A mortality survey of free range koalas from the north coast of New South Wales

In the period 1980 to 1986, 127 free range koalas from the north coast of New South Wales were presented for necropsy. Thirty-three koalas had urogenital disease alone, 8 had respiratory disease alone, 2 had digestive tract disease alone, 12 had multiorgan disease, 48 had traumatic injuries, 6 had neoplasia, 3 had miscellaneous conditions, while 15 had no significant lesions. Common naturally occurring disease entities included cystitis, conjunctivitis, paraovarian cysts, metritis and pneumonia. Lymphosarcoma was the common neoplasm.     

A survey of urinary tract disease in New South Wales koalas

From 1980 to 1988 235 koalas were necropsied and 67 were found to have urinary tract disease. Six affected koalas out of 48 were derived from wildlife parks around Sydney while 61 of 187 were derived from free living populations on the central and north coasts of New South Wales. Sixteen had cystitis alone, 5 had cystitis and associated renal disease only, 16 females had cystitis with genital disease, 23 had urinary disease in combination with other systemic disease and 7 had renal disease only. Overall 49 animals had cystitis (30 females and 19 males; 47 being free living) with 12 of these having renal extension (all free living). Cystitis tended to be active but chronic while associated renal disease was mainly designated as hydronephrosis and pyelonephritis. Other forms of renal disease included lymphosarcoma, oxalate nephrosis, acute and chronic nephritis, and microabscessation related to septicaemia. Female genital disease associated with cystitis was commonly vaginitis and metritis. Paraovarian cysts were detected with and without metritis. Other diseases occurring with urinary tract disease included conjunctivitis, dermatitis/stomatitis, pneumonia and hepatic disease. The higher prevalence of urinary tract disease in free living koalas, especially cystitis, is in contrast to captive koalas and may reflect the interaction between disease cause and habitat.     

Chlamydial infection in a colony of captive koalas

Forty three koalas in a captive colony were investigated for the presence of Chlamydia psittaci infection and associated disease. Swabs were taken from conjunctivae and urogenital sites for cell culture isolation of C psittaci and for cytological examination (direct smears) for chlamydial inclusions and evidence of inflammation. On the basis of cell culture isolation, 28 samples from 25 koalas were positive for C psittaci (that is, infected). Three koalas were positive from both sites, 5 from conjunctivae alone and 17 from urogenital sites alone. Seven of the 8 koalas with positive conjunctival swabs had overt signs of conjunctivitis, but only 3 of the 20 koalas with positive urogenital swabs had overt signs of 'wet bottom' (continual urine soiling due to cystitis) or purulent discharge. However, 5 of the 20 with positive urogenital swabs had past episodes of 'wet bottom'. Moreover, examination of direct cytological smears showed evidence of inflammation (neutrophils) in 7 of 8 koalas with positive conjunctival swabs and 17 of 20 with positive urogenital swabs. Chlamydial inclusions were rarely identified with surety on direct cytological smears. In the 18 koalas without chlamydia, one had overt conjunctivitis while 2 had past episodes of conjunctivitis. The koala with conjunctivitis at the time of sampling had a prior history of 'wet bottom'. Examination of direct cytological smears revealed 2 of the chlamydial negative koalas had high numbers of neutrophils in urogenital smears. It was concluded that C psittaci infection may cause overt or sub-clinical disease, with the former developing when the koalas were stressed through management procedures or concomitant disease.     

Symmetric dimethylarginine values in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) based on oxalate nephrosis status

Oxalate nephrosis is a prevalent renal disease in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) of the Mount Lofty Ranges population in South Australia. The symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) assay is widely used in companion animals to diagnose renal disease, particularly in the early stages. This study aimed to determine: (1) reference intervals for SDMA in koalas and (2) SDMA values of koalas with oxalate nephrosis. Blood samples were collected from 41 Mount Lofty Ranges koalas euthanased on welfare grounds. Koalas were necropsied and, based on renal histopathology, were classified as unaffected (n = 22) or affected (n = 19) by oxalate nephrosis. Serum or plasma samples were analysed for creatinine, urea and SDMA and urine samples for urine specific gravity (USG). The reference interval for SDMA in unaffected koalas was 2.4–22.9 μg/dL. In koalas with oxalate nephrosis, SDMA was elevated in 74% of cases above the upper limit of the confidence interval. SDMA was elevated in three affected koalas with normal creatinine values. A positive correlation was found between SDMA and creatinine (R = 0.775, P < 0.001) and SDMA and urea (R = 0.580, P < 0.001) and a negative correlation between SDMA and USG (R = −0.495, P = 0.027). In conclusion, SDMA correlates well with other commonly used tests of renal function in koalas and should be included as part of the standard diagnostic process to increase the accuracy of oxalate nephrosis diagnosis in koalas.     

The haematological and biochemical effects of the gastrointestinal nematodes prevalent in camels (Camelus dromedarius) in central Saudi Arabia

Coprological examinations on 1200 Najdi camels (Camelus dromedarius) in the Gassim region of central Saudi Arabia between October 1992 and September 1993 revealed the presence of strongyletype, Nematodirus and Strongyloides eggs. In addition, examination of the gastrointestinal tracts of 240 camels slaughtered in different abattoirs in the Gassim region from March to August 1994 revealed 11 species of helminths. Infection with gastrointestinal trichostronglyes resulted in normocytic, normochromic anaemia. Adult infected camels showed leukocytosis, a decrease in total serum protein concentration and increases in blood urea concentration and in serum creatine phosphokinase activity.Abbreviations ALP alkaline phosphatase - AST aspartate aminotransferase - CPK creatine phosphokinase; epg, eggs per gram - GGT gamma-glutamyl transferase - Hb haemoglobin - MCV mean corpuscular volume - MCHC mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration - PCV packed cell volume - RBC red blood cell     

The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)! past, present and future.

The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) (from the Greek phascolarctos meaning leather pouch and bear, cinereus ashen grey in colour) is Australia's most admired native animal but very little scientific reference material is available on this unique animal. The demands of the fur trade during the latter half of the last century and up to the 1920's almost exterminated the koala and this tragic episode from the past is briefly recounted. Koalas are nocturnal and arboreal. Details of appearance, distribution, breeding, diet, water intake, volatile eucalypt oil detoxication and handling are briefly described, while information concerning intravenous injections, anaesthetic agents antibiotic therapy and fluid therapy are given. As an aid to veterinarians presented with koalas to examine, tables are presented for physiological, haematological and biochemical values. Pathological conditions found on post mortem examination are summarised, while disease conditions such as anaemia, keratoconjuctivitis, toxoplasmosis, cryptococcocis, reproductive disorders, miscellaneous conditions and internal and external parasites are mentioned. Finally, the future of the koala is discussed. Diminishing habitat, depletion of food supplies, bushfires, the threat of disease, coupled with a paucity of relevant scientific information, create an uncertain future for the koala. A plea is made to totally protect and expand the very few remaining known koala breeding areas especially in Victoria, and for veterinarians to become involved in conservation programs and wildlife research in order that the future of the koala in common with all other native species may be assured.     

Hematology, plasma biochemistry, and tissue enzyme activities of invasive red lionfish captured off North Carolina, USA

The red lionfish Pterois volitans is important not only in the aquarium trade but also as an invasive species in the western Atlantic. Introduced to waters off the southeastern coast of the United States, red lionfish have rapidly spread along much of the East Coast and throughout Bermuda, the Bahamas, and much of the Caribbean. Hematology and plasma biochemistry were evaluated in red lionfish captured from the offshore waters of North Carolina to establish baseline parameters for individual and population health assessment. Blood smears were evaluated for total and differential white blood cell counts, and routine clinical biochemical profiles were performed on plasma samples. To improve the interpretive value of routine plasma biochemistry profiles, tissue enzyme activities (alkaline phosphatase [ALP], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT], lactate dehydrogenase [LD], and creatine kinase [CK]) were analyzed from liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, gastrointestinal tract, and heart tissues from five fish. The hematological and plasma biochemical values were similar to those of other marine teleosts except that the estimated white blood cell counts were much lower than those routinely found in many species. The tissue enzyme activity findings suggest that plasma LD, CK, and AST offer clinical relevance in the assessment of red lionfish.     

Pyometra and pyovagina in koalas

SUMMARY Four female koalas were found to have pyometra and pyovagina at autopsy. All had soiling of fur around the cloaca and were in poor condition. One koala had cystic ovaries in addition to the pyometra while another had extensive peritonitis due to rupture of one of the uterine horns. Chronic cystitis was present in all koalas while one also had pyelonephritis. Microbiological examination revealed a mixed flora of both aerobes and anaerobes.     

一起群发性奶牛尿素中毒的临床研究

2004年南京某奶牛公寓由于饲养户在奶牛饲料中添加尿素方法不当,引起群发性尿素中毒。该牛群共有奶牛87头,发病64头,药物治疗56头,治愈54头,死亡10头,均为成母牛。作者调查了发病牛群的病史、临床症状、病理变化、治疗情况,对中毒奶牛的血液进行生化分析,并与正常奶牛比较,结果血清谷草转氨酶(AST)、γ-谷氨酰转移酶(GGT)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、磷酸肌酸激酶(CK)、磷酸肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)、肌酐(CRE)、尿素氮(UN)、葡萄糖(GLU)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH-L)等差异极显著(P<0·01),尿素(UREA)、血清K等差异显著(P<0·05),这些指标活性升高说明病牛心肌、胃肠平滑肌、肝肾等存在与病死牛的病理变化相一致的损伤。     

Hemocytological and hemobiochemical studies in black pied, clinically healthy breeding calves in Morocco

In the following study, normal blood values were performed on 58 Friesian calves (30 males and 28 females) under preexisting Moroccan management conditions. The following parameters were evaluated: pH-value, p.CO2, actual HCO3, BE, BB, RBC, WBC, PCV, Hb, MCV, MCHC, Glucose, lactate, urea, creatinine, total protein, total bilirubin, enzyme activities of AST and GGT and electrolyte-values (Na, K, Cl). The values of all parameters varied significantly with age with the exception of MCV, MCHC and K. The female calves presented higher values of act. HCO3, BE, BB, Hb, PCV and MCV than the male calves (p less than 0.01). The calves were born in mixed acidosis stage which was largely restored 24 hours later. At the weaning, the calves showed a slight metabolic acidosis with a partial respiratory compensation. The metabolic acidosis was accompanied with an increase of lactate level in blood plasma. During the first month of life, the development of an anaemia (PCV decreased) was observed. The mean values of glucose and total protein increased after colostrum intake, whereas the electrolyte values in blood plasma decreased. In general, the mean values of lactate, creatinine, urea, total bilirubin and the activities of AST and GGT decreased with age, while glucose and total protein remained nearly unchanged. The age and the sex should be taken in consideration judging the above mentioned parameters in a new born calf from birth to weaning (here: two months).     

Biochemical serum profiles in dogs experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum (Baillet, 1866)

The biochemical profiles of crossbred dogs experimentally infected with the parasite Angiostrongylus vasorum were studied. Two groups of five dogs were experimentally inoculated with 50 and 100 third stage infective larvae (L3) of A. vasorum per kilogram of body weight. A third group of five uninfected animals were used as control. Serum from these animals were used for biochemical tests to measure total and fractioned proteins, urea, creatinine and to determine the activities of aspartate (AST), alanine (ALT) aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (PAL) and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB). The alpha-1, alpha-2 and beta-globulins fractions showed alterations during acute phase of the infection. No modifications were observed in the biochemical profiles of ALT, AST, GGT, PAL, urea and creatinine. CK-MB was shown to be a good early indicator of cardiac injury in dogs experimentally infected with A. vasorum.     

STILBOESTROL TOXICITY IN A DOG

A case of stilboestrol toxicity is described in a dog which was treated for prostatic hyperplasia with stilboestrol dipropionate (10 mg) daily for 5 days. An initial anaemia and thrombocytopaenia of 19,500/microliters was recorded on day 11, and a severe leukocytosis of 125,300/microliters on day 15 was followed by a precipitous drop to 8,400/microliters on day 21. The dog received antibiotic treatment for concurrent peritonitis and prostatitis/cystitis between days 7 and 15. The dog died on day 41 with marrow aplasia.     

Effects of storage time and freezing temperature on clinical chemical parameters from canine serum and heparinized plasma

To assess changes in 24 blood constituents in frozen serum and heparinized plasma, blood samples were drawn from 10 clinically normal German Shepherd army dogs. The storage characteristics of nine enzymes (ALP, ALT, amylase, AST, CK, GGT, GLDH, LDH, lipase), and 15 metabolites and minerals (albumin, bile acids, bilirubin, calcium, cholesterol, creatinine, fructosamine, glucose, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, protein, sodium, triglycerides, urea) were studied. Parallel samples of serum and heparinized plasma were stored for 90 and 240 days at two different storage temperatures, -200 degrees C and -700 degrees C. Sixteen of the 24 analytes (ALP, ALT, amylase, AST, CK, GGT, GLDH, LDH, bile acids, calcium, cholesterol, creatinine, fructosamine, magnesium, phosphate, urea) showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) changes during the storage period related to storage time, storage temperature, and sample type. Seven of the analytes (amylase, GGT, GLDH, LDH, bile acids, fructosamine, magnesium) showed changes of possible clinical importance with mean differences from baseline larger than 20% for the enzymes and 10% for the metabolites and minerals during the storage periods.     

Blood biochemical profiles of thai indigenous and Simmental x Brahman crossbred cattle in the Central Thailand

Plasma biochemical profiles were studied in 112 mature (3 to 5-year-old) healthy cattle comprised of 61 Thai indigenous and 51 Simmental x Brahman crossbred male and cyclic female cattle at Nongkwang (Central Thailand) Livestock Research and Breeding Center, Thailand. Data were analysed for the effect of breed and sex. The results showed that the plasma glucose and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in the two breeds were significantly (P < 0.05) different. Furthermore, the urea, creatinine, albumin, total protein, aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in Thai indigenous were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than in crossbred cattle. However, creatine kinase did not significantly differ in crossbred and indigenous animals. A sex difference was found in glucose level with male Thai indigenous having significantly higher levels (P < 0.05) than the other three groups. Plasma urea concentration in male crossbred cattle was lower than in the other groups (P < 0.05). Female crossbred cattle had significantly (P < 0.05) lower plasma creatinine levels than the other animals. Furthermore, levels of albumin in male and total protein in female crossbred were the lowest (P < 0.05) among the groups. The AST, ALT, ALP and GGT levels were significantly (P < 0.05) different between male and female. Female crossbred cattle had the lowest (P < 0.05) AST and GGT levels, whereas lowest (P < 0.05) ALT and ALP concentration was determined in male individuals of these breeds.     

Screening semen from koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) for Chlamydia species by PCR

Artificial insemination is a valuable method for facilitating genetic exchange between captive colonies of koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) and for the maintenance of genetically important remnant populations. However, to reduce potential disease transmission, their semen needs to be screened for venereal diseases caused by organisms such as Chlamydia species. Semen samples from 11 koalas, eight of them with clinical signs of cystitis, were examined for the presence of Chlamydia by an optimised PCR assay. Chlamydia was detected in semen from seven of the 11 animals.     

Effect of storage on some constituents of camel serum

SUMMARY Effects of storage at room temperature (23–25°C) and refrigeration (4–5°C) on various biochemical constituents of camel serum were investigated. Albumin, globulin, calcium, phosphorus, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AP) and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) did not change over 9 days when stored at 4–5°C. At 4–5°C, creatinine, iron and glucose in camel sera remained stable for 6 days; total protein for 7 days; and blood urea nitrogen for 8 days. Decreased activities in creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were apparent after 1, 6 and 7 days, respectively. At room temperature, total protein, albumin, globulin, calcium and phosphorus were stable throughout the 9 days. Changes in glucose and iron occurred after 3 days. Stability at room temperature for LDH was 1 day; AST, 3 days; GGT and ALT, 6 days; and AP, 8 days. CK activity had already declined by 4 hours and by 9 days, only 34% activity remained.     

Plasma biochemistry of one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius): Effects of anticoagulants and comparison with serum

The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry were studied in man and various animals but limited informations are existing for camel plasma biochemistry. Eleven clinically healthy one-humped camels were blood sampled in different tubes containing different anticoagulants and plain tubes for harvesting plasma and serum. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, and chloride and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. Except for the amounts of AST, ALT, CK, total bilirubin, and inorganic phosphorus, other measured parameters were significantly lower in citrated plasma than in serum. Most parameters did not show any difference, but significant increase for CK activity and significant decrease for GGT, cholesterol, creatinine and chloride were seen when heparin was used as anticoagulant. Using EDTA as an anticoagulant caused a significant difference in the amounts of some measured parameters in plasma except glucose, AST, ALT, GGT, cholesterol, albumin, total protein, bilirubin, and triglyceride in comparison with serum.     

Protein microanalysis of animal tears

Sub-microlitre volumes of normal koala, mouse, dog, rat and cat tears were fractionated using size exclusion-high performance liquid chromatography (SE - HPLC), giving reproducible profiles which were different for each species. Microlitre volumes of tears were also fractionated using sodium dodecylsulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS - PAGE), resulting in good separation of individual tear proteins with a species specific distribution. Tears from koalas with conjunctivitis and mice with keratitis were similarly examined and showed mostly quantitative changes. These simple, rapid techniques gave reproducible results and, in contrast to conventional separation techniques, used easily obtainable volumes (as little as 0.75 microl) of tears. Their expansion could allow isola tion, identification and quantitation of individual tear components, enabling effective investigation of changes occurring in disease.     

Plasma biochemistry of one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius): effects of anticoagulants and comparison with serum

The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry were studied in man and various animals but limited informations are existing for camel plasma biochemistry. Eleven clinically healthy one-humped camels were blood sampled in different tubes containing different anticoagulants and plain tubes for harvesting plasma and serum. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, and chloride and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. Except for the amounts of AST, ALT, CK, total bilirubin, and inorganic phosphorus, other measured parameters were significantly lower in citrated plasma than in serum. Most parameters did not show any difference, but significant increase for CK activity and significant decrease for GGT, cholesterol, creatinine and chloride were seen when heparin was used as anticoagulant. Using EDTA as an anticoagulant caused a significant difference in the amounts of some measured parameters in plasma except glucose, AST, ALT, GGT, cholesterol, albumin, total protein, bilirubin, and triglyceride in comparison with serum.     

Predation by carpet pythons (Morelia spilota) is an important cause of mortality in a free‐living koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) population in South East Queensland

Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are experiencing significant declines across the northern part of their range. However, unbiased, population‐level estimates of mortality are rarely reported, as it's difficult to quantify causes of mortality robustly in this cryptic species. We aimed to determine the relative importance of carpet python (Morelia spilota) predation in a free‐living koala population and describe the characteristic pathological findings during necropsy. In total, 503 koalas were captured, underwent veterinary examination and telemetric tagging, and were monitored after release over a four‐year period. Mortalities were detected when activity data reported by K‐Tracker® biotelemetry collars indicated low or zero activity, or during routine field monitoring events. Experienced koala veterinarians performed thorough, standardised necropsy examinations on retrieved carcasses to determine causes of death. The three, sometimes subtle, cardinal signs used to definitively diagnose carpet python‐caused deaths of koalas were a U‐shaped primary bite site, slicking of the fur by python saliva (particularly around the face), and diffuse, uniform pulmonary congestion. We found that carpet pythons were important predators of koalas, second only to wild dogs (dingoes and dingo hybrids (Canis familiaris dingo)), accounting for 11.6% of predation deaths and 7.2% of total deaths. Less than half (38%) of the koalas killed by carpet pythons were ingested. Though carpet pythons are known predators of koalas, their relative importance as a cause of mortality hasn't previously been recognised. Population viability analyses and conservation management plans benefit from robust cause‐of‐death data collected during longitudinal monitoring studies, requiring telemetry methods that facilitate rapid detection of mortalities.