Clinicopathologic Findings in Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) Administered Amikacin Through Intravenous Regional Limb Perfusion.

Regional limb perfusion (RLP) has been used to treat cases of distal limb infections in avian species. Potentially nephrotoxic drugs, such as amikacin, may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity with RLP because of the presence of the renal portal system and direct venous blood flow from the pelvic limbs to the kidneys. In a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled study, the safety of repeated amikacin administration (20 mg/kg q24h for 3 doses) via RLP was evaluated in healthy female chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus; n = 8 treatment, n = 8 saline control group). Plasma uric acid concentrations were not significantly elevated in treated birds compared with the control group at any time point following RLP. One week following the final RLP, birds were necropsied and the kidneys evaluated grossly and histologically. There was no significant difference in renal pathology scores between treated and control birds or between kidneys ipsilateral to the perfused limb and contralateral kidneys. This study concludes that RLP of amikacin at high doses produced no discernable renal pathology in healthy euhydrated chickens.

Development of Wastewater Pooled Surveillance of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from Congregate Living Settings.

Wastewater-based monitoring for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at the individual building level could be an efficient, passive means of early detection of new cases in congregate living settings, but this approach has not been validated. Preliminary samples were collected from a hospital and a local municipal wastewater treatment plant. Molecular diagnostic methods were compared side by side to assess feasibility, performance, and sensitivity. Refined sample collection and processing protocols were then used to monitor two occupied dormitory complexes (n = 105 and 66) over 8 weeks. Wastewater results were validated using known case counts from external clinical testing of building occupants. Results confirm that ultracentrifugation from a 24-h composite collection had a sensitivity of 96.2% and a specificity of 100%. However, the method could not distinguish new infectious cases from persistent convalescent shedding of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. If the detection of convalescent shedding is considered a false positive, then the sensitivity is 100% and specificity drops to 45%. It was determined that the proposed approach constitutes a highly sensitive wastewater surveillance method for detecting SARS-CoV-2, but it could not distinguish new infectious cases from persistent convalescent shedding. Future work must focus on approaches to distinguish new infections from convalescent shedding to fully realize the potential of building wastewater as a surveillance tool for congregate living. IMPORTANCE Some of the most severe outbreaks of COVID-19 have taken place in places where persons live together, such as nursing homes. Wastewater testing from individual buildings could be used for frequent pooled surveillance of virus from all occupants, including those who are contagious, with or without symptoms. This work provides a sensitive practical method for detecting infected individuals, as validated in two building complexes housing occupants who underwent frequent clinical testing performed by external entities. Although this sensitive method could be deployed now for pooled surveillance as an early warning system to limit outbreaks, the study shows that the approach will require further refinement to differentiate contagious, newly infected individuals from persons who have persistent viral fragments shedding in their stool outside the contagious period.

DIFFUSE IDIOPATHIC SKELETAL HYPEROSTOSIS WITH SECONDARY DYSPHAGIA IN A BLACK-HANDED SPIDER MONKEY (ATELES GEOFFROYI).

A 32-yr-old male black-handed spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) with marked kyphosis and reduced spinal range of motion developed intermittent regurgitation, which was managed with an acid reducer. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) was suspected in this animal due to radiographically evident ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament. At repeat radiographic evaluation 1.5 yr later, due to weight loss and increased frequency of regurgitation, the cervical spine was deviated ventrally and appeared to be impinging on the thoracic inlet. The spider monkey was humanely euthanized due to poor prognosis, and the presumptive diagnosis of DISH was confirmed via postmortem computed tomography and necropsy. DISH has not been reported in black-handed spider monkeys, and secondary dysphagia, an uncommon but recognized consequence in humans, has not been reported in a nonhuman primate. Earlier recognition of this possibly underreported disease process may increase treatment options and effectiveness of intervention.

Use of Margarine for the Successful Removal of Polyisobutylene in an Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) and Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias).

Two great blue herons (Ardea herodias) and an anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) were presented to the Wildlife Center of Texas with extensive plumage soiling from polyisobutylene (PIB), a synthetic rubber polymer used in manufacturing. All animals were provided supportive care and sedated for evaluation for hematologic and plasma biochemical values; one of the great blue herons was critically ill, based on the diagnostic evaluations and died approximately 24 hours after admission. On postmortem examination, it was diagnosed with coelomic migration of Eustrongylides species resulting in verminous peritonitis that was likely the primary cause of its poor condition and death, rather than the PIB exposure. Standard decontamination efforts with commercial liquid dish soap were unsuccessful. Application of margarine was used to emulsify the PIB on the remaining 2 birds and was followed by standard wash protocols for successful removal. These animals were successfully released after decontamination. The use of margarine for decontamination of PIB is unreported and could prove useful in future decontamination events in birds and other wildlife when traditional methods to remove hydrocarbon compounds are unsuccessful.

Venous Blood Analytes and Osmolality of Rehabilitated Juvenile Black-bellied Whistling Ducks (Dendrocygna autumnalis).

Venous blood samples were collected from 129 apparently healthy, rehabilitated juvenile black-bellied whistling ducks (Dendrocygna autumnalis) immediately before release from rehabilitation. Blood gas, electrolyte, and select biochemical and hematologic values were analyzed by using a point-of-care analyzer, and complete blood cell counts and osmolality were determined. Most biochemical analyte values were distributed parametrically, while most hematologic values were nonparametrically distributed. Calculated osmolality values were in poor agreement with measured osmolality values, and values of packed cell volume had poor agreement with hematocrit values determined with the i-STAT 1. The physiologic values reported provide vital information to assess individual duck health and guide fluid therapy in captivity and may prove useful to assess free-living population health of this duck species.

A Vavraia-like microsporidium as the cause of deadly infection in threatened and endangered Eurycea salamanders in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Eurycea sosorum (Barton Springs salamander) and Eurycea nana (San Macros salamander) are listed as endangered and threatened species, respectively, by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) with habitats restricted to small regions near Austin, Texas, USA. The conservation efforts with the Eurycea salamanders at the captive breeding program in San Marcos Aquatic Resources Center (SMARC), a USFWS facility, have seen an unexpected and increased mortality rate over the past few years. The clinical signs of sick or dead salamanders included erythema, tail loss, asymmetric gills or brachial loss, rhabdomyolysis, kyphosis, and behavior changes, suggesting that an infectious disease might be the culprit. This study aimed to identify the cause of the infection, determine the taxonomic position of the pathogen, and investigate the potential reservoirs of the pathogen in the environment. RESULTS: Histopathological examination indicated microsporidian infection (microsporidiosis) in the sick and dead Eurycea salamanders that was later confirmed by PCR detection. We also determined the near full-length small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene from the microsporidian pathogen, which allowed us to determine its phylogenetic position, and to design primers for specific and sensitive detection of the pathogen. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that this pathogen was closely related to the insect parasites Vavraia spp. and the human opportunistic pathogen, Trachipleistophora hominis. This Vavraia-like microsporidium was present in dead salamanders at SMARC archived between 2011 and 2015 (positive rates ranging between 52.0-88.9% by PCR detection), as well as in some aquatic invertebrates at the facility (e.g. snails and small crustaceans). CONCLUSIONS: A Vavraia-like microsporidian was at least one of the major pathogens, if not solely, responsible for the sickness and mortality in the SMARC salamanders, and the pathogen had been present in the center for years. Environmental invertebrates likely served as a source and reservoir of the microsporidian pathogen. These observations provide new knowledge and a foundation for future conservation efforts for Eurycea salamanders including molecular surveys, monitoring of the pathogen, and discovery of effective treatments.

Serum Biochemical Analytes and Trace Elements in Juvenile Whooping Cranes (Grus americana).

Biochemical and trace element analyses of blood from wild Whooping Cranes (Grus americana) were performed to assess the health of the only self-sustaining, migratory population in North America. Juvenile cranes (n=31) approximately 49-70 d-old were sampled at Wood Buffalo National Park, Northwest Territories, Canada, in midsummer from 2010 to 2012. Archived serum (n=24) and whole blood (n=31) samples from captive juvenile cranes were selected as age-matched controls. Reference values were calculated for serum biochemical analytes and trace elements in whole blood from the captive juvenile Whooping Cranes reared under controlled conditions and with known health histories. Several statistical differences among blood biochemical and trace element values of the wild and captive juveniles were identified and were likely attributable to dietary differences between the populations.

Effects of the fraction of inspired oxygen on alfaxalone-sedated inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of providing 100% O2, compared with provision of room air, in sedated spontaneously breathing inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). ANIMALS 8 adult bearded dragons. PROCEDURES Animals were sedated with alfaxalone (20 mg/kg, SC) and received 21% O2 (equivalent to room air) or 100% O2 via face mask (flow rate, 1 L/min) in a randomized, blinded, complete crossover study (2-week interval between treatments). Sedation variables, cardiopulmonary variables, venous blood gas values, and postsedation food intake were evaluated. RESULTS Respiratory rate, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and sedation quality were comparable between treatments. Venous blood gas analysis revealed a higher total Pco2 and HCO3- concentration for the 21% O2 treatment. Postsedation food intake was not affected by the inspired oxygen fraction provided during sedation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The fraction of inspired oxygen did not appear to have clinically relevant effects on physiologic variables of bearded dragons during and after sedation. Therefore, provision of 100% O2 can be considered for use in sedated bearded dragons without the risk of inducing hypoventilation. Similarly, failure to provide 100% O2 would be unlikely to result in clinically relevant consequences in healthy sedated bearded dragons.

HEMATOLOGIC AND BIOCHEMICAL VALUES OF THE JUVENILE EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL (SCIURUS CAROLINENSIS).

Venous blood samples were collected from 64 apparently healthy juvenile Eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) after sedation with midazolam at the Wildlife Center of Texas located in Houston, Texas, during 2012. Blood gas (pH, PCO2, PO2, base excess, bicarbonate, oxygen saturation), electrolyte (sodium, potassium), biochemical (total CO2, ionized calcium, glucose), and hematologic parameters (hematocrit, hemoglobin, complete blood count) were determined using the i-STAT point-of-care analyzer. Sex did not affect any analyte. All squirrels recovered uneventfully and were successfully rehabilitated and released. Most values were as expected based on comparison to other young rodent species. These analyte data for healthy juvenile Eastern gray squirrels may be useful in assessment of Eastern gray squirrel population health and management and treatment of individual squirrels presented in need of medical care.

Therapeutic Use of Regional Limb Perfusion in a Chicken.

A 2-year-old, 3.8-kg male Rhode Island red rooster was examined for lameness and progressive swelling of the right foot of several month's duration. Radiographs of the right foot demonstrated soft tissue swelling and a smoothly marginated periosteal reaction evident of inflammation affecting the bones. Results of a complete blood count showed a moderate leukocytosis and an elevated total protein concentration. Systemic antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy was started, but the bird had not improved at recheck examination. After intravenous catheterization of the medial metatarsal vein and placing a tourniquet at the femoral-tibiotarsal joint of the right leg, regional limb perfusion with amikacin and flunixin meglumine was performed. Dimensions of both feet were measured with digital calipers, and surface temperatures of the feet were measured with an infrared thermometer. The rooster had improved activity level with decrease in lameness and measurable decrease in swelling of the right foot. Regional limb perfusion with intravenous antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is a viable treatment modality in avian species for suspected distal limb infection and cellulitis. This technique has potential valuable implications for a variety of avian species. Fluid support should be provided if using nephrotoxic drugs.

Venous Blood Gas, Electrolyte, and Hematologic Analytes of the Mottled Duck, Anas fulvigula.

We collected venous blood samples from 83 apparently healthy Mottled Ducks ( Anas fulvigula ) July 2012-August 2013 on the Texas, US, Gulf Coast and measured blood gas, electrolyte, biochemical, and hematologic parameters. Age, sex, body condition score, capture year, capture type, and time of day had significant statistical, but not clinically relevant, effects on several analytes. Ducks caught by rocket net had findings consistent with greater stress compared with hand-caught ducks. These analyte data for healthy free-living Mottled Ducks may be useful in the assessment of Mottled Duck population health and in the management and treatment of individual ducks affected by environmental stressors.

SEASONAL DERMATOPATHY AND CONCURRENT REPRODUCTIVE FINDINGS IN CAPTIVE FOSSA ( CRYPTOPROCTA FEROX).

Six female intact fossa ( Cryptoprocta ferox) in the San Diego Zoo collection presented with episodic, seasonal alopecia and variable pruritus between the years 1984 and 2015. Presentation was often accompanied by findings such as prominent palpable uterus or cervix and thickened, enlarged uterus on ultrasound. Dermatologic testing has been consistently nondiagnostic for primary cause of alopecia. Both the alopecia and reproductive findings have a higher occurrence from midspring to midsummer. Hormonal changes associated with reproductive activity are proposed as a possible explanation for the dermal clinical signs seen in these six fossas.

ANESTHESIA IN A CAPTIVE JUVENILE BLACK RHINOCEROS (DICEROS BICORNIS) FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY.

A hand-reared, 53-kg, female, 30-day-old black rhinoceros ( Diceros bicornis ) calf presented for magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography after demonstrating neurologic signs. The rhino was premedicated intramuscularly with butorphanol and midazolam, yielding satisfactory sedation. Induction was achieved using intravenous propofol until the trachea could be intubated. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane in 100% oxygen (mean end-tidal concentration of 2 ± 0.5%). Mean values recorded during anesthesia included were heart rate, end-tidal carbon dioxide, respiratory rate, noninvasive blood pressure, and pulse oximetry. A balanced electrolyte solution of 10 mL/kg per hour was given intravenously. It was concluded that anesthesia was safely induced and maintained with a combination of butorphanol, midazolam, propofol, and sevoflurane. Total anesthesia time was 3 hr, with no perianesthetic complications and an uneventful recovery.