientific resources led to the extrapolation of veterinary care for exotic species from human and companion animal medicine. However, from the 21st century onwards, globalization and collaboration among veterinary professionals have allowed greater access to knowledge and techniques for the treatment of exotic species in LATAM.

Masticatory Myositis in a Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus): A Case Report.

Masticatory myositis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that affects the muscles of mastication. The affected individual has difficulties in opening or closing the mouth, pain, and swelling in the acute phase, and significant atrophy of the affected musculature in the chronic phase. A guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) with a history of chronic hyporexia, recurrent cheek teeth overgrowth, and loss of facial silhouette, was suspected of having masticatory myositis. The disease was confirmed by computed tomography and histopathological examination of muscle fragments. The patient was treated with a protocol involving corticosteroids and gabapentin, and occlusal correction procedures.

Integrated approaches to howler monkey (Alouatta spp.) medicine in professional care and conservation.

Howler monkeys (Alouatta spp.) are threatened by anthropogenic pressures such as habitat fragmentation and deforestation, while conservation efforts are challenging to coordinate as natural geographic distribution ranges are the largest of any New World primate. On a One Health front, howler monkeys represent a great model to investigate the infectious disease dynamics between wild primates and humans as several infectious diseases affecting howlers have a demonstrated zoonotic potential. Howler monkey populations in professional care offer a window to investigate susceptibility to diseases in this species such as yellow fever (YF) and malaria, plus a myriad of endoparasite phyla, as well as vector-borne diseases such as Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. More studies are urgently needed to provide species-specific, medically relevant information as well as clinical descriptions of animals considered medically healthy. Moreover, howler monkeys are a challenging species to breed and maintain in professional care; additionally, reproductive parameters have been published only for a handful of species in this genus. On a One Health approach communication and collaborative health surveillance involving wildlife and zoo experts will ease the identification of factors that contribute to disease emergence facilitating the integration of human, animal, and environmental health. The One Welfare concept is based on the inextricable connection among animal welfare, human welfare, and environmental conservation. Integrating One Health and One Welfare into actions both in-situ and ex-situ will promote the sustainability of the forests and restoration of the ecosystems that those species inhabit, transitioning to a comprehensive One Conservation approach.

Taxonomic Distribution of Neoplasia Among Non-Domestic Felid Species Under Managed Care.

As evidenced by numerous case reports from zoos, neoplasia in felids is common, but most reports are limited to Panthera species in North America or Europe. In order to obtain a wider epidemiologic understanding of neoplasia distribution, necropsy records at seven facilities (USA, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Brazil) were evaluated. In contrast to others, this study population (195 cases, 16 species), included many non-Panthera felids. Overall neoplasia prevalence was 28.2% (55/195). Panthera species had a higher prevalence of neoplasia than non-Panthera species (52.5%; vs. 13.0%). Lions (66.7%), jaguars (55.0%), and tigers (31.3%) had the highest species-specific prevalence of neoplasia. Neoplasms in Panthera species were more frequently malignant than in non-Panthera (86.1% vs. 55.6%). The systems most commonly affected were the reproductive, hematolymphoid, and respiratory. The range of management conditions and more varied genetic backgrounds support a robust taxonomic pattern and suggest that the reported propensity for neoplasia in jaguars may have a genetic basis at a taxonomic level higher than species, as lions and tigers also have high prevalence. Given the high prevalence of neoplasia and high likelihood of malignancy, routine medical exams in all nondomestic felids, but Panthera species in particular, should include thorough assessments of any clinical signs of neoplasia.

Successful treatment of Ophionyssus natricis with afoxolaner in two Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus).

The efficacy of afoxolaner was evaluated in two captive Burmese python snakes, which were naturally infested with Ophionyssus natricis mites. The administration of a single oral dose of afoxolaner eliminated live O. natricis mites from both snakes by Day 3. Environmental samples collected from the snakes' terrariums were negative for dead mites by Day 30.

L'efficacité de l'afoxolaner a été évaluée chez deux serpents python birmans captifs, naturellement infestés par des acariens Ophionyssus natricis. L'administration d'une dose orale unique d'afoxolaner a éliminé les acariens O. natricis vivants des deux serpents à jour 3. Les échantillons environnementaux prélevés dans les terrariums des serpents étaient négatifs pour les acariens morts à jour 30.

Se evaluó la eficacia de afoxolaner en dos serpientes pitón birmanas cautivas, que estaban naturalmente infestadas con ácaros Ophionyssus natricis. La administración de una sola dosis oral de afoxolaner eliminó los ácaros O. natricis vivos de ambas serpientes en el día 3. Las muestras ambientales recolectadas de los terrarios de las serpientes dieron negativo para ácaros muertos en el día 30.

A eficácia do afoxolaner foi avaliada em duas cobras python birmanesas de cativeiro, que foram naturalmente infestadas com ácaros Ophionyssus natricis. A administração de uma única dose oral de afoxolaner eliminou ácaros O. natricis vivos de ambas as cobras no dia 3. As amostras ambientais coletadas dos terrários das cobras foram negativas para ácaros mortos no dia 30.

Use of afoxolaner for the treatment of lice (Goniodes pavonis) in different genera (Chrysolophus spp, Lophura spp, Phasianus spp, and Syrmaticus spp) and species of pheasants and West Mexican Chachalacas (Ortalis poliocephala).

Lice are ectoparasites capable of affecting birds, and can result in direct and indirect damage to their host. Afoxolaner is an isoxazoline that has been shown to be effective against these ectoparasites without known adverse effects. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of afoxolaner on lice in pheasants and plain chachalacas. A total of 29 pheasants of different genera and species (Chrysolophus pictus, C. amherstiae, Lophura swinghoii, L. nycthemera, Phasianus colchicus, and Syrmaticus reevesii) and 18 West Mexican Chachalacas (Ortalis poliocephala) naturally infested with Goniodes pavonis were used. The birds were allocated to one of two groups: group 1 treated with 2.50 mg/kg of afoxolaner, and group 2 given no treatment. Ectoparasites were collected using the adhesive tape technique and identified. Afoxolaner was administered later as a single dose to group 1, and the clinical assessment to detect ectoparasites was repeated 28 days post-treatment. On day 28 post-treatment, group 1 was found to be negative for the presence of lice. The body weights were compared at the beginning and end of the clinical assessment in both groups and a significant difference in weight of treated birds was found. The mean body weight decreased by 0.017 g in control group, whereas it increased by 0.016 g in treated group. Oral administration of afoxolaner is an effective option for the treatment of Goniodes pavonis infestations in zoo birds.

Evaluation of the effect of afoxalaner with milbemycin 1 oxime in the treatment of rabbits naturally infected with Psoroptes cuniculi.

Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculi) are very popular as pets. However, problems of otitits caused by Psoroptes cuniculi are one of the main reasons to visit the veterinarian. Isoxazolines are an alternative treatment to treat this mite, and therefore, an evaluation of the effectiveness of oral afoxalaner with milbemycin oxime in rabbits infected with P. cuniculi was carried out. Nineteen rabbits, of New Zealand breed, with otitis due to an infection with P. cuniculi, were treated, whereas six rabbits were left untreated and formed the control group. The ear canals of each individual were examined, through the collection of otic exudate samples with cotton swabs. These were visualized under the microscope to identify the ectoparasite. Each animal was treated with a single oral dose of 2.50 mg / kg of afoxolaner, and 0.50 mg / kg of milbemycin oxime. Clinical signs and lesions associated with the infection, such as the presence of detritus, cerumen and / or scabs, and erythema, were evaluated. After receiving the treatment, all the lesions were classified as: mild, moderate and intense, with a visual analog scale. A week after providing medication, there was a decrease in the lesions of the group treated with Nexgard Spectra®, without further topical or systemic treatment. The decrease was gradual in the treated group and no recurrence was detected of P. cuniculi infection in both ears. Thus, the administration of a single oral dose of afoxolaner with milbemycin oxime was effective for the treatment of P. cuniculi infection in rabbits.

Effect of oral afoxolaner on naturally occurring infestations of peacocks by the louse Goniodes pavonis.

BACKGROUND: Ectoparasitism of ornamental birds, including captive species kept in zoos, represents a serious health problem. Up to 13 different species of lice have been reported to affect peacocks worldwide and heavy infestation may cause anaemia. Because of this, alternatives to the prevailing treatments have been sought including use of isoxazolines. This class of drugs has been used successfully in poultry without adverse effects on health or production. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of afoxolaner on the peacock louse (Goniodes pavonis). ANIMALS: Twenty-three peacocks (Pavo cristatus) with naturally occurring infestation with G. pavonis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The peacocks were divided in two groups; one was treated once orally with 2.5 mg/kg afoxolaner and the other group received no treatment. Samples were collected using the acetate tape technique, for identification of lice by microscopy. Concomitantly, blood samples were taken to evaluate the haematocrit before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Treatment with afoxolaner significantly decreased the number of peacocks positive for lice (P = 0.02) compared to the control group, in which the number of positive birds did not decrease. The haematocrit improved in the afoxolaner-treated group from a baseline of 46.4%-54.7% at 35 days post-treatment, whereas it decreased in untreated birds (44.6%-40.7%). No adverse effects attributed to afoxolaner treatment were observed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Oral administration of afoxolaner is an effective treatment for G. pavonis infestation of peacocks.

Respiratory system anatomy, physiology, and disease: Guinea pigs and chinchillas.

Respiratory diseases are common in guinea pigs and chinchillas. There are multifactorial causes of respiratory involvement in these species of rodents, from infectious (bacterial, viral, and fungal) to neoplastic causes. Toxicoses and diseases affecting other systems may also induce respiratory signs. Knowledge of biology, including husbandry, nutritional requirements, and behavior, are important clues for the clinician to determine the role these issues may play in the development, progression, and prognosis of respiratory clinical cases in rodents. Current approaches in the diagnosis and therapy for respiratory disease in small mammals warrant more research concerning response-to-treatment reports.