MEASUREMENT OF PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS, PERFLUORINATED COMPOUNDS, AND TOXIC METALS IN THE BLOOD OF HUMBOLDT PENGUINS (SPHENISCUS HUMBOLDTI) AT PUNTA SAN JUAN, PERU USING DRIED BLOOD SPOTS.

The Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) population at the Punta San Juan Marine Protected Area in Peru is considered critical to the long-term sustainability of this endangered species in Peru. Exposure of the rookery to environmental toxicants is a mounting concern because of regional growth of industries and human populations. Whole blood samples were collected from 30 free-ranging penguins in 2011 as part of a broader population health monitoring program. Dried blood spots (DBS) containing 50 µl of blood were prepared and analyzed to assess exposure to five groups of environmental contaminants. Concentrations of elements arsenic, cadmium, iron, lead, mercury, selenium, and thallium were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Persistent organic pollutant concentrations were measured using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to analyze organochlorine pesticides (OCP; p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, ß-hexachlorocyclohexane, t-nonachlor, and oxychlordane), polychlorinated biphenyls (congeners 138 and 153), and polybrominated flame retardants (polybrominated biphenyl-153 and polybrominated diphenyl ether congeners 47 and 99). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results revealed low levels of exposure to these selected contaminants, at levels not considered to be of concern for wildlife health. DBS methodology was considered effective in a field-based setting for quantification of whole blood concentrations of environmental contaminants in penguins.

Survival improvements of marine mammals in zoological institutions mirror historical advances in human longevity.

An intense public debate has fuelled governmental bans on marine mammals held in zoological institutions. The debate rests on the assumption that survival in zoological institutions has been and remains lower than in the wild, albeit the scientific evidence in support of this notion is equivocal. Here, we used statistical methods previously applied to assess historical improvements in human lifespan and data on 8864 individuals of four marine mammal species (harbour seal, Phoca vitulina; California sea lion, Zalophus californianus; polar bear, Ursus maritimus; common bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus) held in zoos from 1829 to 2020. We found that life expectancy increased up to 3.40 times, and first-year mortality declined up to 31%, during the last century in zoos. Moreover, the life expectancy of animals in zoos is currently 1.65-3.55 times longer than their wild counterparts. Like humans, these improvements have occurred concurrently with advances in management practices, crucial for population welfare. Science-based decisions will help effective legislative changes and ensure better implementation of animal care.

DETECTION AND PREVALENCE OF SPHENISCID ALPHA-HERPESVIRUS-1 (SpAHV-1) IN A SAMPLE OF HUMBOLDT PENGUINS (SPHENISCUS HUMBOLDTI) AT PUNTA SAN JUAN, PERU.

Infections with herpesvirus have contributed to respiratory, enteric, and neurological disease reports in avian species worldwide. Herpesviruses have been detected in penguin species before but have not been studied extensively. To better understand the impact of these viruses in free-living populations, an initial retrospective survey was performed on a wild population of Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) in the Punta San Juan Marine Protected Area, Peru (15°22'S, 75°12'W) using tracheal swabs collected from 28 penguins in 2016 and 34 penguins in 2018. DNA extracted from these swabs was analyzed using a consensus herpesviral PCR assay targeting the DNA polymerase gene, and positive samples were sequenced. A single sample from 2016 was positive for spheniscid alpha-herpesvirus-1 (SpAHV-1), establishing an overall sample prevalence of 1.6% (95% CI: 0-8.6%). The positive animal was an adult male that did not show any clinical signs of herpesviral infection and was otherwise healthy based on physical exam and laboratory findings. This is the first detection of a herpesvirus in penguins at Punta San Juan, Peru, and the first step toward characterizing the implications of SpAHV-1 for Humboldt penguins. This investigation highlights the importance of continual disease surveillance in wild populations over time to monitor for changes that may impact long-term population viability.

THE PHARMACOKINETICS AND PHARMACODYNAMICS OF ORAL PONAZURIL IN THE TREATMENT OF SYSTEMIC ISOSPOROSIS IN PASSERINE BIRDS.

Systemic isosporosis, previously atoxoplasmosis, is a significant cause of mortality in juvenile passerine birds. Recommended treatment regimens are empiric and vary in efficacy. The goal of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ponazuril for treatment of systemic isosporosis. Ponazuril, diluted with water to create an oral suspension (50 mg/ml), was administered (100 mg/kg) to 72 European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) by a single dose via direct oral gavage (n = 24), a single dose injected into superworm larvae (Zophobas morio; n = 24), or a daily dose mixed with commercial dog food to top-dress feed for 5 d (n = 24). Peak plasma concentrations were 5.84, 2.46, and 9.13 µg/ml for the direct gavage, injected larvae, and top-dressed feed groups, respectively. With repeated dosing, mean plasma concentrations from the top-dressed feed group were maintained between 8.12 to 13.11 µg/ml. Results suggested ponazuril at a dosage of 100 mg/kg administered via direct gavage or top-dressed feed, but not via injected larvae, would exceed the concentrations needed to inhibit merogony of other apicomplexan parasites in cell culture (5 µg/ml). To assess the pharmacodynamics of this dose, seven passerine birds, red-vented bulbuls (Pycnonotus cafer; n = 2), blue-grey tanager (Thraupis episcopus; n = 1), and red-capped cardinals (Paroaria gularis; n = 4), were identified as shedders of systemic Isospora spp. via fecal qPCR. Birds were then treated with ponazuril (100 mg/kg) daily on top-dressed feed for 14 d. Fecal shedding was assessed via qPCR for 6 wk from the initiation of treatment. Treatment was associated with reduction in proportions of fecal shedding during the treatment period and the week following treatment, but shedding resumed in all birds by the end of sampling. Results support that treatment of breeding birds with 100 mg/kg ponazuril could reduce the shedding of active oocysts and decrease risk of clinical infection in susceptible juveniles.

DETECTION OF GLIOTOXIN BUT NOT BIS(METHYL)GLIOTOXIN IN PLASMA FROM BIRDS WITH CONFIRMED AND PROBABLE ASPERGILLOSIS.

Aspergillosis remains a difficult disease to diagnose antemortem in many species, especially avian species. In the present study, banked plasma samples from various avian species were examined for gliotoxin (GT), which is a recognized key virulence factor produced during the replication of Aspergillus species hyphae and a secondary metabolite bis(methyl)gliotoxin (bmGT). Initially, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methods for detecting GT and bmGT were validated in a controlled model using sera obtained from rats experimentally infected with Aspergillus fumigatus. The minimum detection level for both measurements was determined to be 3 ng/ml, and the assay was found to be accurate and reliable. As proof of concept, GT was detected in 85.7% (30/35) of the samples obtained from birds with confirmed aspergillosis and in 60.7% (17/28) of samples from birds with probable infection but only in one of those from clinically normal birds (1/119). None of the birds were positive for bmGT. Repeated measures from birds under treatment suggests results may have prognostic value. Further studies are needed to implement quantitative methods and to determine the utility of this test in surveillance screening in addition to its use as a diagnostic test in birds with suspected aspergillosis.

CLINICOPATHOLOGIC EVALUATION OF AN EX SITU POPULATION OF ADULT AFRICAN WHITE-BELLIED PANGOLIN (PHATAGINUS TRICUSPIS).

Death due to illegal trade and trafficking serves as the largest threat to pangolins in their geographic range countries. Appropriate veterinary care is essential to the welfare of sick or debilitated pangolins. Given the challenge of comprehensive physical examination of this species due to its unique anatomic features and poorly studied physiology, laboratory diagnostics can provide essential information to guide appropriate medical care. This retrospective study included previously analyzed blood and urine samples collected from adult (n = 17) African white-bellied pangolins (Phataginus tricuspis) under managed care that were sampled over a 4-yr period as part of routine veterinary examinations. Samples from clinically normal animals were used to summarize results for this species. Pangolins had a lymphocyte-predominant leukogram with a mean neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio of 0.83 (min-max: 0.13-4.81). Seasonal, sex, and age differences were present for several hematologic and serum biochemical analytes. Urine samples had a median urine specific gravity (USG) of 1.040 (min-max: 1.006-1.060), a neutral-to-basic urine pH (6.0-8.6), and contained mainly struvite crystals or infrequently calcium oxalate dihydrate crystals. Winter samples had higher USG than summer samples. The clinicopathologic data provided herein offers applicable information useful for the clinical management of pangolins.

INVESTIGATION OF THE USE OF SERUM BIOMARKERS FOR THE DETECTION OF CARDIAC DISEASE IN MARINE MAMMALS.

Cardiac disease has been extensively documented in marine mammals; however, it remains difficult to diagnose antemortem. Assays measuring cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are used as sensitive and specific biomarkers of cardiac disease in many species, but have not been widely investigated in marine mammals. This study aimed to provide a set of reference values for cTnI and NT-proBNP in belugas (BW) (Delphinapterus leucas), sea otters (SO) (Enhydra lutris), Steller sea lions (SSL) (Eumetopias jubatus), and California sea lions (CSL) (Zalophus californianus) with and without cardiac disease, and to determine if these biomarkers are useful indicators of cardiac disease in these species. First, existing immunoassays for cTnI and NT-proBNP were successfully validated utilizing species-specific heart lysate spiked serum. Cohorts were defined by histopathology as animals with no evidence of cardiac disease ("control"), with confirmed cardiac disease ("disease"), and with concurrent renal and cardiac disease ("renal") for which serum samples were then analyzed. Serum concentration ranges for cTnI (ng/ml) and NT-proBNP (pmol/L) were determined for control and disease cohorts. There was significantly higher cTnI (P= 0.003) and NT-proBNP (P= 0.004) concentrations in the CSL disease cohort, as well as positive trends in BW, SO, and SSL disease cohorts that did not reach statistical significance. NT-proBNP concentrations were significantly higher in the CSL renal cohort compared with the control (P < 0.001) and disease (P= 0.007) cohorts. These results suggest that cTnI and NT-proBNP may be clinically useful in the antemortem diagnosis of cardiac disease in CSL, and warrant further investigation in BW, SO, and SL.

SUCCESSFUL SURGICAL CORRECTION OF PHIMOSIS IN AMUR LEOPARDS (PANTHERA PARDUS ORIENTALIS) USING A CARBON DIOXIDE LASER: CASE SERIES.

Three juvenile (<1 yr of age), genetically related Amur leopards (Panthera pardus orientalis) were diagnosed with phimosis. In all cases, no clinical signs were identified, and phimosis was detected during routine examination. Surgical enlargement of the preputial orifice was performed successfully using carbon dioxide laser with a 0.25-mm tip and an 8-watt continuous wave setting. A linear incision on the ventral aspect of the preputial opening allowed for complete preputial extrusion followed by placement of simple-interrupted sutures on both sides of the incision. No postoperative complications were observed, and there was no evidence of phimosis recurrence at subsequent examinations. Preputioplasty with carbon dioxide laser was used to successfully manage Amur leopards with phimosis. Given relatedness of these cases, a genetic predisposition for phimosis development in Amur leopards must be considered.

MEASUREMENT OF INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE USING REBOUND TONOMETRY IN ANESTHETIZED PERUVIAN FUR SEALS (ARCTOCEPHALUS AUSTRALIS) FROM PUNTA SAN JUAN, PERU.

Ocular disease in pinnipeds under human care is well described, and intraocular pressure (IOP) can be impacted by a variety of ophthalmic conditions. Species-specific reference parameters from clinically normal animals are instrumental for understanding how ophthalmic diseases may impact ocular pressures. IOP measurements were obtained using rebound tonometry from free-ranging Peruvian fur seals (Arctocephalus australis unnamed subspecies) at Punta San Juan, Peru, over a 6-yr period (2010-2016). Retrospective data obtained from 108 (81 adults and 27 neonates comprising 69 females and 39 males) anesthetized fur seals with normal anterior segment ophthalmic examinations was included in the analysis. Differences in IOP from each eye were compared to categorical variables (age, year, sex, restraint) using an independent-samples t test. All univariate results with a significance of P < 0.05 were included in multivariate analysis. Of the 13 general linear models evaluated, the top two for both the right and the left eye included age class when all variables were evaluated simultaneously. Neonates had significantly lower IOP values than adults in both the right eye (17.5 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.0-21.1 mm Hg compared to 33.5 mm Hg; 95% CI: 31.0-36.1 mm Hg, respectively) and the left eye (18.4 mm Hg; 95% CI: 14.4-22.5 mm Hg compared to 32.3 mm Hg; 95% CI: 29.3-35.3 mm Hg, respectively). Anesthesia method was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). This is the first report of normal IOP measurements for any fur seal species. Described data can be used to improve diagnosis and management of ocular alterations in pinnipeds.

Hepatic CT attenuation differs in three species of freshwater turtles and hepatic Hounsfield units increase with folliculogenesis in wild Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii).

Freshwater turtle species are suffering from anthropocentric-caused population declines, making preservation of professionally managed populations increasingly important. Turtles under professional care have an increased risk to develop hepatic lipidosis, potentially resulting in early death. Computed tomography can provide an antemortem screening for increased fatty liver composition. A goal of this prospective analytical cross-sectional study was to assess the hepatic attenuation measured as Hounsfield units (HU) in a wild population of a freshwater turtle species, and then compare hepatic HU to freshwater turtles under professional care. Ninety-five wild Blanding's turtles (BT; Emydoidea blandingii) as well as 10 Vietnamese Pond turtles (VPT; Mauremys annamensis) and six Northern Snake-Necked turtles (NSNT; Chelodina oblonga) under professional care underwent CT with quantification of hepatic HU. Hepatic HU were correlated to serum chemistry findings and the presence of follicles was recorded in BT. The mean (±SD) hepatic attenuation for 95 wild BT was 97.5 HU ±9.6. There were significant differences in hepatic attenuation among VPT, NSNT, and BT, with median HU values (range) of 5.39 HU (-6.45 to 61.50), 71.74 HU (59.44-94.49), and 95.43 HU (74.41-124.56), respectively. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) values had a weak negative correlation to HU with a coefficient of -0.85 (P < .001). The hepatic attenuation was significantly higher for individuals undergoing folliculogenesis (P = .007). The decreased HU values were significantly negatively correlated with AST values. Findings supported the use of CT as an aid for guiding future management practices in freshwater turtles.

Circulating nutrient concentrations in free-ranging Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) in Punta San Juan, Peru.

Free-ranging Humboldt penguin (HP, Spheniscus humboldti) populations are under pressure from resource competition with industrial fisheries, habitat loss, and El Niño Southern Oscillation events. Foraging patterns for this top marine predator change during periods of aberrant oceanographic conditions and scarce fish stock numbers. These radical dietary fluctuations can lead to poor fertility, early embryonic death, poor hatchability, suppressed immune function, high chick mortality, and illness. To understand the variability of nutrient status in reproductive seasons, we measured select circulating nutrient concentrations (fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and carotenoids, fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, and electrolytes) of 105 HP at Punta San Juan, Peru during the first reproductive seasons of 2007 and 2008. We determined significant differences in nutrient status between sexes, years of sampling, and reproductive stages. Males (4.5 ± 0.38 kg) weighed more than females (4.0 ± 0.29 kg) and exhibited higher concentrations of vitamin A (0.71 ± 0.11 vs. 0.61 ± 0.12 µg/ml) and docosahexaenoic acid (6.70 ± 1.61 vs. 5.65 ± 1.59%). Males also displayed lower concentrations of ß-carotene (0.01 ± 0.01 vs. 0.012 ± 0.001 µg/ml) and phosphorus (3.43 ± 0.83 vs. 4.40 ± 1.66 mg/dl). Comparison between the 2 years showed most circulating amino acid concentrations were higher in 2007. Significant differences in circulating amino acids and vitamins were also noted between different reproductive stages. These results demonstrate concentrations of nutrients can vary due to the physiological state of the animal, as well as the overall dynamics of their marine ecosystem habitat.

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY LUNG VOLUME DIFFERS BETWEEN VERTICAL AND INVERTED POSITIONING FOR EGYPTIAN FRUIT BATS (ROUSETTUS AEGYPTIACUS).

This prospective study characterizes the impact of positioning on the pulmonary volume and pulmonary atelectasis in Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus). The soft tissue appearance of atelectactic pulmonary parenchyma can obscure or mask pulmonary pathology. Soft tissue within healthy lung parenchyma caused by atelectasis can efface the margins of pathology, such as pulmonary metastasis or pneumonia, due to overlapping attenuation profiles. Pulmonary atelectasis is an unwanted side effect of anesthesia resulting from muscle relaxation and is exacerbated by high (80-100%) inspired oxygen supplementation during general anesthesia. Positioning can help minimize pulmonary atelectasis. Seven R. aegyptiacus received computed tomography imaging in suspended vertical (head-up) and inverted (head-down) positions that generated images in the dorsoventral plane. Vertically positioned bats had a significantly greater lung volume compared to inverted positioning (P = 0.0053). The nondependent portion of the lung apices in the vertically positioned bats had significantly more negative Hounsfield units (i.e. less dense tissue) than the dependent portions of the lung and was also less dense than both portions of the lungs in inverted positioned bats. Although not an intuitive positioning for bats, a vertical orientation generates less pulmonary atelectasis and a greater lung volume compared to bats positioned in a more natural inverted position. Despite physiologic adaptations to hang in an inverted position when not in flight, avoidance of inverted positioning during anesthesia and anesthetic recovery is recommended based on these findings.

SERUM ACUTE-PHASE PROTEINS IN BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS) AND CORRELATION WITH COMMONLY UTILIZED INFLAMMATORY INDICES.

Acute-phase proteins (APP) are the foundation to the innate immune response and valuable biomarkers that increase with inflammation, infection, neoplasia, stress, and trauma.2,4,16 Little is known about the acute-phase response in cetaceans and if these proteins can be used for health monitoring in individuals and free-ranging populations. The purpose of this study was to characterize serum concentrations of haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA), as well as electrophoretic profiles of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in free-ranging (n = 33) and professional care (n = 27) settings. Results were correlated to commonly utilized inflammatory indices including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), fibrinogen, total white blood cell count (WBC), and absolute neutrophil count. SAA levels, measured with a dolphin-specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), were significantly higher (P = 0.05) in free-ranging dolphins (mean = 4.26; SE = 1.12) when compared with those under professional care (mean = 1.82; SE = 0.45). For dolphins under professional care, a statistically significant correlation was identified between ESR and Hp (P < 0.001; r = 0.69), ESR and SAA (P < 0.001; r = 0.67), fibrinogen and Hp (P = 0.001; r = 0.58), and fibrinogen and SAA (P = 0.002; r = 0.56). In addition, there was a significant correlation between WBC and SAA (P = 0.01; r = 0.38) and absolute neutrophil count and SAA (P = 0.04; r = 0.32). There were no significant correlations between study variables observed in free-ranging dolphins. The variable correlation of APPs with commonly utilized inflammatory indices demonstrates that these proteins are independent measures of inflammation with unique sensitivity, specificity, and timeline of expression. The results of this study contribute to improved health monitoring of dolphins and have the potential to assist in identification of compromised health.

OBJECTIVE GAIT ANALYSIS IN HUMBOLDT PENGUINS (SPHENISCUS HUMBOLDTI) USING A PRESSURE-SENSITIVE WALKWAY.

Assessment of pododermatitis, osteoarthritis, and other causes of lameness in penguins can be challenging. Subjective gait analysis using visual observation and response to analgesic therapy can be affected by observer variation and caregiver placebo bias. A pressure-sensitive walkway (PSW), however, allows for objective gait analysis and assessment of analgesic therapeutic response. In this study, a 3-m-long PSW was used to analyze gait in 21 adult Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti). Medical record reviews and comprehensive examinations were performed on all penguins; five penguins were considered abnormal, with either right-sided (n = 3) or bilateral historical lameness-causing disease (n = 2) and were analyzed separately from the normal data set. All penguins walked across the PSW four times and gait parameters (step and stride distances and velocities, maximum force, impulse, and peak pressure) were calculated for each foot in each penguin. Statistical comparisons were made between right and left feet, sexes, and normal and abnormal penguins for each gait parameter. Among normal penguins, there were no significant differences between feet or sex. Left step width was shorter in abnormal penguins than that of normal penguins. Study results established baseline values for Humboldt penguins. This will allow objective monitoring of progression and response to therapy in penguin lameness cases, both current and future. The data also provide a foundation to compare gait parameters with other penguin populations and species.

A QPCR ASSAY AND TESTING GUIDELINES FOR THE MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS OF SYSTEMIC ISOSPOROSIS (FORMERLY ATOXPLASMOSIS) IN PASSERINE BIRDS.

Systemic isosporosis (formerly atoxoplasmosis), is a protozoal infection that causes death in nestling and fledgling passerine birds impacting ex situ breeding and reintroduction programs. Because current antemortem diagnostic tests lack sensitivity, a qPCR was developed for detection of Isospora spp. using primers and a fluorescent-tagged MGB probe targeting the large subunit (28s) ribosomal RNA gene (assay efficiency = >100%; sensitivity = <1 dsDNA copy). The assay was used to screen postmortem frozen or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples from passerine birds (n = 24; 12 with confirmed systemic isosporosis), whole blood and feces (n = 38) from live passerines, and other tissues infected with phylogenetically similar protozoa. The qPCR identified Isospora sp. DNA in tissues from 21/24 birds including 12/12 birds with cytologically-histologically confirmed infection (100% sensitivity) and 9/12 birds lacking microscopic organisms. The assay also amplified Eimeria sp. DNA; however, sequence analysis ruled out infection in the passerine cases. Blood and/or feces were positive in 30/38 birds, and in only 7/38 birds, blood and feces both contained Isospora sp. DNA. Finally, the qPCR was utilized to screen 30 consecutive daily fecal samples from live passerines (n = 20) to determine optimal sampling protocols. One or more of the daily fecal samples were positive in all 20 birds. In individual birds, the interval between positive qPCR amplification results ranged from 0 to 23 days, with an average of 5.85 days. Simulated application of 13 potential sample collection schedules was used to identify the sensitivity of repeated testing for identification of infected birds. Increased sampling days resulted in higher sensitivity but increased both cost and animal handling requirements. Based on statistical analysis and clinical considerations, the testing recommendation for detection of fecal shedding was collection and assay of five consecutive daily fecal samples, which had an average diagnostic sensitivity of 0.86.

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC PARAMETERS IN AFRICAN WHITE-BELLIED PANGOLINS (PHATAGINUS TRICUSPIS) WITHOUT CARDIAC DISEASE.

Relatively little is known about pangolin care and physiology, and it has become increasingly important to have a better understanding of normal health parameters for evaluation of free-ranging, rehabilitating, and managed populations. Echocardiograms were performed on six African white-bellied pangolins (Phataginus tricuspis) under professional care at a single institution. Because of the propensity of pangolins to roll up with only thick keratinized scales exposed, the pangolins were anesthetized with either isoflurane or sevoflurane. All echocardiograms were performed and evaluated by a board-certified cardiologist. None of the pangolins had any evidence of prior cardiac disease. All standard measurements were obtained. Four pangolins (66.7%) had trace to mild mitral regurgitation, six (100%) had trace to mild tricuspid regurgitation, and two (33.3%) had trace to mild pulmonic regurgitation. All examinations were determined to be normal, with no evidence of valvular structural abnormalities, cardiac dysfunction, chamber enlargement, or cardiac hypertrophy. This report broadens understanding of normal echocardiogram parameters in pangolin species and contributes techniques and baseline data for veterinarians caring for these vulnerable populations.

MEASURING FAT CONTENT USING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY TO ESTABLISH A BODY CONDITION INDEX IN FREE-RANGING BLANDING'S TURTLES (EMYDOIDEA BLANDINGII) IN ILLINOIS.

Health assessment of free-ranging populations requires an integrated approach, often incorporating a method to measure mass as a representation of the animals' ability to utilize environmental resources. In chelonians, direct measurements of mass have historically served as a corollary for body condition. However, this method may not accurately represent the true fat volume (FV) and may be skewed by the presence of eggs, shell size, or muscle mass. The objective of this study was to use computed tomography (CT) to develop a model for determining body condition index (BCI) in free-ranging Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii). Mass, shell measurements, and FV were measured by CT in 65 free-ranging Blanding's turtles from Lake and DuPage counties in Illinois. Twenty-one different models were built for BCI using both FV and fat percentage (FP) as dependent variables. The best fit model for FP included the relationship between mass and carapace length with nearly 60% model support. The model for FV demonstrated a similar relationship but had only 18% support. Linear models with BCI as the dependent variable showed that juveniles had a higher FP than adults and females with more eggs had a lower FP. FP can be calculated in the field with nearly 60% accuracy compared to CT-assessed FP as a component of a physical exam and population health survey to assess the effectiveness of conservation efforts for the endangered Blanding's turtle.

COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH PREGNANCY AND PARTURITION IN AFRICAN WHITE-BELLIED PANGOLINS (PHATAGINUS TRICUSPIS).

There are no studies to date on the normal reproductive physiology of African white-bellied pangolins (Phataginus tricuspis). As a reclusive species, little is known about normal gestation, successful parturition, and potential complications during pregnancy. Ten female P. tricuspis were diagnosed as pregnant and monitored under professional care. Five developed complications during pregnancies or during parturition and are detailed in this case series. Dystocia occurred in two dams each, with malposition of a singleton fetus. Both dams were successfully treated with surgical intervention by caesarian section. Of the two individuals, one fetus was nonviable, but the other neonate survived and was reared by the dam to weaning. A third pregnant female died during pregnancy from septicemia resulting in death of the preterm fetus. The two additional dams of the five gave birth to full-term neonates. One fetus was stillborn with evidence of fetal distress, and the other died immediately after birth (perinatal death) with undetermined etiology. Based on this case series, complications associated with pregnancy occur in P. tricuspis, indicating the need for further study and close monitoring during impending parturition.

Analgesic Efficacy of Tramadol Compared With Meloxicam in Ducks (Cairina moschata domestica) Evaluated by Ground-Reactive Forces.

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of tramadol and meloxicam in an induced, temporary arthritis model in ducks as assessed by ground-reactive forces measured by a pressure-sensitive walkway (PSW) system. Twelve ducks (Cairina moschata domestica) were randomly separated into 3 equal groups of 4 birds each: water control, tramadol treatment, and meloxicam treatment. Baseline measurements were collected by having all ducks walk along a 3-m-long PSW in a custom-built corral before anesthesia and induction of arthritis. Arthritis was induced in all groups through injection, under anesthesia, of a 3% monosodium urate (MSU) solution into the intertarsal joint. One hour after MSU injection, birds were orally gavage fed 1 mL of tap water (control), tramadol (30 mg/kg), or meloxicam (1 mg/kg). After treatments, all ducks were reevaluated on the PSW at 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 24 hours post-MSU injection. The difference in maximum force was significantly greater in the control group than in both the tramadol- (P = .006) and meloxicam-treated (P = .03) individuals. Post hoc comparisons revealed differences between control and treated birds occurred only at the 3- and 4-hour time points after administration. No differences were found in the absolute difference in maximum force between tramadol- and meloxicam-treated birds at any time point (P > .05). Results of this study support the hypothesis that tramadol (30 mg/kg PO) and meloxicam (1 mg/kg PO) improve certain objective variables in an induced arthritis model in ducks. Our findings also support studies in other avian species that determined that both tramadol and meloxicam are effective analgesic drugs in some birds.

USE OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY-GUIDED PERCARAPACIAL OVOCENTESIS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DYSTOCIA IN AN EASTERN BOX TURTLE ( TERRAPENE CAROLINA).

Computed tomography (CT)-guided percarapacial ovocentesis in an Eastern box turtle ( Terrapene carolina) was performed after medical management failed to resolve dystocia related to an irregular, oversized egg (38 × 30 × 35 mm). A 2.38-mm Steinmann pin was drilled through the carapace at the dorsal aspect of the seventh marginal scute, allowing introduction of an 18-ga needle through the carapace and oviduct into the egg using CT guidance. Contents of the egg (8 ml) were evacuated and CT reconstructions confirmed involution. The animal was administered oxytocin immediately after the procedure and passed the collapsed egg within 3 hr. The animal displayed no adverse effects from the procedure and the carapacial wound healed quickly without complication. CT-guided needle aspiration and biopsy techniques are common in human medicine, but less frequently utilized in veterinary medicine. This technique represents a novel, minimally invasive approach to ovocentesis that was used as an alternative to surgical intervention, in this case to resolve dystocia.