Healing of cutaneous wounds in the common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis).

Healing of cutaneous wounds was studied in groups of common garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) held at 13.5 degrees C, 21 degrees C and 30 degrees C. Linear unsutured incisions and circular excisional wounds were evaluated two, five, and ten days after surgery, while linear sutured and unsutured incisions and circular and square excisional wounds were studied three and six weeks after wound production. The sequence of events during healing was the same for all experimental situations. The epithelial margins of the wounds moved freely over exposed epaxial muscle until an exudate of fibrin and inflammatory cells caused adhesion. Heterophils and macrophages were present two days after wounding. Heterophils were present throughout the wound while macrophages were concentrated in areas containing fibrin and proteinaceous exudate. Fibroblasts moved laterally into the wound from the adjacent dermis producing a flat dermal scar oriented parallel to the wound surface. Epithelial cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia occurred in a zone extending up to 1.5 mm from the margin of the wound. A tongue of flattened epithelial cells extended across the wound surface, mingling with the superficial crust and migrating over eosinophilic fibrillar material. Maturation of the new epithelium, indicated by formation of a distinct basal layer, rounding of superficial cells and keratin production, began at the wound margins before the epithelial spurs linked. The epithelium over healed wounds appeared normal, but the dermis did not reorganize to form scales. Reptilian and mammalian healing differ in the character of the inflammatory reaction, the pattern of fibroplasia, and the interaction between epithelial and dermal repair.     

The effect of certain topical medications on healing of cutaneous wounds in the common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis).

The effects of four topical medications on the rate and character of healing of cutaneous wounds were studied in six common garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) held at an ambient temperature of 30 degrees C. Two sets of five 6 to 8 mm round excisional wounds, four test and one control site in each set, were created on the dorsolateral body wall of each snake. Wounds were examined daily and treated for ten days, then the snakes were killed and sections of all wounds were examined by light microscopy. Composite scores, derived by ranking each treatment group in relation to the control group (control score = 0) for each of 22 characteristics associated with wound healing, were used to compare the overall effects of each treatment. Statistical comparisons were made between groups for 20 characteristics. Wounds treated with a polyurethane film merited a score of +12 and had significantly more advanced healing than untreated controls for three characteristics. Wounds treated with an ointment containing scarlet red scored +6 but healing was not significantly greater than controls. Wounds treated with an antibacterial spray powder and an antibacterial ointment healed more slowly than controls and had scores of -6 and -12 respectively.     

The effect of ambient temperature and type of wound on healing of cutaneous wounds in the common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis).

The effects of ambient temperature (13.5 degrees C, 21 degrees C, 30 degrees C) and type of wound on healing of skin wounds were evaluated in common garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis). Linear unsutured incisions and circular excisional wounds were evaluated grossly and microscopically in three snakes held at each temperature at each of two, five and ten days after surgery. Linear sutured and unsutured incisions and circular and square excisional wounds were similarly evaluated three and six weeks after wound production in groups of six snakes held at each temperature. The rates of stabilization of wound margins, scab formation, migration and maturation of the regenerating epithelium, resolution of dermal inflammation, and fibroplasia varied directly with temperature. The inflammatory reaction to wounding was similar in character and intensity in snakes held at all three temperatures two days after surgery. Unsutured linear incisions, compared to sutured incisions, tended to have more rapid epithelial maturation and a less intense inflammatory response. Healing of square and circular excisional wounds was similar; contraction of round wounds was slightly more irregular and, at a few observations, dermal maturation was slower and inflammation more widespread. It was concluded that healing of skin wounds can be accelerated by holding reptiles at the upper end of their voluntary temperature range. Wounds, if possible, should be created along the axis of lines of skin tension. Suturing small incisional wounds may not be advantageous.     

Proliferative enteritis in leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) associated with Cryptosporidium sp. infection.

Twenty-three leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) with various clinical histories of weight loss, anorexia, lethargy, and diarrhea were submitted either intact or as biopsy specimens to the University of Florida Anatomic Pathology Service. Gross necropsy findings in the intact geckos included marked reduction of subcutaneous adipose tissue stores at the tail base and mild thickening and reddening of the small intestine. Histologic examination revealed Cryptosporidium sp. infection associated with hyperplasia and mononuclear inflammation of the small intestine in all geckos. Parasites and lesions were only rarely observed in the stomach and large intestine of geckos. The histologic and ultrastructural lesions in the small intestine of leopard geckos infected with Cryptosporidium sp. have not been well characterized previously. This report implicates Cryptosporidium sp. as the cause of disease in the geckos and describes the range of histologic lesions observed.     

Acanthocephalan infection and sparganosis in a green tree snake (Dendrelaphis punctulata)

Acanthocephalan and spargana parasites were identified within a body wall mass during exploratory surgery in a wild green tree snake. Acanthocephalan parasites have not previously been reported in this species. Surgical excision, the treatment of choice, could not be achieved because of the extensive infiltration of the coelomic cavity.     

Cryptosporidium ryanae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) in cattle (Bos taurus)

A new species, Cryptosporidium ryanae, is described from cattle. Oocysts of C. ryanae, previously identified as the Cryptosporidium deer-like genotype and recorded as such in GenBank (AY587166, EU203216, DQ182597, AY741309, and DQ871345), are similar to those of Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium bovis but smaller. This genotype has been reported to be prevalent in cattle worldwide. Oocysts obtained from a calf for the present study are the smallest Cryptosporidium oocysts reported in mammals, measuring 2.94-4.41micromx2.94-3.68microm (mean=3.16micromx3.73microm) with a length/width shape index of 1.18 (n=40). The pre-patent period for two Cryptosporidium-na?ve calves fed C. ryanae oocysts was 11 days and the patent period was 15-17 days. Oocysts were not infectious for BALB/c mice or lambs. Fragments of the SSU-rDNA, HSP-70, and actin genes amplified by PCR were purified and PCR products were sequenced. Multi-locus analysis of the three unlinked loci demonstrated the new species to be distinct from all other species and also demonstrated a lack of recombination, providing further evidence of species status. Based on morphological, molecular and biological data, this geographically widespread parasite found only in Bos taurus calves is recognized as a new species and is named C. ryanae.     

Characterization of an erythrocytic virus in the family Iridoviridae from a peninsula ribbon snake (Thamnophis sauritus sackenii)

A wild peninsula ribbon snake (Thamnophis sauritus sackenii) in Florida was found to have hypochromic erythrocytes containing two different types of inclusions: purple granular inclusions, and pale orange or pink crystalloid inclusions that were round, oval, rectangular, or hexagonal in shape. Transmission electron microscopy revealed hexagonal or pleomorphic, homogenous inclusions and enveloped particles morphologically consistent with a member of the Iridoviridae. Histopathology of the animal revealed necrotizing hepatitis consistent with sepsis. Consensus PCR was used to amplify a 628-bp region of iridoviral DNA-dependent DNA polymerase. Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis found that this virus was distinct from other known iridoviral genera and species, and may represent a novel genus and species.     

Cryptosporidium scrofarum n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) in domestic pigs (Sus scrofa)

We describe the morphological, biological, and molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium pig genotype II and propose the species name Cryptosporidium scrofarum n. sp. to reflect its prevalence in adult pigs worldwide. Oocysts of C. scrofarum are morphologically indistinguishable from C. parvum, measuring 4.81–5.96 μm (mean = 5.16) × 4.23–5.29 μm (mean = 4.83) with a length to width ratio of 1.07 ± 0.06 (n = 400). Oocysts of C. scrofarum obtained from a naturally infected pig were infectious for 8-week-old pigs but not 4-week-old pigs. The prepatent period in 8-week-old Cryptosporidium-naive pigs was 4–6 days and the patent period was longer than 30 days. The infection intensity of C. scrofarum in pigs was generally low, in the range 250–4000 oocysts per gram of feces. Infected pigs showed no clinical signs of cryptosporidiosis and no pathology was detected. Cryptosporidium scrofarum was not infectious for adult SCID mice, adult BALB/c mice, Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), southern multimammate mice (Mastomys coucha), yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis), or guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). Phylogenetic analyses based on small subunit rRNA, actin, and heat shock protein 70 gene sequences revealed that C. scrofarum is genetically distinct from all known Cryptosporidium species.     

Experimental reproduction of enteritis in bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) with Cryptosporidium and reovirus

Five-day-old bobwhite quails were inoculated with reovirus and Cryptosporidium previously isolated from the intestinal contents of young, commercially raised bobwhite quails experiencing severe enteritis. Quails inoculated with reovirus alone did not develop clinically apparent disease, infection was localized principally in the intestinal tract, and no lesions were detected. Quails inoculated with Cryptosporidium, alone or with reovirus, developed severe enteritis with high mortality and marked growth depression. Cryptosporidia caused blunting of intestinal villi and provoked a mononuclear cell response in the lamina propria. The severity of intestinal lesions correlated with numbers of parasites. An apparent synergistic effect in dually infected quails was indicated by enhanced Cryptosporidium oocyst shedding, greater numbers of cryptosporidia in the intestinal tracts, and systemic reovirus infection. In addition, multifocal liver necrosis was detected in dually infected quails but was absent in quails infected with only reovirus or Cryptosporidium. The results suggest that Cryptosporidium promoted systemic spread of reovirus, and reovirus intensified Cryptosporidium infection, but no significant synergistic effect on mortality or weight gain was detected. The most important agent in the naturally occurring acute enteritis of bobwhite quails was Cryptosporidium.     

Prevalence of Giardia sp. Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium andersoni (syn. C. muris) [correction of Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium muris (C. andersoni)] in 109 dairy herds in five counties of southeastern New York

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Giardia sp. (G. duodenalis group), Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium andersoni (C. muris) [corrected] in dairy cattle in three different age groups, and to evaluate the association of age and season with prevalence. One hundred and nine dairy farms, from a total of 212 farms, in five counties of southeastern New York volunteered to participate. On these farms, 2943 fecal samples were collected from three defined age groups. The farms were randomly assigned for sampling within the four seasons of the year. Each farm was visited once during the study period from March 1993 to June 1994 to collect fecal samples. Demographic data on the study population was collected at the time of sampling by interviewing the farm owner or manager. At collection, fecal samples were scored as diarrheic or non-diarrheic, and each condition was later related to positive or negative infection with these parasites. Fecal samples were processed using a quantitative centrifugation concentration flotation technique and enumerated using bright field and phase contrast microscopy. In this study, the overall population prevalence for Giardia sp. was 8.9%; C. parvum, 0.9%; and C. muris, 1.1%. When considering animals most at the risk of infection (those younger than 6 months of age) Giardia sp. and C. parvum was found in 20.1 and 2.4% of the animals, respectively. Giardia sp. and C. muris were found in all age groups. There was no significant seasonal pattern of infection for any of these parasites.     

Spotted black snake (Pseudechis guttatus) envenomation in a maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus).

Envenomation by a spotted black snake (Pseudechis guttatus), following multiple bites on the buccal mucosa of a captive maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), caused the animal's collapse, hemolysis, rhabdomyolysis, local tissue necrosis, hepatic and renal failure, and subsequent death. The wolf died despite intensive supportive care including antivenom administration, fluid support, and a blood transfusion. Gross necropsy findings included myocardial and intestinal hemorrhage, pulmonary congestion, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly. Microscopic examination of formalin-fixed tissues demonstrated pulmonary and abdominal visceral hemorrhage, acute nephrosis with casts, multifocal hepatic necrosis, and splenic congestion.     

Eustrongylides sp. epizootic in young common egrets (Casmerodius albus)

In May 1985, epizootic mortality was reported in common egrets (Casmerodius albus) on Avery Island, Louisiana. Subsequent investigation revealed that more than 400 birds died. Severe peritoneal nematodiasis (Eustrongylides sp.) was found on postmortem examination. A nearby breeding rookery on the same island was apparently unaffected. Reasons for this selective mortality are presented. Three other reports of epizootic mortality due to Eustrongylides sp. have been reported. This is the first report of this type of epizootic in gulf-coast birds.     

Cloaca prolapse and cystitis in green iguana (Iguana iguana) caused by a novel Cryptosporidium species

Cryptosporidium infection was associated with colitis and cystitis in 2 green iguanas (Iguana iguana). The disease was characterized by a chronic clinical course of cloacal prolapses and cystitis. Histological examination of the gut and urinary bladder showed numerous Cryptosporidium developmental stages on the surface of the epithelium with mixed inflammatory response in the lamina propria. Cryptosporidium oocysts were visualised in a cytological preparation of the faeces. Based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene the cryptosporidia were characterized as belonging to the intestinal cryptosporidial lineage, but not to Cryptosporidium saurophilum or Cryptosporidium serpentis species.     

Dilated cardiomyopathy and amebic gastritis in a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla).

An approximately 11-mo-old female giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) exhibited anorexia, lethargy, hypothermia, depression, and minimal response to external stimuli. Radiography and ultrasonography revealed an enlarged heart, with free gas and fluid in the abdomen. Abdominocentesis produced a clear brown fluid with an acute to subacute septic suppurative exudate. Cardiac ultrasonography revealed a dilated, thin-walled left ventricle with a comparatively low fractional shortening. Despite intensive supportive care, the anteater died. Postmortem findings included gastric ulceration with perforation near the pylorus. Entameba spp. and Acanthamoeba spp. were both identified in large numbers at the site of the gastric ulceration and perforation.     

Cryptosporidium parvum in cattle, sheep and pigs in Galicia (N.W. Spain).

Infection by Cryptosporidium parvum has been detected for the first time in cattle and swine in Galicia (N.W. Spain). The organisms were also found in one of 69 sheep examined. Although in most cases the parasite was found in young diarrhoeic animals, its presence in asymptomatic mature cattle and piglets was also detected.     

Myotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of common tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) venom in the dog

SUMMARY The myotoxicity and neurotoxicity of common tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) venom are major factors in the pathogenesis of envenomation in the dog. Histological examination of the tissues of experimentally envenomed dogs has demonstrated the importance of muscle damage in affecting the clinical syndrome of tiger snake envenomation. Within one hour of injection of the venom into dogs, there was selective involvement of some muscles. Cardiac and smooth muscles were not significantly affected. The severity of myofibre damage was influenced by the amount of venom injected. Immobilisation under general anaesthesia resulted in significant protection against the myotoxic effects of high doses of venom. Lesions in the kidneys of experimentally envenomed dogs were acute tubular necrosis and the variable presence of a small amount of proteinaceous material in tubules. These lesions, which were similar to those in cases of natural snake bite, were indicative of a direct nephrotoxic effect, which could be complicated by the effects of myoglobinuria. These findings emphasise the need for supportive treatment aimed at maintenance of renal function in the treatment of dogs suffering from tiger snake envenomation.     

An undescribed Demodex sp. and demodicosis in a captive koala (Phascolarctos cinereus).

A 12-yr-old male koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) in a zoo collection developed bilateral, noninflammatory, periocular alopecia. Deep periocular skin scrapings yielded multiple adult, nymphal, and larval mites of a previously undescribed Demodex species. Skin biopsies from affected areas revealed multiple mites in superficial keratin and within hair follicles, associated with a mild intramural lymphocytic folliculitis. Treatment with daily oral ivermectin was safe and effective. Although Demodex sp. are previously reported from skin scrapings in another koala with periocular alopecia, this is the first confirmed case of koala demodicosis.     

Effects of hemolysis on plasma electrolyte and chemistry values in the common green iguana (Iguana iguana).

Hemolysis of serum and plasma samples is a common problem in veterinary diagnostic laboratories. We measured the effects of hemolysis on nine plasma analytes in 10 clinically normal common green iguanas (Iguana iguana). Blood samples with moderate and marked hemolysis were produced from each iguana by freezing, centrifuging, and decanting plasma from a portion of each blood sample, and combining the nonhemolyzed plasma with different amounts of hemolyzed plasma from the same individual. Moderate hemolysis significantly increased plasma phosphorus levels. Marked hemolysis significantly increased plasma values of potassium, phosphorus, total protein, and aspartate aminotransferase. The severity of hemolysis must be considered when interpreting values for these analytes in iguana plasma.     

Avian polyomavirus infection and disease in a green aracaris (Pteroglossus viridis).

Avian polyomavirus (APV) is one of the most significant pathogens of domestically raised psittacine birds (parrots). One or more APVs are suspected to infect nonpsittacine cage birds, but the relationship of these viruses to the APV infecting parrots remains unclear. In this report, for the first time, we fully document an APV infection in a nonpsittacine cage bird, a green aracaris (Pteroglossus viridis). Grossly, this bird evidenced generalized hemorrhage. Histologically, there was severe hepatic necrosis, splenic necrosis, and the presence of lightly basophilic to clear pannuclear inclusion bodies and karyomegaly in splenocytes and renal mesangeal cells, all characteristic lesions of APV infection in parrots. APV DNA was amplified directly from the liver by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. The virus differed from the original APV sequence by only 24 base pairs (0.48% of the genome), demonstrating that it is a variant of the APV. A serologic survey of the remaining birds in the aviary demonstrated anti-APV antibody in two cockatoos, two cockatiels, a laughing kookaburra, a Lady Ross turaco, and five zebra finches. The remaining green aracaris was seronegative. The sequence and serologic data suggest that the APV that infected the green aracaris originated in a parrot and was capable of infecting birds from at least four orders.