SELECTED OPHTHALMIC TESTS AND OCULAR DIMENSIONS IN RELATION TO ACTIVITY PATTERN IN THREE NEOTROPICAL NONHUMAN PRIMATES: BLACK-TUFTED MARMOSET (CALLITHRIX PENICILLATA), GUIANAN SQUIRREL MONKEY (SAIMIRI SCIUREUS), AND AZARA'S NIGHT MONKEY (AOTUS AZARAE INFULATUS).

The goals of this study were to compare ocular morphology, determine the reference intervals of selected ophthalmic tests, ocular measurements, intraocular pressure, and tear production, and to establish possible relationships in the visual ecology of three different Neotropical nonhuman primates (NHP). Nineteen black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillate), 24 Guianan squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus), and 24 night monkeys (Aotus azarae infulatus) were included in the study. Schirmer tear test, ocular dimensions, ocular ultrasonography, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, and corneal touch threshold were determined. The ratio of the average corneal diameters and axial diameters (CD/AGL) were established. No significant difference was noted between males and females, nor left and right eyes, for all three species for all measurements (P > 0.05). CD/AGL ratio was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in night monkeys (a nocturnal species) as compared to black-tufted marmoset and Guianan squirrel monkeys (two diurnal species). The reference intervals will aid veterinary ophthalmologists to more accurately diagnose pathological changes in the eyes of these species. In addition, ocular dimension comparison will allow other NHP species to be evaluated and examined in relationship to behavioral traits (nocturnal versus diurnal).

Evaluation of Dental Enamel Thickness in Maxillary Teeth of Alouatta guariba clamitans, Alouatta caraya, and Sapajus nigritus by Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

Tooth enamel thickness is widely studied in primates and is important in differentiating taxa and in interpreting diet and feeding behavior. The objective of this study was to measure enamel thickness and discuss whether the results can be associated with different feeding patterns. Thirty-four syncraniums of Alouatta guariba clamitans, Alouatta caraya, and Sapajus nigritus were subjected to cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) scans, and the dental enamel was measured in different regions of the crown using the multiplanar reconstruction tool. The differences observed indicate that for many variables and teeth, A. guariba clamitans showed significantly higher values compared to the other 2 species, with the exception of the cuspid region. Although the A. guariba clamitans is a folivorous species, it showed thicker enamel for most of the variables. CBCT was efficient in performing the measurements, allowing analysis of the syncraniums.

Novel Anaplasmataceae agents Candidatus Ehrlichia hydrochoerus and Anaplasma spp. Infecting Capybaras, Brazil.

We amplified Ehrlichia and Anaplasma DNA from Amblyomma dubitatum tick-infested capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) in southern Brazil. Sequencing of 16S rRNA, sodB, and groEL indicated a novel Ehrlichia species, and sequencing of 16S rRNA from 2 capybaras indicated a novel Anaplasma species. The tick vectors remain unknown.

Prevalence and description of dental disorders in skulls of free-living wild primates from Paraná State, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Non-human primates can present oral diseases. However, differences among the dentition of the various species make it difficult to understand their dental features and associated diseases. This research hypothesizes that the prevalence of dental disorders varies in the species studied according to distinct types of diet. METHODS: Forty-five syncraniums of the species Alouatta caraya, Alouatta guariba clamitans, Sapajus nigritus, Callithrix jacchus, and Callithrix penicillata were evaluated by visual inspection, magnifying glasses, and on cone-beam computed tomography. RESULTS: Disorders identified consisted of missing teeth before death, agenesis, dental calculus, dental wear, dental staining, dental fracture, exposure of pulp chamber, alveolar bone resorption, tooth discoloration, and persistence of deciduous teeth. Alouatta guariba clamitans presented the most disorders. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that neotropical primates have a high prevalence of dental changes, even in free-living conditions, and that the differences observed among them may be associated with different diet patterns.

Window Collisions by Birds in Brazil: Epidemiologic Factors and Radiographic and Necropsy Assessments.

Birds are among the most visually proficient group of animals on the planet; however, their inability to visualize and discriminate translucent glass structures results in an extreme number of deaths worldwide from high-speed collisions. Despite reports of avian glass collisions in North America, only a few studies have been developed to understand this problem in South America, and none evaluated radiographic and postmortem findings. One hundred cadavers were examined radiographically and postmortem, and data from 186 collision reports were analyzed for seasonality (website and manual reports and cadavers). A total of 34 different species of birds within 22 families were evaluated for this study, with the rufous-bellied thrush (Turdus rufiventris; n = 12), eared dove (Zenaida auriculata; n = 12), and ruddy ground dove (Columbina talpacoti; n = 10) being the most common species. Only 6 (27.7%) migratory species were reported: Sick's swift (Chaetura meridionalis), small-billed elaenia (Elaenia parvirostris), Black Jacobin (Florisuga fusca), Great kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus), Double-collared seedeater (Sporophila caerulescens), and Creamy-bellied thrush (Turdus amaurochalinus). Males (51) were more frequently reported than females (5), and 50.1% of the males had active gonads. Sex was unable to be determined in 44 birds. The most common radiographic lesion, noted in 16 of 82 (19.5%) animals, was loss of coelomic definition, suggestive of hemorrhage. Prevalent postmortem findings included skull hemorrhages (58/75, 77.3%) and encephalic contusions (47/73, 64.4%), followed by coelomic hemorrhages (33/81, 40.7%). Most of the window collisions (61/186, 32.8%) occurred during spring, the most common breeding season of avian species in Brazil. Cranioencephalic trauma was identified as the primary cause of mortality associated with birds flying into glass windows. Migration does not appear to be the main predisposing factor for window collisions by birds in Brazil. Increased activity and aggression related to breeding season, especially in males, may be a more important predisposing factor for window collision accidents.

'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemoalbiventris' and tick-borne pathogens screening in white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris) from Curitiba and Foz do Iguaçu Cities, Paraná State, southern Brazil.

Hemoplasmas are epierythrocytic bacteria that infect mammals. 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemoalbiventris' was detected in white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris) from southern and central-western Brazil. The present study aimed at: i) screening opossums for tick-borne (TBP) pathogens (Piroplasmida and Anaplasmataceae) and ii) detecting and characterizing hemoplasma species infecting opossums from Curitiba and Foz do Iguaçu cities in the Paraná State, southern Brazil. Thirty blood samples from white-eared opossums were evaluated by PCR assays. Animals were not infested by ectoparasites. The mammalian endogenous gapdh gene was consistently amplified in all samples. All opossums tested negative for Theileria/Babesia spp. and Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. by PCR based on 18S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes, respectively. A genus-specific PCR assay based on the 16S rRNA gene of hemoplasmas showed that three/13 (23.08%; CI 95%: 8.18-50.26%) opossums from Foz do Iguaçu were positive for hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. All opossums from Curitiba tested negative for hemoplasmas. Sequencing of both the 16S and 23S rRNA genes revealed that the animals were infected by 'Ca. M. haemoalbiventris'. Although 'Ca. M. haemoalbiventris' is prevalent in opossums in Brazil, clinical signs associated with its infection and its putative vectors remain unknown.

The crested caracara (Caracara plancus) eye: Morphologic observations and results of selected diagnostic tests.

PURPOSE: To provide a descriptive investigation about relevant features of the crested caracara's eye (Caracara plancus) and bony orbit, as well as provide data for ophthalmic tests. METHODS: Morphological observations and the following diagnostic tests were performed: Schirmer tear test (STT), conjunctival flora evaluation, corneal touch threshold (CTT), intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), B-mode ocular biometry, palpebral fissure length (PFL), and corneal diameter (CD) in 19 healthy birds, plus two macerated skulls. Not all birds were used for each test. RESULTS: STT: 7.84 ± 3.05 mm/min; CTT: 2.46 ± 1.10 cm; IOP: 19.18 ± 3.07 mmHg; CCT: 0.31 ± 0.02 mm; PFL: 13.32 ± 1.06 mm; CD: 10.26 ± 2.43 mm; Axial globe length: 1.89 ± 0.06 cm; Anterior chamber depth: 0.27 ± 0.06 cm; Lens axial length: 4.55 ± 0.06 cm; Vitreous chamber depth: 1.2 ± 0.07 cm. The most frequent conjunctival bacterial isolates were Corynebacterium sp. (10/23.8%), Staphylococcus sp. (9/21.42%), Streptococcus sp. (7/16.6%), and E. coli (7/16.66%). The large lateral part of the palatine bone likely plays a role in the ventral protection of the globe against the impact of prey. Observed results are generally reflective of increased body mass compared to other Falconiformes, with values approaching those of similar sized Accipitriformes. CONCLUSIONS: These data may help veterinarians recognize peculiar morphologic features and perform a more accurate diagnosis of eye diseases of this avian species.

'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematohydrochoerus', a novel hemoplasma species in capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) from Brazil.

Three different species of hemoplasmas have been described in rodents, Mycoplasma coccoides, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemomuris' and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemosphiggurus'. Additionally, potentially novel hemoplasma species have been detected in wild rodents from Brazil, including capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). Capybaras are the largest rodent in the world and are well adapted to live within close proximity to humans, which increases the risk to spread of zoonotic pathogens. Herein, we investigate the occurrence and genetic diversity of hemoplasmas infecting free-ranging capybaras from southern Brazil. Blood samples and ticks from 17 capybaras were collected. Packed cell volume and total plasma protein were measured, DNA was extracted, and further screened by species-specific and pan-hemoplasma PCR assays targeting the 16S rRNA gene of hemoplasmas. Sixteen out of 17 (94.12%; 95% CI: 73.02-98.95%) were anemic. Only one young female was hypoproteinemic. All capybaras were infested by adults and nymphs of Amblyomma dubitatum ticks. Using the PCR assay targeting the 16S rRNA gene of M. coccoides, 13/17 (76.47%; 95% CI: 52.74-90.44%) capybaras were positive for hemoplasmas. When DNA samples were tested by the pan-hemoplasma PCR, 16/17 (94.12%; 95% CI: 73.02-98.95%) animals were positive. One out of 11 (9.09%) adult ticks salivary glands tested positive for hemoplasma by the pan-hemoplasma PCR assay. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S and 23S rRNA gene fragments confirmed that animals were infected by a novel hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. previously reported in capybaras from Brazil. Additionally, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 23S rRNA gene from three hemoplasma-positive capybaras samples from a previous study performed in midwestern Brazil also confirm our findings. Based on phylogenetic and Neighbor-Net network analysis of the 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA genes, the name 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematohydrochoerus' is proposed for this novel organism.

'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemosphiggurus' a novel haemoplasma species in orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupines (Sphiggurus villosus) from Southern Brazil.

In Brazil, the orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus) is widely distributed in the Atlantic Rainforest biome being amongst the most frequently road-killed animal. Porcupines may also be commonly found on forest borders and occasionally, near urban areas where human and domestic dogs injuries caused by its spines may occur. Therefore, the aims of this study were (a) to screen porcupines for TBD pathogens and haemoplasmas and (b) to identify the tick species parasitizing these rodents in Paraná State, southern Brazil. Blood and/or spleen samples were collected from nine orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupines. A total of 275 ticks (34 males, 11 females, 7 nymphs and 223 larvae) were collected from eight porcupines: Amblyomma longirostre, A. parkeri and Amblyomma spp. larvae. Two out of nine (22%; 95% CI: 3%-60%) porcupines were PCR-positive for haemoplasmas. All animals tested negative for Theileria/Babesia spp. and Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. by PCR. Phylogenetic and network analysis of the 16S and 23S rRNA gene fragments confirmed that animals were infected by a potentially novel haemotropic Mycoplasma sp. The name 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemosphiggurus' is proposed for this novel organism that should be further fully characterized.

'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemoalbiventris' and tick-borne pathogens screening in white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris) from Curitiba and Foz do Iguaçu Cities, Paraná State, southern Brazil / 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemoalbiventris' e triagem para patógenos transmitidos por carrapatos em gambás de orelha branca (Didelphis albiventris) das cidades de Curitiba e Foz do Iguaçu, Estado do Paraná, sul do Brasil

Abstract Hemoplasmas are epierythrocytic bacteria that infect mammals. 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemoalbiventris' was detected in white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris) from southern and central-western Brazil. The present study aimed at: i) screening opossums for tick-borne (TBP) pathogens (Piroplasmida and Anaplasmataceae) and ii) detecting and characterizing hemoplasma species infecting opossums from Curitiba and Foz do Iguaçu cities in the Paraná State, southern Brazil. Thirty blood samples from white-eared opossums were evaluated by PCR assays. Animals were not infested by ectoparasites. The mammalian endogenous gapdh gene was consistently amplified in all samples. All opossums tested negative for Theileria/Babesia spp. and Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. by PCR based on 18S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes, respectively. A genus-specific PCR assay based on the 16S rRNA gene of hemoplasmas showed that three/13 (23.08%; CI 95%: 8.18-50.26%) opossums from Foz do Iguaçu were positive for hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. All opossums from Curitiba tested negative for hemoplasmas. Sequencing of both the 16S and 23S rRNA genes revealed that the animals were infected by 'Ca. M. haemoalbiventris'. Although 'Ca. M. haemoalbiventris' is prevalent in opossums in Brazil, clinical signs associated with its infection and its putative vectors remain unknown.

Resumo Hemoplasmas são bactérias epieritrocíticas que infectam mamíferos. 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemoalbiventris' foi detectado previamente em gambás-de-orelha-branca (Didelphis albiventris) das regiões sul e centro-oeste do Brasil. O presente estudo objetivou: i) triar os gambás para as doenças transmitidas por carrapatos (Piroplasmida e Anaplasmataceae); e ii) detectar e caracterizar as espécies de hemoplasma que infectam gambás nas cidades de Curitiba e Foz do Iguaçu, no Estado do Paraná, sul do Brasil. Trinta amostras de sangue de gambás-de-orelha-branca foram analisadas por PCR. Os animais não estavam infestados por ectoparasitos. O gene endógeno de mamífero gapdh foi amplificado em todas as amostras. Todos os gambás testaram negativos para Theileria/Babesia spp. e Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. por PCR, respectivamente, para os genes 18S rRNA e 16S rRNA. Uma PCR gene-específica, baseada no gene 16S rRNA de hemoplasmas, mostrou que três/13 (23,08%; CI 95%: 8,18-50,26%) gambás de Foz do Iguaçu foram positivos para Mycoplasma sp. hemotrópico. Todos os gambás de Curitiba testaram negativos para hemoplasmas. O sequenciamento de fragmentos dos genes 16S e 23S rRNA revelou que os animais estavam infectados pelo 'Ca. M. haemoalbiventris'. Embora 'Ca. M. haemoalbiventris' seja prevalente em gambás no Brasil, os sinais clínicos associados à infecção e os prováveis vetores permanecem desconhecidos.

Guinea Pigs Naturally Infected by Leishmania enriettii: Clinical Analyses, Parasite Isolation and Identification

Abstract Leishmania enriettii has only been found in Curitiba metropolitan region, southern Brazil were it was first observed in Cavia porcellus from the vivarium of Instituto de Biologia e Pesquisas Tecnológicas (IBPT - today named TECPAR) by Medina, 1944. Despite more than a half century from its discovery and several research articles on this species, the natural clinical signs in guinea pigs and the parasite genetic variability is still unclear. The aims of this study were to describe the clinical features, investigate the potential wild reservoirs and, in addition, we intended to understand the polymorphism trait of the species. We analyzed 26 naturally infected guinea pigs from eight Paraná state cities. All animals showed lesions compatible with leishmaniosis, such as skin nodules or ulcers on body extremities. Direct examination of the lesion samples obtained by fine-needle aspiration or punch biopsy was conducted followed by isolation and identification of parasite DNA by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR. Through the direct exam, a large number of intracellular amastigote forms were observed in the lesions. Different strains of the parasite, isolated from the 26 animals, were grouped in 5 clusters of approximately 65% similarity. We looked for L. enriettii in other potential reservoir hosts but the parasite was not observed. These results confirm that distinct strains of L. enriettii circulate in guinea pigs from Paraná state, more specifically in the Atlantic forest region, where we believe it serves as the center for dispersion of the species.

Comparison of blind intubation and a smartphone-based endoscope-assisted intubation in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: To compare between blind and smartphone-based endoscope-assisted techniques for endotracheal intubation in rabbits. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: A total of 34 rabbits. METHODS: Rabbits were assigned to four groups: intubation by a veterinary anesthesiologist (VA) or an exotic pet medicine specialist (EPS) using blind or endoscope-assisted techniques. Propofol dose, number of attempts until successful intubation, total time for intubation, duration of the successful attempt and occurrence of lingual cyanosis/laryngeal lesions were recorded. Data were analyzed by t test, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U test or chi-square test. Pearson correlation for body weight was performed. RESULTS: The success rate of blind intubation was 88.9% and 77.8% for VA and EPS, respectively. Propofol dose, total and median number of attempts, total time for intubation and duration of the successful attempt were 3.1 (0-6.2) mg kg-1, 19, 2 (1-5), 79 ± 65 and 30 ± 20 seconds for VA and 1.5 (0-4.5) mg kg-1, 24, 3 (1-5), 136 ± 92 and 38 ± 16 seconds for EPS. The success rate of endoscope-assisted intubation was 87.5% for both operators. Propofol dose, total and median number of attempts, total time for intubation and duration of the successful attempt were 2.5 (1.3-7.4) mg kg-1, 22, 3 (1-5), 170 (65-368) and 46 (22-150) seconds for VA and 3.2 (0-6) mg kg-1, 11, 1 (1-4), 56 (27-432) and 55 (26-79) seconds for EPS. VA performed blind intubation more quickly, propofol dose was lower and cyanosis was less frequent than in the endoscope-assisted group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Both techniques were reliable for rabbit endotracheal intubation. Best results were achieved when the operator was experienced in the technique. The smartphone-based endoscope is a useful aid for rabbit intubation.

TRANSTHORACIC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN NONSEDATED, FREE-RANGING HEALTHY AGOUTIS (DASYPROCTA AZARAE).

Most of the agouti species are kept in captivity, including the species Dasyprocta azarae. These animals are of zootechnical interest and, in addition, they can potentially be used as experimentation models because of their physical characteristics and possibility of manipulation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of the echocardiographic exam in nonsedated agoutis and to determine the normal reference ranges for the standard transthoracic echocardiographic parameters in healthy, adult, free-ranging agoutis found in an urban wood and intended for scientific investigations. Most of the echocardiographic parameters evaluated were similar to what has already been described for other rodent species such as rabbits or the Dasyprocta primnolopha agoutis. Based on the information compiled in this study, echocardiographic examination is feasible in awake adult, free-ranging agoutis. The results obtained from the morphologic and hemodynamic evaluation of the heart can help in future studies, either involving the clinical aspects or considering the potential use of these animals as an experimental model.

Reference values for selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests in two species of microchiroptera bats (Artibeus lituratus and Anoura caudifer).

OBJECTIVE: To establish reference values for ophthalmic tests in two bat species. BATS: Fourteen bats including seven great fruit-eating bats (Artibeus lituratus) and seven tailed tailless bats (Anoura caudifer). PROCEDURES: Normal values for following ophthalmic tests were investigated as follows: (a) aqueous tear production using the standardized endodontic paper point tear test (EPPTT), (b) rebound tonometry, and (c) horizontal palpebral fissure length. RESULTS: Aqueous tear production was 2.53 ± 1.65 mm/min for A lituratus and 1.89 ± 0.62 for A caudifer. Intraocular pressure measured in the upright position was 11.0 ± 3.28 mm Hg for A lituratus and 7.28 ± 2.70 for A caudifer. Horizontal palpebral fissure length was 5.04 ± 0.45 mm for A lituratus and 3.92 ± 0.51 for A caudifer. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained in the present study may serve as a reference for ophthalmic parameters and help practitioners in the diagnosis and management of eye diseases in bats, as well for future investigations about microchiroptera bats.

Serosurvey of Toxoplasma gondii and Leptospira spp. in Free-Range Agoutis (Dasyprocta azarae) from an Urban Area of Southern Brazil.

Thirty-six free-ranging agoutis (Dasyprocta azarae) from an urban area of the municipality of Curitiba, a southern region of Brazil, were tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii and Leptospira spp. Antibodies were present in 25% and 6% agoutis, respectively. No statistical differences were observed based on sex, age, and body mass of the agoutis. High T. gondii seropositivity indicated environmental contamination, whereas lower seropositivity of Leptospira spp. suggested low environmental contamination or low susceptibility.

HEMATOLOGICAL REFERENCE INTERVALS OF ENDANGERED CAPTIVE BLACK-FRONTED PIPING-GUANS (ABURRIA JACUTINGA) IN THE STATE OF PARANÁ, BRAZIL.

The black-fronted piping-guan (Aburria jacutinga) is and an endangered cracid species and little is known about its health. Hematology allows researchers to assess the health and physiological status of a population, but, to our knowledge, reference intervals are not available in the literature for A. jacutinga. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the hematological reference intervals of 31 captive black-fronted pipingguan adults in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from brachial vein and stored in heparinized tubes to be processed. The red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts were performed in a hemocytometer, and hemoglobin (HGB) concentration was obtained by the spectrophotometric cyanmethemoglobin method; packed cell volume (PCV) was determined by microhematocrit technique, and the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were calculated according to a previously established formula. The heterophil : lymphocyte ratio was calculated by dividing the number of heterophils by the number of lymphocytes. Determination of the 95% reference intervals and 90% confidence intervals were performed in accordance with American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines using Reference Value Advisor (version 2.0). The results obtained were as follows: RBC, 1.4-2.8 × 106/µl; PCV, 34.3-51.2%; HGB, 8.0-12.6 g/dl; MCV, 157.3-261.4 fl; MCHC, 22.0-26.7 g/dl; WBC, 2.3-33.1 × 103/µl; heterophils, 12.1-16.3%, 0.5-14.4 × 103/µl; lymphocytes, 19.8-69.0%, 1.4-16.4 × 103/µl; monocytes, 0.7-17.3%, 0.1-2.8×103/µl; eosinophils, 0.4-12.8%, 0.0-3.9 × 103/µl; basophils, 0.8-12.0%, 0.0-1.9 × 103/µl; and the heterophil : lymphocyte ratio, 0.2-3.0. The present study fills gaps in the literature on hematological values for A. jacutinga, which can be used to assess the health of the species populations. In addition, it contributed to establishing the health status of captive black-fronted piping-guans, indicating the possible welfare of the birds.

Cataracts and strabismus associated with hand rearing using artificial milk formulas in Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris spp tigris) cubs.

The aim of this investigation is to describe the potential contributing nutritional factors involved in the development of ophthalmic and dermatologic changes in four Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris spp tigris) cubs fed an artificial milk formula. The affected animals were compared with two other tiger cubs that had been nursed by their dam naturally. After the first clinical signs appeared, the tiger cubs underwent ophthalmic evaluation. Severe symmetric generalized alopecia over the trunk, sparing the head and distal portion of the front and rear limbs, bilateral cataracts and strabismus were noticed. Milk and blood from the mother, as well as blood from the healthy and affected cubs were collected in order to evaluate complete blood counts, serum chemistry values, and amino acid levels. The amino acid concentrations in the artificial formula were also evaluated for comparison to the milk from the dam. The concentration of taurine, arginine, phenylalanine, tryptophan and histidine were very low in the artificial formulas as compared to the dam´s milk. The tiger cubs that received the artificial formula had lower levels of the amino acids listed previously as compared to those that nursed from the dam naturally. Taurine, as well as arginine, phenylalanine, tryptophan and histidine deficiency appeared to be possible causes of the development of skin problems, cataracts and strabismus in the tiger cubs fed with these particular artificial milk replacers. In the future, special attention should be given in order to make sure that adequate levels of these amino acids are present in artificial milk for tiger cubs.

THE EYE OF THE AZARA'S AGOUTI ( DASYPROCTA AZARAE): MORPHOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS AND SELECTED OPHTHALMIC DIAGNOSTIC TESTS.

The purpose of this study was to carry out a descriptive investigation of the Azara's agouti ( Dasyprocta azarae) eye and to establish reference values of select ophthalmic diagnostic tests and physiologic parameters. A total of 19 healthy agoutis were used. Select ophthalmic diagnostic tests were performed, including Schirmer tear test type I (STTI), analysis of the conjunctival bacterial microflora, corneal esthesiometry, and tonometry. B-mode ultrasonic biometry, fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, and gross and histologic analysis of two eyes were also performed. Reference range parameters found for the ocular diagnostic tests were esthesiometry, 4.50 ± 0.36 cm (0.7 ± 0.01 g/mm2); tonometry, 11.61 ± 0.44 mm Hg; palpebral fissure length, 1.70 ± 0.25 mm; STTI, 9.73 ± 0.47 mm/min; corneal thickness, 0.8 ± 0.003 mm; anterior chamber depth, 1.71 ± 0.07 mm; lens thickness, 5.03 ± 0.05 mm; vitreous chamber depth, 5.12 ± 0.01 mm; and globe axial length, 14.02 ± 0.01 mm. A paurangiotic, retinal, vascular pattern with a conspicuous pigment-laden optic disc was observed. The most frequent bacteria isolated were nonhemolytic Streptococcus sp. (36.84%), followed by Enterobacter harfinia (31.58%) and Escherichia coli (28.95%). No significant differences between genders or between left and right eyes were found for any of the results. Gross and histologic evaluation of two eyes confirmed the presence of melanocytic pigment granules between optic nerve fibers. The diagnostic values and the morphologic observations described here provide a reference to veterinarians to aid in the diagnosis of ocular disease.

Congenital cataract associated with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous and persistent tunica vasculosa lentis in a sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) - clinical, ultrasonographic, and histological findings.

Ultrasonography suggested the diagnosis of cataract associated with persistent fetal intraocular vasculature in a 26-day-old sambar deer. The deer was ill and died despite intense critical care. Globes were removed. Histological characteristics of persistent fetal vasculature and secondary cataract are reported expanding the knowledge of ophthalmic disorders in wild ungulates.

Reference intervals for biochemical analytes of captive Black-Fronted Piping-Guan (Aburria jacutinga).

BACKGROUND: Black-Fronted Piping-Guan (Aburria jacutinga) is considered one of the most threatened bird species on the American continent. Ex situ conservation efforts have been developed in Brazil, and monitoring the health status of these populations is essential to ensure reproductive success in captivity. Reference intervals (RI) for biochemistry analytes from a larger population of Black-Fronted Piping-Guan are unavailable. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed at establishing RI for biochemical analytes of captive Black-Fronted Piping-Guan for future improved health assessments in these animals. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 32 adult Black-Fronted Piping-Guans for serum and plasma separation. Liver and kidney function markers, and concentration of protein and lipids were measured. Reference intervals were determined using an Excel program with Reference Value Adviser (version 2.0). RESULTS: The RI of the analytes were: AST 20.7-188.0 U/L; CK 713.7-4741.4 U/L; LDH 360.7-1173.7 U/L; γ Glutamyl Transferase 1.1-5.4 U/L; total plasma protein 3.5-6.2 g/dL; total serum protein 1.7-4.7 g/dL; uric acid 0.9-19.2 mg/dL; urea 7.0-25.3 mg/dL; cholesterol 71.8-232.2 mg/dL; triglycerides 25.6-183.4 mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: The RI are similar to the ones published for other avian species. Only CK and uric acid values were in discordance with the usually reported avian ranges. This could be due to different methods of capture and physical restraint. Alternatively, some differences could be species-specific. In general, physical restraint should be limited to a minimum and without stress to prevent capture myopathy and death.