Hemolymph gas parameters were evaluated using a point-of-care analyzer in healthy American horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) at rest and after short- and long-term removal from water. Baseline vascular pH, partial pressure of oxygen (PO₂), partial pressure of carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, base excess, total carbon dioxide, and lactate concentrations were determined from hemolymph samples collected from 10 horseshoe crabs (group 1) submerged in water and were compared with values after removal from water for 5 min, and after recovery in water for 10 min and for longer than 60 min (range, 61–221 min). Hemolymph gas parameters were also determined in 12 horseshoe crabs (group 2) after shipment out of water for 24 hr and were compared with values obtained from group 1 animals. Baseline hemolymph gas values of the American horseshoe crab are within range for other aquatic vertebrates. After removal from water for 5 min, all group 1 crabs developed severe hypoxia, with PO₂ levels falling below the detectable limit of the analyzer. Group 2 crabs had pronounced respiratory acidosis, and their PO₂ values were significantly below baseline values of group 1 animals.

This study was designed to develop a simple, noninvasive method for saliva collection: a first step toward developing new diagnostic tests to survey gorillas for infectious diseases. The subjects included free-ranging mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in the Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda, and a group of orphan mountain and Grauer's gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri) housed nearby in a temporary holding facility. Three collection methods were used to recover saliva from discarded forest food: swabbing, soaking, and washing. Saliva was also collected from orphan gorillas maintained in a captive setting by using dental ropes inside mesh bags. The presence of gorilla saliva in each sample was confirmed by using a salivary α-amylase assay and forensic press test paper. The recovery of gorilla DNA was verified by polymerase chain reaction by using primers specific to mountain and Grauer's gorillas. Of the three collection techniques used to recover saliva from forest food, directly swabbing plant bite marks was the most effective. Wild celery (Peucedanum linderi) provided for the most consistent saliva recovery and is eaten year round by mountain gorillas in Rwanda. This study shows that gorilla saliva can be recovered easily and noninvasively from known individual free-ranging gorillas by collecting pieces of wild celery discarded as the gorillas forage and from captive gorillas by offering them juice-soaked dental ropes inside mesh bags. Both methods can be used to recover gorilla DNA for genetic studies. Saliva collected from free-ranging and captive gorillas may prove to be a useful biologic sample for the development of new diagnostic tests and hormonal analysis.

Anthropozoonotic diseases threaten the survival of western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). Use of accurate diagnostic techniques in gorilla health monitoring contributes to the conservation of gorillas by providing robust information for appropriate management decisions. To identify suitable protozoa diagnostic techniques for wild gorillas, 95 fecal specimens were collected in Lopé National Park and east of Moukalaba-Doudou National Park in Gabon, areas with high and low levels of human activity, respectively. The samples were examined for Cryptosporidium sp. and Giardia sp. by using the following diagnostic techniques: a commercially available immunofluorescent antibody test kit, Merifluor, and a rapid immune-assay, ImmunoCard STAT!, to detect Cryptosporidium sp. and Giardia sp., and a modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain to detect Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts. The results obtained from the Merifluor test, considered the “gold standard” in human studies, were used to estimate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium sp. and Giardia sp. infections in Lopé National Park (19.0% and 22.6%, respectively) and east of Moukalaba-Doudou National Park (0% and 9.1%, respectively). The difference in prevalence in both areas may be associated with differing levels of anthropogenic disturbance. The sensitivity and specificity of the latter two diagnostic techniques were calculated by using the Merifluor test as a control. The ImmunoCard STAT! was found suitable for Giardia sp. antigen detection (specific but not sensitive) and inappropriate for Cryptosporidium sp. antigen detection (not specific or sensitive). The modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain was found to be highly specific but not sensitive in the detection of Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts. These results underline the necessity of using ancillary tests and concentration methods to correctly identify positive samples. This is the first report of Cryptosporidium sp. and Giardia sp. infections in free-ranging western lowland gorillas and highlights the importance of verifying the accuracy of diagnostic techniques developed for human use before applying these to non-human primates.

A coprologic study was conducted to determine the prevalence of helminth infections at the Samsun Zoo, Turkey. There are 184 animals comprising 45 species or subspecies, including 23 ruminants, three equines, 21 carnivores, 10 rabbits, two primates, two kangaroos, and 123 birds in the zoo. Fecal samples of zoo animals were collected and examined four times from 2006 to 2007: in September, December, March, and June. In four seasons, coprologic analysis revealed that 123 of 338 (36.4%) fecal samples were infected with different helminths types, including one trematode, one cestode, and 12 nematodes eggs or larvae. Species included Dicrocoelium spp. (0.9%), Moniezia spp. (1.1%), Toxascaris leonina (7.1%), Toxocara spp. (8.6%), Uncinaria stenocephala (1.4%), Dictyocaulus filaria (1.9%), Muellerius spp. (14.1%), strongyle type (20.7%), Strongylus edentatus (8.3%), Cyathostomum spp. (66.7%), Trichuris spp. (3.9%), capillarid type (9.5%), Ascaridia spp. (1.9%), and Heterakis spp. (12%).

The following tests were performed on a total of 20 eyes: Schirmer tear test, intraocular pressure (IOP), assessment of conjunctival flora, and pupillary diameter with application of topical tropicamide in 10 healthy captive red kangaroos (Macropus rufus) under manual restraint. The mean Schirmer tear test value was 22.6 ± 6.07 mm/min. The mean intraocular pressure was 17.45 ± 7.23 mm Hg. Values did not differ between eyes or gender for either test, but significant differences were identified for IOP values according to age. The most common bacteria isolated from the conjunctival fornix were Staphylococcus epidermidis (54.5%) and Corynebacterium sp. (18.2%). The mean onset of mydriasis after instillation of 1% tropicamide ophthalmic solution was 16.7 ± 3.34 min and the mean duration of effect was 17.6 ± 8.26 hr. The data obtained in this investigation will aid veterinary ophthalmologists and zoo veterinarians to diagnose ocular diseases in the red kangaroo accurately.

Fifteen adult emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) anesthetic events were successfully undertaken with the use of thiafentanil oxalate (A3080) 0.175 mg/kg i.m. (SD 0.026) and medetomidine 0.092 mg/kg i.m. (SD 0.009) via remote injection. Following induction, the birds were transported to the clinic, where a venous blood gas sample was taken for analysis, which indicated a respiratory acidosis, with a mean arterial pCO₂ of 54.46 mmHg (SD 9.31) and venous pH of 7.135 (SD 0.11), most likely due to moderate bradypnoea. Atipamezole 0.2 mg/kg i.v. (SD 0.02) was administered, immediately followed by orotracheal intubation initiating 2–3% isoflurane with 2 L/min oxygen flow. Parameters evaluated during anesthesia included heart rate, respiratory rate, anesthetic depth, and electrocardiogram readings. Physical exams plus any required procedures were performed in addition to venous blood samples for biochemistry and full blood counts. The birds were then recovered in a crate padded with grass hay with administration of 8.75 mg/kg (SD 1.36) naltrexone (50 mg/mg A3080) administered in equal doses i.v. and i.m. along with 5 mg midazolam i.m. to reduce excitement. Emus were placed in a lateral position and given 4 L/min oxygen via the endotracheal tube, until movement of the head and neck necessitated extubation. Recovery was rapid and smooth in each case with a mean time of 3.1 min from antagonist administration to sternal recovery. On the basis of rapid, smooth, and successful inductions and recoveries, the described dosage of thiafentanil and medetomidine, with administration of midazolam prior to recovery, is recommended for immobilization of adult emus. Due to evidence of respiratory acidosis and bradypnoea, careful monitoring should be instituted throughout and oxygen provision recommended from initial contact.

Two White's tree frogs (Litoria caerulea) housed at a zoological park died after a short period of lethargy, weight loss, and edema. Detailed postmortem examinations were performed on both frogs, including bacterial cultures and complete histologic examinations. Intracytoplasmatic as well as free protozoan parasites were identified in multiple organs from both frogs. The parasites were identified within erythrocytes, leukocytes, endothelial cells, and hepatocytes. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated a cross-reaction with Toxoplasma gondii antisera. Parasite ultrastructural analysis was performed by transmission electron microscopy. The parasites demonstrated an apical complex containing a conoid, rhoptries, and micronemes, demonstrating it was a member of the phylum Apicomplexa. In addition, the parasites had bipolar paranuclear bodies, organelles that are typical of coccidian sporozoites. The organisms were tentatively identified as members of the genus Lankesterella on the basis of histologic and ultrastructural morphology. A portion of the 18s ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene was amplified via a polymerase chain reaction, sequenced, and used in a Basic Local Alignment Search Tool search of the GenBank database. The 18s rRNA gene sequence was found to be most similar to gene sequences isolated from Lankesterella organisms (88%). In aggregate, these data support the classification of these protozoa as a novel species of Lankesterella. A causal relationship between frog morbidity and protozoal parasitism was not determined. This is the first report of Lankesterella sp. in White's tree frogs.

This paper describes the clinical signs and histopathologic findings associated with an emergent disease associated with Trichomonas gallinae infections in free-ranging house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) in California. Wet mounts were necessary to detect T. gallinae infections in house finches because classical clinical presentation, such as caseous stomatitis or ingluvitis, occurred in <25% of cases. Early detection was instrumental in preventing trichomonosis outbreaks in a high-density nursery (P < 0.0001). Detection before onset of clinical signs was critical. Despite treatment, ∼95% of house finches died within 24 hr of displaying signs of illness. In contrast, 58% of T. gallinae–positive house finches housed in a nursery survived if they received treatment before onset of clinical signs. Recurrent protozoal shedding in survivors was not evident.

Seven captive adult male guanacos (Lama guanicoe) weighing 112.0 ± 10.9 kg (mean ± standard deviation) were anesthetized with a combination of medetomidine (90.0 ± 8.8 µg/kg), ketamine (2.7 ± 0.3 mg/kg), and butorphanol (0.3 ± 0.03 mg/kg) administered intramuscularly to evaluate its anesthetic and cardiopulmonary effects. Inductions were smooth and rapid, with a mean time to initial effect of 3 ± 1.5 min and a mean time to recumbency of 5.1 ± 3.1 min. Anesthesia was predictable, smooth, and characterized by excellent muscle relaxation. Spontaneous ventilation was maintained throughout anesthesia in all animals. Marked bradycardia ranging from 24 to 52 beats/min was noted across all time points for all individuals. Median heart rates decreased during the procedures, but median heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate, and end-tidal carbon dioxide values over the 20 min monitoring period were not significantly different. Mean arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂) on initial sampling was 65.9 ± 14.8 mm Hg, with six of seven animals exhibiting hypoxemia (PaO₂ < 80 mm Hg). After oxygen supplementation for 20 min, mean PaO₂ values showed statistically significant increases to a mean value of 127.7 ± 32.4 mm Hg (P  =  0.0014). Mean arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) showed a significant increase over the monitoring period (P  =  0.0004), and mild hypoventilation (PaCO₂ > 45 mm Hg) was noted in four animals. Mean total duration of procedure time was 23.3 ± 3.3 min. All guanacos received 0.45 ± 0.04 mg/kg atipamezole and 2.7 ± 0.25 mg/kg naltrexone administered intramuscularly for anesthetic antagonism. Recoveries were smooth and uncomplicated. Mean time to sternal recumbency after antagonist administration was 7.7 ± 4.5 min, and time to successful standing was 12.9 ± 5.0 min, with all animals standing on first attempt.

The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of orally administered terbinafine hydrochloride based on 3, 7, and 15 mg/kg single- as well as multiple-dosage trials in order to calculate dosing requirements for potential treatment of aspergillosis in African penguins (Spheniscus demersus). Ten adult African penguins were used in each of these trials, with a 2-wk washout period between trials. Mean plasma concentrations of terbinafine peaked in approximately 4 hrs at 0.11 ± 0.017 µg/ml (mean ± SD) following administration of 3 mg/kg terbinafine, while 7 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg dosages resulted in peak plasma concentrations of 0.37 ± 0.105 and 0.33 ± 0.054 µg/ml, respectively. The volume of distribution increased with increasing dosages, being 37 ± 28.5, 40 ± 28.1, and 52 ± 18.6 mg/L for 3, 7, and 15 mg/kg doses, respectively. The mean half-life was biphasic with initial terminal half-life (t_½) values of 9.9 ± 4.5, 17.2 ± 4.9 and 16.9 ± 5.4 hrs, for 3, 7, and 15 mg/kg doses, respectively. A rapid first elimination phase was followed by a slower second phase, and final elimination was estimated to be 136 ± 9.7 and 131 ± 9.9 hrs, for 7 and 15 mg/kg doses, respectively. Linearity was demonstrated for area under the curve but not for peak plasma concentrations for the three dosages used. Calculations based on pharmacokinetic parameter values indicate that a 15 mg/kg terbinafine q24h dosage regimen would result in steady-state trough plasma concentrations above the minimum inhibitory concentration (0.8–1.6 µg/ml), and this dosage is recommended as a potential treatment option for aspergillosis in penguins. However, additional research is required to determine both treatment efficacy and safety.

Four adult, full-sibling slender-tailed meerkats (Suricata suricatta) were diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. The incident case presented with lethargy, anorexia, abdominal guarding, and a cranial abdominal mass. Serum was grossly lipemic, with elevated cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations and increased amylase and lipase activity. An exploratory laparotomy confirmed chylous peritonitis and included excision of a saponified spleno-duodenal mass, a partial pancreatectomy, and a splenectomy. Histopathology revealed severe, multifocal, subacute necrotizing and granulomatous pancreatitis. Within 13 days of the incident case, the second meerkat was identified with essentially identical clinical, surgical, and histologic findings. During subsequent physical examinations of apparently unaffected cohorts (n  =  12), physical and hematologic findings suggestive of pancreatitis were identified in the two remaining siblings of the first two cases. The definitive cause for these four cases is undetermined; however, common risk factors identified were obesity and hyperlipidemia, a change to a higher-fat diet, and genetic predisposition. To assess its usefulness in the diagnosis of meerkat pancreatitis, serum canine and feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI and fPLI) concentrations were measured in serum samples (n  =  61) from two unrelated meerkat populations. Although these assays are highly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of pancreatitis in domestic carnivores, similar correlation was not apparent for meerkats. In addition, hyperlipidemia was inconsistently present in many meerkats, with no apparent correlation to the development of clinical illness. Based on these observations, sensitive and specific diagnostic tests for pancreatitis in meerkats are currently unavailable.

A necropsy was performed on a captive-born, 10-yr-old male Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) after it died acutely. Gross necropsy findings revealed hemorrhage within the right cerebrum, right cerebellum, and right eye. Histopathologic findings revealed a moderate multifocal acute necrotizing meningoencephalitis with intralesional fungal hyphae. Several pieces of cerebrum and cerebellum and cerebrospinal fluid were sent to the Fungus Testing Laboratory in San Antonio, Texas (USA). The culture yielded Fusarium oxysporum, which was confirmed by internal transcribed spacer and D1-D2 sequencing. Fusarium oxysporum infection has been reported in marine mammals. No cases of noncutaneous F. oxysporum infection in a cetacean that was not on long-term antimicrobials have been reported in the literature.

Nine blue duikers (Cephalophus monticola), purchased in the Malabo bushmeat market, were necropsied. Eight of the nine animals were found to have dysplastic tracheas, characterized by lateral apposition of tracheal rings, entrapment of the trachealis muscle and annular ligaments, and bunching of the tracheal epithelium. Communications with zoologic pathologists and a thorough search of the veterinary literature have not uncovered a single case of this pathologic finding. As such, this finding may represent an evolutionary marker indicative of a bottleneck that may have occurred in the history of this species of duiker, endemic to the island of Bioko, in the Gulf of Benin.

Diseases of the thyroid gland are common in many zoo species, but there are few descriptions of thyroid dysfunction in Mustelidae. A 7-yr-old, captive-bred female fisher (Martes pennanti) with progressive alopecia was diagnosed with clinical hyperthyroidism based on persistent elevation of both total and free serum thyroxine and triiodothyronine, ultrasound examination, and histologic evidence of adenomatous hyperplasia. Four additional geriatric adult fishers (two male and two female) were identified with thyroid adenomatous hyperplasia in a review of 23 postmortem records. Banked sera were available for thyroid hormone testing from three of the four necropsy cases. Total and free thyroxine were elevated in four of four animals tested, and triiodothyronine was elevated in two of three animals tested. Necropsy findings in four cases identified cardiac hypertrophy, congestive heart failure, and vascular lesions consistent with hypertension; complete tissues were not available from the remaining case. Clinical and subclinical hyperthyroidism may be a common but overlooked condition of captive fishers.

Intestinal lymphoma of granular lymphocytes was diagnosed in a 6-year-old fisher (Martes pennanti) and a geriatric Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). Clinical signs included lethargy and inappetance in both animals and vomiting and occasional diarrhea in the fisher. The diagnosis in both cases was made using cytology of fresh tissue, histology of fixed tissues, and immunohistochemistry. Granules were seen most clearly on cytologic examination of direct impressions from fresh tissue. Because granules were absent in most histologic sections, cytology of fresh tissue was essential for the diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry determined that the neoplastic cells had positive membranous immunoreactivity to CD3 and were negative for CD79a, which was consistent with alimentary T-cell lymphoma. The disease course in both animals was presumed to be aggressive, with rapid progression of clinical signs, high mitotic index and effacement of local intestinal architecture in both cases, and metastatic disease in the fisher. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of lymphoma of granular lymphocytes in a fisher and a Eurasian otter.

A 3-yr-old, female captive golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) developed an abscess initially within the oral cavity that progressed to the cheek. Treatment with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, enrofloxacin, and sulfamethoxizole/trimethoprim resulted in temporary resolution of the abscess. Cultures from the abscess included Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, hemolytic Staphylococcus, and Serratia marcescens. Histopathology was consistent with chronic cellulitis. Ceftazidime mixed with a thermoreversable polymer gel was surgically placed in the wound to provide long-term local antibiotic therapy. This provided complete resolution of infection without the need for additional surgical procedures.

A 17-yr-old Western Hognose snake (Heterodon nasicus) presented with a prominent midcoelomic swelling. Surgical exploration revealed a large, multicystic, irregular, tan, and firm mass grossly effacing the splenopancreas. The mass was subsequently removed. Histologically, the mass was composed of tubules of columnar to flattened neoplastic cells with an abundant stroma and moderate cellular atypia consistent with a scirrhous adenocarcinoma, likely ductal in origin, given the location of the neoplastic mass. Bloodwork revealed anemia, monocytosis, marked hypercalcemia, and, postoperatively, persistent hyperglycemia. After postoperative recovery, the snake was diagnosed with iatrogenically induced diabetes mellitus and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Due to the inability to clinically control the diabetes mellitus and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and when additional palpable masses were noted, the snake was euthanatized. Necropsy and histopathologic examination confirmed metastasis of the previously removed adenocarcinoma to the liver, right kidney, and large intestine.

In a clinical setting, it is important to differentiate abnormal values that may be a normal change resulting from feeding and those that may be disease related. Such postprandial changes have been identified in mammalian and avian species. In the current study, pre- and postvalues for several routine biochemical analytes from penguins (Spheniscus demersus) were examined. Significant increases were found in uric acid, triglycerides, and bile acids (P < 0.001). Uric acid levels increased more than threefold. These data indicate that postprandial changes should be considered when interpreting abnormal biochemistry values in penguins.

Subcutaneous and intraperitoneal cysticercosis due to Taenia crassiceps was diagnosed in a 5-yr-old male ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) in the Madrid Zoo-Aquarium (Madrid, Spain). Under laparoscopic examination, several septated fibrous cystic structures and numerous masses of small transparent vesicles (ca. 3 mm in diameter) were observed subcutaneously and inside the peritoneal cavity. Most of the structures were extirpated but, after 2 days of postsurgical intensive care, the animal died. The loss of body weight of the animal after surgical extirpation (566 g) represented 22% of the total weight (body weight before mass removal, 2,582 g). The vesicles were identified under light microscopic examination as cysticerci and by molecular diagnosis as Cysticercus longicollis, the larval form of T. crassiceps. The present report represents the first detection of T. crassiceps in the prosimian genus Lemur.

In India, leopards (Panthera pardus fusca) inhabit human-dominated landscapes, resulting in encounters that require interventions to prevent harm to people, as well as the leopards. Immobilization is a prerequisite for any such intervention. Such emergency field immobilizations have to be carried out with limited tools, often amidst large uncontrollable crowds. An effective and practicable approach is discussed, based on 55 wild leopard immobilizations undertaken between January 2003 and April 2008. A xylazine hydrochloride (1.4 ± 0.3 mg/kg)–ketamine hydrochloride (5 ± 2 mg/kg) mixture was used for immobilization of leopards, based on estimated body weight. When weight could not be estimated, a standard initial dose of 50 mg of xylazine–150 mg of ketamine was used. Supplemental doses (50–75 mg) of only ketamine were used as required. No life-threatening adverse effects of immobilization were documented for at least 1 mo postimmobilization.

A 6-yr-old, captive-born male lion (Panthera leo) with a 3-day history of acute and nonprogressive spastic paraplegia of the hind limbs and flaccid paraplegia of the left forelimb, was submitted for postmortem examination. Before and after the onset of the neurologic signs, neither hematologic nor other significant clinical abnormalities were observed. The only remarkable gross lesion was restricted to the C6–C7 segments of the spinal cord, where a focal and asymmetric enlargement of the cord displaced the nerve roots. On the cut surface, a poorly demarcated dark red hemorrhagic lesion involved the lateroventral funiculi and the ventral horn of the gray matter, exclusively on the left half of the cord. Extensive necrosis, hemorrhages, degeneration of the neuroparenchyma, and several fibrocartilaginous emboli occluding the lumina of intraparenchymal arteries were present within histologic sections of spinal cord. Emboli also were detected within the meningeal vessels. This is the first report of fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy occurring in a lion.

The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is an innovative regional anesthetic technique using local anesthetic that is gaining popularity in the analgesic management of human patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Needle placement in the TAP block is within the facial plane between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles and involves the abdominal and thoracic nerves. Successful blockade generally involves spinal nerves T10–L1 and may induce sensory blockade as far cranially as T7, thus producing analgesia for abdominal surgery. Human studies suggest that this regional anesthetic technique may provide postoperative analgesia of the abdominal wall for up to 48 hr. Because of the extent and duration of sensory blockade, this novel technique with bupivacaine was used on a Canadian lynx (Lynx canadensis), possibly providing 8–10 hr of intra- and postoperative analgesia concurrent to exploratory laparotomy for removal of a gastric foreign body.

An adult castrated male pet kinkajou (Potos flavus) presented with dyspnea due to congestive heart failure and was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and suspected pulmonary arterial hypertension. Diagnosis was based on history, clinical signs, clinical pathology, radiographs, abdominal ultrasonography, abdominal fluid analysis, electrocardiography, and echocardiogram. An undetermined hepatopathy also was found at presentation and resolved after metronidazole antimicrobial treatment. Cardiopulmonary medical treatment, including a loop diuretic, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, a β-adrenergic receptor blocker, and a bronchodilator provided improvement of the clinical signs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of antemortem diagnosis and treatment of congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy in a member of the family Procyonidae, suggesting that HCM should be considered as a differential diagnosis in kinkajous displaying clinical signs of dyspnea and exercise intolerance.

This communication reports a partially reversible chemical immobilization protocol used for translocation and veterinary care in giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis; GO). Six GOs (three males and three females) weighing 24.8 ± 4.0 kg (mean ± SD) and ranging in age from 16 to 42 mo old were anesthetized with an i.m. combination of medetomidine (29 ± 3 µg/kg) and ketamine (3.9 ± 0.4 mg/kg). To perform all procedures, two otters required an additional dose of ketamine (1.5 mg/kg). Anesthesia was reversed with atipamezole i.m. (147 ± 14 mg/kg). The mean induction time and recovery times were 12 ± 5 and 4 min (range, 0–9 min), respectively, with an anesthesia time of 47 ± 16 min. According to these results, the combination of medetomidine (30 µg/kg i.m.) and ketamine (4 mg/kg i.m.) is a reasonable choice for inducing anesthesia in GOs.

A 7-yr-old female western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) shared an enclosure with 10 other gorillas at the Limbe Wildlife Centre (LWC), a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Cameroon. The gorilla had been living at the LWC for more than 6 yr prior to the exhibition of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-like clinical signs. The gorilla improved dramatically after metronidazole therapy. The report suggests that metronidazole was effective because it eliminated the protozoa, Dientamoeba fragilis. Dientamoeba fragilis should be considered on the differential diagnosis list of any captive gorilla with IBS-like symptoms.

A wild-caught Bowsprit tortoise (Chersina angulata) was received into quarantine and appeared clinically normal. Oral swabs for consensus herpesvirus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing were obtained during routine quarantine, and a novel herpesvirus was identified. Comparative sequence analysis shows that this virus is a member of the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae in the proposed genus Chelonivirus. Host/virus co-evolution appears to be common amongst herpesviruses and their hosts, and the most significant disease is typically seen when herpesviruses jump to related host species. Previous studies have found some diversity of herpesviruses in tortoises. This report expands the number of known herpesviruses of tortoises. It is reasonable to expect that there will be significantly different clinical consequences of different tortoise herpesviruses in different species, and that identification of host/virus relationships will aid in clinical management of tortoise collections. Further work is needed to determine the clinical implications of this and other tortoise herpesviruses in different tortoise species.

A 20-mo-old, female, 9-kg European beaver (Castor fiber) presented with apathy, reduced appetite of 3-day duration and a grade 5/6 systolic heart murmur. Thoracic radiographs revealed a diffuse broncho-interstitial pattern suspicious for bronchopneumonia. The echocardiographic findings of a hypertrophied right ventricle, ventricular septal defect with overriding aorta, and infundibular pulmonic stenosis were consistent with Fallot's tetralogy. Even though the bronchopneumonia rather than the congenital cardiac defect was considered of primary importance for the presenting clinical signs, the latter was relevant for the decision not to continue any medical treatment. Both disease processes were confirmed on necropsy.

Nonspecific responses to intradermal tuberculin skin testing (TST) have been frequently documented in silvered langurs (Trachypithecus cristatus ultima) at the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo. A commercial rapid lateral flow immunoassay (RT) for the identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. bovis antibodies was employed to assess this test's correlation with TST results and tuberculosis status. Twenty-two silvered langurs were tested with both TST and RT. TST results were characterized into three groups as nonspecific tuberculin responses (n  =  9), responses to avian tuberculin only (n  =  6), or negative (n  =  7). Rapid lateral flow test results were negative in 20 of 22 individuals with equivocal results in two avian tuberculin responders. There was no difference in RT results between TST groups (P  =  0.178). Rapid lateral flow test results were not in agreement with mammalian old tuberculin TST results (κ  =  0.08) but showed raw agreement with tuberculosis status (proportion of overall agreement  =  0.909). Results suggest the RT assay may useful in the confirmation of nonspecific TST responders in silvered langurs.

A free-ranging coyote (Canis latrans) pup was found in rural Saskatchewan and was subsequently presented to a veterinary teaching hospital by a wildlife rehabilitator. On physical examination, the pup was found to be blind as a result of bilateral, mature cataracts, which were confirmed on postmortem examination. No other significant intraocular or extraocular disease was detected, resulting in a presumptive diagnosis of congenital cataract. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of congenital cataract in any wild canid species.

Oral necrobacillosis or lumpy jaw is a common cause of morbidity and mortality affecting captive macropods. This article describes several cases of a new treatment regimen using a sustained release chlorhexidine varnish applied locally to the teeth and the gingivae of two Macropus species, eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus gigantus) from Gan-Garoo Australian Park and a red-necked wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus fruticus) from The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem. The varnish was applied using a horsehair paint brush as three 1- to 2-mm thick layers. The active ingredient in the varnish was the disinfectant chlorhexidine. Results indicated that use of an intraoral sustained release varnish significantly shortens the treatment time and may prevent recurrence.