Cyanide toxicosis in goats after ingestion of California Holly (Heteromeles arbutifolia).

Cyanogenic glycosides are found in many native and naturalized plants throughout North America. The glycosides themselves are not toxic, but they yield hydrogen cyanide (hydrocyanic or prussic acid) when they are hydrolyzed by beta-glycosidases, either as a result of injury to the plant cells or by microbial action in the rumen. Hydrogen cyanide is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Cyanide ion binds with iron in cytochrome oxidase, interfering with cellular respiration. The clinical effects are peracute, often resulting in death less than 1 hour after ingestion. This study describes a case that resulted in significant morbidity and mortality in a herd of goats after exposure to California holly (Heteromeles arbutifolia).     

New canine parvovirus 2a infection in an imported Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus) in Japan

Post-import from the Republic of Indonesia to Japan in 2017, two juvenile, captive bred Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus) exhibited gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, and hematemesis, and died. One of them was examined postmortem. Microscopically, the small intestinal mucosa was necrotic with crypts lined by regenerating large epithelial cells. A gastric cardiac mucosal ulcerative lesion containing fungal yeasts and pseudohyphae morphologically indicated Candida spp. The lymph nodes exhibited marked lymphoid depletion. Canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2) was isolated from an oral swab, and virus protein 2 (VP2) gene sequencing revealed new CPV-2a. To our knowledge, this is the first new CPV-2a infection report in Asian small-clawed otters. This infection should be considered in gastrointestinal symptom-related cases in this species.     

Evaluation of urinary and serum metabolites in Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinerea) with calcium oxalate urolithiasis.

Baseline renal function data was collected during 24-hr periods of feeding and fasting from three male and three female adult Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinerea) with calcium oxalate urolithiasis. Urine was analyzed for calcium, phosphorus, and oxalate, and urinalyses were performed. There was no evidence of glucosuria, which has been previously reported in Asian small-clawed otters with urolithiasis. Urinary oxalate levels were quite high when compared with those of dogs and humans without uroliths, and the ratio of urinary oxalate to calcium was close to 1:1 during periods of food consumption. There was no significant difference in urinary oxalate excretion between the fed and fasting states. Urinary calcium excretion was five times greater during feeding than during fasting. Calcium levels were higher in the otters than those reported for dogs without uroliths but were similar to those for normal humans. Water consumption and urine production were significantly higher during periods of food consumption. Serum chemistry analyses and electrolyte levels were also determined. There was no evidence of hypercalcemia. Fractional clearance of calcium and phosphorus and endogenous creatinine clearance were significantly higher during food consumption than during fasting. Parathyroid hormone levels were similar to those reported for dogs and cats. Serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D was slightly lower in the otters than in dogs.     

花龄对枇杷柱头可授性及花粉活力的影响

以‘大五星’枇杷为试材,研究了花龄对柱头可授性和花粉活力的影响。结果表明：‘大五星’枇杷雌雄性器官的育性具有同步性,有利于自然授粉结实。从大蕾期至花后第5d花粉活力都较高,是人工辅助授粉花粉的良好收集期;从花后第2d-4d柱头分泌黏液较多,此期柱头具有强可授性,是开展人工辅助授粉的最佳时期。     

Zinc toxicosis due to ingestion of a penny in a gray-headed chachalaca (Ortalis cinereiceps).

Zinc toxicosis was diagnosed in a gray-headed chachalaca (Ortalis cinereiceps) due to ingestion of a copper-plated zinc penny. Histopathological lesions were most marked in the pancreas. These lesions included apoptosis, zymogen granule depletion, and loss of normal acinar architecture. There was also severe gizzard erosion. Heavy metal analysis revealed abnormal levels of zinc and iron in the liver. Iron pigment in the liver was most concentrated in Kupffer cells. This, along with evidence of erythrophagocytosis in the spleen, suggested that extravascular hemolysis was also associated with zinc toxicosis in this case.     

Apparent toxicosis associated with lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis) ingestion in a dog

Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis), an ornamental plant found in many urban settings, was believed responsible for the sudden collapse and death of a one-year-old mixed-breed dog. Postmortem examination revealed C majalis leaf fragments in the small intestine. The dog had gross and histologic lesions consistent with cardiac shock. Because C majalis contains cardiac glycosides that have digitalis-like activity, apparent C majalis intoxication was suspected in this dog on the basis of history, exposure to the plant, clinical signs of disease, postmortem lesions, and evidence of plant parts in the intestinal tract. A toxicologic assessment of excessive exposure to C majalis was based on the aforementioned criteria.     

Gossypol toxicosis in a dog consequent to ingestion of cottonseed bedding.

Six dogs died after accidental ingestion of cottonseed bedding. No clinical signs of illness were observed prior to death. A full diagnostic workup was performed on one of these dogs. At necropsy, the lungs were congested and edematous, and the liver was firm, congested, and had a marked reticular pattern. There was also moderate ascites. Histopathologic examination revealed multifocal myocardial degeneration and necrosis, severe pulmonary edema, and chronic passive congestion of the lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys. Transmission electron microscopy of the myocardium revealed disruption of myofibrils, chromatin condensation, and disrupted and swollen mitochondria. The cottonseed bedding contained 1,600 mg/kg of free gossypol, a concentration considered toxic for monogastric animals. The stomach content revealed the presence of gossypol, thus confirming ingestion of cottonseed. Gossypol poisoning in dogs is extremely rare and has not yet been associated with cottonseed bedding. This first documented case of gossypol poisoning in a dog, caused by the ingestion of cottonseed bedding, demonstrates how specific toxicological analysis is crucial in reaching an accurate diagnosis.     

Use of a point-of-care urine drug test in a dog to assist in diagnosing barbiturate toxicosis secondary to ingestion of a euthanized carcass

Objective – To describe a case of barbiturate toxicosis in a dog secondary to ingestion of a previously buried euthanized goat carcass and to discuss the utility of urine drug testing in diagnosing barbiturate toxicosis.
Case Summary – A 6-year-old neutered male Border Collie was presented to a university veterinary teaching hospital for evaluation of ataxia and acute collapse. Past pertinent history included Addison's disease that had been managed for 1 year. A companion dog was seen 12 hours earlier chewing on the partially decomposed head of a goat that had been euthanized 47 days previously and buried on the owner's property. The dog was laterally recumbent, unresponsive to stimuli, and hypothermic on physical examination. Initial blood work revealed hyponatremia and hyperkalemia, with a Na/K ratio of 18.5. The dog was volume resuscitated and received an injection of dexamethasone sodium phosphate due to a suspected Addisonian crisis. Despite this treatment, the dog remained laterally recumbent and unresponsive to stimuli. A urine drug screen was performed and was positive for barbiturates. A diagnosis of barbiturate toxicosis secondary to ingestion of a euthanized goat carcass was made. The dog was treated supportively over 12 hours with IV fluids and activated charcoal. The dog was able to walk 11 hours after presentation and was subsequently discharged from the hospital.
New or Unique Information Provided – Urine drug testing is a fast, easy, and point-of-care test that may be useful in dogs to assist in the diagnosis of barbiturate intoxication. Proper disposal of euthanized animals is necessary to prevent toxicosis and possible death of companion animals and wildlife.     

Karaka (Corynocarpus laevigatus) toxicosis in North Island brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli).

From 2001 t0 2004, Westshore Wildlife Reserve observed five incidences of a vestibular syndrome in North Island brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli). These were suspected to be the result of ingesting the karaka berry (Corynocarpus laevigatus), which contains a neurotoxin (karakin).     

贵州野生枇杷资源遗传多样性的ISSR分析

本文采用ISSR标记,构建了贵州39份野生枇杷种质的DNA指纹图谱,并对其遗传多样性进行了评价。结果表明,以筛选出的15条引物进行PCR扩增,获得清晰、重复性好的谱带125条,其中多态性谱带108条,多态性比例为86.4%;应用引物815、825和841的组合,构建了39份枇杷种质的ISSR指纹图谱,可以有效区分所有供试材料;15条引物的谱带数据聚类分析表明,供试种质的遗传相似性系数为0.40~0.98,在相似性系数为0.70时,可将供试种质分成五大类。聚类结果与种质表型相关,与地理分布的相关性不明显。     

Technique of mandibular salivary gland biopsy in river otters (Lutra canadensis).

A Franklin-Silverman biopsy needle was used to obtain 2-5- x 1-2-mm mandibular salivary gland tissue samples percutaneously from nine North American river otters (Lutra canadensis). The samples were suitable for fluorescent antibody or polymerase chain reaction rabies testing. Ninety-two percent (11/12) of the biopsy procedures yielded histologically confirmed salivary gland tissue, and the remaining biopsy yielded adipose tissue. No complications were noted after 5-21 days.     

The toxicosis of Embellisia fungi from locoweed (Oxytropis lambertii) is similar to locoweed toxicosis in rats

Locoweeds cause significant livestock poisoning and economic loss in the western United States. The toxicity of Embellisia sp. fungi isolated from locoweed was compared with locoweed toxicity using the rat as a model. Rats were fed diets containing locoweed, fungus and alfalfa, or alfalfa. Locoweed- and fungus-fed rats consumed swainsonine-containing food at approximately 1.3 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1), gained less weight (P = 0.001) and ate less than controls. Swainsonine is the principal agent responsible for inducing locoism in animals. The concentrations of alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes were greater (P < 0.05) in serum of locoweed- and fungus-fed rats compared with control rats. Similar intracellular vacuolation was observed in renal, pancreatic, and hepatic tissues of rats that consumed either locoweed or fungus. Rats that ate locoweed or Embellisia fungi displayed indistinguishable toxicity symptoms. The Embellisia fungi from locoweed can induce toxicity without the plants. Locoism management strategies need to involve management of the Embellisia fungi.     

Clinical signs of cardiovascular effects secondary to suspected pimobendan toxicosis in five dogs

The purpose of this study was to review the medical records of dogs that were either suspected or known to have ingested large doses of pimobendan and to describe the clinical signs associated with pimobendan toxicosis. The database of Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control center located in Minneapolis, MN, was searched for cases involving pimobendan toxicosis from Nov 2004 to Apr 2010. In total, 98 cases were identified. Of those, seven dogs that ingested between 2.6 mg/kg and 21.3 mg/kg were selected for further evaluation. Clinical signs consisted of cardiovascular abnormalities, including severe tachycardia (4/7), hypotension (2/7), and hypertension (2/7). In two dogs, no clinical signs were seen. Despite a wide safety profile, large overdoses of pimobendan may present risks for individual pets. Prompt decontamination, including emesis induction and the administration of activated charcoal, is advised in the asymptomatic patient. Symptomatic and supportive care should include the use of IV fluid therapy to treat hypotension and address hydration requirements and blood pressure and electrocardiogram monitoring with high-dose toxicosis. Practitioners should be aware of the clinical signs associated with high-dose pimobendan toxicosis. Of the dogs reported herein, all were hospitalized, responded to supportive care, and survived to discharge within 24 hr of exposure.     

Outbreak of septicaemic colibacillosis in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

We have carried out an aetiological and pathological study of an outbreak of septicaemia caused by the O165 serogroup of Escherichia coli in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) which resulted in high mortality (90%). After treatment with amoxicilin in drinking water (200 mg/l), morbility and mortality rates dropped markedly. Microbiological studies showed that the organism responsible was an atypical E. coli strain, on the basis of the non-fermentation of lactose (ONPG-), which belonged to the O165 serogroup and was highly virulent for 1-day-old chickens.     

Clinical management of potential ibuprofen toxicosis in a South American red-footed tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria).

This article describes the clinical management of potential ibuprofen toxicosis in South American red-footed tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria). A 2.5-year-old, 0.78-kg Geochelone carbonaria tortoise was presented to the emergency clinic after ingesting solubilized ibuprofen (200 mg) in a gelatin capsule. Treatment on initial presentation consisted of esophagostomy tube placement for gastric lavage and activated charcoal administration, intravenous and intraosseous fluid therapy, and administration of gastrointestinal protectants (sucralfate and famotidine). The tortoise was discharged to the owners. Although follow-up diagnostic monitoring was minimal because of owner compliance, the patient was noted to be alive and in reasonable health 1 year after initial presentation. This is the first report on the management of potential nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug toxicosis in any chelonian species.     

Serologic survey of selected viral agents in recently captured wild North American river otters (Lontra canadensis).

Blood samples were collected from 64 wild North American river otters (Lontra [Lutra] canadensis) from northern and eastern New York State and analyzed for serologic evidence of exposure to selected viral agents during a 1995 1996 translocation program. No clinical signs of disease nor lesions suggestive of prior viral exposure were seen. Titers were detected for antibodies against canine distemper virus, canine herpesvirus-1, and canine parvovirus-2 but not for antibodies against canine adenovirus-1, canine coronavirus, canine parainfluenza virus, rabies virus, feline herpesvirus-1, feline calicivirus, or feline coronavirus. This is the first report of titers for antibodies against canine herpesvirus-1 in North American river otters, and it suggests a low prevalence of antibody titers against most canine viruses in otter populations in northern and eastern New York. Confounding variables in this study could include exposure to domestic dogs associated with the project, prolonged time spent in captivity, and concurrent bacterial or parasitic infection. Stress-associated humoral immune suppression could have altered serologic profiles, especially in otters exposed to dogs after trapping but before venipuncture.