Effects of fentanyl–lidocaine–ketamine versus sufentanil–lidocaine–ketamine on the isoflurane requirements in dogs undergoing total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy

ObjectiveTo compare the isoflurane-sparing effects of sufentanil–lidocaine–ketamine (SLK) and fentanyl–lidocaine–ketamine (FLK) infusions in dogs undergoing total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy (TECA–LBO).Study designRandomized blinded clinical study.AnimalsA group of 20 client-owned dogs undergoing TECA–LBO.MethodsIntravenous (IV) administration of lidocaine (3 mg kg^–1) and ketamine (0.6 mg kg^–1) with fentanyl (5.4 μg kg^–1; n = 10; FLK group) or sufentanil (0.72 μg kg^–1; n = 10; SLK group) was immediately followed by the corresponding constant rate infusion (CRI) (lidocaine 3 mg kg^–1 hour^–1; ketamine 0.6 mg kg^–1 hour^–1; either fentanyl 5.4 μg kg^–1 hour^–1 or sufentanil 0.72 μg kg^–1 hour^–1). Anaesthesia was induced with propofol 3–5 mg kg^–1 IV and was maintained with isoflurane. End-tidal isoflurane concentration (Fe′Iso) was decreased in 0.2% steps every 15 minutes until spontaneous movements were observed (treated with propofol 1 mg kg^–1 IV) or an increase of > 30% in heart rate or mean arterial pressure from baseline occurred (treated with rescue fentanyl or sufentanil). Quality of recovery and pain were assessed at extubation using the short-form Glasgow Composite Pain Scale (SF-GCPS), Colorado State University Canine Acute Pain scale (CSU-CAP), and visual analogue scale (VAS). Data were analysed with analysis of variance, t tests, Fisher test and Spearman coefficient (p < 0.05).ResultsFe′Iso decreased significantly in SLK group (45%; p = 0.0006) but not in FLK (15%; p = 0.1135) (p = 0.0136). SLK group had lower scores for recovery quality (p = 0.0204), SF-GCPS (p = 0.0071) and CSU-CAP (p = 0.0273) than FLK at extubation. Intraoperative rescue analgesia and VAS were not significantly different between groups.Conclusions and clinical relevanceCompared with FLK infusion, CRI of SLK at these doses decreased isoflurane requirements, decreased pain scores and improved recovery quality at extubation in dogs undergoing TECA–LBO.     

Effects of pneumoperitoneum and of an alveolar recruitment maneuver followed by positive end-expiratory pressure on cardiopulmonary function in sheep anesthetized with isoflurane–fentanyl

Objective

To investigate the effects of pneumoperitoneum alone or combined with an alveolar recruitment maneuver (ARM) followed by positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on cardiopulmonary function in sheep.

Comparison of the effects of butorphanol–midazolam–medetomidine and butorphanol–azaperone–medetomidine in wild common palm civets (Paradoxurus musangus)

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of butorphanol–azaperone–medetomidine (BAM) and butorphanol–midazolam–medetomidine (BMM) protocols for immobilization of wild common palm civets (Paradoxurus musangus) with subsequent antagonization with atipamezole.Study designProspective, randomized, blinded clinical trial.AnimalsA total of 40 adult wild common palm civets, 24 female and 16 male, weighing 1.5–3.4 kg.MethodsThe civets were randomly assigned for anesthesia with butorphanol, azaperone and medetomidine (0.6, 0.6 and 0.2 mg kg^–1, respectively; group BAM) or with butorphanol, midazolam and medetomidine (0.3, 0.4 and 0.1 mg kg^–1, respectively; group BMM) intramuscularly (IM) in a squeeze cage. When adequately relaxed, the trachea was intubated for oxygen administration. Physiological variables were recorded every 5 minutes after intubation. Following morphometric measurements, sampling, microchipping and parasite treatment, medetomidine was reversed with atipamezole at 1.0 or 0.5 mg kg^–1 IM to groups BAM and BMM, respectively. Physiological variables and times to reach the different stages of anesthesia were compared between groups.ResultsOnset time of sedation and recumbency was similar in both groups; time to achieve complete relaxation and tracheal intubation was longer in group BAM. Supplementation with isoflurane was required to enable intubation in five civets in group BAM and one civet in group BMM. All civets in group BAM required topical lidocaine to facilitate intubation. End-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure was lower in group BAM, but heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, peripheral hemoglobin oxygen saturation and mean arterial blood pressure were not different. All civets in both groups recovered well following administration of atipamezole.Conclusions and clinical relevanceBoth BAM and BMM combinations were effective for immobilizing wild common palm civets. The BMM combination had the advantage of producing complete relaxation that allowed intubation more rapidly.     

Determination of the effective dosage of tiletamine–zolazepam–ketamine–xylazine,with or without methadone,in dogs

ObjectiveTo determine the effective dosage of the combination tiletamine–zolazepam–ketamine–xylazine (TKX), with or without methadone, in dogs.Study designProspective, randomized, experimental study.AnimalsA total of 29 dogs.MethodsDogs were randomly administered TKX (group TKX, n = 13) or combined with 0.3 mg kg^–1 of methadone (group TKXM, n = 16) intramuscularly. The TKX solution contained tiletamine (50 mg mL^–1), zolazepam (50 mg mL^–1), ketamine (80 mg mL^–1) and xylazine (20 mg mL^–1). The effective dosages for immobility in 50% and 95% of the population (ED₅₀ and ED₉₅) were estimated using the up-and-down method. Approximately 20 minutes after drug administration, a skin incision was performed and the response was judged as positive or negative if the dogs moved or did not move, respectively. The TKX volume for the subsequent dog in the same group was increased or decreased by 0.005 mL kg^–1 if the response of the previous dog was positive or negative, respectively. Heart and respiratory rates, and sedation/anesthesia scores (range 0–21) were recorded before and 15 minutes after drug administration.ResultsEstimated ED₅₀ and ED₉₅ (95% confidence intervals) were: TKX, 0.025 (0.020–0.029) and 0.026 (0.010–0.042) mL kg^–1; TKXM, 0.022 (0.018–0.025) and 0.033 (0.017–0.049) mL kg^–1. Median (interquartile range) scores for sedation/anesthesia were 17 (16–18) and 17 (15–20), and times until lateral recumbency were 5 (4–6) and 6 (4–10) minutes in TKX and TKXM, respectively (p > 0.05). In both groups heart and respiratory rates decreased, but values remained acceptable for anesthetized dogs.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThe results provide a guide for volumes of TKX and TKXM in dogs requiring restraint for minimally invasive procedures. Inclusion of methadone in the TKX combination did not influence ED₅₀.     

Comparison of anesthetic effects of tiletamine–zolazepam–medetomidine or ketamine–medetomidine in captive Amur leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis euptailurus)

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects and utility of tiletamine–zolazepam–medetomidine (TZM) and ketamine–medetomidine (KM) for anesthesia of Amur leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis euptailurus).Study designProspective, randomized experimental trial.AnimalsA total of six female (3.70 ± 0.49 kg) and six male (5.03 ± 0.44 kg; mean ± standard deviation) Amur leopard cats aged 2–6 years.MethodsEach animal was administered four protocols separated by ≥3 weeks. Each protocol included medetomidine (0.05 mg kg^–1) combined with tiletamine–zolazepam (1 mg kg^–1; protocol MTZ_LO); tiletamine–zolazepam (2 mg kg^–1; protocol MTZ_HI); ketamine (2 mg kg^–1; protocol MK_LO); or ketamine (4 mg kg^–1; MK_HI) administered intramuscularly. At time 0 (onset of lateral recumbency) and 30 minutes, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (f_R), rectal temperature, noninvasive mean arterial pressure (MAP) and hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO₂) were recorded. Times to onset of lateral recumbency, duration of anesthesia and time to standing were recorded.ResultsOverall, animals were anesthetized with all protocols within 10 minutes, anesthesia was maintained ≥57 minutes, and recovery (time from the first head lift to standing) was completed within 5 minutes. During anesthesia with all protocols, HR, f_R, rectal temperature, SpO₂ and MAP were 99–125 beats minute^–1, 33–44 breaths minute^–1, 37.6–39.4 °C, 90–95% and 152–177 mmHg, respectively. No adverse event was observed.Conclusions and clinical relevanceTZM and KM at various dosages resulted in rapid onset of anesthesia, duration of >57 minutes and rapid recovery without administration of an antagonist. Accordingly, all these combinations are useful for anesthetizing Amur leopard cats and for performing simple procedures. However, the low doses of the anesthetic agents are recommended because there was no difference in duration of anesthesia between the dose rates studied.     

Management of equine sarcoids: 1975–93

Treatment options for equine sarcoids are briefly reviewed and the results of a retrospective study of 63 cases of equine sarcoid (66 lesions) treated by clinicians from the Rural Veterinary Centre, Camden, Australia from 1975 to 1993 presented. Five different treatments were employed in the management of these 66 lesions, including surgical excision alone or in combination with cryotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and tumour transfer to a subcutaneous site on the neck. The majority of cases were treated with surgical excision alone (18/66), excision followed by cryotherapy (31/66) and immunotherapy (16/66), with success rates of 28%, 42% and 81% respectively. Success was defined as no sign of recurrence of the lesion at the time of follow-up, at least 6 months later.     

Milk yield estimation of Ogaden cattle breed based on methods of weigh–suckle–weigh and calves’ growth

Daily milk yield of Ogaden cattle was estimated from milk suckled by 269 calves born and maintained between 1994 and 2004 at Haramaya University Beef Farm, Ethiopia. The weigh–suckle–weigh method and the growth of calves were used to estimate the yield. Mean predicted daily milk yield of the breed based on the weigh–suckle–weigh method was 4.39 ± 0.03 kg day⁻¹. Daily milk yield estimated from the growth of calves up to 3 months of age was 4.59 ± 1.43 kg day⁻¹. The milk yield was significantly affected by seasons of calving (p < 0.001), parities of the dams (p < 0.05), weeks of lactation (p < 0.001) and birth weights of calves (p < 0.05). A relatively higher milk yield was observed from cows calved during the long rain season. A higher milk yield was produced by cows in fifth parity. Heavier calves at birth suckled more milk than lighter calves. Daily milk yield was significantly higher in 3–6 weeks of lactation. The result of this study indicated that the milk yield produced by Ogaden breed was relatively higher than the yield of some Zebu breed measured by partial suckling system in Ethiopia and was comparable to the yield from Zebu cattle in the tropics estimated by the same method.     

Assessment of test–retest reliability of animal-based measures on growing pig farms

Measures taken on animals are subject to variations and their reliability may represent one of their main limitations when used in a welfare assessment tool. Test–retest reliability refers to the likelihood that the same results will be obtained if the assessment is repeated by the same observer. This study discusses the test–retest reliability of quantitative and qualitative animal-based measures included into the Welfare Quality^® protocol on a sample of 15 intensive conventional farms of growing pigs. An average of 12 months elapsed between the two visits and no changes in management routines or housing conditions were made by the farmers during this interval. A Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to test whether the mean results obtained during the two visits were significantly different. Different methods were used to assess repeatability of mean prevalences at farm level: Spearman's correlation coefficient (rs), intra class correlation coefficient (ICC) and limits of agreement (LoA). Moderate bursitis, widespread skin discolouration and positive social behaviour presented mean results significantly different between the two visits (P<0.05). From a discriminative point of view, only moderately soiled body (rs=0.7; ICC=0.8) and the panic response (rs=0.7; ICC=0.5) were consistent the 12 month period. However, inconsistencies between Spearman's correlation and ICC were found when interpreting the reliability of several quantitative measures such as severely wounded animal and severely soiled body. The Qualitative Behaviour Assessment (QBA) was subject to a significant effect of visit, however, the two sets of scores were moderately related on the first axis of the principal component analysis (rs=0.5). A more evaluative approach such as the limits of agreement can be useful to guide the interpretation of test–retest reliability of quantitative measures based on farm averages and to detect farms that present a persistent welfare problem. Unless the assessment relates only to the relative ranking of a farm within the same visit, the QBA is not consistent over the 12 month period.     

Induction of anesthesia and recovery in donkeys sedated with xylazine: a comparison of midazolam–alfaxalone and midazolam–ketamine

Objective

To compare the induction and recovery characteristics and selected cardiopulmonary variables of midazolam–alfaxalone or midazolam–ketamine in donkeys sedated with xylazine.

Reproductive Responses of Holstein–Friesian Cattle to the Climatic Conditions of Central Sudan

Data were evaluated from a purebred Holstein herd (n = 1274) kept near Khartoum, a hot and dry area, from 1990 to 1996. The mixed model procedure in SAS was used to analyse the reproductive traits. The mean gestation length, days dry, number of services per conception, days from calving to first oestrus, days from calving to conception, calving interval and breeding efficiency were 279 days, 104 days, 4.2, 85.8 days, 208.9 days, 486.2 days and 74.9%, respectively. Factors that had significant effects (p<0.01) on all the reproductive measures under study were the year and month of calving, and parity.The heritability estimates for all traits under investigation were zero. The repeatability estimates for the numbers of services per conception, days from calving to conception, days from calving to first oestrus and calving interval were 0.21±0.021, 0.12±0.024, 0.03±0.018 and 0.00, respectively. The phenotypic correlation for calving interval with numbers of service per conception was 0.05, that with days from calving to first oestrus was 0.06 and that with days from calving to conception was 0.07. Other correlations ranged from 0.00 to 0.28. The simple correlation coefficients between production and reproductive measures ranged from –0.06 to 0.45.     

Physiologic and blood gas effects of xylazine–ketamine versus xylazine–tiletamine–zolazepam immobilization of white-tailed deer before and after oxygen supplementation: a preliminary study

ObjectiveTo compare oxygenation and ventilation in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) anesthetized with two treatments with and without oxygen supplementation.Study designRandomized, blinded, crossover study.AnimalsA total of eight healthy adult white-tailed deer weighing 49–62 kg.MethodsEach deer was anesthetized twice intramuscularly: 1) treatment XK, xylazine (2 mg kg^–1) and ketamine (6 mg kg^–1) and 2) treatment XTZ, xylazine (2 mg kg^–1) and tiletamine–zolazepam (4 mg kg^–1). With the deer in sternal position, arterial and venous blood was collected before and at 30 minutes during administration of oxygen at 1 L minute^–1 through a face mask. PaO₂ and heart rate (HR) were compared using two-way repeated measures anova. pH, PaCO₂ and lactate concentration were analyzed using mixed-effects linear models, p < 0.05.ResultsWhen breathing air, PaO₂ was < 80 mmHg (10.7 kPa) in six and seven deer with XK and XTZ, respectively, and of these, PaO₂ was < 60 mmHg (8.0 kPa) in three and five deer, respectively. With oxygen supplementation, PaO₂ increased to 128 ± 4 and 140 ± 5 mmHg (17.1 ± 0.5 and 18.7 ± 0.7 kPa), mean ± standard error, with XK and XTZ, respectively (p < 0.001). PaO₂ was not significantly different between treatments at either time point. HR decreased during oxygen supplementation in both treatments (p < 0.001). Lactate was significantly lower (p = 0.047) with XTZ than with XK (2.2 ± 0.6 versus 3.5 ± 0.6 mmol L^–1) and decreased (p < 0.001) with oxygen supplementation (4.1 ± 0.6 versus 1.6 ± 0.6 mmol L^–1). PaCO₂ increased in XTZ during oxygen breathing.Conclusions and clinical relevanceTreatments XK and XTZ resulted in hypoxemia, which responded to oxygen supplementation. Both treatments are suitable for immobilization of white-tailed deer under the study circumstances.     

Development of a sedation protocol using orally administered tiletamine–zolazepam–acepromazine in free-roaming dogs

Objective

To investigate the sedative effects in dogs of tiletamine–zolazepam–acepromazine (TZA) or ketamine–flunitrazepam (KF) administered orally and to evaluate the effectiveness of encapsulated TZA for capturing free-roaming dogs.

Ketamine–propofol for total intravenous anaesthesia in rabbits: a comparison of premedication with acepromazine–medetomidine,acepromazine–midazolam or acepromazine–morphine

ObjectiveTo describe ketamine–propofol total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) following premedication with acepromazine and either medetomidine, midazolam or morphine in rabbits.Study designRandomized, crossover experimental study.AnimalsA total of six healthy female New Zealand White rabbits (2.2 ± 0.3 kg).MethodsRabbits were anaesthetized on four occasions, each separated by 7 days: an intramuscular injection of saline alone (treatment Saline) or acepromazine (0.5 mg kg^–1) in combination with medetomidine (0.1 mg kg^–1), midazolam (1 mg kg^–1) or morphine (1 mg kg^–1), treatments AME, AMI or AMO, respectively, in random order. Anaesthesia was induced and maintained with a mixture containing ketamine (5 mg mL^–1) and propofol (5 mg mL^–1) (ketofol). Each trachea was intubated and the rabbit administered oxygen during spontaneous ventilation. Ketofol infusion rate was initially 0.4 mg kg^–1 minute^–1 (0.2 mg kg^–1 minute^–1 of each drug) and was adjusted to maintain adequate anaesthetic depth based on clinical assessment. Ketofol dose and physiological variables were recorded every 5 minutes. Quality of sedation, intubation and recovery times were recorded.ResultsKetofol induction doses decreased significantly in treatments AME (7.9 ± 2.3) and AMI (8.9 ± 4.0) compared with treatment Saline (16.8 ± 3.2 mg kg^–1) (p < 0.05). The total ketofol dose to maintain anaesthesia was significantly lower in treatments AME, AMI and AMO (0.6 ± 0.1, 0.6 ± 0.2 and 0.6 ± 0.1 mg kg^–1 minute^–1, respectively) than in treatment Saline (1.2 ± 0.2 mg kg^–1 minute^–1) (p < 0.05). Cardiovascular variables remained at clinically acceptable values, but all treatments caused some degree of hypoventilation.Conclusions and clinical relevancePremedication with AME, AMI and AMO, at the doses studied, significantly decreased the maintenance dose of ketofol infusion in rabbits. Ketofol was determined to be a clinically acceptable combination for TIVA in premedicated rabbits.     

Effects of Slash on Herbaceous Communities in Pinyon–Juniper Woodlands of Northern Arizona

Scattering slash (downed woody materials) after tree removal is increasingly prescribed by land managers as a treatment to promote the establishment and growth of understory vegetation in pinyon–juniper woodlands. However, the effects of scattering slash on soil resources and plant communities are poorly understood and often confounded with the release from tree competition. In order to examine how slash affects plant establishment, soil stability, soil nutrients, and soil microbiota, we initiated a 2 × 2 full factorial experiment with two levels of seeding and two levels of slash additions within 30 intercanopy spaces, repeated at two intact pinyon–juniper woodland sites with different soil characteristics in northwestern Arizona. Pretreatment data were collected in 2003 and posttreatment responses were measured in 2004 and 2005. Total plant cover increased within all treatments; however, grasses increased significantly only in the seed-and-slash treatment at both sites. In addition, a greater proportion of seed-and-slash plots contained more reproductively active grasses compared to seed-only plots. Slash treatments also resulted in significantly less sediment movement compared to nonslash treatments. Changes in soil nutrients were not observed, except available NO₃-N decreased significantly in slash treatments. Arbuscular mycorrhizal potential and microbial biomass carbon increased as a result of the slash treatment. Addition of woody materials appeared to have general effectiveness at improving the ecological function of soils and promoting understory establishment and thus may be considered a desirable treatment for improving degraded conditions.     

Serological and parasitological survey of dourine in the Arsi–Bale highlands of Ethiopia

This study was conducted from August 2005 to January 2007 to determine prevalence and distribution of dourine in horses and to investigate the occurrence of clinical and carrier cases in donkeys and mules in the Arsi–Bale highlands. Study methodology was based on questionnaire, serological, clinical and parasitological survey. The questionnaire indicated that dourine is a major health problem of equines in the Arsi–Bale highlands. Though dourine is commonly observed throughout the year, it has a seasonal character and occurs mostly during the breeding season from June to late September. Serological screening of 646 horses showed a seroprevalence of 184 (28%), 161 (25%) and 125 (19%) for card agglutination test for trypanosomosis, LATEX and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Risk factors were parity number, previous history of abortion and body condition score. No trypanosomes could be detected by Giemsa staining or by haematocrit centrifugation technique. Ten puppies inoculated with blood samples, genital washes and oedematous fluids remained parasitologically negative. Different characteristic signs of dourine were observed. During the genital stage, mares showed vaginal oedema, discharge and presence of depigmented scars over the external genitalia. In stallions, oedema of the scrotum and prepuce, prepucial and urethral discharge, and ulceration of the genital mucosae mainly of the penile were observed. In both sexes, lameness in one or both legs, partial dragging and stiffness of the hind legs and incoordination were the dominant signs observed as nervous form of the disease.     

Effect of phentolamine mesylate on regression of lidocaine–epinephrine epidural anaesthesia in sheep

ObjectiveTo determine the impact of epidural phentolamine on the duration of anaesthesia following epidural injection of lidocaine–epinephrine.Study designBlinded randomized experimental study.AnimalsA group of 12 adult ewes weighing 25.7 ± 2.3 kg and aged 8–9 months.MethodsAll sheep were administered epidural lidocaine (approximately 4 mg kg^–1) and epinephrine (5 μg mL^–1). Of these, six sheep were randomized into three epidural treatments, separated by 1 week, administered 30 minutes after lidocaine–epinephrine: SAL: normal saline, PHE1: phentolamine (1 mg) and PHE2: phentolamine (2 mg). The other six sheep were administered only epidural lidocaine–epinephrine: treatment LIDEP. Each injection was corrected to 5 mL using 0.9% saline. Noxious stimuli were pinpricks with a hypodermic needle and skin pinch with haemostatic forceps to determine the onset and duration of sensory and motor block. Heart rate, noninvasive mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory rate and rectal temperature were recorded.ResultsThe onset times were not different among treatments. Duration of sensory block was significantly shorter in SAL (57.5 ± 6.2 minutes), PHE1 (60.7 ± 9.0 minutes) and PHE2 (62.0 ± 6.7 minutes) than in LIDEP (81.7 ± 13.4 minutes) (p < 0.05). Duration of motor blockade was significantly shorter in PHE1 (59.4 ± 5.4 minutes) and PHE2 (54.3 ± 4.0 minutes) than in SAL (84.8 ± 7.0 minutes) and LIDEP (91.5 ± 18.2 minutes) (p < 0.01). MAP in PHE2 was decreased at 10 minutes after administration of phentolamine (p < 0.05).Conclusion and clinical relevanceEpidural administration of 5 mL normal saline after epidural injection of lidocaine–epinephrine reduced the duration of sensory but not motor block in sheep. Epidural administration of phentolamine diluted to the final volume of 5 mL diminished both the duration of sensory and motor block in sheep administered epidural lidocaine–epinephrine.     

Chemical immobilisation of free-ranging Pampas foxes (Pseudalopex gymnocercus): Assessment of ketamine–xylazine and tiletamine–zolazepam combinations

Two protocols to immobilise free-ranging Pampas foxes for ear-tagging or radio-collaring were evaluated. One hundred fifteen foxes were injected with ketamine–xylazine (K–X) and thirteen with tiletamine–zolazepam (T–Z). The use of both T–Z and K–X combinations typically resulted in a smooth induction and recovery. In 86% of the cases K–X protocol was judged effective (mean ± SD, K: 10.7 ± 3.3 mg/kg, X: 1.0 ± 1.0 mg/kg) while T–Z protocol was judged effective in 92% of the cases (T: 3.6 ± 1.05 mg/kg, Z: 3.6 ± 1.05 mg/kg). The primary differences between the two drug combinations were that the time necessary for the complete recovery was longer with T–Z, and thermic problems were found more frequently with K–X. Additionally, our results suggest that thermic stress may be a relatively frequent complication for Pampas foxes. This study provides baseline data on some physiologic variables in Pampas foxes captured with different methods and drugs in field conditions.     

Characterization of toll-like receptors 1–10 in spotted hyenas

Previous research has shown that spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) regularly survive exposure to deadly pathogens such as rabies, canine distemper virus, and anthrax, suggesting that they have robust immune defenses. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize conserved molecular patterns and initiate a wide range of innate and adaptive immune responses. TLR genes are evolutionarily conserved, and assessing TLR expression in various tissues can provide insight into overall immunological organization and function. Studies of the hyena immune system have been minimal thus far due to the logistical and ethical challenges of sampling and preserving the immunological tissues of this and other long-lived, wild species. Tissue samples were opportunistically collected from captive hyenas humanely euthanized for a separate study. We developed primers to amplify partial sequences for TLRs 1–10, sequenced the amplicons, compared sequence identity to those in other mammals, and quantified TLR expression in lymph nodes, spleens, lungs, and pancreases. Results show that hyena TLR DNA and protein sequences are similar to TLRs in other mammals, and that TLRs 1–10 were expressed in all tissues tested. This information will be useful in the development of new assays to understand the interactions among the hyena immune system, pathogens, and the microbial communities that inhabit hyenas.