Diagnosis and treatment of presumptive postobstructive pulmonary edema in a Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi).

A free-ranging, adult male Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) was immobilized and evaluated for hematuria following routine capture. Prior to anesthetic recovery, the panther was fitted with a telemetry collar. After an initially quiet recovery, the panther began thrashing in the transport cage, and was again immobilized. Pink foam was evident from the nostrils, and crackles were ausculted over the chest, indicating pulmonary edema. Postobstructive pulmonary edema was diagnosed based on history, clinical signs, radiographic evaluation, and blood gas analysis. The animal was treated intensively for several hours with diuretics, oxygen, and manual ventilation. The panther responded rapidly to therapy and was released back into the wild 48 hr after presentation. Postobstructive pulmonary edema, also called negative-pressure pulmonary edema, may be underrecognized in veterinary medicine. In this case, the telemetry collar, in conjunction with anesthetic recovery in a small transport crate, may have contributed to tracheal obstruction. Wildlife veterinarians and biologists should be aware of the risk of airway obstruction when placing tracking collars, and animals should be continuously monitored during anesthetic recovery to ensure the presence of a patent airway.     

Dermatophyte infections in free-ranging Florida panthers (Felis concolor coryi).

Three free-ranging Florida panthers (Felis concolor coryi) were diagnosed with clinical dermatophytosis; two were infected with Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and one was infected with Microsporum gypseum. Two of these panthers were juvenile males that were diagnosed with focal to focally coalescing dermatophytosis; one caused by M. gypseum and the other by T. mentagrophytes. These animals were not treated, and clinical signs resolved spontaneously over 6 mo. The third panther, an adult male from southern Florida, presented with a diffuse dermatophytosis due to T. mentagrophytes infection. Initially, the panther had alopecia, excoriations, ulcerations, and multifocal pyoderma of the head, ears, neck, rear limbs, and abdominal region that progressed to lichenification of the skin and loss of nails from two digits. When topical therapy applied in the field at 45-day intervals was ineffective in clearing the infection, the animal was placed in captivity for intensive oral therapy to prevent further development of dermal mycosis, loss of additional nails, and spread of infection to other panthers. The panther was treated orally with itraconazole (9.5 mg/ kg) in the food s.i.d. for 6 wk. After treatment, nail regrowth occurred but the multifocal areas of alopecia remained. The panther was released back into the wild after two skin biopsy cultures were negative for fungal growth. Temporary removal of a free-ranging animal of an endangered species from its habitat for systemic treatment of dermatophytosis requires consideration of factors such as age, reproductive potential, holding facilities, treatment regimen, and the potential for successful reintroduction of the animal.     

Aortic root disease in four horses

Clinical findings in 4 horses with aortic root disease are described. Three of the horses had aneurysms of the right aortic sinus, and in 2 of the 3, the aneurysm ruptured, creating a fistula between the aorta and right ventricle. One of these horses had had a murmur since birth, and the aortic sinus aneurysm may have been a congenital anomaly. In a second horse, the aneurysm may have been an acquired condition that developed secondary to chronic aortic regurgitation. Another horse had a large subendocardial hematoma associated with dissection of blood from the aorta to the interventricular septum because of a tear in the aortic root near the right aortic sinus. Ventricular ectopy and signs of abdominal pain were the most common initial signs in these horses.     

Amenity or Nuisance? Understanding and Managing Human–Panther Conflicts in Exurban Southwest Florida

Golden Gate Estates (GGE), an exurban development in southwest Florida, is the site of the highest recorded number of conflicts between people and the Florida panther. We used qualitative data provided by 157 GGE residents and 19 nonresident stakeholders to investigate attitudes toward the panther, and appropriate measures to mitigate human–panther conflicts. Although a subset of GGE residents expressed some concerns about human safety risks associated with living with the panther, a higher share of residents viewed the panther positively. Residents and nonresident stakeholders agreed that GGE residents are responsible for securing their livestock against panthers. This point of agreement may improve adoption of appropriate practices to prevent human–panther conflicts. Outreach and education programs should reinforce expectations within the GGE community that residents are responsible for securing livestock against predators and adopting other conflict mitigation practices, as well as encouraging positive attitudes toward the panther.     

Postoperative rupture of an aortic aneurysmal dilation associated with a patent ductus arteriosus in a dog

OBJECTIVE: To describe an unusual case of fatal aortic aneurysm rupture after standard ligation of a left-to-right shunting patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and review the literature concerning the causes of aneurysm and applicable medical physics of blood flow that may contribute to mural failure. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical case report. SAMPLE POPULATION: An 11-month-old female Brittany spaniel. RESULTS: A PDA was diagnosed in the dog after referral for a grade IV/IV cardiac murmur. Diagnostic tests performed included a minimum database, thoracic radiography, and echocardiography. Conventional surgical ligation of the PDA was performed. The postoperative recovery from anesthesia was uneventful. Approximately 5 hours after surgery, the dog vocalized once and collapsed. All resuscitative efforts failed. Necropsy showed a large, spiral rupture of the cranial and dorsal wall of the aorta that extended from the left subclavian artery to 2 cm distal to the PDA-aorta junction. No evidence of intramural, perianeurysmal hemorrhage or inflammation was noted. Histopathologic examination of the ruptured aneurysm showed that the wall lacked a defined tunica intima and endothelial cell layer. A distinct separation of the thinned tunica media parallel to the elastic fibers was noted. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dilatation of the aorta near the area of a PDA is one of the recognized abnormalities associated with the condition. Aneurysmal dilatation results from and contributes to abnormal blood flow dynamics and increased aortic wall tension, which promotes expansion. Although an unusual and previously unreported sequela, rupture of the aneurysm should be considered a possible complication when ligation of a PDA with a conspicuous aortic aneurysmal dilation is performed.     

Rupture of an aortic sinus aneurysm in a 15-year-old broodmare

A 15-year-old, Standardbred broodmare with an aortic sinus aneurysm developed rupture of the aneurysm with subsequent rupture of a tricuspid valve chorda tendinae, tricuspid regurgitation, acute right-sided congestive heart failure, and pulmonary thromboembolism. Shunting of blood from the aorta through the ruptured aneurysm into the right ventricle resulted in decreased renal perfusion and acute renal failure. Initially, treatment of the mare with analgesics, fluids, and digoxin resulted in clinical improvement, but the mare's condition deteriorated after 8 days and the mare was euthanatized due to unrelenting pain and a poor prognosis. Echocardiography was useful in diagnosis of the cardiac disease in the broodmare.     

Spontaneous complex odontoma in a Sprague-Dawley rat

Complex odontoma from a female Sprague-Dawley rat is described histopathologically. Necropsy revealed a hard (bony), white mass (3.0 x 3.0 x 2.1 cm) on the left mandible. Microscopically, the mass consisted of islands or nests of epithelial and mesenchymal elements that formed abortive tooth structures. In other areas, tooth formation consisted of a pulp cavity lined by layers of odontoblasts, dentin, enamel, and ameloblasts. Concerning all features of normal tooth formation which was differentiated and mineralized yet completely disorganized, the diagnosis of complex odontoma was recommended.     

Effect of solute lipophilicity on penetration through canine skin

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of lipophilicity on the percutaneous penetration of a homologous series of alcohols through canine skin. DESIGN: Skin harvested from Greyhound thorax was placed in Franz-type diffusion cells and the in vitro passage of radiolabelled (14C) alcohols (ethanol, butanol, hexanol and octanol (Log P 0.19-3.0)) through separate skin sections was measured in replicates of five. Permeability coefficient (kP, cm/h), maximum flux (Jmax, mol/cm2/h) and residue remaining within the skin were determined. RESULTS: The kP increased with increasing lipophilicity (6.2 x 10(-4) +/- 1.6 x 10(-4) cm/h for ethanol to 1.8 x 10(-2) +/- 3.6 x 10(-3) cm/h for octanol). Alcohol residues remaining within each skin sample followed a similar pattern. An exponential decrease in Jmax with increasing lipophilicity was observed. CONCLUSION: Changes in canine skin permeability occur with increasing alcohol lipophilicity. This finding has practical consequences for the design of topical formulations and optimisation of drug delivery through animal skin.     

Effects of gamma-terpinene, terpinolene, alpha-copaene, and alpha-terpinene on consumption of alfalfa pellets by sheep

Although plant secondary chemistry influences shrub consumption by free-ranging ruminants, the effects of many specific compounds on herbivores have not been examined. We conducted four experiments to examine effects of individual terpenes on alfalfa pellet intake by lambs. Forty-five lambs were individually fed alfalfa pellets sprayed with gamma-terpinene, terpinolene, alpha-copaene, or alpha-terpinene at one of five concentrations in an ethanol carrier. Treatments (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 10x) were multiples of the concentration (x) of a specific terpene on the leaf surface of Flourensia cernua (a low-preference shrub for domestic ruminants). Terpenes were applied to alfalfa pellets (0.64 kg.lamb(-1).d(-1), DM basis), and consumption was measured during a 20-min interval for 5 d. A day effect was detected for gamma-terpinene on intake (P < 0.001 for both linear and quadratic contrasts). No effect of terpinolene, alpha-copaene, or alpha-terpinene on intake was detected in this study. None of the terpenes tested was strongly related to intake of alfalfa pellets by lambs under the conditions of this study.     

Mitral valvular insufficiency associated with ruptured chordae tendineae in three foals

Mitral valvular insufficiency associated with ruptured chordae tendineae was diagnosed in 3 foals with signs of congestive heart failure, which were believed to be secondary to the development of pulmonary hypertension associated with the valvular insufficiency. The septal leaflet of the mitral valve was affected in all 3 foals, and foal 2 also had ruptured chordae tendineae associated with the caudal mitral valve leaflet. Bacterial endocarditis and myocardial necrosis were associated with the ruptured chordae tendineae in foals 3 and 2, respectively. Idiopathic rupture was considered in foal 1. Two-dimensional echocardiography demonstrated a flail mitral valve leaflet in foals 2 and 3 and a ruptured chorda tendineae in foal 3. The ruptured chorda tendineae in foal 1 was not visualized with M-mode echocardiography.     

Serum chemistry comparisons between captive and free-ranging giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis)

Serum chemistry analyses were compared between captive and free-ranging giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) in an attempt to better understand some of the medical issues seen with captive giraffes. Illnesses, including peracute mortality, energy malnutrition, pancreatic disease, urolithiasis, hoof disease, and severe intestinal parasitism, may be related to zoo nutrition and management issues. Serum samples were collected from 20 captive giraffes at 10 United States institutions. Thirteen of the captive animal samples were collected from animals trained for blood collection; seven were banked samples obtained from a previous serum collection. These samples were compared with serum samples collected from 24 free-ranging giraffes in South Africa. Differences between captive and free-ranging giraffes, males and females, and adults and subadults were analyzed by using a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial and Fisher's least significant difference for mean separation; when necessary variables were ranked and analyzed via analysis of variance. Potassium and bilirubin concentrations and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were different between captive and free-ranging giraffes, but all fell within normal bovid reference ranges. The average glucose concentration was significantly elevated in free-ranging giraffes (161 mg/dl) compared with captive giraffes (113 mg/dl). All giraffes in this study had glucose concentrations higher than bovine (42-75 mg/ dl) and caprine (48-76 mg/dl) reference ranges. Differences were also seen in lipase, chloride, and magnesium though these findings are likely not clinically significant. There were no differences detected between sexes. Adults had higher concentrations of potassium, total protein, globulins, and chloride and higher gamma glutamyltransferase activities, whereas subadults had higher concentrations of phosphorus. Within the captive group, nonimmobilized animals had higher concentrations of total protein and globulins. Captive giraffe diets need further investigation to determine if the differences seen in this study, especially glucose and bilirubin concentrations and ALT activities, may result in some health problems often seen in captive giraffes.     

Mycotic aneurysm caused by Graphium species in a dog

A 10-year-old castrated male mixed-breed dog exhibited vomiting, lethargy and anorexia. An abdominal ultrasound examination revealed a focal dilation of the abdominal aorta. The dog died 2 days after examination, and necropsy revealed a ruptured aneurysm at the abdominal aorta between the kidneys. Histological examination revealed severe granulomatous and necrotizing pan-arteritis with fungal organisms. Graphium species was identified through DNA sequence analysis of the PCR product from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples. To our knowledge, this is the first report of aortic aneurysm caused by Graphium species in a dog.     

Aortopulmonary fistula in a Warmblood mare associated with an aortic aneurysm and supravalvular aortic stenosis

This case report describes the clinical presentation, the necropsy findings, and genetic results of a 13-year-old Warmblood mare presented with colic and a bilaterally loud, holosystolic murmur. Echocardiographic examination revealed the presence of a thoracic aortic aneurysm, an aortic pseudoaneurysm, a periaortic hematoma (circumferential cuffing by perivascular hemorrhage), and aortopulmonary fistulation. A supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) was visible during echocardiography. Necropsy confirmed that the thoracic aortic aneurysm had ruptured and connected to the pseudoaneurysm, which fistulated into the pulmonary artery. Histologically, the aneurysm wall revealed chronic lesions such as fibrosis, mucin depositions, mineralizations, and elastin fragmentation. The mid abdominal aorta showed lesions suggestive of a systemic elastin arteriopathy. Molecular analysis, however, could not attribute this disease to a variant in the elastin gene, the most common causative gene for SVAS. To the authors' knowledge, this case report describes a case of aortopulmonary fistulation in a Warmblood horse associated with the presence of SVAS and an aortic aneurysm.     

Fatal disseminated encephalitozoonosis in a captive, adult Goeldi's monkey (Callimico goeldii) and subsequent serosurvey of the exposed conspecifics

A captive, adult male Goeldi's monkey (Callimico goeldii) (GM) presented in acute respiratory distress 4 yr after importation into the United States from Europe. Radiographs and echocardiogram were consistent with heart failure. The monkey died within 24 hr of presentation. Necropsy findings included multicentric arteritis and aortitis with aneurysm associated with microsporidian organisms morphologically consistent with Encephalitozoon species. Polymerase chain reaction confirmed organisms were Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Sequence analysis of amplicons generated by using primers specific for the polar tube protein of E. cuniculi determined the organism to be genotype II. An E. cuniculi serosurvey of potentially exposed conspecifics that represented approximately 40% of the captive GM population in the United States was conducted. Multiple individuals that had been imported from Europe with the individual of this report were seropositive via an immunofluorescent antibody assay for E. cuniculi. Multiple samples were available from 3 individuals that demonstrated a decrease in titer or reversion to seronegative status within 3 yr of initial positive status. All other GM were negative on serology. This case is unique in that the genotype identified (genotype II) was different than the genotype (genotype III) reported in other New World primate (NWP) species, the patterns of arteritis were different from the typical pattern of microsporidial vasculitis described in other species, and clinical disease was observed in an adult. Most reported cases of clinical disease secondary to E. cuniculi in NWP have been in neonates and juveniles.     

Use of medetomidine and ketamine for immobilization of free-ranging giraffes

OBJECTIVE: To develop a dosage correlated with shoulder height (SH) in centimeters for effective immobilization of free-ranging giraffes, using a combination of medetomidine (MED) and ketamine (KET) and reversal with atipamezole (ATP). DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 23 free-ranging giraffes. PROCEDURE: The drug combination (MED and KET) was administered by use of a projectile dart. Quality of induction, quality of immobilization, and time to recovery following injection of ATP were evaluated. Physiologic variables measured during immobilization included PaO2, PaCO2, oxygen saturation, end-tidal CO2, blood pH, indirect arterial blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates, and rectal temperature. RESULTS: Sixteen giraffes became recumbent with a dosage (mean +/- SD) of 143 +/- 29 microg of MED and 2.7 +/- 0.6 mg of KET/cm of SH. Initially, giraffes were atactic and progressed to lateral recumbency. Three giraffes required casting with ropes for data collection, with dosages of 166 +/- 5 microg of MED and 3.2 +/- 0.6 mg of KET/cm of SH. Four giraffes required administration of etorphine (n = 2) or were cast with ropes (2) for capture but remained dangerous to personnel once recumbent, precluding data collection. In giraffes successfully immobilized, physiologic monitoring revealed hypoxia and increased respiratory rates. Values for PaCO2, end-tidal CO2, and heart rate remained within reference ranges. All giraffes were hypertensive and had a slight increase in rectal temperature. Atipamezole was administered at 340 +/- 20 microg/cm of SH, resulting in rapid and smooth recoveries. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Medetomidine and KET was an effective immobilizing combination for free-ranging giraffes; however, at the dosages used, it does not induce adequate analgesia for major manipulative procedures. Quality of induction and immobilization were enhanced if the giraffe was calm. Reversal was rapid and complete following injection of ATP.     

Udder development, lactation and ascites in a ewe with an ovarian granulosa cell tumour

A 20-month-old sexually intact female mixed breed sheep was examined for lameness, unexpected udder development, lactation and anorexia. Tachycardia, tachypnoea, severe abdominal distension and vaginal prolapse were evident upon physical examination. A right hindlimb lameness was present at the walk. The udder was well-developed and milk, normal in appearance, was easily expressed from each teat. Ultrasonographic evaluation revealed a non-pregnant uterus, severe ascites and a large (12 cm diameter) abdominal mass. Although surgical treatment was discussed, the owners elected to euthanase the ewe. Necropsy examination confirmed the presence of severe ascites due to a ruptured ovarian tumour. The tumour was characterised as a granulosa cell tumour histologically. Unexpected udder development and lactation presumably occurred secondary to oestrogen and progesterone production by the tumour. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of udder development, lactation and ascites in a ewe secondary to an ovarian granulosa cell tumour.     

Endometrial polyp in an African wild dog (Lycaon pictus)

An 8-year-old female African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) from a zoo in Gyeonggi province, Republic of Korea presented with a 3.0 x 2.0 x 2.5 cm in size, smooth-surfaced, solitary pedunculated mass protruding into the uterine lumen. Microscopically, the mass was covered with epithelium, contained endometrial gland tissue, and was dilated in the vascularised stroma. Within the mass, there was extensive diffuse haemorrhage with several blood vessels apparently plugged with fibrin. At the base of the mass, the spaces lined with epithelium near the attachment of the stalk were interpreted to be glandular structures. There were segments of cuboidal epithelium found on the surface of the mass, which was similar to the lining the uterus. A diagnosis of an endometrial polyp was made based on the gross and histology findings. This is the first case report of a spontaneous endometrial polyp in an African wild dog.     

Hepatocellular carcinoma with secondary abscessation in a cat

A 16-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat was presented for investigation of weight loss, lethargy, inappetence and polydypsia. On serum biochemical analysis there was evidence of severe hepatocellular damage and cholestasis. Abdominal ultrasonographic examination revealed an irregular lesion of mixed echogenicity in a left hepatic lobe. It was compromised of a hypoechoic periphery surrounding an anechoic central area containing highly echogenic densities with distal acoustic shadowing suggestive of gas formation. On necropsy, the only gross abnormality was a solitary 5 cm x 3 cm x 3 cm multilobulated mass in the left lateral hepatic lobe, containing foul-smelling purulent fluid within a thick fibrous wall. Cytological examination of the fluid revealed numerous degenerate neutrophils and large numbers of Gram-positive spore-forming rods. The histopathological diagnosis was hepatocellular carcinoma with secondary abscessation. The bacterial morphology was consistent with Clostridia sp. Both hepatocellular carcinoma and focal hepatic abscessation are rare in cats. Hepatic abscesses should be included in the differential diagnosis of cats with non-specific signs, even in the absence of biochemical evidence of a hepatopathy.     

Primary haemangiopericytoma in the pelvic cavity of a dog

A 9-year-old female Yorkshire terrier with lameness of the hind leg was examined at the local animal hospital in Gwangju, Republic of Korea on March, 2004. The radiological findings revealed a mass between the urinary bladder and cervix of the uterus. The encapsulated pelvic mass, measuring 4.0 x 3.0 x 2.5 cm was surgically removed. Grossly, the mass was white and firm and microscopically showed a perivascular whorled pattern of spindle cells. By immunohistochemistry, tumour cells tested positive for vimentin and alpha-smooth muscle actin, and negative for desmin, S-100, lysozyme and cytokeratin. The tumour was diagnosed both histologically and immunohistochemically as a haemangiopericytoma. There were no signs of recurrence within 12 months after surgery. This is the first case report of a haemangiopericytoma in the pelvic cavity of a dog.     

Electroejaculation and semen cryopreservation of free-ranging Japanese black bears (Ursus thibetanus japonicus)

The Japanese black bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) is endangered for extinction in some areas of Japan, and semen collection and cryopreservation are an important means to preserve genetic resources. The aim of this study was to characterize and cryopreserve semen of free-ranging Japanese black bears. Semen was collected by electroejaculation procedure from 4 free-ranging Japanese black bears at the capture point in the field. Ejaculates containing motile sperm were recovered from all of the animals and ejaculate volume, total sperm count, % motility (percentage of motile spermatozoa), % viability (percentage of spermatozoa that excluded eosin) and % abnormal morphology (range (mean)) were 0.65-2.20 (1.51) ml, 99-1082 (490) x 10(6), 5-100 (31), 42-97 (66) and 20-87 (53), respectively. Three of the 4 ejaculates were diluted with an egg yolk-TRIS-citrate-glucose extender and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. Motile spermatozoa were observed after freezing and thawing in all cases. This study showed that electroejaculation would be a useful method for collecting semen from free-ranging Japanese black bears and that at least motile spermatozoa would be obtained by freezing the thus collected electroejaculates.