Trauma-Induced Uveitis and Free Air in the Anterior Chamber of Three Eastern Screech Owls (Megascops asio).

Unusual ocular abnormalities were documented in 3 wild eastern screech owls (Megascops asio) presented to a wildlife rehabilitation hospital after vehicular strike-induced trauma to the head. All 3 had anterior uveitis and free air bubbles in the anterior chamber, but none of the cases had any discernable corneal damage, either grossly or with fluorescein stain technique. Perforation of the globe at the level of the scleral ossicle was considered a possible cause. All 3 cases recovered with standard treatment for anterior uveitis, and the free air was absorbed within 10-14 days and did not appear to cause any lingering complications. The owls were later released back into the wild after demonstrating the ability to navigate obstacles in a flight cage and capture live prey.

Frequency Characteristics in Animal Species Typically Used in Laryngeal Research: An Exploratory Investigation.

OBJECTIVES: Laryngeal research is typically conducted on animal species that have similar features to the human larynx, yet little is known of the frequency characteristics of those animals. This study examines frequency characteristics of dog, cat, pig, and sheep across emotional communication events. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. METHODS: Acoustic data were gathered in domestic environment, with fundamental frequency (fo) computation of vocalization during happy, distress, and food request activities. RESULTS: Dogs demonstrated reduced fo range and reduced vocalization as a factor of age (18 semitones for adult male dog, three semitones for aged male dog). When two barks were present, the second bark was typically shorter in length and had a higher fo. Male cat was observed to be more talkative and exhibited a much higher purr fo than his female housemate. Cat purr was varied by sex between the typical 25 Hz and a significantly higher fo, consistent with literature on use of cry-purr by some cats. Lambs exhibited phonation breaks, and an overall frequency range of 28 semitones in lambs compared with 49 semitones for mature sheep. Piglets exhibited fo range of 44 semitones with higher fo with distress and lowest fo for grunting. CONCLUSIONS: Aged animals followed similar phonatory patterns of humans, with change of fo for communication need. The male cat was found to purr differently from female cats. Pigs and cats may have nonlaryngeal source signal coupling. Animal phonation changes with emotion. Observed fo patterns may improve interpretation of phonation among laboratory animals in laryngeal research.