Inhalation anesthesia in Dumeril's monitor (Varanus dumerili) with isoflurane, sevoflurane, and nitrous oxide: effects of inspired gases on induction and recovery.

Induction and recovery from inhalation anesthesia of Dumeril's monitors (Varanus dumerili) using isoflurane, sevoflurane, and nitrous oxide (N2O) were characterized using a randomized crossover design. Mean times to induction for isoflurane in 100% oxygen (O2), sevoflurane in 100% O2, sevoflurane in 21% O2:79% nitrogen (N2; room air), and sevoflurane in 66% N2O:34% O2 were 13.00 +/- 4.55, 11.20 +/- 3.77, 10.40 +/- 2.50, and 9.40 +/- 2.80 min, respectively, at 26 degrees C (n = 10). Mask induction with sevoflurane was significantly faster than with isoflurane. There was no significant difference between the induction time for sevoflurane in O2 or in room air, but sevoflurane combined with N2O resulted in significantly faster inductions than were obtained with sevoflurane in 100% O2. All treatments resulted in a significantly higher respiratory rate than in undisturbed animals. There were no significant differences in respiratory rate among lizards receiving O2, isoflurane in 100% O2, sevoflurane in room air, and sevoflurane combined with N2O, but animals receiving sevoflurane in O2 had a lower respiratory rate than those receiving pure O2. The sequence of complete muscle relaxation during induction was consistent and not significantly different among the four treatments: front limbs lost tone first, followed by the neck and the hind limbs; then the righting reflex was lost and finally tail tone. There were no significant differences in recovery times between isoflurane and sevoflurane or between sevoflurane in 100% O2 and sevoflurane combined with N2O. Similar recovery times were observed in animals recovering in 100 and 21% O2.     

Septicaemia in emerald monitors (Varanus prasinus Schlegel 1839) caused by Streptococcus agalactiae acquired from mice

The present study was performed to investigate both the identity and the source of the bacteria responsible for a fatal septicaemia observed in a group of three subadult emerald monitors (Varanus prasinus Schlegel 1839). The emerald monitors were necropsied and examined by light microscopy, including immunohistology, and by electron microscopy. Tissue samples were additionally submitted for bacteriological, virological and parasitological examinations. The virological and parasitological results were noncontributory, whereas the bacteriological investigation resulted in the isolation of gram-positive cocci which were characterized biochemically and serologically and by molecular analysis. The death of the emerald monitors was caused by a partially leukocyte-associated septicaemic infection with streptococci of serological group B of serotype V. Phenotypically and genotypically identical group B streptococci were isolated from the intestine of subadult mice, obtained from the feed used for the monitors. The genotypical characterization included an identical DNA fingerprint of strains of both origins, indicating the epidemiological relation between the feeding mice and the infections of the monitors.     

Lymphosarcoma with leukemic blood profile in a Savannah monitor lizard (Varanus exanthematicus).

A 6-mo-old male Savannah monitor lizard (Varanus exanthematicus) was presented for lethargy and anorexia of 7 days duration. Physical examination revealed a slightly raised subcutaneous mass (1 cm diameter) in the left scapular area. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of the mass revealed a population of immature, pleomorphic lymphoid cells consistent with lymphosarcoma. A hemogram indicated marked leukocytosis (465,000 cells/microl) characterized by extreme lymphocytosis and many circulating lymphoid blast cells. The lizard was euthanized at the owner's request. Necropsy revealed severe hepatomegaly and multiple raised, ulcerated mural masses in the gastrointestinal tract. There were many raised, poorly demarcated tan foci in all the parenchymal organs. Histopathologic examination confirmed infiltration of all parenchymal organs by neoplastic lymphoid cells. Transmission electron microscopic examination failed to identify viruses within the neoplastic cells. A literature review revealed few reports of squamate leukemia and lymphosarcoma and none in Savannah monitor lizards.     

Varanid herpesvirus 1: a novel herpesvirus associated with proliferative stomatitis in green tree monitors (Varanus prasinus)

Stomatitis is a common problem in lizards, and the etiologies of stomatitis in lizards are not well understood. Four green tree monitor lizards (Varanus prasinus) from two different collections were evaluated because of proliferative stomatitis. Degenerate PCR primers targeting a conserved region of herpesvirus DNA-dependent DNA polymerase were used to amplify and sequence a product from gingival tissue of three of four lizards (cases 1, 3, and 4). DNA in situ hybridization of tissues from three lizards was positive for herpesvirus in the oral mucosa of all three lizards tested (cases 1-3) and the brain of two lizards (cases 1 and 3). Comparative sequence analysis suggests that this virus is a novel member of the subfamily alpha-herpesvirinae, and is here termed varanid herpesvirus 1.     

Fatal clostridial enterotoxemia (Clostridium glycolicum) in an ornate Nile monitor (Varanus ornatus).

Enterotoxemia caused by Clostridium glycolicum was identified as the cause of circulatory collapse and death in a female, 3-yr-old, captive-bred ornate Nile monitor (Varanus ornatus). Anaerobic culture of fecal samples from 12 other monitor lizards from the collection failed to demonstrate the presence of this pathogen.     

Influence of capture method, habitat quality and individual traits on blood parameters of free-ranging lace monitors (Varanus varius)

OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to determine baseline reference intervals for haematological and serum biochemical parameters in lace monitors, and to examine whether such values were influenced by capture method, expected differences in habitat food resource availability and a lizard's body size and body condition. METHODS Thirty-three wild Victorian lace monitors (Varanus varius) of unknown age and sex were captured by noose pole or aluminium box trap from Cape Conran in East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. RESULTS No statistical differences between the two capture methods were noted for haematology. There was a significant difference in the serum glucose concentrations between the two methods of capture (higher concentration in box-trapped animals) because of a physiological response to capture stress. Habitat food quality did not appear to influence haematology or serum biochemistry. The packed cell volume (PCV) for the lace monitors was 0.29-0.43 L/L. Lymphocytes were identified as the most common leucocyte. The haemoprotozoan parasite, Haemogregarina varanicola, was found in all 33 blood samples. No correlation could be made between parasite burden and PCV, serum globulins or serum proteins, but animals in poor body condition were more likely to harbour large numbers of parasites. CONCLUSION The results of this study may be used as a basis for evaluating health in lace monitors.     

Reference blood chemical values in ostriches (Struthio camelus)

Reference blood chemical values were determined for 65 male and 61 female ostriches (Struthio camelus) 1 month to 72 months of age. Plasma values of glucose, total protein, triglycerides, cholesterol, uric acid, urea, bilirubin, creatinine, osmolality, electrolytes, and enzyme activity were determined. In general, differences in various values appeared mainly among age groups and less so between sexes. Older ostriches had lower plasma glucose values and enzyme activity than did younger ostriches. High plasma sodium and chloride concentrations in young ostriches correlated with high plasma osmolalities. Plasma calcium values were lower in laying ostriches. Uric acid concentrations were markedly higher than were urea concentrations in all ostriches.     

Current and emerging concepts in biological and analytical variation applied in clinical practice

A single laboratory result actually represents a range of possible values, and a given laboratory result is impacted not just by the presence or absence of disease, but also by biological variation of the measurand in question and analytical variation of the equipment used to make the measurement. Biological variation refers to variability in measurand concentration or activity around a homeostatic set point. Knowledge of biological and analytical variation can be used to facilitate interpretation of patient clinicopathologic data and is particularly useful for interpreting serial patient data and data at or near reference limits or clinical decision thresholds. Understanding how biological and analytical variation impact laboratory results is of increasing importance, because veterinarians evaluate serial data from individual patients, interpret data from multiple testing sites, and use expert consensus guidelines that include decision thresholds for clinicopathologic data interpretation. The purpose of our report is to review current and emerging concepts in biological and analytical variation and discuss how biological and analytical variation data can be used to facilitate clinicopathologic data interpretation. Inclusion of veterinary clinical pathologists having expertise in laboratory quality management and biological variation on research teams and veterinary practice guideline development teams is recommended, to ensure that various considerations for clinicopathologic data interpretation are addressed.     

Blood thiamine values in captive adult African lions (Panthera leo).

Heparinized whole-blood samples from 22 adult African lions (Panthera leo) fed diets considered nutritionally adequate in 10 American Zoo and Aquarium Association member zoos in North America were provided for this study. Blood thiamine values were estimated using a standard microbiological assay method. The mean +/- standard deviation for blood thiamine values was 249.3 +/- 43.5 nmol/L with a range in values from 160 to 350 nmol/L after exclusion of one outlier. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in the mean blood thiamine values of male and female lions, or of lions that were over and under 10 yr of age. This range (160 to 350 nmol/L) is proposed as a reasonable estimate of the expected range in blood thiamine values for captive adult African lions as currently fed in North American zoos.     

Electroneurographic examination of the ulnar and radial nerves in the dog: reference values, biological variation and reproducibility

The radial and ulnar nerves were examined electrophysiologically in 90 normal dogs. In 66 of these dogs, aged between one and eight years, the reference values were established for 27 variables. Multicomponent sensory nerve action potentials were encountered at the proximal recording site in the ulnar nerve in 68 per cent of the dogs in the reference group and in the radial nerve in 26 per cent. Differences between the sexes were not significant, nor were differences between two breeds of similar body size. There were no significant age related differences between the ages of one and eight years. Limb length, measured as the distance between sensory stimulation site (digits) and proximal recording site (elbow), was found to have a significant effect on the velocity, amplitude, number of positive peaks and duration of the nerve action potentials. The variation in results of repeated measurements of velocities ranged from 0 to 11 per cent. The relative error in velocities due to errors in measurement of distance and latency ranged from 1 to 12 per cent.     

Hematology and serum chemistry values in captive Goeldi's monkeys (Callimico goeldii).

Hematologic and biochemical reference values were obtained from 27 healthy, captive, nonanesthetized Goeldi's monkeys (Callimico goeldii), a threatened South American primate, using automated techniques. The merits of nonparametric statistical analysis of values over the more common parametric method were demonstrated.     

Plasma biochemistry reference values of wild-caught southern stingrays (Dasyatis americana).

Stingrays are prominent marine animals; however, there are few published reference values for their blood chemistry and hematology. Twenty-eight southern stingrays (Dasyatis americana) were caught using the bottom trawl nets of fishery-independent boats operated by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources during June and July 2002 from Winyah Bay, South Carolina, to St. Augustine, Florida. Median values of blood and plasma obtained from live animals promptly after capture are as follows: packed cell volume = 0.22 L/L (22%), total solids (TS) = 56.5 g/L (5.65 g/dl), total protein (TP) = 26 g/L (2.6 g/dl), sodium = 315 mmol/L, potassium = 4.95 mmol/L, chloride = 342 mmol/L, calcium = 4.12 mmol/L (16.5 mg/dl), phosphorus = 1.5 mmol/L (4.7 mg/dl), urea nitrogen = 444 mmol/L (1,243 mg/dl), glucose = 1.69 mmol/L (30 mg/dl), aspartate aminotransferase = 14.5 U/L, creatine phosphokinase = 80.5 U/L, osmolality = 1065 mOsm/kg, and lactate = 3.1 mmol/L. Bicarbonate was less than the low end of the instrument range (5 mmol/L) in all but three samples. Anion gap was negative in all samples. Albumin was less than the low end of the instrument range (1 g/dl) in all except one sample. Osmolality was significantly higher in the rays caught in the southern region. TS and TP values were linearly related to each other, and the equation for the fitted line is TS = (11.61 x TP) + 25.4 (in g/L) [or TS = (1.161 x TP) + 2.54 (in g/dl)]. The reference ranges reported in this study can be used to aid in the management of aquarium stingrays and to create a baseline for health monitoring of the wild Dasyatis spp.     

Blood acid-base and serum electrolyte values in red deer (Cervus elaphus).

Acid-base, serum electrolyte, plasma protein, and packed cell volume (PCV) values were determined in venous blood samples from 30 red deer (Cervus elaphus) of both sexes showing no clinical signs of disease. The animals were 5 months of age and kept on pasture in the Valley of Mexico, at an altitude of 2450 m. Blood samples were collected without sedation. Mean blood values were: pH 7.411 +/- 0.041, pCO2 37.7 +/- 4.4 mmHg, base excess 0.7 +/- 3.2 mmol/L, actual bicarbonate 24.3 +/- 3.1 mmol/L, total CO2 25.3 +/- 3.2 mmol/L and anion gap 23.5 +/- 5.5 mmol/L. Mean serum electrolyte levels were: Na+ 142.3 +/- 2.5 mmol/L, Cl- 100.5 +/- 2.3 mmol/L, and K+ 7.03 +/- 1.03 mmol/L. Plasma protein and PCV values were 60.0 +/- 6.6 g/L and 0.47 +/- 0.05 L/L, respectively. Blood values determined in this study can be considered reference data for health control and disease diagnosis.     

Observer variation in the histological diagnosis of plasmacytoid leukemia (marine anemia).

The reliability of past histological criteria for the diagnosis of plasmacytoid leukemia was investigated by studying observer variation in the diagnosis of the disease. Participants blindly evaluated a series of histological samples and classified them as positive, negative or questionable cases of the disease. Intra- and interpathologist agreement were used to assess reliability and were determined by calculating the observed agreement in diagnosis and the kappa statistic. There was poor overall agreement for the classification of sample cases. Questionable cases were most frequently misclassified but marked disagreement also existed for positive and negative samples. Access to historical information prior to histological examination influenced agreement. The results show that previously described histological criteria alone were insufficient for establishing the diagnosis of plasmacytoid leukemia.     

Hematologic values for free-ranging urban gray squirrels (Sciurus c carolinensis).

Gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis carolinensis) (N=180) from Jacksonville, Fl, were examined for hematologic values: erythrocyte sedimentation rate, packed cell volume, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, differential leukocyte counts, blood platelet counts, Hb electrophoresis, and erythrocyte fragility. Results were compared by age and by sex of the squirrels and by month of capture.     

Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma in Two Related Spiny-Tailed Monitor Lizards (Varanus acanthurus)

Two male spiny-tailed monitor lizard (Varanus acanthurus) broodmates were diagnosed with chondroblastic osteosarcomas associated with the pelvic girdle. One lizard was 6 months old and the other 5 months old at the time of diagnosis. Grossly, the tumors appeared as large, firm, multilobulated masses that were white on cut surface and firmly adhered to the underlying bone. Histologically, both tumors were characterized by proliferation of neoplastic spindloid to stellate cells that encompassed the vertebrae and invaded into the vertebral and pelvic bones. Both osteoid production and multifocal chondrous differentiation were observed within neoplastic masses. Retinoblastoma 1 was absent in neoplastic cells. Even though osseous neoplasms are rare amongst reptiles, Varanus spp. may have a genetic predilection for developing chondroblastic osteosarcoma.     

Reference hematologic and plasma chemistry values of brown tree snakes (Boiga irregularis).

Reference hematologic and plasma chemistry values were determined from 103 blood samples collected from 53 clinically healthy brown tree snakes (Boiga irregularis). Female snakes had significantly higher mean plasma values for total solids, total protein, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), uric acid, and blood monocyte percentage than did males, whereas males had significantly higher mean plasma fibrinogen values. The variances for hematocrit, monocyte percentage, azurophil percentage, plasma total solids, plasma total protein, albumin, Ca, and P also differed significantly between sexes. The higher mean values and greater variances for plasma total protein, plasma total solids, Ca, and P in the female snakes were probably associated with yolk synthesis and accumulation.     

Blood constituents of farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus). II: biochemical values

Approximately 80 farmed male and female red deer aged three months and over were blood sampled and biochemical parameters measured. The deer were sampled by jugular venepuncture without tranquillization. Mean values recorded were serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (19.5 IU/l), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (43.0 IU/l), creatine phosphokinase (197.9 IU/l), plasma pepsinogen (0.91 IU/i), blood urea nitrogen (8.56 mmol/l), serum glucose (6.9 mmol/l), phosphorus (1.75 mmol/l), calcium (2.13 mmol/l), magnesium (0.74 mmol/l), potassium (4.43 mmol/l) and sodium (138.5 mmol/l). There were no significant differences in any parameter between sexes or between age groups 3-8 months, 9-18 months, or older.     

The biological variation,index of individuality,and reference change value for hematological and blood chemical analytes in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)

BackgroundUnderstanding biological variation is important when establishing or using currently published reference intervals (RIs) to evaluate hematological and blood chemical analysis results. Population based RIs may not be sensitive enough to identify clinically significant changes in individuals when the intraindividual variation is lower than the interindividual variation. This is the first study with the aim to investigate the biological variation of hematological and biochemical analytes and then to calculate the reference change values (RCVs) in ferrets.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed blood test results of 13 ferrets that have been tested every year for 7 years. Intraindividual and interindividual coefficients of variation for each analyte were calculated using restricted maximum likelihood that is suitable for unbalanced design since five ferrets died earlier, before determining the index of individuality (IoI) and RCV.ResultsNo analytes had IoI lower than 0.6. The IoI of mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), calcium, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, albumin, and globulin were between 0.6 and 1.4. The IoI of red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, MCH concentration (MCHC), white blood cell count, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, sodium, potassium, phosphate, glucose, creatinine and amylase were higher than 1.4. In this study, the RCVs varied from 6.87% (sodium) to 391.46% (basophils).Conclusions and clinical relevanceThe results of this study indicate that population based RIs are appropriate to evaluate most analytes in this study. Population based RIs should be used with caution to evaluate MCH, calcium, BUN, ALT, ALP, total protein, albumin, and globulin. The hematological and blood chemical RCVs calculated in this study can assist in diagnosing diseases, and monitoring and evaluating the performance of long-term treatments.     

Effects of in vitro hemolysis on serum biochemistry values of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).

The effects of in vitro hemolysis on 23 biochemical analytes were assessed in sera from 14 clinically healthy Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Each serum sample was divided into three portions for analysis: 1) nonhemolyzed control; 2) moderate hemolysis, simulated by adding hemolyzed serum to a final concentration of approximately 150 mg/dl Hb; and 3) severe hemolysis, simulated by adding hemolyzed serum to a final concentration of approximately 500 mg/dl Hb. Moderate hemolysis resulted in statistically significant increases in the mean values of iron, lactate dehydrogenase, potassium, and uric acid and a decrease in creatinine (P < 0.001). Severe hemolysis resulted in statistically significant changes in the mean values of the above analytes in addition to the following increases: alanine aminotransferase, calcium, and serum globulins (P < 0.001) and albumin and total protein (P < 0.01). Total bilirubin and gamma glutamyl transferase levels were lower in the severely hemolyzed sample (P < 0.001). Differences in mean values for alkaline phosphatase between nonhemolyzed and hemolyzed serum were not significant but did show a downward trend in the hemolyzed sera. The presence and severity of hemolysis must be considered in the interpretation of the serum chemistry values.