Relationship of hemoglobin concentration to packed cell volume in avian blood samples

To determine whether a proportional relationship exists between hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration and pack cell volume (PCV) in avian blood samples, Hgb concentration measured by a point-of-care portable hemoglobinometer and corresponding PCV were determined in blood samples collected from 128 birds comprising 13 avian orders. For all birds evaluated and pooled across orders, a significant and consistent relationship was found between Hgb concentration and PCV, expressed as Hgb = 0.304 x PCV + 0.461. To determine whether the relationship of PCV and Hgb differs, 9 avian orders with n > or = 8 samples per order were analyzed by linear regression. Individual slopes for the 9 orders did not differ significantly (P = .44), indicating that a single slope can be used to model the avian Hgb to PCV relationship for these taxonomic orders. A single intercept can also be used, with the exception of order Phoenicopteriformes, which was the only intercept that was significantly different from 0 (P = .01). These results indicate that a simplified relationship of Hgb (g/dL) = 0.30 x PCV provides a reasonable estimate of Hgb concentration from the PCV of birds from the orders Anseriformes, Columbiformes, Falconiformes, Galliformes, Passeriformes, Psittaciformes, Sphenisciformes, and Strigiformes, but a separate relationship of Hgb = 0.217 x PCV + 6.69 might be warranted for the order Phoenicopteriformes.

Evaluation of gastrointestinal tract transit times using barium-impregnated polyethylene spheres and barium sulfate suspension in a domestic pigeon (Columba livia) model

Barium impregnated polyethylene spheres (BIPS) are used in small animal medicine as an alternative to barium sulfate for radiographic studies of the gastrointestinal tract. To determine the usefulness of BIPS as an alternative to barium suspension in measuring gastrointestinal (GI) transit time for avian species, ventrodorsal radiographs were used to follow the passage of BIPS and 30% barium sulfate suspension through the GI tracts of domestic pigeons (Columba livia). Gastrointestinal transit times of thirty 1.5-mm BIPS administered in moistened gelatin capsules and 30% barium sulfate suspension gavaged into the crop were compared in 6 pigeons. Although the barium suspension passed out of the GI tract of all pigeons within 24 hours, the 1.5-mm BIPS remained in the ventriculus for 368.0 +/- 176.8 hours and did not clear the GI tract for 424.0 +/- 204.6 hours. Although the times for passage of BIPS and 30% barium sulfate suspension from the crop into the ventriculus were not significantly different (P = .14), the times for passage of BIPS from the ventriculus into the large intestine-cloaca and for clearance from the GI tract of the pigeons were significantly longer (P < .001) than for the 30% barium sulfate suspension. From the results of this study, we conclude that BIPS are not useful for radiographically evaluating GI transit times in pigeons and are unlikely to be useful in other avian species that have a muscular ventriculus. BIPS may or may not be useful for evaluating GI transit times in species that lack a muscular ventriculus.

Improvement in myocardial dysfunction in a hypothyroid dog

An 8-year-old, male, Alaskan malamute was evaluated for a 2-week history of lethargy, inappetence, and distended abdomen. The dog was diagnosed with severe hypothyroidism, exhibited facial myxedema and had myocardial dysfunction with ascites and pleural effusion. Myocardial function improved and facial myxedema and effusions resolved with levothyroxine supplementation.

Plasma uric acid, creatinine, and urea nitrogen concentrations after whole blood administration via the gastrointestinal tract in domestic pigeons (Columba livia)

To determine if blood administered to pigeons by gavage tube would simulate gastrointestinal hemorrhage in a noncarnivorous avian model, be digested in the gastrointestinal tract, and subsequently alter concentrations of plasma urea nitrogen, creatinine, or uric acid, blood from common peacocks (Pavo cristatus) was administered by gavage tube to 5 healthy domestic pigeons (Columba livia) at doses of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 ml/kg. No significant difference in plasma concentrations of urea nitrogen, creatinine, or uric acid was seen 4-6 hours after gavage. The findings did not support or rule out the presence of gastrointestinal blood in pigeons as a model for hemorrhage in noncarnivorous avian species.

Plasma pharmacokinetics of selamectin after a single topical administration in the American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

Parasitism is common in wild and captive amphibians; however, pharmacologic data are lacking for anthelmintic drugs. This study was developed to determine the plasma pharmacokinetics of selamectin after topical administration in bullfrogs. Thirty-two adult American bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) were randomly assigned into eight groups of four with each group representing a different collection time point. Seven groups received selamectin (6 mg/ kg) topically and the remaining group served as the untreated control group. One group of frogs was euthanized and blood samples immediately collected on days 0 (control), 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30. Plasma was analyzed for selamectin using high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Individual samples were analyzed, then data were reported as the mean of the four frogs at each time point. A histologic evaluation of the lung, liver, kidney, and skin tissues was performed and none of the frogs showed histologic evidence of toxicity due to selamectin administration. The mean peak plasma concentration was 162.5 +/- 42.3 ng/ml, area under the curve was 2,856 ng day/ml, mean residence time was 12.2 days, and disappearance half-life was 1.87 days. Based on the plasma pharmacokinetics, bullfrogs appear to absorb selamectin very efficiently, concentrations reach high levels in the plasma, and there were no apparent histologic effects from single dose administration.

Experimental infection of domestic cats (Felis domesticus) with Cytauxzoon manul from Pallas' cats (Otocolobus manul)

In a random, blind study, six domestic cats were assigned to two treatment groups that received either sterile water or dexamethasone by subcutaneous injection prior to intravenous inoculation with Pallas' cat (Otocolobus manul) blood infected with Cytauxzoon manul. A seventh domestic cat served as a control and was inoculated only with sterile water. Cats were monitored for clinical signs consistent with cytauxzoonosis, and periodically screened for hemoparasitemia. All domestic cats (6/6) that received Pallas' cat blood infected with C. manul developed a low but detectible parasitemia by 9 days post-inoculation, yet remained clinically healthy. All domestic cats (7/7) were subsequently challenged with Cytauxzoon felis and developed clinical signs typical of cytauxzoonosis within 5 days post-challenge. Affected animals were euthanized and cytauxzoonosis was confirmed by histopathology. While inoculation of domestic cats with Pallas' cat blood infected with C. manul induced a parasitemia, it did not cause disease or provide protection against challenge with C. felis. Further studies are warranted to determine the potential for interspecies transmission and disease with C. manul.

Epitheliotropic lymphoma in a captive bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus)

A 16-yr-old, female, captive-bred bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus) estimated to be 75 kg, was presented with a 1-mo history of chronic diarrhea and weight loss. A cause for the deteriorating condition was not found antemortem, and the bontebok was humanely euthanatized when it failed to respond to empirical therapy. On necropsy, numerous nodules were present on the pleural surfaces and within the lung parenchyma, the pancreas appeared inflamed and fibrotic. Histologic examination revealed lymphoma in the mesenteric lymph nodes, alimentary tract, reproductive tract, and liver. In the small and large intestine, rumen, esophagus, bile duct, and vagina, the neoplastic cells had a tropism for epithelium. The neoplastic cells within the epithelium and subepithelium of the alimentary tract stained positively for CD3, consistent with T cell differentiation.

B-cell lymphoma in a dog with ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis) and systemic histoplasmosis (Histoplasma capsulatum)

A mixed breed dog treated for ehrlichiosis and systemic histoplasmosis developed a refractory thrombocytopenia. When an abdominal mass was detected, exploratory laparotomy and biopsies confirmed lymphoma, which on immunohistochemical stains was determined to be of B-cell origin. Conceivably, the B-cell lymphoma in this dog was associated with chronic inflammation from ehrlichiosis, histoplasmosis, or both.

Blood thiamine values in captive adult African lions (Panthera leo)

Heparinized whole-blood samples from 22 adult African lions (Panthera leo) fed diets considered nutritionally adequate in 10 American Zoo and Aquarium Association member zoos in North America were provided for this study. Blood thiamine values were estimated using a standard microbiological assay method. The mean +/- standard deviation for blood thiamine values was 249.3 +/- 43.5 nmol/L with a range in values from 160 to 350 nmol/L after exclusion of one outlier. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in the mean blood thiamine values of male and female lions, or of lions that were over and under 10 yr of age. This range (160 to 350 nmol/L) is proposed as a reasonable estimate of the expected range in blood thiamine values for captive adult African lions as currently fed in North American zoos.

Presumed primary thiamine deficiency in a young African lion (Panthera leo)

A 1-yr-old intact male African lion (Panthera leo) fed only beef muscle meat was evaluated for episodes of hypermetric ataxia, generalized weakness and tonic-clonic front limb movements. A hemogram, biochemical profile, blood lead, electrocardiogram, survey radiographs, and brain computed tomography were normal. Cerebral spinal fluid analyses suggested mild inflammation. Acetylcholine receptor antibody and serologic tests for all infectious agents tested were negative. Clinical signs resolved completely 9 days after instituting oral thiamine (3 mg/kg/day) and a completely nutritional diet. This lion's pretreatment thiamine blood value (11 nmol/L) was markedly lower than that of a healthy lion (191 nmol/L) and a proposed reference range for adult African lions (160-350 nmol/L). The lion remained clinically normal 2 yr later when his blood thiamine value was 340 nmol/L. African lions can develop clinical primary thiamine deficiency and may respond favorably when thiamine treatment and adequate diet are instituted prior to irreversible neuronal necrosis.

SEROLOGIC RESPONSES AFTER VACCINATION OF FENNEC FOXES (VULPES ZERDA) AND MEERKATS (SURICATA SURICATTA) WITH A LIVE, CANARYPOX-VECTORED CANINE DISTEMPER VIRUS VACCINE

Fennec foxes (Vulpes zerda) and meerkats (Suricata suricatta) are considered to be susceptible to canine distemper virus (CDV) infection. Although no definitive clinical cases of natural CDV infections have been reported, mortalities due to CDV have been suspected and are reported in other closely related species. A commercially available monovalent, live, canarypox-vectored CDV vaccine induced neutralizing antibody titers that were maintained for at least a year in both fennec foxes and meerkats.

A NEW SPECIES OF CYTAUXZOON FROM PALLAS' CATS CAUGHT IN MONGOLIA AND COMMENTS ON THE SYSTEMATICS AND TAXONOMY OF PIROPLASMIDS

DNA was extracted and the 18S ribosomal RNA gene was amplified and sequenced from the blood of 2 Pallas' cats (Otocolobus manul) infected with small intraerythrocytic piroplasms. Sequences of the parasite were found to be identical with that of a previously reported Cytauxzoon-like piroplasm from a Pallas' cat. Phylogenetic analyses of the parasite DNA sequences obtained from the 3 Pallas' cats to other piroplasms revealed a sister group relationship to C. felis. The mean corrected percent sequence divergence between the Pallas' cat parasite and C. felis was 1.490%, which is greater than that for most other piroplasms in which species status has been accepted. On the basis of the sequence variation, we propose to name the Pallas' cat parasite C. manul. Phylogenetic analyses of C. manul also revealed a close relationship with the Spanish Cytauxzoon-like isolate because they exhibited only 0.389% sequence divergence, yet these sequences exhibit a mean of 1.690% sequence divergence from the New World isolate of C. felis. Our phylogenetic analyses also revealed several taxonomic problems that have impeded the development of a classification that accurately reflects evolutionary history of piroplasms. As currently arranged, Babesia and Theileria are paraphyletic taxa and are in need of reorganization.

Paresis secondary to an extradural hematoma in a Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae)

A 15-yr-old female Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) was presented to the Boren Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at Oklahoma State University with a 3-wk history of progressive hind limb weakness. Neurologic evaluation was limited to review of videotape that demonstrated weakness and ataxia with conscious proprioceptive deficits of the tiger's pelvic limbs. Spinal radiography demonstrated disc space narrowing, and myelography demonstrated a large extradural compressive lesion at the level of L2-3. Computed tomography did not reveal bone involvement. Surgery was performed to decompress the spinal cord and obtain a definitive diagnosis. A right hemilaminectomy was performed after a dorsal approach to the lumbar spine. Histologic examination of the mass revealed a consolidated extradural spinal hematoma, presumed to be secondary to intervertebral disc herniation. Despite incomplete resection of the mass and plastic deformation of the spinal cord, the tiger returned to normal ambulation within 3 wk of surgical decompression.

Use of a hybrid external skeletal fixator for repair of a periarticular tibial fracture in a Patagonian cavy

An 8-week-old female Patagonian cavy was examined because of acute right hind limb lameness; radiography revealed a moderately displaced, comminuted fracture of the proximal third of the tibia. The fracture was stabilized with a hybrid external skeletal fixator. Two Kirschner wires were placed in the main proximal fragment, parallel to the tibial plateau and at right angles to each other. These wires were connected to a partial circular external fixator ring. Three half pins were placed in the distal fragment, and a straight connecting rod positioned on the medial side of the limb was connected to these pins and the fixator ring. A second connecting rod was positioned on the craniomedial side of the limb and was connected to the fixator ring and a fourth half pin in the distal fragment. The fracture healed without complications, and the fixator was removed 3 weeks after surgery. Hybrid external skeletal fixators combine the benefits of circular and linear external skeletal fixation methods, enabling rigid fixation of periarticular long bone fractures without adversely affecting mobility of the adjacent joint.

Hematology and Plasma Biochemistry of Captive Puna Ibis (Plegadis ridgewayi)

Normal hematology and plasma biochemistry values are reported for a single captive population of 14 puna ibises (Plegadis ridgewayi). The natural biology and conservation status of this species is virtually unknown and it is considered a vulnerable species in parts of South America. The values presented here may be useful to clinicians or wildlife managers working with puna ibises.

IMMUNODEFICIENCY ASSOCIATED WITH MULTIPLE CONCURRENT INFECTIONS IN CAPTIVE PALLAS' CATS (OTOCOLOBUS MANUL)

Five neonatal Pallas' cats (Otocolobus manul) at the Oklahoma City Zoo died from toxoplasmosis with concurrent herpesvirus infection. These multiple infections suggested underlying immunodeficiency, perhaps caused by concurrent infection with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV); so blood samples were collected for serology, serum protein electrophoresis, lymphocyte proliferation assays, and cytokine analysis by reverse transcriptase-quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction (RT-qcPCR). Resulting data were compared with data from FIV-infected and control domestic short-haired cats. In addition, peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures were propagated to detect FIV virus by both RT-qcPCR and detection of reverse transcriptase activity. Serum protein electrophoresis showed that four of six Pallas' cats had increased alpha, globulins. At least two Pallas' cats had decreased lymphoproliferation responses to mitogen. and all three tested animals exhibited defective interleukin-12 gene expression. Although these clinical and laboratory findings suggested an immunodeficiency syndrome, FIV infection could not be confirmed. On the basis of repeated blood test results, it can be concluded that nutritional, metabolic, or other systemic problems probably did not contribute to the disease syndrome. Further investigation of other possible causes of immunodeficiency, including a possible genetic component, in this population is needed.

An intraerythrocytic small piroplasm in wild-caught Pallas's cats (Otocolobus manul) from Mongolia

During the quarantine examination of four Pallas's cats (Otocolobus manul) imported from Mongolia in October and December 2000, intraerythrocytic piroplasms were detected on Wright-Giemsa stained blood films that were morphologically indistinguishable from other small piroplasms of felids. Further characterization of this unknown organism via polymerase chain reaction amplification, sequencing of a portion of the 18S nuclear small subunit rRNA gene, and comparisons with orthologous sequences from other piroplasms, revealed similarity to Cytauxzoon felis. This is the first report of naturally occurring erythroparasitemia in Pallas's cats and the first documented case of naturally occurring piroplasm infections in a free-ranging felid from Mongolia.

Spinal compression due to atlantal vertebral malformation in two African lions (Panthera leo)

Two young (14-mo-old and 6-mo-old), unrelated, male African lions (Panthera leo) were presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospitals of Oklahoma State University and Kansas State University with progressive ambulatory difficulty. In both cases, limited neurologic evaluation demonstrated pelvic limb paresis and ataxia with conscious proprioceptive deficits. Spinal imaging showed nearly identical lesions in both cases. Radiography and myelography demonstrated cervical stenosis secondary to atlantal (C1) malformation producing a dorsoventral deformity of the laminar arch with atlantoaxial spinal cord compression between the ventrally displaced laminar arch of the atlas and the underlying odontoid process of C2. Computed tomography of the atlanto-axial junction confirmed cervical stenosis and cord compression, showing flattening of the spinal cord between the laminar arch of C1 and the dens of C2. Decompressive surgery consisting of dorsal laminectomy of C1 was performed. Each lion demonstrated progressive improvement of neurologic status to recovery of normal ambulation after surgical intervention. Neurologic disease in large captive felids is rare; atlanto-axial spondylomyelopathy has not been reported previously.

An intrathoracic malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a dog

A 7-year-old, neutered male Labrador Retriever presented for a persistent, productive cough and regurgitation. Radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography confirmed a large, smoothly marginated intrathoracic mass causing tracheal compression. The mass was removed via a thoracotomy, and a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, most likely originating from the ventral spinal nerve roots, was confirmed using immunohistochemistry.

Multifocal pyogranulomatous osteomyelitis resembling chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis in a lemur

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis is a rare inflammatory bone disease of children and adolescents that is characterized by localized swelling and pain in the clavicles and long bones of the limbs. Diagnosis of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis is made from clinical signs, characteristic radiographic and histopathologic findings, and negative results of microbial cultures. Treatment of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis in humans includes administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or immune modulators, which may be effective in lemurs.

Imaging of a cat with perirenal pseudocysts

A 16-year-old, neutered male, domestic short hair cat had abdominal distension and systemic hypertension. Radiography, ultrasonography, excretory urography, and renal scintigraphy were performed to establish the diagnosis and implement appropriate treatment. Bilateral perirenal pseudocysts were confirmed surgically and histopathologically. Following bilateral renal capsulectomy, systemic hypertension decreased and global glomerular filtration rate improved to normal limits. Multiple imaging modalities helped establish the diagnosis and guided implementation of appropriate treatment.

Serum lipoprotein, thyroid hormone and resting cortisol levels in normal cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)

Blood obtained from 20 cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) during annual physical examinations was analyzed for serum lipid concentration, for lipoprotein distribution by agarose gel electrophoresis, and for thyroid hormone and resting cortisol levels by solid-phase radioimmunoassay to develop normal reference ranges.

Hyperlipidemia in four related male cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)

Hyperlipidemia was identified in an 11-yr-old male cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and three related 3-yr-old male cheetah littermates. Hyperlipidemia in these four cheetahs was characterized by hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia. The mean percentages of chylomicron and beta-lipoproteins were greater (P < 0.05) and the mean percent of alpha-lipoproteins was lower (P < 0.05) than the respective means for a group of 20 nonhyperlipidemic and clinically normal cheetahs. The etiology of the hyperlipidemia in these four cheetahs was not determined. However, the older cheetah also had chronic renal insufficiency and a parathyroid adenoma, conditions that have been associated with hyperlipidemia.

Naturally occurring cerebral nematodiasis due to Baylisascaris larval migration in two black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata variegata) and suspected cases in three emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

During September and October 1992, two black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata variegata) were housed in an outdoor wire enclosure at the Tulsa Zoological Park. The following February and April, both lemurs developed head tilt and ataxia, and they were euthanized. Necropsy revealed multifocal malacia of the white matter of the pons, cerebellum, internal capsule, and cerebral and cerebellar peduncles. Nematode larvae consistent with Baylisascaris spp. were observed in the brain of one lemur. A retrospective study revealed three cases of ataxia in emus (Dromaius novaeholloandiae) that were previously housed in the same enclosure. Archival paraffin-embedded tissue from one emu revealed tractlike foci of malacia within the white matter of the cerebellum. Circumstantial evidence, including the observation of numerous raccoons (Procyon lotor) in the vicinity, and the presence of numerous Baylisascaris. procyonis in the intestine of a single trapped raccoon implicate this roundworm as the pathologic agent in the lemurs.

Cytauxzoonosis in cats: eight cases (1985-1992)

Cytauxzoonosis is a rapidly and highly fatal disease in cats that is caused by the protozoan Cytauxzoon felis, which may be transmitted by Ixodid ticks (Dermacentor variabilis) from parasitemic bobcats (Lynx rufus). During an 8-year period, cytauxzoonosis was diagnosed in 8 cats, 7 cats within 14 months. Risk factors for these cats were warm weather, access to a wooded environment, and exposure to ticks. The most consistent clinical signs were acute lethargy, anorexia, decreased response to external stimuli (depression), icterus, dehydration, and capillary refill time > 2 seconds. Pertinent clinicopathologic findings were normocytic normochromic anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia; high serum concentrations of total bilirubin and glucose, low serum concentrations of albumin and potassium, high serum alanine transaminase activity; and, bilirubinuria. Confirmation of cytauxzoonosis was made by cytologic or histologic identification of the C felis organism. Splenic, lymph node, and bone marrow aspirates can provide an antemortem diagnosis when the number of parasitized erythrocytes is low on blood smears. Supportive treatment of 6 cats was temporarily palliative in some, but all 8 cats either died (3) or were euthanatized (5) when they became moribund. Survival time from observed onset of illness to death was < 5 days. Necropsy of 4 cats revealed predominately pulmonary involvement with venous congestion. Histologic examination revealed venous occlusion by parasitized mononuclear phagocytes in all tissue specimens, but only minimal inflammatory infiltrates.

Concurrent mammary gland hyperplasia and adrenocortical carcinoma in a domestic ferret

Mammary gland hyperplasia associated with adrenocortical carcinoma in a domestic ferret had a histologic appearance similar to that observed in cats. It is important to consider this hyperplastic condition in the differential diagnosis of mammary gland enlargement in the ferret.

Bronchial cartilage dysplasia with multifocal lobar bullous emphysema and lung torsions in a pup

Bronchial cartilage dysplasia is believed to have caused lobar bullous emphysema in a 5-month-old Chow Chow that had exercise intolerance, progressive dyspnea, and episodic cough. Radiography of the thorax revealed hyperlucency of the left hemithorax, displacement of the mediastinum and heart to the right, and flattening of the diaphragm. The pup died shortly after the radiographs were obtained. Necropsy revealed massive hyperinflation with 180 degrees torsion of the cranial portion of the left cranial lung lobe, and hyperinflation with less than 180 degrees torsion of the right accessory lung lobe. Histologic examination of the affected lung lobes revealed a lack of bronchial cartilage, loss and displacement of alveolar walls, and bulla formation that resembled congenital (infantile) lobar emphysema of human beings. In this pup, lung lobe torsions may have been predisposed by bronchial cartilage dysplasia.

Ehrlichiosis in a dog with seizures and nonregenerative anemia

Ehrlichia canis infection was diagnosed in a dog with a history of seizures and nonregenerative anemia. Serologic titer to E canis was greater than 1:100. Evaluation of CSF revealed a high cell count, high protein concentration, and a positive Pandy test result. Several mononuclear leukocytes in the CSF contained E canis morulae. Central nervous system lesions are commonly found on postmortem examination of animals with ehrlichiosis, although clinical reports of neurologic signs attributable to this disease are less common. Ehrlichiosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of CNS disease in dogs from enzootic areas.

Serologic response of domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) to canine distemper and rabies virus vaccines

Nine unrelated 12-week-old naive domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) were used to evaluate the serologic responses to commercial canine distemper virus (CDV) and rabies virus (RV) vaccines. Five of the ferrets (group 1) were inoculated 3 times at 2-week intervals with a multivalent modified-live virus vaccine of canine cell-line origin, containing CDV and an inactivated RV vaccine. Four of the ferrets (group 2) were inoculated once with the multivalent modified-live virus vaccine containing CDV and were not inoculated with the RV vaccine. Both group-1 and group-2 ferrets seroconverted to the CDV component of the vaccine. Group-1 ferrets also seroconverted after RV vaccination and maintained serum antibody titers to both CDV and RV for at least 7 months. Domestic ferret sera were found to have IgG epitopes similar to sera of domestic dogs and cats. Domestic ferret sera did not contain antibodies to feline coronavirus or FeLV antigens.

Renal function and fractional clearances of American river otters (Lutra canadensis)

The finely lobulated kidneys of American river otters (Lutra canadensis) are not visualized on plain abdominal radiographs. Similar values for blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and uric acid were obtained on different analytical systems used in 1984 and 1985. The mean +/- SD for measured plasma osmolalities (309.80 +/- 8.86 mOsmol/kg) of otters in 1985 was significantly (P less than 0.01) less than that of calculated serum osmolalities in the same 1985 specimens (321.61 +/- 5.64 mOsmol/kg) and in 1984 specimens (322.20 +/- 7.16 mOsmol/kg). Urine specific gravities and osmolalities were highly correlated (r = 0.92). On routine urinalysis, protein and bilirubin were frequent chemical findings, and urobilinogen was present in all urine samples. White and red blood cells and epithelial cells were frequent findings on urine microscopic examinations. Proteus mirabilis was cultured from four of four female otters with genitourinary infections. The mean +/- SD creatinine values for paired serum and urine samples (n = 13) were serum creatinine (Scr) 0.66 +/- 0.09 mg/dl and urine creatinine (Ucr) 186.9 +/- 55.6 mg/dl. Corresponding values for serum electrolytes (Se) and urine electrolytes (Ue) yielded mean +/- SD calculated renal fractional clearances (FC = Ue/Se x Scr/Ucr) of sodium 9.65 +/- 5.81 x 10(-4), potassium 4.15 +/- 2.01 x 10(-2), chloride 10.81 +/- 5.33 x 10(-4), calcium 4.52 +/- 4.46 x 10(-3), and phosphate 6.58 +/- 3.44 x 10(-3).

Physiologic and electrocardiographic responses of American river otters (Lutra canadensis) during chemical immobilization and inhalation anesthesia

Rectal temperatures and heart rates of American river otters (Lutra canadensis) decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) during chemical immobilization with i.m. ketamine hydrochloride in combination with xylazine hydrochloride and acepromazine and during inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane. Anesthetized otters showed a tendency for apnea during induction and while dorsally recumbent, which was reflected by a respiratory acidosis on arterial blood gases. Declines in rectal temperatures and heart rates were not found to be a function of dosage (mg/kg) of the ketamine combination used except for rectal temperatures of otters in relatively poor body condition (inanition). The electrocardiograms of isoflurane-anesthetized otters were similar to those recorded on immobilized otters with the exception of an r' deflection in the ventricular depolarization complex (RSr'). Electrocardiographic criteria were not found which predicted the degree of right ventricular or generalized cardiac enlargement seen radiographically.

Clinical evaluation and prerelease management of American river otters in the second year of a reintroduction study

In the first year (1984) of a reintroduction study, 10 American river otters (Lutra canadensis) from Louisiana were transported to Oklahoma, held for 5 days for clinical evaluation, surgical implantation with intra-abdominal radiotelemetry devices, and then released in Oklahoma. Four of 10 otters released died within 32 days. Clinical evaluation indicated that respiratory tract disease, bacterial and parasitic infections, and inanition may have contributed to the death of these otters. In the second year (1985) of the study, an exotic feline diet was fed, and the holding period for 10 otters was increased to provide time for evaluation and treatment before surgery, postsurgical acclimation to Oklahoma, and reevaluation before release. Although the initial clinical findings on otters in the second year were similar to those found in the first year, otter body weights increased, and the prevalence and severity of clinical abnormalities decreased with treatment during the second-year holding period. Three of 10 second-year otters died during the holding period, and contributing causes of death were determined to be: trauma (hepatic hematoma), inanition, renal disease, pneumonia, salmonellosis (Salmonella anatum), and a retropharyngeal abscess (Klebsiella pneumoniae). Seven healthy otters were reintroduced into Oklahoma in 1985, and postrelease deaths were not experienced.

Serologic evaluation of vaccinated American river otters

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation acquired 20 American river otters (Lutra canadensis) between 1984 and 1985 for reintroduction into Oklahoma waterways. In 1985, 10 otters were evaluated for serum antibody titers after vaccination with canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 2, canine parvovirus (CPV), feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline rhinotracheitis virus (FRV), and feline calicivirus. Prevaccination serum-virus neutralization (SVN) antibody to feline rhinotracheitis virus was found in 2 otters and to feline calicivirus in 1 otter. Using an indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) assay, prevaccination antibody to CPV and FPV was found in 2 otters. A significant increase in SVN antibody titers was found after vaccination of otters with canine adenovirus type 2 (6 of 8 animals) and feline calicivirus (1 of 8 animals). One of 8 otters developed significant antibody titers to CPV and FPV, as measured by IFA assay. Otters did not develop SVN antibody titers to canine distemper virus after vaccination. Antigens of feline leukemia virus, using ELISA, or antibodies to feline infectious peritonitis, using IFA assay, were not found in the 20 otters.

Surgical implantation of radiotelemetry devices in American river otters

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation elected to investigate the feasibility of reintroducing American river otters (Lutra canadensis) into Oklahoma waterways. Intra-abdominal radiotelemetry devices were selected to monitor otter movements following release. For implantation of those devices, the anesthetic regimen included a mixture of ketamine HCl, xylazine, and acepromazine maleate given intramuscularly followed by delivery of isoflurane through precision vaporizers. A ventral midline approach and adherent surgical barrier drapes facilitated aseptic placement of the devices, with minimal tissue damage and loss of insulating pelage. Absorbable monofilament suture (polydioxanone) was used in a buried 3-layer closure of surgical incisions. The incisions healed rapidly and without complications.

Clinical evaluation of American river otters in a reintroduction study

Ten American river otters (Lutra canadensis) were evaluated clinically before release into Oklahoma waterways. Otters were immobilized for physical, radiographic, and electrocardiographic examinations and for collection of blood samples. Hematologic and serum biochemical analyses, urinalyses, parasitologic examinations, surgical omental biopsies, and necropsy findings were included. Respiratory tract disease, bacterial and parasitic infections, and starvation apparently were contributing causes of postrelease mortality in 4 of the otters.