PHARMACOKINETICS OF TRAMADOL AND O-DESMETHYLTRAMADOL IN GIANT TORTOISES (, ).

The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of two orally administered doses of tramadol (1 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg) and its metabolite, O-desmethyltramadol (M1) in giant tortoises (, ). Eleven giant tortoises (, ) received two randomly assigned, oral doses of tramadol (either 1 mg/kg or 5 mg/kg), with a washout period of 3 wk between each dose. The half-life (t½) of orally administered tramadol at 1 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg was 11.

COMPARISON OF PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS AND BIOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS FOR THE QUANTIFICATION OF PLASMA ALBUMIN IN HEALTHY BEARDED DRAGONS ().

While electrophoresis is considered the standard method for evaluation of protein concentrations as a result of its direct measurement, albumin is often quantified with biochemical assays. Many laboratory-based chemistry analyzers and clinic-based point-of-care analyzers use the dye bromocresol green (BCG) for the quantitation of albumin. Several studies have shown that albumin concentrations obtained by the standard (BCG) dye-binding method are significantly different from those obtained by protein electrophoresis in avian species and chelonia.

EFFECTS OF A LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE ON THE PRODUCTION OF CHOLECALCIFEROL AND ASSOCIATED BLOOD PARAMETERS IN THE BEARDED DRAGON ( POGONA VITTICEPS).

The importance of vitamin D has been documented in multiple reptile species, with deficiencies resulting in alterations in calcium homeostasis, including nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. Though vitamin D can be obtained directly from dietary sources or from photobiosynthetic production, species variability in diet and behavior makes exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation an essential requirement for some diurnal species. The effect of different bulbs to promote synthesis of cholecalciferol (vitamin D) in the bearded dragon ( Pogona vitticeps) was evaluated.

NEOPLASIA IN SNAKES AT ZOO ATLANTA DURING 1992-2012.

A retrospective study was conducted to review neoplasia of captive snakes in the Zoo Atlanta collection from 1992 to 2012. Of 255 snakes that underwent necropsy and histopathologic examination at Zoo Atlanta during the study period, 37 were observed with neoplasia at necropsy. In those 37 snakes, 42 neoplastic lesions of 18 primary cell types were diagnosed.

Optimal husbandry of hatchling Eastern Indigo Snakes (Drymarchon couperi) during a captive head-start program.

Optimal husbandry techniques are desirable for any headstart program, but frequently are unknown for rare species. Here we describe key reproductive variables and determine optimal incubation temperature and diet diversity for Eastern Indigo Snakes (Drymarchon couperi) grown in laboratory settings. Optimal incubation temperature was estimated from two variables dependent on temperature, shell dimpling, a surrogate for death from fungal infection, and deviation of an egg from an ovoid shape, a surrogate for death from developmental anomalies.

Nutrition and health in amphibian husbandry.

Amphibian biology is intricate, and there are many inter-related factors that need to be understood before establishing successful Conservation Breeding Programs (CBPs). Nutritional needs of amphibians are highly integrated with disease and their husbandry needs, and the diversity of developmental stages, natural habitats, and feeding strategies result in many different recommendations for proper care and feeding. This review identifies several areas where there is substantial room for improvement in maintaining healthy ex situ amphibian populations specifically in the areas of obtaining and utilizing natural history data for both amphibians and their dietary items, achieving more appropriate environmental parameters, understanding stress and hormone production, and promoting better physical and population health.

Exotic venomous snakebite drill.

Background: There were 900 exotic venomous snakebites reported from 2000 to 2009. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums' recommends institutions housing venomous reptiles have protocols for appropriate and timely transport of envenomed individuals to hospitals. The study objective was to evaluate functional aspects and potential problems of our emergency operation procedure designed for handling the response to an exotic venomous snakebite during implementation via a simulated drill.

The reptilian thyroid and parathyroid glands.

The field of reptilian clinical endocrinology is still in its infancy. The thyroid and parathyroid glands are intimately involved with many basic metabolic functions. These glands have been the subject of extensive research studies in reptilian species; however, the effects of abnormal gland function have been poorly documented in clinical cases.

Baylisascaris procyonis infection in a Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis).

An adult female Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) was evaluated for a 10-day history of progressive ataxia and weakness. The bird had been exposed intermittently over a 3-day period to a cage that had previously housed juvenile raccoons. Results of diagnostic tests were inconclusive and, despite supportive care, the bird died 7 days after the initial presentation.

Intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt in a neonatal roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus cottoni).

A 6-day-old, female roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus cottoni) was diagnosed with a single intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt at necropsy. Clinical signs had included weakness, lethargy, hypothermia, diarrhea, and a weak suckle response. Multiple seizure episodes were associated with hypoglycemia and characterized by vocalization, muscle fasciculations, and disorientation.

An epizootic of chronic regurgitation associated with chlamydophilosis in recently imported emerald tree boas (Corallus caninus).

One hundred and five wild-caught emerald tree boas (Corallus caninus) were added to a collection of 15 others. in Central Florida, during a 4-mo period. Eighty-one boas (67%) developed repetitive regurgitation during the 23-mo period after the initial introduction, and 61 (75%) of these died.

Use of an ELISA for detection of antibody responses in Argentine boa constrictors (Boa constrictor occidentalis).

Objective: To develop mouse monoclonal and rabbit polyclonal antibodies against immunoglobulin of Argentine boa constrictors and to demonstrate the ability of these reagents to detect antibody responses in boa constrictors by use of an ELISA and western blot analysis.

Animals: Two 3-year-old Argentine boa constrictors. Procedure-Boa constrictors were immunized with 2,4-dinitrophenylated bovine serum albumin (DNP-BSA).

Nasopharyngeal myxosarcoma in a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris).

An 18- to 25-yr-old intact female Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris) was diagnosed antemortem and postmortem with nasopharyngeal myxosarcoma metastatic to the lung, chronic lymphoplasmacytic otitis media, and lymphoplasmacytic and eosinophilic stomatitis. Myxosarcomas are rare in domestic animals and seldom metastasize; this tumor has not been previously reported in an exotic felid. Computed tomography of the skull was used during the diagnoses.

Ivermectin toxicosis after topical administration in dog-faced fruit bats (Cynopterus brachyotis).

Forty dog-faced fruit bats (Cynopterus brachyotis) were administered 1 drop of 1% ivermectin topically as part of a routine physical exam and deworming program, and 11 developed sudden generalized paresis. Six of the bats recovered within 24-48 hr, and the remaining 5 were presented recumbent and weak to the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Ivermectin toxicosis was suspected, and the admitted bats died or were euthanatized within 3-5 days of the development of clinical signs despite supportive care.