Animals

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9 pages, 856 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Management of Dental Disease in Aardvarks (Orycteropus afer) and Potential Use of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

by Jane E. Christman, Daniel VanderHart, Ben Colmery, Joy Thompson, Ann E. Duncan and Wynona C. Shellabarger

Animals 2022, 12(7), 845; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12070845 - 28 Mar 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2399

Abstract

Oral disease involving teeth is a common cause of morbidity in aardvarks (Orycteropus afer) under managed care. Cases can be challenging due to the species’ unique skull and dental anatomy and limited veterinary literature. A retrospective evaluation was performed on dental [...] Read more.

Oral disease involving teeth is a common cause of morbidity in aardvarks (Orycteropus afer) under managed care. Cases can be challenging due to the species’ unique skull and dental anatomy and limited veterinary literature. A retrospective evaluation was performed on dental examinations in nine aardvarks housed at a single zoological institution in the United States between 1995 and 2021. The prevalence of dental disease in this population was 88%, with most cases categorized as mild (4/8). Clinical signs were only seen in three cases. Facial swelling prior to surgery was the most common clinical sign (3/8). Dental pathology was more common in the mandibular teeth (27/38) compared to the maxillary teeth (11/38). Dental abnormalities found upon intraoral examination included the presence of dental points (7/8), crown elongation (3/8), purulent material within the oral cavity (4/8), loose teeth (2/8), periodontal pockets (2/8), and oronasal fistula (1/8). Three patients required dental extractions with a lateral buccostomy approach. Diagnostic imaging was performed in most cases (7/8), with two cases undergoing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to characterize dental pathology that was difficult to fully evaluate with standard radiography. Tomographic findings are described in both cases. CBCT was found to be a helpful tool for diagnosing and characterizing dental disease in aardvarks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathology in Zoo Animals and Conservation)

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16 pages, 3283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Toxoplasmosis in Zoo Animals: A Retrospective Pathology Review of 126 Cases

by Daniela Denk, Simon De Neck, Shannon Khaliq and Mark F. Stidworthy

Animals 2022, 12(5), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12050619 - 1 Mar 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5268

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is an extremely successful zoonotic protozoan parasite that has been demonstrated in a wide range of endo- and poikilothermic species. Although infection is widespread amongst domestic animals, overt disease other than abortion in small ruminants is sporadic. This survey evaluates toxoplasmosis [...] Read more.

Toxoplasma gondii is an extremely successful zoonotic protozoan parasite that has been demonstrated in a wide range of endo- and poikilothermic species. Although infection is widespread amongst domestic animals, overt disease other than abortion in small ruminants is sporadic. This survey evaluates toxoplasmosis in zoo animals based on a systematic review of pathology archive material (n = 33,506 submissions) over a 16-year study period. A total of 126 submissions, deriving from 32 zoos, two educational facilities and two private owners, were included in the study, based on gross lesions, cytological, histological and immunohistological diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. Clinical history, signalment, annual distribution and post-mortem findings were evaluated. A total of 31 species (mammalian 97%/avian 3%) were represented in the study material. Ring-tailed lemurs, slender tailed meerkats, Pallas’ cats, and squirrel monkeys were most affected. An unusual outbreak occurred in Asian small-clawed otters, in which toxoplasmosis has not been reported to date. Clinically, animals over 12 months of age presented with non-specific symptoms (anorexia, weight loss, lethargy, debilitation), neurological, gastrointestinal or respiratory signs and sudden death. Systemic disease predominated, with a propensity for encephalitis in meerkats and Pallas’ cats and systemic disease involving lymphoid tissues in ring-tailed lemurs. Cases in the UK occurred year-round, with species-specific peaks and increases between August and November. This study reinforces the importance of toxoplasmosis as a significant cause of sporadic and epizootic mortalities in a wide range of zoo animals. Feral cat control is crucial to reduce infection pressure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathology in Zoo Animals and Conservation)

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9 pages, 1991 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Absence of 2899C<T Mutation in the WNK4 Gene in a Free-Ranging Lion (Panthera leo) with Polymyopathy

by Desiré L. Dalton, Chantelle Pretorius, Lin-Mari de Klerk-Lorist, Bjorn Reininghaus, Peter Buss and Emily P. Mitchell

Animals 2022, 12(3), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12030389 - 8 Feb 2022

Viewed by 2356

Abstract

Polyphasic skeletal muscle degeneration, necrosis and mineralization of skeletal muscle was diagnosed in eight juvenile free-ranging lions (Panthera leo), from five different litters in the Greater Kruger National Park area that were unable to walk properly. A detailed investigation was not [...] Read more.

Polyphasic skeletal muscle degeneration, necrosis and mineralization of skeletal muscle was diagnosed in eight juvenile free-ranging lions (Panthera leo), from five different litters in the Greater Kruger National Park area that were unable to walk properly. A detailed investigation was not possible in free-ranging lions, so the cause could not be determined. The cases resembled hypokalemic polymyopathy in domestic cats with muscle weakness. A candidate-gene approach previously identified a nonsense mutation in the gene coding for the enzyme lysine-deficient 4 protein kinase (WNK4) associated with the disease in Burmese and Tonkinese cats. In this study, we sequenced all 19 exons of the gene in one case, and two control samples, to identify possible mutations that may be associated with polymyopathy in free-ranging lions. Here, no mutations were detected in any of the exons sequenced. Our findings indicate that the WNK4 gene is not a major contributor to the condition in these lions. Further studies into the pathogenesis of this condition are needed to inform conservation policies for this vulnerable, iconic African species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathology in Zoo Animals and Conservation)

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11 pages, 948 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of a Probiotic Mixture in Captive Cheetahs (Acinonyx Jubatus) with Gastrointestinal Symptoms—A Pilot Study

by Sara Mangiaterra, Anne Schmidt-Küntzel, Laurie Marker, Alessandro Di Cerbo, Renato Piccinini, Davide Guadagnini, Maria Elena Turba, Sara Berardi, Livio Galosi, Silvia Preziuso, Matteo Cerquetella and Giacomo Rossi

Animals 2022, 12(3), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12030395 - 7 Feb 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3690

Abstract

Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are classified as “vulnerable” species due to the low numbers persisting in the wild. Gastrointestinal diseases are very common in this species when they are kept in captivity, in particular gastritis. Clinical signs are predominantly characterized by vomiting, [...] Read more.

Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are classified as “vulnerable” species due to the low numbers persisting in the wild. Gastrointestinal diseases are very common in this species when they are kept in captivity, in particular gastritis. Clinical signs are predominantly characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and anorexia. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of a multi-strain probiotic in two groups of cheetahs: Group A (n = 4)—rescued cheetahs housed at the Cheetah Conservation Fund (Otjiwarongo, Namibia); Group B (n = 9)—captive cheetahs housed in Italian zoos. Animals showed gastrointestinal signs of different severity, and were positive for Helicobacter spp., detected by PCR in stool samples. Two sachets of probiotic formulation were administered to all cheetahs once a day for 21 consecutive days. Clinical conditions (appetite loss, vomiting, stool consistency and Body Condition Score) before (T0) and after 21 days of probiotic administration (T1) were then compared using a simplified Feline Chronic Enteropathy Activity Index (FCEAI) score. A slight but not significant improvement in the scores was observed in Group A, which had mild intestinal symptoms, while a significant decrease in vomiting and stool consistency (**p < 0.01) scores was observed in Group B, which had more pronounced symptoms. Results suggest that high concentrations of live probiotics can be of help in managing gastrointestinal signs in cheetahs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathology in Zoo Animals and Conservation)

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Review

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11 pages, 504 KiB

Open AccessReview

Avian Malaria in Penguins: Diagnostics and Future Direction in the Context of Climate Change

by Kate Ings and Daniela Denk

Animals 2022, 12(5), 600; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12050600 - 28 Feb 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4870

Abstract

Avian malaria is caused by infection with haemoprotozoa of the genus Plasmodium. Infection is endemic in large parts of the world and is typically subclinical in birds that are native to these regions. Several penguin species have evolved in non-endemic regions without [...] Read more.

Avian malaria is caused by infection with haemoprotozoa of the genus Plasmodium. Infection is endemic in large parts of the world and is typically subclinical in birds that are native to these regions. Several penguin species have evolved in non-endemic regions without the selective pressure that these parasites exert and are highly susceptible to infection when transplanted to endemic regions, for example, in the context of zoological collections or rehabilitation centers. Avian malaria in penguins typically causes acute mortality without premonitory signs, or less commonly, nonspecific signs of morbidity, followed by mortality. Additionally, infection is reported in wild penguins, though the significance of these infections remains equivocal. As global temperatures continue to increase, avian malaria is likely to pose a continued and further threat to conservation efforts in captive environments. Intra vitam diagnosis currently relies on the evaluation of blood smears and molecular methods. The former is unreliable in penguins, as the acute clinical course typically does not allow the development of parasitemia. This absence of parasitemia also makes speciation challenging. Current molecular methods typically target the Cytochrome B or 18s subunit and have proven variably sensitive and specific. Reliable intra vitam diagnosis of avian malaria and further information about the causative agents at a species level would be very valuable in understanding the epidemiology and likely future course of avian malaria infection in penguins, and in particular, the implications avian malaria may have for conservation efforts. This paper provides an overview of malaria in penguins, discusses its changing impact on management and conservation, offers a summary of current diagnostics, and suggests future direction for the development of diagnostic tests. The latter will be key in understanding and managing this disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathology in Zoo Animals and Conservation)

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Other

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10 pages, 2144 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Salmonella Enteritidis Fatal Septicemia with Meningoencephalitis in a Tiger (Panthera tigris) Cub

by Elisa Mazzotta, Greta Foiani, Giulia Maria De Benedictis, Enrico Fiore, Alda Natale, Elena Spagnolo, Marta Vascellari, Giulia Cento and Michela Corrò

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2490; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192490 - 20 Sep 2022

Viewed by 3607

Abstract

A 15-day-old, female, captive Panthera tigris cub was hospitalized after developing severe hyperthermia, depression, and lack of appetite. The clinical condition rapidly worsened, and the tiger cub died in 72 h after the onset of neurological symptoms, septic shock, and multiple organ dysfunction [...] Read more.

A 15-day-old, female, captive Panthera tigris cub was hospitalized after developing severe hyperthermia, depression, and lack of appetite. The clinical condition rapidly worsened, and the tiger cub died in 72 h after the onset of neurological symptoms, septic shock, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. The postmortem main gross findings consisted of a severe and diffuse bilateral fibrino-suppurative meningoencephalitis and ventriculitis, mild fibrinous and sero-hemorrhagic polyserositis and cystitis, severe pulmonary edema, and hemorrhages. Microscopically, the meninges, ependyma, and choroid plexuses were diffusely expanded by abundant infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages, with multifocal fibrinous exudation. Histiocytic interstitial pneumonia, fibrinous and neutrophilic polyserositis, and pyelocystitis were also observed. Vascular thrombosis with multifocal vasculitis and vascular necrosis were frequently observed. Aerobic and anaerobic cultures performed on the brain, lungs, intestine, kidneys, and in pericardial effusion reported the presence of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis. Environmental and nutritional contamination were identified as putative sources of infections. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of Salmonella Enteritidis septicemia with meningoencephalitis in a tiger cub, which highlights the need to further investigate the cause of acute perinatal death to reduce the risk of infectious disease outbreaks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathology in Zoo Animals and Conservation)

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8 pages, 3968 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Progressive Lameness of a Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) Associated with a Retroperitoneal Abscess and Thrombus Caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae Subspecies equisimilis

by Anne Elisabeth Reetz, Etienne Aubry, Kinga Teske, Andreas Ochs, Lennard Epping, Torsten Semmler, Antina Lübke-Becker, Marcus Fulde and Lars Mundhenk

Animals 2022, 12(14), 1784; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12141784 - 12 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2180

Abstract

In rhinoceroses, lameness is an occasionally seen symptom primarily caused by lesions affecting the feet and interdigital space. A 3-year-old male Greater one-horned rhinoceros developed a progressive, severe movement disorder of the right hind limb with subsequent death. The pathological analysis diagnosed a [...] Read more.

In rhinoceroses, lameness is an occasionally seen symptom primarily caused by lesions affecting the feet and interdigital space. A 3-year-old male Greater one-horned rhinoceros developed a progressive, severe movement disorder of the right hind limb with subsequent death. The pathological analysis diagnosed a severe, retroperitoneal abscess and chronic thrombosis of the right iliac artery. Streptococci detected in the abscess were further identified as Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis by culture and molecular techniques. The identical isolate was also identified in a vaginal swab of the dam. The list of differential diagnoses for lameness in rhinoceroses must be expanded by processes affecting other than the extremities per se. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathology in Zoo Animals and Conservation)

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11 pages, 7563 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus 4 and Clostridium perfringens Type C Fatal Co-Infection in an Adult Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)

by Taiana Costa, Guido Rocchigiani, Flavia Zendri, Gabby Drake, Javier Lopez, Julian Chantrey and Emanuele Ricci

Animals 2022, 12(3), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12030349 - 31 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3519

Abstract

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus hemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD) is an acute, often fatal, multisystemic hemorrhagic disease and one of the most significant causes of mortality of Asian elephants in captivity. Most fatal cases of EEHV-HD are associated with EEHV1A and EEHV1B in juveniles. This case [...] Read more.

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus hemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD) is an acute, often fatal, multisystemic hemorrhagic disease and one of the most significant causes of mortality of Asian elephants in captivity. Most fatal cases of EEHV-HD are associated with EEHV1A and EEHV1B in juveniles. This case report describes the clinical and pathological features of a fatal co-infection of Clostridium perfringens type C and EEHV-HD, caused by EEHV4, in an adult female Asian elephant. Although fatal clostridial enterotoxemia has been occasionally reported in elephants, this report highlights the importance of having both EEHV-HD and clostridial enterotoxemia as potential differential diagnoses in cases of widespread tissue necrosis and internal hemorrhage in elephants, regardless of the animal age group, due to their macroscopic similarities, frequent co-occurrence and cumulative morbid potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathology in Zoo Animals and Conservation)

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