IDENTIFICATION AND RETROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF A FILARIOID NEMATODE SPECIES IN MANAGED GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS ().

The grasshopper sparrow () is a species of ground-dwelling passerine bird with 12 different subspecies. The Florida subspecies () is classified as federally endangered, with the most common threats including habitat loss, nest predation, and floods. A managed breeding program was established at White Oak Conservation (Yulee, FL) in 2015 with eastern grasshopper sparrows () as a model for breeding Florida grasshopper sparrows as part of an assurance colony.

Full Viral Genome Sequencing and Phylogenomic Analysis of Feline Herpesvirus Type 1 (FHV-1) in Cheetahs ().

Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) is endemic in captive cheetahs and sporadically causes devastating disease. Modified live vaccines (MLV), intended for use in domestic cats, are used in some captive cheetah populations and have been anecdotally linked to disease in certain subpopulations. Ten FHV-1 isolates from ten captive cheetahs and one isolate from an MLV used to inoculate four of the host animals were analyzed.

CHRONIC PANCREATIC DISEASE IN THE LESSER KUDU (): A REPORT OF 16 CASES IN THE UNITED STATES.

A review of archival cases at Northwest ZooPath from 1995-2018 identified 16/96 (17%; eight females, eight males) lesser kudus () with chronic pancreatic disease (CPD) from three institutions, all of which originated from an initial founder stock of 12 animals. Ages at time of death or euthanasia ranged from 2 to 132 mo (average age = 69 mo). All cases had varying degrees of pancreatic acinar cell depletion, ductular hyperplasia, and fibrosis.

SEROLOGICAL EVIDENCE OF INFECTION IN THE WHITE RHINOCEROS () IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Coxiellosis, or Query (Q) fever, a disease caused by the intracellular bacteria , was recently described in a managed breeding herd of white rhinoceros () in the southeastern United States. Clinical disease often results in abortion and could represent a conservation challenge for this species. In addition to the reproductive and herd management consequences, coxiellosis is also a zoonotic disease.

CLINICAL FINDINGS, PATHOLOGY, BIOSECURITY, AND SEROSURVEILLANCE OF COXIELLOSIS IN WHITE RHINOCEROSES () AT A CONSERVATION CENTER: TWO CASES.

A primiparous white rhinoceros () gave birth to a calf overnight after approximately 16 mo of gestation. The calf was found dead in the morning. Necrosuppurative placentitis with bacterial inclusions suggestive of coxiellosis was diagnosed histologically, and was identified in fetal tissues and placenta by polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry.

EVALUATION OF A VISUAL ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY (ELISA) FOR PREGNANCY DETECTION IN FOUR UNGULATE SPECIES.

This study evaluated the use of a commercially available, visual enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for diagnosis of pregnancy in okapi (), gerenuk (), eastern giant eland ( spp. ), and dama gazelle (). This assay has been validated for use in domestic cattle, sheep, goats, and water buffalo.

EVIDENCE OF EPIZOOTIC HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE VIRUS AND BLUETONGUE VIRUS EXPOSURE IN NONNATIVE RUMINANT SPECIES IN NORTHERN FLORIDA.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) and bluetongue virus (BTV) are vector-borne viruses of ruminants nearly worldwide. They can affect white-tailed deer (WTD; ), the ranching industry, and nonindigenous hoof stock species managed for conservation. One potential risk factor for ranched WTD is commingling with nonindigenous species on high-fenced properties.

RETROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF HEPATOCELLULAR NEOPLASMS IN NILE LECHWE () FROM TWO FLORIDA ZOOLOGICAL INSTITUTIONS.

This case series describes hepatocellular neoplasms in 10 Nile lechwe () at two separate zoological institutions in Florida. Histologically, the neoplasms were classified as hepatocellular carcinoma ( = 7), hepatocellular adenoma ( = 2), and hepatobiliary carcinoma ( = 1). Common clinical signs were nonspecific and included thin body condition ( =7), lethargy ( =6), lameness ( =3), and acute recumbency ( =5).

Glomerular filtration rate determined by measuring serum clearance of a single dose of inulin and serum symmetric dimethylarginine concentration in clinically normal cheetahs ().

Objective: To establish a reference interval for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) determined by measuring serum clearance of a single IV dose of inulin in clinically normal cheetahs () and compare serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentration in cheetahs with GFR.

Animals: 33 cheetahs housed at 3 institutions.

Procedures: A single bolus of inulin (3,000 mg/m) was administered IV, and 5 serial blood samples were collected and analyzed for serum inulin concentration with the anthrone technique.

PHARMACOKINETICS OF A SINGLE ORAL DOSE OF FLUNIXIN MEGLUMINE IN THE WHITE RHINOCEROS ().

Flunixin meglumine, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, has been used in rhinoceros species at doses extrapolated from domestic animals. There is increasing evidence to suggest significant variations exist in metabolism of drugs in exotic species. Due to the differences in drug metabolism, dose extrapolation from domestic animals may not be appropriate for exotic species.

SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF APPENDICULAR LONG-BONE FRACTURES IN FREE-RANGING FLORIDA PANTHERS ( PUMA CONCOLOR CORYI): SIX CASES (2000-2014).

The clinical outcomes of six free-ranging Florida panthers ( Puma concolor coryi) that underwent surgical stabilization of appendicular long-bone fractures (three femoral fractures, one tibial and one tibial and fibular fracture and two radial and ulnar fractures) were evaluated. These panthers presented to the University of Florida from 2000-2014. Estimated age of the panthers ranged from 0.

Parathyroid, Thyroid and Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Anatomy in an Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis).

Introduction: The parathyroid gland was first identified in the Indian rhinoceros in 1849 by Sir Richard Owen. We performed a necropsy in an Indian rhinoceros, recapitulating Owen's dissection and display what appear to be the initial identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in situ and the anatomy and histology of the largest rhinoceros parathyroid glands yet identified.

Materials And Methods: Patrick T.

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE ASSOCIATED WITH PREGNANCY IN OKAPI (OKAPIA JOHNSTONI).

Acute signs associated with cardiovascular disease occurred in three pregnant okapi ( Okapia johnstoni ) during early to midgestation and progressed to congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure was diagnosed antemortem using echocardiography and plasma cardiac troponin levels. Clinical signs included decreased activity, hyporexia, tachypnea, dyspnea, flared nostrils, and productive coughing with copious amounts of foamy nasal discharge.

RESULTS OF THE MEGAVEREBRATE ANALGESIA SURVEY: GIRAFFE AND HIPPOPOTAMUS.

Results of an online survey posted on the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians listserv examined the patterns of analgesic medication and pain management modalities used for captive giraffe and hippopotami. Compiled data included signalment, drugs administered, dosing regimens, subjective efficacy scores, ease of administration, and adverse events. Nineteen institutions exhibiting hippopotami ( Hippopotamus amphibious ) and pygmy hippopotami (Choeropsis liberiensis) and 45 exhibiting giraffe ( Giraffa camelopardalis spp.

Pretreatment of Addra gazelle (Nanger dama ruficollis) spermatozoa with cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrins improves cryosurvival.

Preserving genetic diversity of the critically endangered Addra gazelle (Nanger dama ruficollis) could be enhanced through the use of frozen-thawed sperm and artificial insemination. Our aim was to characterize Addra ejaculate traits and to assess the effects of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin (CLC) on sperm cryosurvival. Fresh ejaculates were treated with CLC (0, 0.

Eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus infection in six captive southern cassowaries (Casuarius casuarius).

CASE DESCRIPTION Within a 2-week period, 4 southern cassowaries (Casuarius casuarius) at an exhibit at a Virginia zoo died acutely subsequent to eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) infection. This prompted a search for other EEEV outbreaks in cassowaries, which resulted in the identification of 2 additional cassowaries that died of EEEV infection at a conservation center in Florida. CLINICAL FINDINGS Both juvenile and adult birds were affected.

RESULTS OF THE MEGAVERTEBRATE ANALGESIA SURVEY: ELEPHANTS AND RHINO.

An online survey utilizing Survey Monkey linked through the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians listserve examined current practices in megavertebrate analgesia. Data collected included drugs administered, dosing regimens, ease of administration, efficacy, and adverse events. Fifty-nine facilities (38 housing elephants, 33 housing rhinoceroses) responded.

Critical care for a hypothermic and hypoglycemic white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) calf.

A 3-day-old, 57.3-kg, male white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) neonate presented laterally recumbent with comatose mentation, cold extremities, and severe hypothermia, hypoxemia, and hypoglycemia. Critical care support was initiated with aggressive fluid and warming support as well as dextrose and oxygen supplementation.

Comparison of noninvasive blood pressure measurement techniques via the coccygeal artery in anesthetized cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus).

Two indirect blood pressure measurement techniques, Doppler (DOP) sphygmomanometry and oscillometry, applied at the ventral coccygeal artery were compared with simultaneous direct blood pressure measurements at the dorsal pedal artery in 10 anesthetized, captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). The DOP method was moderately accurate, with relatively little bias (mean difference 3.8 mmHg) and 88.

Leukoencephalomyelopathy of mature captive cheetahs and other large felids: a novel neurodegenerative disease that came and went?

A novel leukoencephalomyelopathy was identified in 73 mature male and female large captive felids between 1994 and 2005. While the majority of identified cases occurred in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), the disease was also found in members of 2 other subfamilies of Felidae: 1 generic tiger (Panthera tigris) and 2 Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi). The median age at time of death was 12 years, and all but 1 cheetah were housed in the United States.

Serum chemistry comparisons between captive and free-ranging giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis).

Serum chemistry analyses were compared between captive and free-ranging giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) in an attempt to better understand some of the medical issues seen with captive giraffes. Illnesses, including peracute mortality, energy malnutrition, pancreatic disease, urolithiasis, hoof disease, and severe intestinal parasitism, may be related to zoo nutrition and management issues. Serum samples were collected from 20 captive giraffes at 10 United States institutions.