Preparing Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758) for Reintroduction into the Wild: A Screening for Parasites and Hemopathogens of a Captive Population.

The reintroduction of captive animals to the wild helps restore endangered species, but it risks pathogen transmission, harming wild populations. Such transmission can impact the genetic diversity and long-term viability of these populations. This study assessed parasite diversity and load in captive Pecari tajacu, a species native to the Americas and culturally significant to Brazilian indigenous culture, prior to reintroduction. Samples from 24 peccaries were analyzed for ectoparasites, hemopathogens, and stool parasites with direct and molecular analysis. Findings showed that various parasites were present. Two peccaries (8.3%) were infested by the adult tick Amblyomma sculptum. Six (25.0%) tested positive for Trypanosoma evansi, four (16.7%) for hemobacteria of the family Anaplasmataceae, twelve (50.0%) for hemotropic Mycoplasma, and seven (29.2%) for Leishmania braziliensis. Stool samples indicated multiple parasites, with sixteen (66.7%) peccaries infected by Strongylida order parasites, Spiruridae in three (12.5%), and Ascaris suum in one (4.2%) animal. Cysts of Balantidium sp. were found in twenty (83.3%), Entamoeba polecki in five (20.8%), and Iodamoeba bütschlii in two (8.3%) peccaries. To our current knowledge, this is the first global report of Leishmania braziliensis, Iodamoeba bütschlii, and Entamoeba polecki in P. tajacu, irrespective of the environment, including both captivity and wild conditions. Some of these parasites are common in domestic animals, and others are zoonotic, indicating potential interspecies pathogen transmission.

Food-related substrate preference in juveniles seastar Echinaster (Othilia) brasiliensis (Müller & Troschel,1842) in captivity.

There are only a few studies that describe the larval development of Echinaster or aspects on culture systems for the genus. For starfishes, the choice of suitable substrates has received special attention since it could influence the acid-base balance of the water, movement capacity and predation rate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ideal food-related substrate for the rearing of juvenile Echinaster brasiliensis. A batch of fertilized eggs released in spontaneous spawning was collected and kept in a plankton-kreisel until metamorphosis. Data on preference of food-related substrate was recorded for 10 weeks from day 58 post-release. From release to 132 days old, arm length increased from 0.81 mm to 1.31 ± 0.03 mm. Considering the sudden increase in arm length (AL), it was estimated that feeding started around 40 days of age. Regarding food-related substrate preferences, biofilm grown on "rocks" showed a significant difference among other treatments, adding up to 50% of preference (p < .05). For sponge and biofilm from bio media, there was no statistical difference for the whole period. In this study, sponges showed to be the least preferred food-related substrate for post-settlement juveniles. Considering that Echinaster and other starfish are commonly maintained on a diet of collected or cultured sponges, difficulties in sourcing a ready supply throughout the year represent limitations to their sole use within commercial or laboratory-scale production. In this sense, the use of biofilm from biological media for the feeding of juvenile starfish is not yet reported in the literature and showed to be an easy and promising option.

Ultrasonographic and radiographic evaluation of gestation in golden lanceheads (Bothrops insularis) in ex situ breeding programs.

The golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis) is a critically endangered snake endemic to Queimada Grande Island, southeastern Brazil. Captive breeding programs are vital for the conservation of this species. This study evaluates the gestation of two females golden lanceheads using radiography and ultrasonography. The first female was collected on the island while reproductively active (late vitellogenesis or early pregnancy) and kept in captivity. This female gave birth to five neonates after an 8-month gestation period, which is longer than estimates based on specimens preserved in museums. The second female copulated in captivity in July and probably ovulated in October. In this case, no embryonic development was detected, and the female deposited 14 undeveloped eggs approximately 6 months after ovulation.

Spawning, egg and larval description of the brazilian basslet Gramma brasiliensis Sazima, Gasparini & Moura, 1998 in captivity.

Brazilian basslet Gramma brasiliensis is a fish highly appreciated by the marine ornamental industry. There is an increasing interest in the development of a breeding protocol for this species. However, descriptions of the reproductive biology, eggs and larval development are scarce. This study was the first to describe the spawning, eggs and larvae of G. brasiliensis in captivity, including mouth size information. Six spawning events produced egg masses with 27, 127, 600, 750, 850, and 950 eggs. Larger egg masses showed embryos with at least two different developmental stages. Eggs are spherical (∼1.0 mm diameter), held together by filaments entangling chorionic projections. Larvae with fewer than 12 hph (hours post-hatch) presented 3.55 mm standard-length, well developed eyes, fully absorbed yolk sac, an inflated swim bladder and mouth opened. Exogenous feeding on rotifers began within 12 hph. The average mouth width at first feeding was 0.38 mm. The first settled larva was noted by day 21. This information should help to determine appropriate diets and prey-shift time during the larviculture of the species.

Birth and growth of the shortnose guitarfish Zapteryx brevirostris (Müller & Henle, 1841) (Chondrichthyes, Rhinobatidae) in captivity.

Endemic to the south-west Atlantic Ocean, the shortnose guitarfish (Zapteryx brevirostris) is a small species, classified as endangered by the IUCN. Although reproduction in captivity has been successful for some species, a range of factors can limit the success of captive breeding programmes for elasmobranchs. In Brazil, the Ubatuba Aquarium was the first public aquarium to reproduce small-sized elasmobranchs. Since 2018, at least five parturition events have been recorded for Z. brevirostris at the institution. From a total of 13 live neonates that rearing was attempted, the mean ± standard error of weight, total length (TL) and disc width at birth were 17.47 ± 1.6 g, 13.25 ± 0.7 cm and 6.53 ± 0.2 cm, respectively. The mean weight as well as mean TL were higher for females at all births, with 26.15 g and 15.07 cm for females in comparison with 17.09 g and 13.94 cm for males. Considering the increasing risk of extinction that the species is facing, age and growth studies are fundamental for the success of conservation, improving the knowledge of Z. brevirostris life cycle so that a more efficient and sustainable management can be carried out. This study provides important data, as well as directions for captive breeding of the species.

Testicular biometry and hierarchy of dominance of the white-lipped peccary (Mammalia, Tayassuidae) / Biometria testicular e hierarquia de dominância do queixada (Mammalia, Tayassuidae)

The objective of this study was to obtain data on the testicular biometry of the white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) and to verify if there is a correlation between the individual's biometric data with their dominance rank. Data were collected from 16 adult males, aged between two and seven years, who made up the same group. By the agonistic interactions analyses we calculated the linearity indexes (h') of the dominance hierarchy and dominance rank. At the end of the behavioral observations, males were captured to collect biometric data from the testis. White-lipped peccaries showed testicles located in a perineal position, inclined cranio-ventrally with oval shape, flattened laterally and with tenso-elastic consistency (2.54±0.07). There was variance in the means (± standard deviation) of testis length (5.88±1.05cm), width (4.24 ± 0.98cm), height (4.44±0.86cm), and total scrotal width (8.78±17.05). The linear dominance hierarchy described the social structure of the males of this group (h'>0.9), with probability of linearity in the hierarchy greater than chance (P = 0.02). There was a correlation between dominance rank with the body mass, length and volume of the testicles. As in general the dimensions of the testicles are directly correlated with sperm production and also testosterone, this characteristic favors the reproductive performance of dominant white-lips males. Therefore, the characteristics of testicular biometry of white-lips should be considered for the selection of individuals more likely to reproduce in captivity favoring the conservation of this vulnerable species.(AU)

O objetivo neste estudo foi obter dados sobre a biometria testicular do queixada (Tayassu pecari) e verificar se há correlação entre os dados biométricos do indivíduo com seu posto de dominância. Os dados foram coletados de 16 queixadas adultos, com idades entre dois e sete anos, que compunham o mesmo grupo. Por meio de análises das interações agonísticas foram calculados os índices de linearidade (h') da hierarquia de dominância e determinado o rank dos indivíduos. Ao final das observações comportamentais, os machos foram capturados para coleta de dados biométricos do testículo. Os queixadas apresentaram testículos localizados em posição perineal, inclinados cranioventralmente com formato oval, achatados láterolateralmente e com consistência tensoelástica (2,54±0,07). Houve variação nas médias (± desvio padrão) do comprimento testicular (5,88±1,05cm), largura (4,24±0,98cm), altura (4,44±0,86cm) e largura escrotal total (8,78±17,05). A hierarquia de dominância linear descreveu a estrutura social dos machos desse grupo (h'>0,9), com probabilidade de linearidade na hierarquia maior que o acaso (P = 0,02). Houve correlação entre a classificação de dominância com a massa corporal, comprimento e volume dos testículos. Como em geral as dimensões dos testículos estão diretamente correlacionadas com a produção de esperma e também de testosterona, essa característica favorece o desempenho reprodutivo de machos de queixadas brancos dominantes. Portanto, as características da biometria testicular de queixadas devem ser consideradas para a seleção de indivíduos com maior probabilidade de reprodução em cativeiro favorecendo a conservação desta espécie vulnerável.(AU)

Ultrasonographic and radiographic evaluation of gestationin golden lanceheads (Bothrops insularis) in ex situbreeding programs

The golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis) is a critically endangered snake endemic to Queimada Grande Island, southeastern Brazil. Captive breeding programs are vital for the conservation of this species. This study evaluates the gestation of two females golden lanceheads using radiography and ultrasonography. The first female was collected on the island while reproductively active (late vitellogenesis or early pregnancy) and kept in captivity. This female gave birth to five neonates after an 8-month gestation period, which is longer than estimates based on specimens preserved in museums. The second female copulated in captivity in July and probably ovulated in October. In this case, no embryonic development was detected, and the female deposited 14 undeveloped eggs approximately 6 months after ovulation.

Reproductive cycles of neotropical boid snakes evaluated by ultrasound.

Snakes have increasingly been bred as pets around the world. Few studies have addressed the reproduction of boid snakes, and no study has addressed their reproductive cycles in captivity. Thus, this paper describes the reproductive aspects of Brazilian boids in captivity. We used ultrasonography to characterize the reproductive cycle of four boid species in captivity in the Southern Hemisphere: the anaconda (Eunectes murinus), the red-tailed boa (Boa constrictor constrictor), the Amazon tree boa (Corallus hortulanus), and the rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria). Nonvitellogenic follicles occurred from January to December in anaconda and red-tailed boa and for a shorter period from September to February in Amazon tree boa and from January to May in rainbow boa. Vitellogenesis occurred from late June to late March in E. murinus in year-round (12 months), from March to March in Amazon tree boa, from late September to late March in red-tailed boa, and from late March to late September in rainbow boa. Mating occurred from late March to late September in red-tailed boa and rainbow boa and from late September to late March in Amazon tree boa. No mating was observed in anacondas, but a female probably underwent parthenogenesis. Births occurred in July in anaconda and in March to July in Amazon tree boa and from December to March in red-tailed boa and rainbow boa. In males, increases in testicular size were associated with the mating season. Ultrasonography proved to be a safe and noninvasive technique to study the reproductive cycle of giant snakes in captivity.

Seminal characterization of white-lipped peccary (Tayassu peccary).

White-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) is a neotropical mammal that plays a fundamental role in maintaining the integrity of tropical forest systems. However, due to hunting and deforestation the species is currently classified as vulnerable. As there are reports of difficulties in captive reproduction, it was proposed to use assisted reproduction techniques for later reintroduction into their natural habitat. Therefore, the objective was to describe the physical, chemical, morphological and functional characteristics of its semen. Sixteen adult male, white-lipped peccary, aged between three and seven years old, distributed in three groups, were used in this study. After physical and chemical retainment, semen was collected by electroejaculation from 16 individuals. It was evaluated by computer analysis (CASA). The mean values recorded were as follows: volume 0.5 ± 0.6 ml, pH 7.2 ± 0.3, sperm concentration 967.2 ± 947.3 × 106 spermatozoon/ml and total motility of 75.4 ± 16.2. The average sperm reactive to the hypo-osmotic test was 85.3% ± 21.0%, and 62.4% ± 43.9% of the cells presented intact membranes in the structural integrity test. Additionally, the semen showed milky consistency (80%), yellowish colour (40%) and sui generis odour (100%). The sperm parameters of the white-lipped peccary are within the desirable standards, allowing them to be considered as potentially fertile for the development of assisted reproduction techniques that may contribute to the conservation of the species.

Breeding and reproductive behaviour of the neo-tropical opossum, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, Allen 1902 under captive conditions / Reprodução e comportamento reprodutivo do gambá neotropical, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, Allen 1902, em condições de cativeiro

Developing a captive breeding system for the widely hunted Caribbean species of opossum Didelphis marsupialis insularis can greatly aide in the management and conservation of this species in the neo-tropics. Although this species possesses ideal traits for captive breeding in this region (tolerance to high heat and humidity, high reproductive rate, and resistance to disease), challenges due to its aggressive behaviour and limited information on its breeding behaviour have prevented a system from being developed for this species. The present study describes a breeding system, and the reproductive behaviour of this species under captive conditions. Six (1 male; 5 females) adult opossums were maintained and managed for breeding over a ten (10) month period. Pouch litter sizes averaged 5±2.5 with a range of 2 to 8. Gestation length was found to be 13.25±0.96 days and 4 litters (n=23) were successfully weaned at 11-13 weeks. It was found that the male D. m. insularis exhibits behaviours of interest that can serve as indicators for receptivity of the female, and overall, that this species can be successfully reared and bred under captive conditions in the neo-tropics.(AU)

O desenvolvimento de um sistema de criação em cativeiro para as espécies de gambá do Caribe amplamente caçadas, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, pode auxiliar bastante no manejo e conservação dessa espécie nos neotrópicos. Embora essa espécie possua características ideais para a criação em cativeiro nessa região (tolerância a altas temperaturas e umidade, alta taxa de reprodução e resistência a doenças), alguns fatores, como o seu comportamento agressivo e informações limitadas sobre seu comportamento reprodutivo, impediram o desenvolvimento de um sistema para D. m. insularis. O presente estudo descreve um sistema de criação e o comportamento reprodutivo dessa espécie em condições de cativeiro. Seis gambás adultos (1 macho e 5 fêmeas) foram mantidos para reprodução durante um período de 10 meses. O tamanho da ninhada em bolsa foi em média de 5 ± 2,5 com um intervalo de 2 a 8. A duração da gestação foi de 13,25 ± 0,96 dias, e 4 ninhadas (n = 23) foram desmamadas com sucesso de 11 a 13 semanas. Verificou-se que o macho D. m. insularis exibe comportamentos de interesse que podem servir como indicadores de receptividade da fêmea, e, em geral, essa espécie pode ser criada com sucesso em condições de cativeiro nos neotrópicos.(AU)

Breeding and reproductive behaviour of the neo-tropical opossum, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, Allen 1902 under captive conditions / Reprodução e comportamento reprodutivo do gambá neotropical, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, Allen 1902, em condições de cativeiro

Developing a captive breeding system for the widely hunted Caribbean species of opossum Didelphis marsupialis insularis can greatly aide in the management and conservation of this species in the neo-tropics. Although this species possesses ideal traits for captive breeding in this region (tolerance to high heat and humidity, high reproductive rate, and resistance to disease), challenges due to its aggressive behaviour and limited information on its breeding behaviour have prevented a system from being developed for this species. The present study describes a breeding system, and the reproductive behaviour of this species under captive conditions. Six (1 male; 5 females) adult opossums were maintained and managed for breeding over a ten (10) month period. Pouch litter sizes averaged 5±2.5 with a range of 2 to 8. Gestation length was found to be 13.25±0.96 days and 4 litters (n=23) were successfully weaned at 11-13 weeks. It was found that the male D. m. insularis exhibits behaviours of interest that can serve as indicators for receptivity of the female, and overall, that this species can be successfully reared and bred under captive conditions in the neo-tropics.

O desenvolvimento de um sistema de criação em cativeiro para as espécies de gambá do Caribe amplamente caçadas, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, pode auxiliar bastante no manejo e conservação dessa espécie nos neotrópicos. Embora essa espécie possua características ideais para a criação em cativeiro nessa região (tolerância a altas temperaturas e umidade, alta taxa de reprodução e resistência a doenças), alguns fatores, como o seu comportamento agressivo e informações limitadas sobre seu comportamento reprodutivo, impediram o desenvolvimento de um sistema para D. m. insularis. O presente estudo descreve um sistema de criação e o comportamento reprodutivo dessa espécie em condições de cativeiro. Seis gambás adultos (1 macho e 5 fêmeas) foram mantidos para reprodução durante um período de 10 meses. O tamanho da ninhada em bolsa foi em média de 5 ± 2,5 com um intervalo de 2 a 8. A duração da gestação foi de 13,25 ± 0,96 dias, e 4 ninhadas (n = 23) foram desmamadas com sucesso de 11 a 13 semanas. Verificou-se que o macho D. m. insularis exibe comportamentos de interesse que podem servir como indicadores de receptividade da fêmea, e, em geral, essa espécie pode ser criada com sucesso em condições de cativeiro nos neotrópicos.

Breeding and reproductive behaviour of the neo-tropical opossum, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, Allen 1902 under captive conditions

Abstract Developing a captive breeding system for the widely hunted Caribbean species of opossum Didelphis marsupialis insularis can greatly aide in the management and conservation of this species in the neo-tropics. Although this species possesses ideal traits for captive breeding in this region (tolerance to high heat and humidity, high reproductive rate, and resistance to disease), challenges due to its aggressive behaviour and limited information on its breeding behaviour have prevented a system from being developed for this species. The present study describes a breeding system, and the reproductive behaviour of this species under captive conditions. Six (1 male; 5 females) adult opossums were maintained and managed for breeding over a ten (10) month period. Pouch litter sizes averaged 5±2.5 with a range of 2 to 8. Gestation length was found to be 13.25±0.96 days and 4 litters (n=23) were successfully weaned at 11-13 weeks. It was found that the male D. m. insularis exhibits behaviours of interest that can serve as indicators for receptivity of the female, and overall, that this species can be successfully reared and bred under captive conditions in the neo-tropics.

Resumo O desenvolvimento de um sistema de criação em cativeiro para as espécies de gambá do Caribe amplamente caçadas, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, pode auxiliar bastante no manejo e conservação dessa espécie nos neotrópicos. Embora essa espécie possua características ideais para a criação em cativeiro nessa região (tolerância a altas temperaturas e umidade, alta taxa de reprodução e resistência a doenças), alguns fatores, como o seu comportamento agressivo e informações limitadas sobre seu comportamento reprodutivo, impediram o desenvolvimento de um sistema para D. m. insularis. O presente estudo descreve um sistema de criação e o comportamento reprodutivo dessa espécie em condições de cativeiro. Seis gambás adultos (1 macho e 5 fêmeas) foram mantidos para reprodução durante um período de 10 meses. O tamanho da ninhada em bolsa foi em média de 5 ± 2,5 com um intervalo de 2 a 8. A duração da gestação foi de 13,25 ± 0,96 dias, e 4 ninhadas (n = 23) foram desmamadas com sucesso de 11 a 13 semanas. Verificou-se que o macho D. m. insularis exibe comportamentos de interesse que podem servir como indicadores de receptividade da fêmea, e, em geral, essa espécie pode ser criada com sucesso em condições de cativeiro nos neotrópicos.

Breeding and reproductive behaviour of the neo-tropical opossum, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, Allen 1902 under captive conditions / Reprodução e comportamento reprodutivo do gambá neotropical, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, Allen 1902, em condições de cativeiro

Developing a captive breeding system for the widely hunted Caribbean species of opossum Didelphis marsupialis insularis can greatly aide in the management and conservation of this species in the neo-tropics. Although this species possesses ideal traits for captive breeding in this region (tolerance to high heat and humidity, high reproductive rate, and resistance to disease), challenges due to its aggressive behaviour and limited information on its breeding behaviour have prevented a system from being developed for this species. The present study describes a breeding system, and the reproductive behaviour of this species under captive conditions. Six (1 male; 5 females) adult opossums were maintained and managed for breeding over a ten (10) month period. Pouch litter sizes averaged 5±2.5 with a range of 2 to 8. Gestation length was found to be 13.25±0.96 days and 4 litters (n=23) were successfully weaned at 11-13 weeks. It was found that the male D. m. insularis exhibits behaviours of interest that can serve as indicators for receptivity of the female, and overall, that this species can be successfully reared and bred under captive conditions in the neo-tropics.

O desenvolvimento de um sistema de criação em cativeiro para as espécies de gambá do Caribe amplamente caçadas, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, pode auxiliar bastante no manejo e conservação dessa espécie nos neotrópicos. Embora essa espécie possua características ideais para a criação em cativeiro nessa região (tolerância a altas temperaturas e umidade, alta taxa de reprodução e resistência a doenças), alguns fatores, como o seu comportamento agressivo e informações limitadas sobre seu comportamento reprodutivo, impediram o desenvolvimento de um sistema para D. m. insularis. O presente estudo descreve um sistema de criação e o comportamento reprodutivo dessa espécie em condições de cativeiro. Seis gambás adultos (1 macho e 5 fêmeas) foram mantidos para reprodução durante um período de 10 meses. O tamanho da ninhada em bolsa foi em média de 5 ± 2,5 com um intervalo de 2 a 8. A duração da gestação foi de 13,25 ± 0,96 dias, e 4 ninhadas (n = 23) foram desmamadas com sucesso de 11 a 13 semanas. Verificou-se que o macho D. m. insularis exibe comportamentos de interesse que podem servir como indicadores de receptividade da fêmea, e, em geral, essa espécie pode ser criada com sucesso em condições de cativeiro nos neotrópicos.

Reproductive cycles of neotropical boid snakes evaluated by ultrasound

Snakes have increasingly been bred as pets around the world. Few studies have addressed the reproduction of boid snakes, and no study has addressed their reproductive cycles in captivity. Thus, this paper describes the reproductive aspects of Brazilian boids in captivity. We used ultrasonography to characterize the reproductive cycle of four boid species in captivity in the Southern Hemisphere: the anaconda (Eunectes murinus), the red-tailed boa (Boa constrictor constrictor), the Amazon tree boa (Corallus hortulanus), and the rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria). Nonvitellogenic follicles occurred from January to December in anaconda and red-tailed boa and for a shorter period from September to February in Amazon tree boa and from January to May in rainbow boa. Vitellogenesis occurred from late June to late March in E. murinus in year-round (12 months), from March to March in Amazon tree boa, from late September to late March in red-tailed boa, and from late March to late September in rainbow boa. Mating occurred from late March to late September in red-tailed boa and rainbow boa and from late September to late March in Amazon tree boa. No mating was observed in anacondas, but a female probably underwent parthenogenesis. Births occurred in July in anaconda and in March to July in Amazon tree boa and from December to March in red-tailed boa and rainbow boa. In males, increases in testicular size were associated with the mating season. Ultrasonography proved to be a safe and noninvasive technique to study the reproductive cycle of giant snakes in captivity.

Enterococcus faecalis causes osteitis deformans in aGolden Lancehead snake (Bothrops insularis): a case report / Enterococcus faecalis causa osteíte deformante em uma serpente Jararaca-ilhoa (Bothrops insularis): relato de caso

Osteitis deformans (Paget's disease) is a chronic bone disorder characterized by excessive osteoclast-mediated bone resorption followed by new bone formation. The present paper reports this condition in an 18-year-old captive golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis) from Brazil. This patient initially exhibited anorexia and swelling in the middle third of the spine associated with locomotor disability. For diagnosis, radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography, cytology, and microbiological culture were performed. Diagnostic imaging showed bone changes, vertebral fusion, and bone proliferation. Cytology revealed blood cells how toxic heterophiles, reactive monocytes, young red blood cells, and polychromasia compatible with an infectious process. A bacterial culture identified an ampicillin-susceptible strain of Enterococcus faecalis. Antibiotic treatment was promptly started, but the snake died 25 days later. Histopathologically, the bone tissue showed a generalized thickening of the vertebral trabeculae. For the first time, the presence of E. faecalisassociated with the development of osteitis deformans in snakes was presented.(AU)

Osteíte deformante (Doença de Paget) é um distúrbio ósseo crônico caracterizado por reabsorção óssea excessiva mediada por osteoclastos, seguida por nova formação óssea. O presente trabalho relata essa condição em uma serpente jararaca-ilhoa (Bothrops insularis) do Brasil de 18 anos. O paciente apresentou inicialmente anorexia e um inchaço no primeiro terço médio da coluna associado com a incapacidade locomotora. O diagnóstico foi estabelecido com o apoio de radiografia, ultrassonografia, tomografia computadorizada, citologia e cultura microbiológica. O diagnóstico por imagem mostrou alterações ósseas, fusão de vértebras e proliferação óssea. A citologia mostrou células sanguíneas como heterófílos tóxicos, monócitos reativos, células sanguíneas jovens e policromasia compatíveis com um processo infeccioso. A cultura bacteriana identificou uma cepa de Enterococcus faecalis suscetível à ampicilina. O tratamento com antibióticos foi iniciado imediatamente, mas a serpente morreu 25 dias depois. Histopatologicamente, o tecido ósseo mostrou um espessamento generalizado das trabéculas vertebrais. Portanto, foi demonstrado pela primeira vez a presença de E. faecalis associada ao desenvolvimento de osteíte deformante em uma serpente.(AU)

Enterococcus faecalis causes osteitis deformans in aGolden Lancehead snake (Bothrops insularis): a case report / Enterococcus faecalis causa osteíte deformante em uma serpente Jararaca-ilhoa (Bothrops insularis): relato de caso

Osteitis deformans (Paget's disease) is a chronic bone disorder characterized by excessive osteoclast-mediated bone resorption followed by new bone formation. The present paper reports this condition in an 18-year-old captive golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis) from Brazil. This patient initially exhibited anorexia and swelling in the middle third of the spine associated with locomotor disability. For diagnosis, radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography, cytology, and microbiological culture were performed. Diagnostic imaging showed bone changes, vertebral fusion, and bone proliferation. Cytology revealed blood cells how toxic heterophiles, reactive monocytes, young red blood cells, and polychromasia compatible with an infectious process. A bacterial culture identified an ampicillin-susceptible strain of Enterococcus faecalis. Antibiotic treatment was promptly started, but the snake died 25 days later. Histopathologically, the bone tissue showed a generalized thickening of the vertebral trabeculae. For the first time, the presence of E. faecalisassociated with the development of osteitis deformans in snakes was presented.(AU)

Osteíte deformante (Doença de Paget) é um distúrbio ósseo crônico caracterizado por reabsorção óssea excessiva mediada por osteoclastos, seguida por nova formação óssea. O presente trabalho relata essa condição em uma serpente jararaca-ilhoa (Bothrops insularis) do Brasil de 18 anos. O paciente apresentou inicialmente anorexia e um inchaço no primeiro terço médio da coluna associado com a incapacidade locomotora. O diagnóstico foi estabelecido com o apoio de radiografia, ultrassonografia, tomografia computadorizada, citologia e cultura microbiológica. O diagnóstico por imagem mostrou alterações ósseas, fusão de vértebras e proliferação óssea. A citologia mostrou células sanguíneas como heterófílos tóxicos, monócitos reativos, células sanguíneas jovens e policromasia compatíveis com um processo infeccioso. A cultura bacteriana identificou uma cepa de Enterococcus faecalis suscetível à ampicilina. O tratamento com antibióticos foi iniciado imediatamente, mas a serpente morreu 25 dias depois. Histopatologicamente, o tecido ósseo mostrou um espessamento generalizado das trabéculas vertebrais. Portanto, foi demonstrado pela primeira vez a presença de E. faecalis associada ao desenvolvimento de osteíte deformante em uma serpente.(AU)

Enterococcus faecalis causes osteitis deformans in a Golden Lancehead snake (Bothrops insularis): a case report

Osteitis deformans (Paget’s disease) is a chronic bone disorder characterized by excessive osteoclast-mediated bone resorption followed by new bone formation. The present paper reports this condition in an 18-year-old captive golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis) from Brazil. This patient initially exhibited anorexia and swelling in the middle third of the spine associated with locomotor disability. For diagnosis, radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography, cytology, and microbiological culture were performed. Diagnostic imaging showed bone changes, vertebral fusion, and bone proliferation. Cytology revealed blood cells how toxic heterophiles, reactive monocytes, young red blood cells, and polychromasia compatible with an infectious process. A bacterial culture identified an ampicillin-susceptible strain of Enterococcus faecalis. Antibiotic treatment was promptly started, but the snake died 25 days later. Histopathologically, the bone tissue showed a generalized thickening of the vertebral trabeculae. For the first time, the presence of E. faecalis associated with the development of osteitis deformans in snakes was presented.

Osteíte deformante (Doença de Paget) é um distúrbio ósseo crônico caracterizado por reabsorção óssea excessiva mediada por osteoclastos, seguida por nova formação óssea. O presente trabalho relata essa condição em uma serpente jararaca-ilhoa (Bothrops insularis) do Brasil de 18 anos. O paciente apresentou inicialmente anorexia e um inchaço no primeiro terço médio da coluna associado com a incapacidade locomotora. O diagnóstico foi estabelecido com o apoio de radiografia, ultrassonografia, tomografia computadorizada, citologia e cultura microbiológica. O diagnóstico por imagem mostrou alterações ósseas, fusão de vértebras e proliferação óssea. A citologia mostrou células sanguíneas como heterófílos tóxicos, monócitos reativos, células sanguíneas jovens e policromasia compatíveis com um processo infeccioso. A cultura bacteriana identificou uma cepa de Enterococcus faecalis suscetível à ampicilina. O tratamento com antibióticos foi iniciado imediatamente, mas a serpente morreu 25 dias depois. Histopatologicamente, o tecido ósseo mostrou um espessamento generalizado das trabéculas vertebrais. Portanto, foi demonstrado pela primeira vez a presença de E. faecalis associada ao desenvolvimento de osteíte deformante em uma serpente.

Presence of ascites in bullfrog breeders reared and kept on a frog farm / Presença de ascite em reprodutores de rã-touro criados e mantidos em ranário

Ascites is a pathology characterized by the extravasation of fluid from blood vessels and its accumulation in the abdominal cavity, caused by several associated factors. In this paper, we report the occurrence of this syndrome in breeding male and female Bullfrogs fed a commercial fish feed with 40% crude protein. Liver malformation was already observed due to lack of protein deposition in adult animals from the same spawning. The culture of ascitic fluid showed absence of bacterial growth. Kidney histopathology showed, in both sexes, a large number of tubular structures with strongly eosinophilic hyaline material suggesting colloid growth in both the cortical region and spinal cord. The analysis also revealed granulomas in various stages of development, many showing central necrotic material. The kidneys, glomerular, were mostly hypoplastic, with enlarged Bowman space, and many were hyalinized or hemorrhagic; the parenchyma showed dystrophic calcification, and many tubules containing fibrinoid material. The liver displayed a large amount of melanomacrophages in the parenchyma and foci of mono-lymphocytic hepatitis and marked cytoplasmic rarefaction, as well as several hepatocytes with pyknotic nuclei and necrotic cells and dissociation of the hepatic trabeculae. Ascites may be caused by the lesions observed in these organs.(AU)

A ascite é uma condição patológica que se caracteriza pelo extravasamento do líquido dos vasos sanguíneos e por seu acúmulo na cavidade abdominal provocado por uma somatória de fatores. É considerada uma síndrome de caráter multifatorial e, uma vez desencadeado o processo ascítico, esse se torna, na maioria dos casos, irreversível. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a ocorrência dessa síndrome em machos e fêmeas reprodutores de rã-touro (Lithobates catesbeianus), alimentados com ração comercial para peixes, com 40% de proteína bruta, durante três anos e já sendo observada má formação de fígado, por falta de deposição proteica, em animais adultos da mesma desova. A cultura do líquido ascítico demonstrou ausência de crescimento bacteriano. Na histopatologia, observou-se, para ambos os sexos, nos rins, grande número de estruturas tubulares com material fortemente eosinofílico e hialino, sugerindo coloide, tanto na região cortical como na medular. Visualizaram-se também granulomas em vários estágios de desenvolvimento, muitos apresentando material necrótico central. Ainda se pôde observar que os aparelhos renais, os glomérulos, em sua maioria, estavam hipoplásicos e com aumento do espaço de Bowman, e muitos hialinizados ou hemorrágicos; além de calcificação distrófica no parênquima e nos dos túbulos, havia material fibrinoide no seu interior. No fígado, pôde-se ver grande quantidade de melanomacrófagos no parênquima e focos de hepatite monolinfocitária e acentuada rarefação citoplasmática, assim como vários hepatócitos com núcleo em picnose e células em necrose e dissociação das trabéculas hepáticas. A causa da ascite pode ser devido às lesões observadas nesses órgãos.(AU)

Presence of ascites in bullfrog breeders reared and kept on a frog farm / Presença de ascite em reprodutores de rã-touro criados e mantidos em ranário

Ascites is a pathology characterized by the extravasation of fluid from blood vessels and its accumulation in the abdominal cavity, caused by several associated factors. In this paper, we report the occurrence of this syndrome in breeding male and female Bullfrogs fed a commercial fish feed with 40% crude protein. Liver malformation was already observed due to lack of protein deposition in adult animals from the same spawning. The culture of ascitic fluid showed absence of bacterial growth. Kidney histopathology showed, in both sexes, a large number of tubular structures with strongly eosinophilic hyaline material suggesting colloid growth in both the cortical region and spinal cord. The analysis also revealed granulomas in various stages of development, many showing central necrotic material. The kidneys, glomerular, were mostly hypoplastic, with enlarged Bowman space, and many were hyalinized or hemorrhagic; the parenchyma showed dystrophic calcification, and many tubules containing fibrinoid material. The liver displayed a large amount of melanomacrophages in the parenchyma and foci of mono-lymphocytic hepatitis and marked cytoplasmic rarefaction, as well as several hepatocytes with pyknotic nuclei and necrotic cells and dissociation of the hepatic trabeculae. Ascites may be caused by the lesions observed in these organs.(AU)

A ascite é uma condição patológica que se caracteriza pelo extravasamento do líquido dos vasos sanguíneos e por seu acúmulo na cavidade abdominal provocado por uma somatória de fatores. É considerada uma síndrome de caráter multifatorial e, uma vez desencadeado o processo ascítico, esse se torna, na maioria dos casos, irreversível. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a ocorrência dessa síndrome em machos e fêmeas reprodutores de rã-touro (Lithobates catesbeianus), alimentados com ração comercial para peixes, com 40% de proteína bruta, durante três anos e já sendo observada má formação de fígado, por falta de deposição proteica, em animais adultos da mesma desova. A cultura do líquido ascítico demonstrou ausência de crescimento bacteriano. Na histopatologia, observou-se, para ambos os sexos, nos rins, grande número de estruturas tubulares com material fortemente eosinofílico e hialino, sugerindo coloide, tanto na região cortical como na medular. Visualizaram-se também granulomas em vários estágios de desenvolvimento, muitos apresentando material necrótico central. Ainda se pôde observar que os aparelhos renais, os glomérulos, em sua maioria, estavam hipoplásicos e com aumento do espaço de Bowman, e muitos hialinizados ou hemorrágicos; além de calcificação distrófica no parênquima e nos dos túbulos, havia material fibrinoide no seu interior. No fígado, pôde-se ver grande quantidade de melanomacrófagos no parênquima e focos de hepatite monolinfocitária e acentuada rarefação citoplasmática, assim como vários hepatócitos com núcleo em picnose e células em necrose e dissociação das trabéculas hepáticas. A causa da ascite pode ser devido às lesões observadas nesses órgãos.(AU)

A new device to autonomously feed individualized mantids on extended periods of time

ABSTRACT Mantises can live for many months, are naturally voracious, and feed invariably on live prey. Many species have a propensity for cannibalism and cannot be kept together for most of their life cycle, which makes large-scale rearing typically time-consuming, thus easily becoming prohibitive. This is particularly true for early instars, because they are the most abundant stage of a developmental cohort. Such limitation hinders research on Mantodea which depend on live individuals, such as behavior, physiology, ontogeny, and others. In this work, a simple, low-maintenance "self-service" device is described, which is greatly effective in reducing the time needed for keeping live, individual, small to medium-sized mantises. Trial and error usage and modifications along eight years lead to many improvements, resulting in a nearly optimal device for its target purpose. The final model allows rearing large numbers of mantises while demanding only a fraction of the time demanded by conventional rearing techniques. Key advantages include prevention of cannibalism, the possibility of monitoring mantises individually, and full functioning autonomy of up to several weeks. The new device has ample potential in stimulating and supporting Mantodea research on diverse areas.