Megninia ginglymura feather mites from a captive piping-guan (Pipile pipile).

THE piping-guan (Pipile pipile), known locally as the ‘pawi’, belongs to the family Cracidae. This endemic bird of Trinidad is probably restricted to the dense forest in two regions of the island – Grande RiviŠre and Aripo – and its population is thought to be fewer than 200 birds (Anon 2004). The pawiis defined as a critically endangered species, largely due to excessive hunting (Temple 1998).

Fibropapillomatosis in a Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) from Trinidad.

A case of fibropapillomatosis in a green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is described. This appears to be the first confirmed report from Trinidad. The animal had multiple external tumours but there was no macroscopical or microscopical evidence of internal lesions.

Fibropapillomatosis in a Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) from Trinidad.

A case of fibropapillomatosis in a green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is described. This appears to be the first confirmed report from Trinidad. The animal had multiple external tumours but there was no macroscopical or microscopical evidence of internal lesions.

Surgical resection of a primary tracheal fibrosarcoma in a dog

A four-year-old, entire male Rottweiler was presented with a history of respiratory distress. A tracheal mass was diagnosed on thoracic radiographs and tracheoscopy. Surgical excision of three tracheal rings incorporating the tumour was performed. The mass was found to be a low-grade fibrosarcoma. Twenty-four months later, the owner reported that there was no recurrence of respiratory distress and the dog appeared to be doing well clinically. This case of primary tracheal fibrosarcoma suggests that this type of tumour should be listed in the differential diagnoses for tracheal neoplasia in dogs and that surgical treatment alone may be curative.

Investigation of skin diseases in non- domestic animals.

The skin is a readily accessible organ and dermatological disorders are commonly seen in a wide variety of species. In order to investigate skin diseases of non-domestic animals, the veterinarian must have some understanding of their varied biology and natural history. Sample- taking may require anaesthesia and techniques must be appropriate to the type of lesion and the species in question. Processing of samples is usually carried out in a similar way to those from domestic animals. Interpretation of the findings need caution. The establishment of databases will help in the progression of comparative dermatology in the West Indies and elsewhere.

Investigation of skin diseases in non- domestic animals.

The skin is a readily accessible organ and dermatological disorders are commonly seen in a wide variety of species. In order to investigate skin diseases of non-domestic animals, the veterinarian must have some understanding of their varied biology and natural history. Sample- taking may require anaesthesia and techniques must be appropriate to the type of lesion and the species in question. Processing of samples is usually carried out in a similar way to those from domestic animals. Interpretation of the findings need caution. The establishment of databases will help in the progression of comparative dermatology in the West Indies and elsewhere.

Pathology of exotic species

Pathological examination of non-domesticated ("exotic") species plays an important part in disease diagnosis and in furthering our understanding of these animals, both in captivity and in the wild. Gross post-mortem (necropsy) investigation necessitates a sound knowledge of normal biology, familiarity with exotic animal diseases, access to literature and collegues, adequate facilities, a systematic approach and a willingness to communicate. Satisfactory collection, transportation, submission and processing of laboratory samples are equally important and must be coupled with careful and critical interpretation of results (AU)

A practical approach to the post-mortem examination of eggs, embryos and chicks

The failure of eggs to hatch, or of young chicks to survive, is a frequent and important problem when birds are bred in captivity. Under such circumstances, the examination of eggs, embryos and 'neonates' can provide useful information. Investigative techniques that work well for poultry can be adapted to the study of samples from non-domestic birds. Meticulous dissection of specimens and cautious interpretation are essential (AU)

Observations on the nuclear chromatin pattern in cells of a case of canine circumanal gland adenoma in Trinidad

An incidence of canine circumanal gland adenoma (CGA) is reported, apparently for the first time, in the island of Trinidad and Tobago. The case involved an 11-year-old Rottweiler dog which was presented in relatively good health except for noticeable masses around the perianal region. Apart from routine histopathological investigation which enabled a definitive diagnosis of CGA with secondary vascularization, analysis of the nuclear chromatin texture was performed on the digitalized images of both reserve and hepatoid cells of the neoplasm. The mean nuclear pixel intensity value of the images of processed CGA reserve cells was significantly lower than those of the processed CGA hepatoid cells (P<0.1). Our observation based on the texture analytical data suggests a high degree of rate of multiplication of the reserve cells at the expense of degenerating hepatoid cells. The relevance of this finding is discussed within the context of vascular supply to the neoplastic cells (AU)