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Glassman AR, Zachariah TT. RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF BLOOD CULTURES AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH CLINICAL FINDINGS AND OUTCOME IN GREEN SEA TURTLES ( CHELONIA MYDAS) AT A FLORIDA SEA TURTLE REHABILITATION FACILITY, 2017-2020. J Zoo Wildl Med 2024; 54:766-775. [PMID: 38252000 DOI: 10.1638/2022-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Septicemia is commonly suspected of sea turtles entering rehabilitation. However, blood culture results of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are infrequently reported in the literature. Aerobic blood cultures were performed for intake examinations of 167 green sea turtles undergoing rehabilitation at Brevard Zoo's Sea Turtle Healing Center, Melbourne, Florida, USA from 2017 to 2020. The incidence of positive cultures during intake examinations was 24% (40/167). The most common bacterial isolates identified were Vibrio alginolyticus, Shewanella algae, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, Photobacterium damselae, Sphingomonas paucimobilis, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. There was a statistically significant association (P < 0.05) between culture status and evidence of external injury. There was no significant association between culture status and Caryospora-like coccidia infection, or fibropapillomatosis. Culture-positive turtles had significantly lower (P < 0.05) total white blood cell, lymphocyte, monocyte, total protein, albumin, and calculated globulin values compared to turtles with negative blood cultures. Significantly more culture-positive turtles died in rehabilitation compared to culture-negative (P = 0.042). Positive blood cultures suggestive of septicemia are commonly found during intake examinations at a Florida sea turtle rehabilitation facility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan R Glassman
- Department of Veterinary Programs, Brevard Zoo, Melbourne, FL 32940, USA,
| | - Trevor T Zachariah
- Department of Veterinary Programs, Brevard Zoo, Melbourne, FL 32940, USA
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2
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Lewbart GA, Zachariah TT. Aquatic and Terrestrial Invertebrate Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3375. [PMID: 37958134 PMCID: PMC10649180 DOI: 10.3390/ani13213375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Invertebrates are a diverse group of animals that make up the majority of the animal kingdom and encompass a wide array of species with varying adaptations and characteristics. Invertebrates are found in nearly all of the world's habitats, including aquatic, marine, and terrestrial environments. There are many misconceptions about invertebrate sentience, welfare requirements, the need for environmental enrichment, and overall care and husbandry for this amazing group of animals. This review addresses these topics and more for a select group of invertebrates with biomedical, economical, display, and human companionship importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A. Lewbart
- College of Veterinary Medicine, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Trevor T. Zachariah
- Brevard Zoo|Sea Turtle Healing Center, 8225 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL 32940, USA;
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Clarizio L, Springer NL, Zachariah TT. The Utility of Bile Acids for the Diagnosis of Liver Disease in Exotic Animals. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2022; 25:563-584. [PMID: 36122940 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis of bile acids occurs during the degradation of cholesterol in hepatocytes. Thus, this analyte is expected to be a sensitive indicator of hepatocellular dysfunction or alterations in portal circulation. Bile acids can be quantified via an enzymatic reaction to a highly conserved moiety across species. The evidence for the clinical utility of bile acids for the diagnosis of liver disease is strongest in birds and ferrets with equivocal evidence in rodents, rabbits, and reptiles. Current limitations to the interpretation of bile acids in exotic animal species include a paucity of species-specific reference intervals and incomplete understanding of bile acid metabolism in nonmammalian species and the diversity of bile acids synthesized by vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linn Clarizio
- Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
| | - Nora L Springer
- University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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Kirejczyk SGM, Goodwin C, Gyimesi ZS, Zachariah TT, Sturgeon GL, Armwood AR, Frontera-Acevedo K, Kokosinksa A, Seguel M, Fogelson SB, Burnum AL, Miller D, Sakamoto K, Howerth EW, McManamon R, Gottdenker N. A Retrospective Study of Pathology in Bats Submitted to an Exotic and Zoo Animal Diagnostic Service in Georgia, USA (2008-2019). J Comp Pathol 2021; 185:96-107. [PMID: 34119238 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2021.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pathology records of bats submitted to the University of Georgia from managed care settings were reviewed to identify naturally occurring diseases. Fifty-nine cases were evaluated during an 11-year period (2008-2019), including representatives from four families: Pteropodidae (Yinpterochiroptera), Phyllostomidae, Vespertilionidae and Molossidae (Yangochiroptera). Pathology reports were reviewed to determine the primary pathological process resulting in death or the decision to euthanize. Cases were categorized as non-infectious (34/59; 58%), infectious/inflammatory (17/59; 29%) or undetermined due to advanced autolysis (8/59; 14%). Musculoskeletal diseases and reproductive losses were the most frequent pathological processes. Among the infectious processes identified, bacterial infections of the reproductive and haemolymphatic systems were most frequently observed. The first two reports of neoplasia in small flying foxes (Pteropus hypomelanus) are described. Bats under managed care present with a wide range of histopathological lesions. In this cohort, non-infectious disease processes were common.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Doris Miller
- Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | - Rita McManamon
- Zoo and Exotic Animal Pathology Service, Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Athens, Georgia, USA
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Page-Karjian A, Perrault JR, Zirkelbach B, Pescatore J, Riley R, Stadler M, Zachariah TT, Marks W, Norton TM. Tumor re-growth, case outcome, and tumor scoring systems in rehabilitated green turtles with fibropapillomatosis. Dis Aquat Organ 2019; 137:101-108. [PMID: 31854328 DOI: 10.3354/dao03426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is an infectious, neoplastic disease of major concern in sea turtle rehabilitation facilities. Rehabilitating sea turtles that undergo tumor removal surgery often have tumor regrowth and may experience mortality. We evaluated tumor score, removal, and regrowth in rehabilitating green sea turtles with FP in 4 rehabilitation facilities in the southeastern USA during 2009-2017. Of 756 cases, 312 (41%) underwent tumor removal surgery, 155 (50%) of those had tumor regrowth within an average of 46 ± 45 d, and 85 (27%) had multiple (>1) regrowth events. Of 756 turtles with FP, 563 (75%) did not survive after admission into a rehabilitation facility, including 283 (37%) that were euthanized and 280 that died without euthanasia (37%), and 193 survived, including 186 (25%) released and 7 (1%) placed in permanent captive care. Tumor removal surgery increased the odds of tumor regrowth but also enhanced survivorship, whereas tumor regrowth was not a significant predictor of case outcome. Three FP tumor scoring systems were used to assign tumor scores to 449 cases, and differing results emphasize that tumor scoring systems should be applied to the situations and/or location(s) for which they were intended. FP tumor score was not a significant predictor for the event or extent of FP tumor regrowth after surgical excision. Under current rehabilitation regimes, outcomes of rehabilitation for tumored turtles have a low probability of success. The results of this study may be used to help guide clinical decision-making and determine prognoses for rehabilitating sea turtles with FP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Page-Karjian
- Florida Atlantic University, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Fort Pierce, Florida 34946, USA
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6
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Stacy BA, Chapman PA, Stockdale-Walden H, Work TM, Dagenais J, Foley AM, Wideroff M, Wellehan JFX, Childress AL, Manire CA, Rodriguez M, Zachariah TT, Staggs L, Zirkelbach B, Nahvi N, Crowder W, Boylan SM, Marquardt S, Pelton C, Norton TM. Caryospora-Like Coccidia Infecting Green Turtles ( Chelonia mydas): An Emerging Disease With Evidence of Interoceanic Dissemination. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:372. [PMID: 31696124 PMCID: PMC6817580 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protozoa morphologically consistent with Caryospora sp. are one of the few pathogens associated with episodic mass mortality events involving free-ranging sea turtles. Parasitism of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) by these coccidia and associated mortality was first reported in maricultured turtles in the Caribbean during the 1970s. Years later, epizootics affecting wild green turtles in Australia occurred in 1991 and 2014. The first clinical cases of Caryospora-like infections reported elsewhere in free-ranging turtles were from the southeastern US in 2012. Following these initial individual cases in this region, we documented an epizootic and mass mortality of green turtles along the Atlantic coast of southern Florida from November 2014 through April 2015 and continued to detect additional, sporadic cases in the southeastern US in subsequent years. No cases of coccidial disease were recorded in the southeastern US prior to 2012 despite clinical evaluation and necropsy of stranded sea turtles in this region since the 1980s, suggesting that the frequency of clinical coccidiosis has increased here. Moreover, we also recorded the first stranding associated with infection by a Caryospora-like organism in Hawai'i in 2018. To further characterize the coccidia, we sequenced part of the 18S ribosomal and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I genes of coccidia collected from 62 green turtles found in the southeastern US and from one green turtle found in Hawai'i. We also sequenced the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer regions from selected cases and compared all results with those obtained from Caryospora-like coccidia collected from green turtles found in Australia. Eight distinct genotypes were represented in green turtles from the southeastern US. One genotype predominated and was identical to that of coccidia collected from the green turtle found in Hawai'i. We also found a coccidian genotype in green turtles from Florida and Australia with identical 18S and mitochondrial sequences, and only slight inter-regional differences in the internal transcribed spacer 2. We found no evidence of geographical structuring based on phylogenetic analysis. Low genetic variability among the coccidia found in green turtle populations with minimal natural connectivity suggests recent interoceanic dissemination of these parasites, which could pose a risk to sea turtle populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Stacy
- National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, University of Florida (Duty Station), Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Phoebe A Chapman
- Veterinary-Marine Animal Research Teaching and Investigation Unit, School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia
| | - Heather Stockdale-Walden
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Thierry M Work
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Honolulu Field Station, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Julie Dagenais
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Honolulu Field Station, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Allen M Foley
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Jacksonville Field Laboratory, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Morgan Wideroff
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Jacksonville Field Laboratory, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - James F X Wellehan
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - April L Childress
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | | | | | | | - Lydia Staggs
- Veterinary Services, Zoological Operations, SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, FL, United States
| | | | - Nina Nahvi
- Sea Turtle, Inc., South Padre Island, TX, United States
| | - Whitney Crowder
- Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility, Boca Raton, FL, United States
| | | | | | - Craig Pelton
- Volusia Marine Science Center, Ponce Inlet, FL, United States
| | - Terry M Norton
- The Turtle Hospital, Marathon, FL, United States.,Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Jekyll Island, GA, United States
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Knapp CR, Perez‐Heydrich C, Zachariah TT, Jollay J, Schnelle AN, Buckner SD, Lattin CR, Romero LM. Host sex, size, and hemoparasite infection influence the effects of ectoparasitic burdens on free-ranging iguanas. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:1946-1956. [PMID: 30847084 PMCID: PMC6392384 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigations focusing on host-ectoparasite interactions in animals have revealed asymptomatic to severe health and fitness consequences suggesting that species mobilize different interspecific response mechanisms. Fewer studies, however, have examined intraspecific responses to ectoparasitic burdens. In this study, we analyzed host health and fitness responses to increasing ectoparasite burdens along with the presence/absence of hemoparasites of free-ranging insular rock iguanas (Cyclura cychlura) in The Bahamas. Using hematology, plasma biochemistry, as well as body condition and growth rate comparisons, we failed to find significant associations of tick burdens with annual growth rate, corticosterone, packed cell volume, total white blood cell, and heterophil, monocyte, eosinophil or hemoglobin measures. We did, however, find mixed and significant associations of tick burdens with lymphocyte and basophil counts, heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratios, and body condition indices. These associations varied by sex, size, and hemoparasite infection status suggesting that different life stages of iguanas may invest differently in immune responses, and impacts may be modulated based on size and sex of hosts, and coinfection status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles R. Knapp
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and ResearchJohn G. Shedd AquariumChicagoIllinois
| | | | | | - Jill Jollay
- International Iguana FoundationFort WorthTexas
| | - Amy N. Schnelle
- Veterinary Diagnostic LaboratoryUniversity of IllinoisUrbana‐ChampaignIllinois
| | | | - Christine R. Lattin
- Department of BiologyTufts UniversityMedfordMassachusetts
- Present address:
Department of Biological SciencesLouisiana State UniversityBaton RougeLouisiana
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8
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Stilwell JM, Camus AC, Zachariah TT, McManamon R. Disseminated lymphoid neoplasia and hepatoblastoma in an Atlantic stingray, Hypanus sabinus (Lesueur 1824). J Fish Dis 2019; 42:319-323. [PMID: 30536391 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Stilwell
- Department of Pathology, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia
| | - Alvin C Camus
- Department of Pathology, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia
| | | | - Rita McManamon
- Department of Pathology, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia
- Zoo and Exotic Animal Pathology Service, Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
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Pernet O, Schneider BS, Beaty SM, LeBreton M, Yun TE, Park A, Zachariah TT, Bowden TA, Hitchens P, Ramirez CM, Daszak P, Mazet J, Freiberg AN, Wolfe ND, Lee B. Evidence for henipavirus spillover into human populations in Africa. Nat Commun 2014; 5:5342. [PMID: 25405640 PMCID: PMC4237230 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic transmission of lethal henipaviruses (HNVs) from their natural fruit bat reservoirs to humans has only been reported in Australia and South/Southeast Asia. However, a recent study discovered numerous HNV clades in African bat samples. To determine the potential for HNV spillover events among humans in Africa, here we examine well-curated sets of bat (Eidolon helvum, n=44) and human (n=497) serum samples from Cameroon for Nipah virus (NiV) cross-neutralizing antibodies (NiV-X-Nabs). Using a vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-based pseudoparticle seroneutralization assay, we detect NiV-X-Nabs in 48% and 3–4% of the bat and human samples, respectively. Seropositive human samples are found almost exclusively in individuals who reported butchering bats for bushmeat. Seropositive human sera also neutralize Hendra virus and Gh-M74a (an African HNV) pseudoparticles, as well as live NiV. Butchering bat meat and living in areas undergoing deforestation are the most significant risk factors associated with seropositivity. Evidence for HNV spillover events warrants increased surveillance efforts. Henipaviruses (HNVs) infect bats in Asia and Africa, but transmission to humans (often with lethal consequences) is known only in Asia. Here the authors show that 3% of human serum samples from certain areas in Cameroon contain antibodies against HNV, indicating spillover into the human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Pernet
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Bradley S Schneider
- Global Viral/Metabiota Laboratory Sciences, San Francisco, California 90104, USA
| | - Shannon M Beaty
- 1] Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA [2] Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Matthew LeBreton
- Global Viral/Metabiota Laboratory Sciences, San Francisco, California 90104, USA
| | - Tatyana E Yun
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, USA
| | - Arnold Park
- 1] Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA [2] Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Trevor T Zachariah
- Brevard Zoo Veterinary Services, Brevard Zoo, Melbourne, 32940 Florida, USA
| | - Thomas A Bowden
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7BN UK
| | - Peta Hitchens
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Christina M Ramirez
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Peter Daszak
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York 10001, USA
| | - Jonna Mazet
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Alexander N Freiberg
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, USA
| | - Nathan D Wolfe
- Global Viral/Metabiota Laboratory Sciences, San Francisco, California 90104, USA
| | - Benhur Lee
- 1] Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA [2] Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
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Zachariah TT, Mitchell MA, Watson MK, Clark-Price SC, McMichael MA. Effects of sevoflurane anesthesia on righting reflex and hemolymph gas analysis variables for Chilean rose tarantulas (Grammostola rosea). Am J Vet Res 2014; 75:521-6. [DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.75.6.521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Knapp CR, Hines KN, Zachariah TT, Perez-Heydrich C, Iverson JB, Buckner SD, Halach SC, Lattin CR, Romero LM. Physiological effects of tourism and associated food provisioning in an endangered iguana. Conserv Physiol 2013; 1:cot032. [PMID: 27293616 PMCID: PMC4806617 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cot032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Revised: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Deliberately feeding wildlife is an increasingly popular tourism-related activity despite a limited understanding of long-term impacts on the species being fed. As a result, tourist behaviours that may have adverse impacts on imperiled species have often been encouraged without the necessary evaluation or oversight. Here, we report the responses of Northern Bahamian Rock Iguanas (Cyclura cychlura) to human-visitation pressure and associated food provisioning. We compared a variety of blood chemistry parameters of iguanas subjected to supplemental feeding at popular tourist destinations with iguanas occurring on islands where supplemental feeding does not take place. We demonstrate that male and female iguanas inhabiting tourist-visited islands where supplemental feeding occurs do not differ in body condition or baseline stress and stress response (determined by corticosterone levels) compared with iguanas from non-visited islands. Both males and females from tourist-visited sites experienced a greater incidence of endoparasitic infection and atypical loose faeces. Indicators of dietary nutrition, including glucose, potassium, and uric acid values, also differed for both sexes from tourist-visited and unvisited islands. Male iguanas from visited islands differed significantly from those on non-visited islands in calcium, cholesterol, cobalt, copper, magnesium, packed cell volume, selenium, and triglyceride concentrations, whereas female iguanas from visited islands differed significantly in ionized calcium. Although the interpretation of these differences is challenging, chronic biochemical stressors could compromise individual health over time or decrease survivorship during periods of environmental stress. We suggest protocols that can be adopted throughout the region to ensure that supplemental feeding has fewer impacts on these long-lived iguanas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles R. Knapp
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Sandra D. Buckner
- PO Box N-8893, Villa Capulet, Montague Foreshore, Nassau, The Bahamas
| | - Shelley C. Halach
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL, USA
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Naples LM, Mylniczenko ND, Zachariah TT, Wilborn RE, Young FA. Evaluation of critical care blood analytes assessed with a point-of-care portable blood analyzer in wild and aquarium-housed elasmobranchs and the influence of phlebotomy site on results. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2012; 241:117-25. [PMID: 22720996 DOI: 10.2460/javma.241.1.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish reference ranges for critical care blood values measured in wild and aquarium-housed elasmobranchs by use of a point-of-care (POC) blood analyzer and to compare values on the basis of species category (pelagic, benthic, or intermediate) and phlebotomy site. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS 66 wild and 89 aquarium-housed elasmobranchs (sharks and rays). PROCEDURES Aquarium-housed elasmobranchs were anesthetized for sample collection; wild elasmobranchs were caught via hook and line fishing, manually restrained for sample collection, and released. Blood was collected from 2 sites/fish (dorsal sinus region and tail vasculature) and analyzed with the POC analyzer. Reference values of critical care blood analytes were calculated for species most represented in each population. Values were compared on the basis of species categorization (pelagic, intermediate, or benthic) and collection site. RESULTS Oxygen saturation and circulating concentrations of lactate and glucose were significantly different among aquarium-housed pelagic, intermediate, and benthic species. Lactate concentration was significantly different among these categories in wild elasmobranchs. Significant differences were detected between samples from the 2 collection sites for all blood analytes. In both study populations, pH and lactate values were infrequently < 7.2 or > 5 mmol/L, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Brevity of handling or chemical restraint may have reduced secondary stress responses in fish because extreme variations in blood analyte values were infrequent. Sample collection site, species categorization, acclimation to handling, and restraint technique should be considered when assessing values obtained with the POC analyzer used in this study for blood analytes and immediate metabolic status in elasmobranchs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Naples
- John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA.
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13
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Landolfi JA, Terio KA, Kinsel MJ, Langan J, Zachariah TT, Childress AL, Wellehan JFX. Orthoreovirus infection and concurrent cryptosporidiosis in rough green snakes (Opheodrys aestivus): pathology and identification of a novel orthoreovirus strain via polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. J Vet Diagn Invest 2010; 22:37-43. [PMID: 20093680 DOI: 10.1177/104063871002200106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Reoviruses are nonenveloped, segmented, double-stranded RNA viruses capable of infecting a wide range of invertebrate, vertebrate, fungus, and plant hosts. Though sporadic infection has been reported in a variety of reptilian species, infection of rough green snakes (Opheodrys aestivus) has not been previously described. Five wild-caught, adult rough green snakes were obtained by a zoological institution. Clinical deterioration was first noted in all snakes after 3 weeks in quarantine. Despite treatment, clinical decline progressed, and all 5 snakes died or were euthanized by 48 days post-arrival. Moderate, multifocal, acute, necrotizing hepatitis with hepatocellular syncytia was diagnosed in 1 snake. Two additional snakes had severe, diffuse, subacute to chronic pancreatitis. All 5 snakes had gastroenteric cryptosporidiosis. Electron microscopic examination of liver from the snake with hepatic lesions revealed scattered hepatocytes containing 1 or more intranuclear clusters of approximately 90 nm in diameter viral particles arranged in loose arrays. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of a segment of the reovirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene was performed on RNA extracted from tissues of all 5 snakes. PCR amplification of samples extracted from the snake with hepatic lesions resulted in a 109-base pair (bp) product. Phylogenetic analyses indicated the virus was a novel strain distinct from other reoviruses at a level consistent with species difference. The source of infection was unknown. PCR amplification of samples extracted from the other 4 snakes was negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Landolfi
- University of Illinois Zoological Pathology Program, Loyola University Medical Center, Building 101, Room 0745, 2160 South First Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.
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Zachariah TT, Mitchell MA, Serra VF, Johnson ME, Dickens MJ, Romero LM. Acute Corticosterone Stress Response to Handling in Four Captive Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.5818/1529-9651.19.2.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Trevor T. Zachariah
- 1. Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
- 3. Current address: Chicago Zoological and Aquatic Animal Residency Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Mark A. Mitchell
- 1. Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
- 4. Current address: Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Verna F. Serra
- 1. Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Meghan E. Johnson
- 1. Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Molly J. Dickens
- 2. Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
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Acierno MJ, Mitchell MA, Zachariah TT, Roundtree MK, Kirchgessner MS, Sanchez-Migallon Guzman D. Effects of ultraviolet radiation on plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3concentrations in corn snakes (Elaphe guttata). Am J Vet Res 2008; 69:294-7. [DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.69.2.294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Zachariah TT, Mitchell MA, Guichard CM, Singh RS. HEMOLYMPH BIOCHEMISTRY REFERENCE RANGES FOR WILD-CAUGHT GOLIATH BIRDEATER SPIDERS (THERAPHOSA BLONDI) AND CHILEAN ROSE SPIDERS (GRAMMOSTOLA ROSEA). J Zoo Wildl Med 2007; 38:245-51. [PMID: 17679508 DOI: 10.1638/1042-7260(2007)038[0245:hbrrfw]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Theraphosid spiders have become increasingly popular for private and public uses in the United States. However, little is known about their physiology from a medical standpoint. This study represents the first attempt to establish reference hemolymph values for two common species of theraphosids, the goliath birdeater spider (Theraphosa blondi) and the Chilean rose spider (Grammostola rosea). Eleven T. blondi and twelve G. rosea, all wild-caught subadults, were obtained after importation and hemolymph was collected for biochemical analysis. After 8 wk of captivity, hemolymph was again collected from the spiders and analyzed. The biochemical analytes measured in the study included aspartate transferase, creatine kinase, glucose, total protein, albumin, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, phosphorous, calcium, potassium, and sodium. The osmolality of the hemolymph was estimated for each spider using two different formulae. There were significant differences in body weight, sodium, potassium, and osmolality between the sampling times for both species. There were also significant differences in creatine kinase, calcium, total protein, and blood urea nitrogen between sampling periods for T. blondi. The results of this study suggest that serial hemolymph samples may be used to assess the hydration status of theraphosid spiders. In addition, the differences in hemolymph analytes between spiders suggest that there may be differences between species that should be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor T Zachariah
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State Univer sity, Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, USA.
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Acierno MJ, Mitchell MA, Roundtree MK, Zachariah TT. Effects of ultraviolet radiation on 25-hydroxyvitamin D3synthesis in red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2006. [DOI: 10.2460/javma.229.11.1794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Acierno MJ, Mitchell MA, Roundtree MK, Zachariah TT. Effects of ultraviolet radiation on 25-hydroxyvitamin D3synthesis in red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans). Am J Vet Res 2006; 67:2046-9. [PMID: 17144809 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.67.12.2046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether there are increased concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitaminn D(3) in red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans) after exposure to UV radiation. ANIMALS 12 yearling turtles recently removed from aestivation. PROCEDURES Turtles were randomly allocated to 2 groups (6 turtles/group). An initial blood sample was collected from all turtles for measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) concentrations. Turtles of 1 group were then provided no supplemental lighting, whereas turtles of the other group were exposed to full-spectrum coil bulbs at a distance of 22.86 cm. The UV-A and UV-B radiation generated by the supplemental lighting was measured by use of a radiometer-photometer at weekly intervals. Measurements were collected 2.54 and 22.86 cm from the bulb surface. The study was continued for a 4-week period. At the end of the study, a second blood sample was collected from all turtles for measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3). RESULTS Mean +/- SD 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) concentrations differed significantly between turtles provided supplemental UV radiation (71.7 +/- 46.9 nmol/L) and those not provided UV radiation (31.4 +/- 13.2 nmol/L). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Appropriate husbandry recommendations for raising and maintaining red-eared slider turtles should include use of sunlight that is unobstructed by UV-B filtering material or provision of an artificial source of UV-B radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Acierno
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70810, USA
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