Dermatophytosis (Trichophyton mentagrophytes) in a Coquerel's sifaka (Propithecus coquereli)

A 19-yr-old intact male Coquerel's sifaka (Propithecus coquereli) was evaluated for a crusting facial dermatopathy. Fungal culture and histopathology of skin biopsies were consistent with dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and treatment with the antifungal medication terbinafine was initiated. After 1 mo of treatment, all clinical signs had resolved and a fungal culture of the skin was negative. The sifaka was treated with terbinafine for a total of 81 days. Two additional fungal cultures were taken and found to be negative for the presence of dermatophytes, the last culture being taken 1 mo after discontinuation of terbinafine. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of dermatophytosis in a prosimian species and the first reported treatment of a prosimian with the antifungal drug terbinafine.     

Myelofibrosis in a cat (abstract)

A 2-year-old female domestic shorthair cat was presented with ill-health and marked ascites. Clinically, there was marked pallor of mucous membranes. Two haematological examinations and transudate-exudate analyses of peritoneal fluid were conducted 1 week apart, as well as a coagulation screen and routine serum biochemistry. The haematological examinations revealed a severe persistent non-regenerative anaemia. There were no abnormalities within the neutrophil and lymphocyte cell lines. Very occasional nucleated red blood cells (RBCs) in peripheral circulation and some RBC agglutination were seen. Analysis of peritoneal fluid disclosed a modified transudate, and small numbers of erythroid and myeloid precursors were observed on the second occasion. The cat was FIV/FeLV-negative, and there were no coagulation abnormalities. Following necropsy and histopathological examination, myelofibrosis and extramedullary haematopoiesis were seen. Thoracic masses were hyperplastic lymph nodes in which there was evidence of extramedullary haematopoiesis. The exact cause of the myelofibrosis was not obvious but it may have been a case of myeloid metaplasia, however not all the characteristics of this entity were present.     

Myocardial sarcocystosis in a grand eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus) and a Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis)

Cardiac sarcocystosis is described in a grand eclectus parrot and a Moluccan cockatoo. Many cysts containing metrocytes were observed within cardiac muscle fibers on tissue sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Characteristic ultrastructural features of the cyst walls included the presence of villous projections containing microtubules. Compartmentalization of the cysts resulted from inward extensions of the cyst wall. The differential diagnosis of sarcocystosis, the life cycle of the parasite, and control measures are discussed.     

Intermediate syndrome of chlorpyriphos toxicity (Polaris) in a caracal (Caracal caracal)

A 5-yr-old spayed female caracal (Caracal caracal) was presented with complaints of acute onset of mental dullness, ataxia, and ventroflexion of 24-hr duration. The animal's garden territory was sprayed a day earlier with an organophosphate (OP) insecticide (chlorpyriphos-methyl). The caracal was treated for OP toxicosis and mildly improved. It was discharged a day later at the owner's request, although clinical signs did not resolve. During the following week, the caracal was confined to prevent further toxin exposure but did not improve and was presented 8 days later with similar clinical signs. Serum butyril-cholinesterase activity was markedly low. The relatively long interval from OP exposure, along with the duration of clinical signs, suggested an intermediate syndrome of OP toxicity. The caracal was treated symptomatically and progressively improved. It was discharged after 8 days of hospitalization and made full recovery 30 days later. This is the first report of OP toxicity in a caracal, suspected to progress to an intermediate syndrome of OP poisoning.     

Plasmodium (Bennettinia) juxtanucleare infection in a captive white eared-pheasant (Crossoptilon crossoptilon) at a Japanese zoo

An adult male white eared-pheasant (Crossoptilon crossoptilon) at a Japanese zoo exhibited lethargy and emaciation. Microscopic examination of a blood smear revealed a haemosporidian parasitic infection. Based on the morphological characteristics and molecular analysis of the parasite, it was identified as Plasmodium (Bennettinia) juxtanucleare. This is the first report of P. juxtanucleare infection in bird species belonging to the genus Crossoptilon. Caution against avian malaria infection is required for the conservation of endangered bird species in zoos.     

Oslerus (Filaroides) osleri in a dog

A young female Queensland Blue Heeler with signs of severe respiratory distress was diagnosed as having Oslerus osleri. Radiographic, bronchoscopic, parasitologic and pathologic findings are described and treatment is briefly reviewed. A possible route of larval migration from the pulmonary capillaries to the predilection site is proposed.