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).

The use of agitated saline as contrast agent in a contrast-enhanced cystosonography for detection of urinary bladder rupture in animal cadavers.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the value of microbubble contrast cystosonography in the diagnosis of bladder rupture in animals. DESIGN: Prospective, method comparison study from November 2019 to October 2020. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Thirty-four ethically sourced cadavers of dogs, rats, and rabbits. INTERVENTIONS: In a prospective and blinded study, the cadavers were divided into 2 randomized groups: with bladder rupture (CR), and without bladder rupture (SR). Urinary catheterization was performed in all cadavers. Through the urethral catheter, bladders in CR group were ruptured using a rigid stainless steel guide wire. Microbubble contrast was infused into the bladder through the urethral catheter, while a single, blinded observer sonographically assessed the bladder. The time to diagnosis and the number of attempts needed for diagnosis were recorded. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The study included cadavers of 16 female Wistar rats, 6 female dogs, 11 male dogs, and 1 male rabbit. Time to diagnosis in dogs (2.25 ± 0.91 min) was statistically higher when compared to rats (1.15 ± 0.75 min; P = 0.03). Of the 34 cases, incorrect diagnosis of bladder rupture was made in only 2 dogs (6%), indicating a diagnostic sensitivity of 88.88%, specificity of 100%, and an accuracy of 94%. The positive predictive value was 1 and the negative predictive value was 0.9. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the described method is accurate, sensitive, and specific for the detection of bladder rupture in animal cadavers of different species, size, and sex.

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.

'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.

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.

The use of sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles for contrast-enhanced ocular ultrasonography of the pecten oculi in birds.

BACKGROUND: The pecten oculi is a vascular and pigmented structure localized within the posterior segment of all avian eyes. Its primary function is not fully understood yet. OBJECTIVE: As ultrasonography (US) is a useful imaging modality for evaluation of the pecten oculi, the objective of this study was to investigate the utility of an intravenous contrast solution of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) microbubbles as a means of enhancing visualization of the pecten oculi in normal birds. ANIMALS STUDIED: Ten adult individuals of the following avian species were evaluated: 1 roadside hawk (Rupornis magnirostris), 1 stygian owl (Asio stygius), 2 striped owls (Asio clamator), 2 burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia), 2 ring-necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri), and 2 domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). PROCEDURE(S): After baseline ocular sonograms were obtained in sedated animals, 4.5 µg/kg of a contrast solution containing SF6 microbubbles was administered intravenously and US of the right eye was immediately performed. US was continued during injection to provide real-time imaging of the pecten oculi during vascular perfusion of contrast material. RESULTS: Within 2-3 seconds following intravenous contrast administration, microbubbles reached the pecten oculi of all birds investigated and provided significant ultrasonographic contrast enhancement. CONCLUSIONS: SF6 microbubble contrast ultrasonography in birds is a safe and easy procedure that provides increased contrast and enhanced visualization of the pecten oculi. Future use may enable further discovery of its physiologic functions and aid in the development of therapeutic plans for avian intraocular disease.