Dermatophytosis in red pandas (Ailurus fulgens fulgens): a review of 14 cases.

Fourteen cases of dermatophytosis were identified from medical records of red pandas (Ailurus fulgens fulgens) housed at the Knoxville Zoo between 1980 and 1996. The median age of affected animals on initial presentation was 8.5 wk (3 wk-11 mo). Clinical signs included crusting, purulent exudate, alopecia, thickening of affected skin, ulceration, and necrosis. Seven animals had mild lesions with signs restricted to crusting and/or alopecia, and six animals had more severe infections, with ulceration, skin necrosis, and purulent exudate. Five of the severely affected pandas had tail involvement. The severity of disease affecting one individual was not recorded. Dermatophytosis was confirmed by culture, cytology, histopathology, or culture followed by histopathology. Microsporum gypseum was the only fungal organism cultured. Six animals were treated for mild disease, and all clinical signs resolved. Partial tail amputation was required as part of the treatment regimen for two of the six severely affected animals, and two others had ulcerated tail lesions that left circumferential scarring after resolution of infection. Itraconazole (5 mg/kg p.o. q 12-24 hr) was the most frequently used systemic antifungal agent in animals with severe lesions. All fungal infections resolved, although one panda died from unrelated causes early in the treatment period.     

Tyzzer's disease in a red panda (Ailurus fulgens fulgens).

A debilitated 9-yr-old female red panda (Ailurus fulgens fulgens) with a recent history of corticosteroid administration displayed anorexia, depression, and diarrhea for 2 days. Blood work revealed a moderate nonregenerative anemia, leukocytosis, hypokalemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and mildly elevated alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Serology was negative for occult heartworm, Toxoplasma gondii, feline leukemia virus, feline infectious peritonitis, feline immunodeficiency virus, and canine distemper virus. Electron microscopy of the feces demonstrated corona-like virus particles. The panda died 3 days after initial presentation. Histologic findings included multifocal, acute, hepatic necrosis and diffuse, necrotizing colitis. Liver and colon lesions contained intracellular, curved, spore-forming, gram-negative, silver-positive rods morphologically consistent with Clostridium piliforme. This panda most likely contracted Tyzzer's disease subsequent to having a compromised immune system after corticosteroid administration and concurrent disease.     

多重丰容对圈养小熊猫个体刻板行为的影响

小熊猫(Ailurus fulgens)是亚洲特有的濒危动物。由于圈养小熊猫活动空间受限、环境单调等因素,时常有刻板行为表现。本研究依据小熊猫自然行为特性及动物福利要求,以环境、食物、气味等因素进行多重丰容,观察频繁出现刻板行为的2只圈养小熊猫个体的行为修正效果。应用聚集动物取样法,从9:00到17:00,全事件记录并观察小熊猫行为。观察发现,受试小熊猫主要表现摇晃与踱步两种刻板行为。通过丰容前与三个阶段的丰容后刻板行为发生率比较,丰容后的刻板行为均显著低于丰容前,而探究行为和修饰行为有所增加。由此可见,多重丰容可以减少圈养小熊猫刻板行为的发生,促进自然行为的表达。     

圈养小熊猫的疾病

小熊猫作为一种高度特化的素食性食肉目动物,在分类、系统进化及生态学等领域具有十分重要的研究价值,也是动物园里具有很高观赏价值的一种动物。为了更好地保护小熊猫免受疾病侵扰,做到有针对性的疾病预防,对近年来有关小熊猫疾病的报道进行了总结,并按病毒病、细菌病、真菌病、寄生虫病、代谢病、中毒病等进行了分类介绍。     

采用聚合酶链式反应-变性梯度凝胶电泳技术分析小熊猫胃肠道菌群的多样性

本试验旨在研究小熊猫胃肠道菌群多样性。采用聚合酶链式反应(PCR)-变性梯度凝胶电泳(DGGE)技术结合条带的克隆测序、聚类分析和主成分分析(PCA)检测小熊猫胃肠道菌群结构及多样性。结果表明:1)PCR-DGGE图谱显示小熊猫胃肠道中有大量菌群,且不同部位的菌群结构存在一定的差异,相邻肠段菌群结构具有一定的相似性。结肠和粪便样品的菌群多样性较高,其次为胃和直肠样品,而空肠和回肠样品菌群多样性较低。2)小熊猫胃肠道菌群PCR-DGGE图谱中测序的条带大多数归为厚壁菌门(Firmicutes)、拟杆菌门(Bacteroides)、变形菌门(Proteobacteria)和疣微菌门(Verrucomicrobia),共性条带主要是未培养拟杆菌门细菌(uncultured Bacteroidetes bacterium)、粪肠球菌(Enterococcus faecalis)、未培养梭状芽孢杆菌(uncultured Clostridium sp.)、乳酸乳球菌(Lactococcus lactis)和食窦魏斯氏菌(Weissella cibaria),其中厚壁菌门为优势菌群;特异性条带主要是丛毛单胞菌(Comamonas sp.)、梭菌属(Clostridium sp.)和Akkermansia。由此可见,小熊猫胃肠道中栖息着大量菌群,且其多样性按照胃肠道由前至后的顺序呈现高-低-高的趋势。     

Mortality associated with melarsomine dihydrochloride administration in two North American river otters (Lontra canadensis) and a red panda (Ailurus fulgens fulgens).

Two adult North American river otters (Lontra canadensis) and an adult red panda (Ailurus fulgens fulgens) at three separate institutions died within 22 hr after receiving single 2.5- to 2.7-mg/kg doses of melarsomine dihydrochloride administered in the epaxial musculature as a treatment for filarid nematodes. One otter had a suspected Dirofilaria immitis infection, the other had a confirmed D. lutrae infection, and the red panda had a confirmed Dirofilaria sp. infection, presumably with D. immitis. Postmortem examinations revealed similar gross lesions, although they were less severe in the red panda. The trachea and primary bronchi contained abundant foamy fluid, the lungs were mottled with areas of consolidation, and the pulmonary parenchyma exuded abundant fluid at the cut section. Histologic evaluation revealed acute pulmonary edema, which resulted in respiratory failure and death. There may have been direct pulmonary cellular toxicity of melarsomine dihydrochloride or a severe systemic anaphylactic reaction to antigens released after parasite death. An idiosyncratic drug reaction or a low therapeutic index of melarsomine probably caused the death of the three individuals. Melarsomine dihydrochloride use should be avoided in North American river otters and red pandas.     

圈养条件下小熊猫指名亚种旱季的活动规律

2008年11～12月,在姚家坪小熊猫繁育基地采用目标取样法和瞬时扫描取样法对19只圈养小熊猫指名亚种的活动规律进行了研究。结果表明,圈养小熊猫1d大部分时间用于休息（56.2%）,其次是运动（25.1%）和采食（9.9%）,其余行为分配的时间较短。在行为节律上,休息行为除9：00～9：55外,其余时间均为所占比例最高的行为,出现4个休息高峰,分别为8：00～8：55、11：00～11：55、14：00～14：55和17：00～17：55,在9：00～9：55出现极低值16.3%,此时是运动和采食的高峰;运动行为在9：00～9：55、13：00～13：55和15：00～15：55形成波峰;采食有2个高峰,分别为9：00～9：55和19：00～19：55;标记行为在9：00～9：55、10：00～10：55和13：00～13：55出现频率较高,超过5%,修饰行为在9：00～9：55超过5%,其余时间标记和修饰行为均低于5%;其他行为所占比率较低。不同年龄组间小熊猫的行为时间分配有差异,老年在休息行为上明显高于幼年和成年,约占总行为的72%;幼年在休息、运动和标记行为上略高于成年;成年的修饰行为明显高于幼年和老年。     

Hyperostotic bone disease in red pandas (Ailurus fulgens).

Three adult red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) developed multiple periarticular exostoses in their elbow joints. Two of these animals also had extensive periosteal new bone formation and osteosclerosis of the ulnae and radii and mild periosteal new bone deposition on the femurs. One animal also showed extensive hyperostosis of the cranium and mandibles. Dietary concentrations of calcium and phosphorus were estimated to be adequate, but dietary vitamin A and D appeared excessive when compared with recommended levels for this species. Serum vitamin A concentrations were not elevated in the two most severely affected animals, but their liver vitamin A content was higher than what is considered normal for most domestic animal species. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations were within normal ranges for domestic species. A definitive diagnosis for the cause of the lesions was not established, but hypervitaminosis A was suspected.     

Chromobacteriosis in a Chinese red panda (Ailurus fulgens styani).

An adult Chinese red panda (Ailurus fulgens styani) transported by airplane from Florida to a North Dakota zoo died 1 week after arrival. Grossly, an interscapular abscess, subcutaneous inflammation, lymphadenitis, and pulmonary abscesses were observed. Microscopic findings included necrotizing inflammation in liver, lung, lymph node, and spleen. Chromobacterium violaceum was cultured from the interscapular abscess, liver, lung, and spleen and was injected into Swiss Webster mice. These mice died 18 hours postinoculation, and C. violaceum was cultured from liver, lung, and spleen. Chromobacterium violaceum is a sporadically reported but highly virulent pathogenic bacterium of both animals and humans typically found as a soil and water inhabitant of tropical and subtropical regions.     

圈养小熊猫繁殖初探

建立小熊猫人工种群开展繁殖研究是减轻野生种群压力,有效保护小熊猫的措施之一。为探索提高人工条件下小熊猫繁殖水平,2011年以来成都大熊猫繁育研究基地对圈养小熊猫的环境条件等进行了改进提高。通过对小熊猫的饲养、繁育环境条件的改善,小熊猫的繁育情况有了一定的提高,初步结果显示,改进后,小熊猫的发情率、受胎率没有显著变化,但其繁殖成活率从改进前的55. 5%极显著地提高到改进后的76. 26%(P <0. 01)。     

小熊猫源大肠杆菌的药敏特性及致病性

为探明死亡圈养小熊猫(Ailurus fulgens)体内分离大肠杆菌(Escherichia coli,MT820501)的耐药情况及致病性,对分离菌株进行药敏特性分析,同时以小鼠感染实验检测其致病性。结果显示:该分离菌株对哌拉西林、头孢西丁、头孢曲松、头孢吡肟、美罗培南、哌拉西林-他唑巴坦、氨苄青霉素-舒巴坦、卡那霉素、丁胺卡那、新霉素、米诺环素、左氧氟沙星、呋喃唑酮、多黏菌素B敏感,对大部分β-内酰胺类药物及少部分氨基糖苷类药物耐药;小鼠感染实验结果显示,分离菌株半数致死量为8.42×10⁷cfu/m L,死亡小鼠体内分离出与小熊猫体内一致的菌株,病理表现为各实质脏器出现不同程度水肿、充血及炎性细胞浸润,与死亡小熊猫病理损伤特点高度相似,但不完全相同,这可能与感染方式、种属差异、耐受性等相关。     

Serosurvey of ex situ giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) in China with implications for species conservation.

Conservation strategies for the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) include the development of a self-sustaining ex situ population. This study examined the potential significance of infectious pathogens in giant pandas ex situ. Serologic antibody titers against canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus (CPV), canine adenovirus (CAV), canine coronavirus (CCV), canine herpesvirus, canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV), Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Leptospira interrogans were measured in 44 samples taken from 19 giant pandas between 1998 and 2003 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan, China. Seroassays also included samples obtained in 2003 from eight red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) housed at the same institution. All individuals had been vaccinated with a Chinese canine vaccine that included modified live CDV, CPV, CAV, CCV, and CPIV. Positive antibody titers were found only against CDV, CPV, and T. gondii. Sera were negative for antibodies against the other six pathogens. Results indicate that the quality of the vaccine may not be reliable and that it should not be considered protective or safe in giant pandas and red pandas. Positive antibody titers against T. gondii were found in seven of the 19 giant pandas. The clinical, subclinical, or epidemiologic significance of infection with these pathogens via natural exposure or from modified live vaccines in giant pandas is unknown. Research in this area is imperative to sustaining a viable population of giant pandas and other endangered species.     

短期封育和施用牛粪对亚高山草甸植物群落组成及生物量的影响

以滇西北退化亚山草甸为对象,研究了短期封育和施用牛粪对植被的影响。通过4年的试验,结果表明,封育、施用牛粪增加了优良牧草的比例,提高了地上和地下生物量,改变了植物群落组成;封育提高了群落植物的丰富度和物种多样性;施用牛粪且封育处理中西南委陵菜（Potentilla fulgens）的优势度降低,狼毒（Stellera chamaejasme）没有发生,优势种转变为西南委陵菜、鸭茅（Dactylis glomerata）和白三叶（Trifolium repens）,第4年地上生物量达到了101 g·m^-2,显著高于对照（P<0.05）。另外,封育和施用牛粪还改变了根系在土壤中的分布,10～20 cm土层中根系所占的比例由5%提高到了10%以上。可见,在短期封育的基础上施用牛粪有利于退化亚高山草甸植被的恢复,对于当地生物多样性保护、畜牧业发展具有重要意义。     

Asymmetric densitometric and mechanical adaptation of the left fifth metacarpal bone in racing greyhounds

The densitometric and mechanical structural properties of the left and right fifth metacarpal bones of 10 racing greyhounds with a fracture of the central tarsal bone and 10 without a fracture were investigated by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and a servo-hydraulic materials testing machine. In all the greyhounds the bone mineral density of the left fifth metacarpal bone was significantly greater than that of the right (P<0.001), but there was no significant difference between the degree of asymmetry in bone mineral density in the two groups. The ultimate torque and energy-to-failure of the left fifth metacarpal bone of the greyhounds with a fracture of the right central tarsal bone were significantly higher than in the right fifth metacarpal bone and higher than in both the left and right fifth metacarpal bones of the greyhounds with no fracture (P<0.05). The ultimate torque and energy-to-failure were significantly related to bone mineral density (P<0.005), and 22 per cent of the variation in these structural properties could be explained by variations in bone mineral density. Fifth metacarpal remodelling in response to asymmetric cyclic loading is bone-specific, and structural properties are enhanced in the left fifth metacarpal of greyhounds with a fracture of the right central tarsal bone.     

Fracture repair of the distal portion of the radius by use of a condylar screw implant in an adult horse.

An 8-year-old American Quarter Horse gelding was evaluated because of an open fracture involving the left radius. The horse had fallen during training and became immediately non-weight-bearing in the left forelimb. On initial evaluation, the horse was unable to bear weight on that limb; radiography revealed a long oblique fracture of the distal metaphysis of the radius with minimal displacement of the fracture fragments. Because of the configuration of the fracture, we recommended surgical intervention with internal fixation. A condylar screw implant and 4.5-mm broad dynamic compression plate were applied to the medial and dorsolateral aspects of the radius, respectively. The horse recovered in a sling and full-limb bandage. Six months after discharge, the horse was reevaluated because of a grade 4/5 lameness in the same limb. Palpation revealed signs of severe pain over the distomedial aspect of the radius. Radiography of the left radius revealed severe osteolysis beneath the distal aspect of the condylar screw implant. Surgical removal of the medial plate was performed. Sixteen months after the initial fracture repair, the horse had returned to light training without signs of lameness. Removal of the dorsal plate may be indicated if this horse is to return to aggressive training or becomes lame in the left forelimb.     

Open reduction and internal fixation with a locking plate for the treatment of a femoral fracture in a ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

Long bone fractures in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) are usually traumatic in etiology, and the femur is commonly affected [1]. A 4-year-old, castrated male ferret was examined for acute, non-weight-bearing lameness of the left pelvic limb after presumably falling from its elevated enclosure. Clinical and radiographic evaluation showed a complete, comminuted fracture of the proximal diaphyseal third of the left femur. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the left femoral fracture was performed with cerclage wires and a 1.5 mm locking compression plate with associated locking screws. Anatomic reconstruction was achieved, and postoperative radiographs confirmed appropriate fracture fragment apposition, limb alignment, and implant placement. At 9 weeks postoperatively, the ferret was ambulatory with no evidence of lameness, and complete radiographic union was noted. This is the first published report of the use of a bone plate for femoral fracture stabilization in a ferret. Bone plates, including locking plates, could be considered for long bone fracture stabilization in ferrets as an alternative to other methods.     

Late-onset fracture-associated osteosarcoma in a cat

An 18-year-old male, castrated Domestic Shorthaired cat was presented with the complaint of acute severe lameness of the left pelvic limb. There was no history of trauma, apart from a distal physeal left femoral fracture that had been repaired 17 years previously. Radiology revealed a displaced distal metaphyseal femoral fracture with marked areas of bone lysis and periosteal proliferations. A pathological fracture due to a bone neoplasia was suspected. An amputation with coxofemoral disarticulation was performed. Histopathology confirmed the tentative diagnosis of appendicular osteo-sarcoma. No postoperative complications were encountered and the cat made a full recovery. This case shows an unusual presentation of a late-onset fracture-associated feline osteosarcoma.     

Healing of patellar fractures in two kittens

Two kittens aged between four and five months were presented having sustained patellar fractures. In both cases, healing was subsequently documented radiographically; this has not been reported previously in the literature. One kitten had bilateral patellar fractures - the symptomatic right stifle was treated with a pin and tension-band-wire which later failed, at which point partial patellectomy was performed. The fracture of the left patella was minimally displaced and was treated conservatively. A radiograph of the left patella taken eleven months after initial presentation showed complete healing of the fracture. The second case was treated surgically with a circumferential wire; healing of the fracture was demonstrated radiographically at twelve weeks postoperatively. Radiographic images taken five weeks postoperatively had shown some narrowing of the fracture gap. These two cases demonstrate that bony union of patellar fractures can be documented, given a long enough duration of radiographic follow-up; circumferential wire was an effective treatment in a displaced fracture, and conservative treatment resulted in complete healing of a minimally displaced fracture.     

Unusual Bone Healing in a White-tailed Deer

Two sequential fractures in the left hind leg of a deer and their treatments are described. The first, a tibial fracture was treated using an intramedullary pin with full cerclage wires supported by a plaster cast. This fracture healed uneventfully. A subsequent second fracture involving the distal metatarsus was stabilized by external fixation. This fracture healed with the formation of a periosteal involucrumlike structure which encased the full length of the metatarsal bone. This involucrum was thought to be due to a sub-periosteal hematoma.     

1例长颈鹿跖骨骨折的诊断和治疗

介绍1例长颈鹿跖骨骨折的诊断与治疗。患鹿左侧跖骨远端开放性横骨折,采用全身镇静配合神经传导阻滞麻醉和局部浸润麻醉,使用外固定支架进行骨折断端的恢复,植入物完成后采用氩弧焊焊接牢固,术后恢复良好。