Diseases of chelonians: (1) Necropsy survey of tortoises.

The results of necropsies of 144 tortoises of 17 species that died in captivity are presented. Intestinal and nutritional disorders (27.0 and 22.2 per cent respectively) were the most common causes of death. Nematode infestations were found in 43.8 per cent, but with exception of a few species the parasites were seldom pathogenic. Infestations with other helminths appear to be very unusual. Protozoan infections were relatively common (at least 22.9 per cent) but protozoa are probably seldom pathogenic. Bacterial infections occurred in 7.6 per cent and no fungal infections were diagnosed. It was tentatively concluded that infections with Salmonella spp are less important in tortoises than in other reptiles in this country. In 34.7 per cent of cases no diagnosis was made.     

Plasma alpha-tocopherol, total lipids and total cholesterol in wild rockhopper, magellanic and gentoo penguins before and after moulting

Post moult rockhopper penguins (Eudyptes crestatus) had significantly higher plasma alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), total lipid and total cholesterol concentrations than their pre-moult counterparts. In the magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) there were post moult increases in total lipid, cholesterol and alpha-tocopherol concentrations, but only the increase in alpha-tocopherol was significant. Plasma alpha-tocopherol, total lipid and total cholesterol concentrations in post moult gentoo (Pygoscelis papua) chicks were similar to those in non-moulting adult gentoos. Species differences in the levels of these nutrients in plasma may be due to differences in their dietary habits.     

Zoonoses and other findings in hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus): a survey of mortality and review of the literature

A survey of mortality in hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) was carried out between July 1976 and November 1986. Most were from Norfolk. Of the 74 examined, 35 (47.3 per cent) were road casualties, one of which yielded Salmonella typhimurium phage type (PT) 104. Of the remaining 39, 13 (33.3 per cent) had salmonellosis due to S enteritidis PT 11. This organism, which appears to be common and widespread in hedgehogs in England was found in 10 separate incidents. The only other zoonosis was ringworm (Trichophyton erinacei infection). Other findings included ectoparasitic infestations with mange mites (Caparinia tripilis), fleas (Archaeopsylla erinacei) and ticks (Ixodes hexagonus). Helminths comprised Crenosoma striatum lungworms (associated with Bordetella bronchiseptica infection in one animal), intestinal nematodes (Capillaria species), cestodes (Rodentolepis erinacei), trematodes (Brachylaemus erinacei) and acanthocephalans (Prosthoryhnchus species). Metaldehyde poisoning was diagnosed in three animals. Over a 10 year period 370 carcases were counted on a stretch of 18 miles of road in Norfolk. The major causes of mortality are probably road casualties and hypothermia during the winter months. In December 1988 S enteritidis PT 11 was isolated from three of four carcases examined in Berkshire and the zoonosis pseudotuberculosis (Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection) was diagnosed in two of them.     

Suspected Aleutian disease in a wild otter (Lutra lutra)

Clinical and pathological observations of a naturally occurring disease in a British wild otter (Lutra lutra) are reported. Systemic lymphoreticular proliferative changes with plasmacytosis, glomerulonephritis, arteritis and biliary hyperplasia closely resembled the pathological changes in Aleutian disease of mink (Mustela vison). Feral mink provided a possible source of infection.     

Book reviews

British Poultry Standards, 3rd edition. Edited by G. G. May, 372 pp. London, Iliffe Books. £3.50.

Infectious and parasitic diseases of wild birds, edited by J. W. Davis, R. G. Anderson, L. Karstad and D. O. Trainer. 344 pp. The Iowa State University Press, Ames, Iowa, U.S.A. 1971. Price £7.50.     

Pathological changes and organochlorine residues in tissues of wild otters (Lutra lutra)

In 1984 two adult, wild otters (Lutra lutra) from north Norfolk were subjected to full post mortem examinations. One was found dead and the other sick. Both were thin. No evidence of infectious disease was found, but there were organochlorine concentrations of 433 and 75 mg/kg of fat (69 per cent polychlorinated biphenyls in both) in skeletal muscle. Leiomyoma of the reproductive tract and adrenocortical hyperplasia in one otter were similar to age associated changes in other mammals. Integumentary, including pedal, lesions were present in both otters. The possibility that the pedal lesions were caused by the toxic effects of polychlorinated biphenyls is discussed.     

Bilateral Sertoli and Interstitial Cell Tumours in Abdominal Testes of a Goat with Polled Intersex Syndrome (PIS)

An 8‐year‐old, mixed breed, polled goat was presented for evaluation of male‐like behaviour. Clinical findings included clitoromegaly, a heavily muscled neck, pronounced beard, and erect dorsal guard hairs, which are phenotypic characteristics commonly observed in intersex animals. Transrectal ultrasonography revealed the presence of two abdominal masses caudolateral to the uterine horns. Serum concentration of estradiol was elevated. Genetic evaluation was compatible with polled intersex syndrome defined by an XX karyotype without a Y chromosome or SRY gene. Based on gross and histologic evaluation, the abdominal masses were determined to be intra‐abdominal testes, each of which was effaced by Sertoli cell and interstitial (Leydig) cell tumours. The Sertoli cell tumours (SCTs) represented two unique histologic patterns. Regardless of pattern, neoplastic Sertoli cells were consistently lipid laden and positive for vimentin. Interstitial cell tumours (ICTs) were negative for vimentin. Clinical and histopathologic findings suggest that prolonged exposure to steroids secreted by neoplastic Sertoli cells contributed to virilization. In addition, results from immunohistochemistry indicated that vimentin may be a valuable immunodiagnostic tool for differentiation between interstitial and Sertoli cell tumours in goats.