Hypothalamic and Pituitary Physiology in Birds and Reptiles.

Across all vertebrates, the anatomy of the hypothalamus and mechanisms underlying its development are highly conserved, whereas the pituitary is highly specialized structurally with considerable differences amongst classes. In birds and reptiles, the hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland through nerve impulses and the secretion of neurohormones, resulting in several hypothalamic-pituitary axes: the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This article provides a foundational knowledge on the physiologic function of the hypothalamus and pituitary in birds and reptiles, and their effects on behavior, homeostasis, and disease.

Topical naltrexone potentiates cutaneous wound healing in blackbelt cichlids (Vieja maculicauda).

Objective: To evaluate the effects of topical naltrexone on wound healing in freshwater fish.

Animals: 25 blackbelt cichlids (Vieja maculicauda).

Methods: A randomized, controlled, experimental trial was performed, with each individual serving as its own control.

Nannizziopsis guarroi has prolonged environmental persistence on clinically relevant substrates.

Objective: To determine the environmental persistence of Nannizziopsis guarroi on clinically relevant solid and aqueous substrates.

Sample: 2 molecularly confirmed isolates of N guarroi obtained from clinical cases of dermatomycosis in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

Procedures: 3 concentrations (1 McFarland, 1:10 McFarland, and 1:100 McFarland) of fungal suspension were exposed to 7 sterilized solid substrates (fabric aquarium liner, wood mulch, sand, hard plastic, glass, cotton, and stainless steel) and 2 sterilized aqueous substrates (distilled water, saline solution [0.

CAUSES OF MORTALITY AND COMORBIDITIES IN CAIMAN LIZARDS () AT SIX ZOOLOGICAL INSTITUTIONS.

An understanding of the main causes of mortality in caiman lizards () under managed care is imperative to promote optimal husbandry, health, and welfare. A retrospective review of morbidity and mortality in caiman lizards from North American zoological institutions between 2005 and 2020 was conducted. Postmortem data, including gross necropsy and histopathology findings, were available for 32 caiman lizards ( = 12 subadults, = 20 adults) from six zoological institutions.

Bioencapsulation is a feasible method of terbinafine administration in Emydomyces testavorans-infected western pond turtles (Actinemys marmorata).

Objective: To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of terbinafine administered to western pond turtles (Actinemys marmorata) via oral gavage and bioencapsulated in earthworms.

Animals: 7 western pond turtles.

Procedures: A randomized complete crossover single-dose pharmacokinetic study was performed.

Clinicopathologic findings and urolith composition for green iguanas (Iguana iguana) with urolithiasis: 21 cases and 132 stones (1996-2020).

Objective: To document the clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment of urolithiasis in green iguanas (Iguana iguana) and to report on the composition of uroliths from green iguanas submitted to the Minnesota Urolith Center for analysis.

Animals: 21 green iguanas with urolithiasis.

Procedures: Medical record databases of multiple veterinary teaching hospitals were searched from 1996 through 2020.

Comparative nutrient analysis of four species of cockroaches used as food for insectivores by life stage, species, and sex.

A variety of insects are fed to insectivorous animals; however, nutritional analyses are often limited to adult life stages. Four species of nymph and adult female and male cockroaches (Blaberus giganteus, Blaptica dubia, Blatta lateralis, and Gromphadorhina portentosa) were analyzed for moisture, crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), fat, ash, and mineral content. The small sample size of this study precluded statistical analyses, however comparatively, CP in adult B.

HISTOPLASMOSIS IN NONDOMESTIC FELIDS: A REVIEW OF SIX CASES.

One adult leopard () and five adult tigers () presented with a range of nonspecific clinical signs, including lethargy (6/6), mobility deficits (4/6), and hyporexia (3/6). Hematology and biochemistry revealed a hyperproteinemia characterized by hyperglobulinemia (4/6), hepatocellular enzyme activity increases (3/6), azotemia (3/6), leukocytosis (2/6), hyperbilirubinemia (2/6), or a combination of conditions. Further diagnostics and management varied with the presenting signs and clinicopathological findings, including supportive care, diagnostic imaging, and blastomyces urine antigen analyses.

Hematology of the keeled box turtle (Cuora mouhotii).

A healthy adult, intact female keeled box turtle (Cuora mouhotii) was found to have a marked heterophilic leukocytosis using normal hematologic parameters established for the eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina), a related chelonian species. This animal was monitored with serial complete blood counts (CBCs) over the next 15 years despite remaining asymptomatic for an infectious condition. Retrospective CBC data were compiled from 38 presumably healthy keeled box turtles to establish hematologic values for comparison in this species.

Venous hematology, biochemistry, and blood gas analysis of free-ranging Eastern Copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix) and Eastern Ratsnakes (Pantherophis alleghaniensis).

Hematology, plasma biochemistry, and blood gas analysis were performed on venous samples obtained from free-ranging Eastern Copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix) and Eastern Ratsnakes (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) in central North Carolina during a mark-recapture study conducted from April to October 2015 at the North Carolina Zoo. Blood samples were collected from 31 (15 male and 16 female) free-ranging copperheads and 34 (20 male and 14 female) free-ranging ratsnakes at the beginning and end of restraint. Restraint was performed for morphometric measurements, sex determination, and identification via placement of intracelomic passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and marking of ventral scutes with a handheld electrocautery unit.

Perceptions and attitudes of Small Animal Internal Medicine specialists toward the publication requirement for board certification.

Background: The publication requirement for board certification in Small Animal Internal Medicine (SAIM) by the ACVIM is controversial.

Objectives: Directly and indirectly evaluate the perceptions SAIM Diplomates have on the publication requirement. A secondary objective was to compare the frequency with which publications submitted for credentialing purposes (CredPubs) were cited compared to control articles.

Bilateral Phacoemulsification in an African Elephant ().

A 37-year-old bull African elephant () at the North Carolina Zoo (NCZ) was diagnosed with bilateral cataracts leading to behavioral changes and significant weight loss secondary to functional blindness. On initial examination, a weight loss of 234 kg, a mature cataract in the right eye, and a focal cataract in the left eye were diagnosed. Ultrasound and electroretinography (ERG) indicated normal retinal attachment and both eyes were viable candidates for surgery.

TISSUE ENZYME ACTIVITIES IN FREE-LIVING EASTERN BOX TURTLES ().

Plasma biochemical enzymes are commonly assayed as part of a diagnostic evaluation for zoological species, but their interpretation is complicated by a lack of knowledge about tissue of origin in many reptiles. This study evaluated tissue specificity of six biochemical enzymes (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], creatine kinase [CK], gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT], and glutamate dehydrogenase [GLDH]) in 10 tissues (skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, lung, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, kidney, spleen, and reproductive tract) from 10 free-living eastern box turtles (). CK activity was highest in skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and gastrointestinal tract; GLDH and ALT activities were highest in liver, kidney, and gallbladder; ALP and GGT activities were elevated in kidney and gastrointestinal tract; and AST was relatively nonspecific, with significantly higher activity in the cardiac muscle, liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, and gallbladder compared to other tissues ( < 0.

ASSESSMENT OF A VISUAL SCORING SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING AND QUANTIFYING ANEMIA IN MALE EASTERN BOX TURTLES ( TERRAPENE CAROLINA CAROLINA).

The North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine Turtle Rescue Team (TRT) regularly admits wild eastern box turtles (EBT) ( Terrapene carolina carolina) for treatment and rehabilitation. Adult males of this species generally have an impressive red coloration of the iris, a feature commonly used to differentiate them from their brown-eyed female conspecifics. Male EBTs that present often display marked pallor of the eyes, which has accompanied clinical anemia.

EVALUATION OF ACUPUNCTURE POINTS GOVERNING VESSELS 1 AND 26 ON ANESTHETIC RECOVERY OF EASTERN BOX TURTLES ( TERRAPENE CAROLINA CAROLINA).

Intramuscular administration of anesthetic agents in chelonians may result in a prolonged (≥1 hr) return of spontaneous movement and breathing, which increases the probability for peri- and postoperative complications. The acupuncture point governing vessel (GV)-26 has been demonstrated to reduce anesthetic recovery times from inhalant anesthesia in other species. In this study, 30 eastern box turtles (EBT; Terrapene carolina carolina), presented to the Turtle Rescue Team at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine for treatment of aural abscess, were divided into four groups: control (no treatment); GV-26 acupuncture; GV-1 and GV-26 acupuncture; or GV-1 and GV-26 electroacupuncture.

Pharmacokinetics of ketorolac in wild Eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) after single intramuscular administration.

Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that possesses potent analgesic activity comparable to morphine. The opioid shortage in the United States has led to an unreliable supply of opioids for use in rehabilitation facilities, thus underscoring the need for research on the safe and effective use of nonopioid alternatives. The goal of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of ketorolac after a single 0.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic effects in koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) following immersion in propofol.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that plasma propofol concentration (PPC) is associated with anesthetic effect in koi carp administered propofol by immersion.

Study Design: Prospective study.

Animals: Twenty mature koi carp (mean ± standard deviation, 409.

Forelimb muscle plasticity following unilateral cervical spinal cord injury.

Introduction: Motor dysfunction and muscle atrophy are well documented in the lower extremity after spinal cord injury. However, the extent and time course of myoplastic changes in forelimb musculature is not clear.

Methods: Forelimb muscle morphology and fiber type were evaluated after high cervical hemilesion injury in rats.

Stimulation of Respiratory Motor Output and Ventilation in a Murine Model of Pompe Disease by Ampakines.

Pompe disease results from a mutation in the acid α-glucosidase gene leading to lysosomal glycogen accumulation. Respiratory insufficiency is common, and the current U.S.