A mystery revealed: an update on eosinophil and other blood cell morphology of the Argentine black and white tegu ().

Reptile white blood cell (WBC) morphological features are strikingly variable across species. In the Argentine black and white tegu (), red tegu (), and Savannah monitor (Var), previous reports described a WBC type with a single distinct, clear, linear- to ovoid- to crescent-shaped inclusion of presumptive monocytic origin. The objective of this study was to further investigate the origin of this unique WBC type with crescent-shaped inclusions.

DETERMINATION OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES FOR CLINICAL ASSESSMENT OF GALAPAGOS ( COMPLEX) AND ALDABRA () TORTOISES.

The first objective of this study was to establish clinically relevant techniques for cardiac echocardiography in nonanesthetized Galapagos ( complex) and Aldabra () tortoises. A second objective was to establish guidelines for determining normal echocardiographic anatomy and function in both species. Select echocardiographic reference values were defined for 17 healthy Galapagos tortoises and 27 healthy Aldabra tortoises.

Blood Lead Concentrations of Free-Ranging North Florida Raptors: 2008-17.

Whole blood samples for lead analysis were collected from 441 raptors admitted to the Zoological Medicine Service at the University of Florida (US) between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2017. The species included Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus), Black (Coragyps atratus) and Turkey (Cathartes aura) Vultures, Barred (Strix varia) and Great Horned (Bubo virginianus) Owls, and Red-tailed (Buteo jamaicensis) and Red-shouldered (Buteo lineatus) Hawks. Our hypothesis was that geography, seasonality, and hunting strategies of these species would all affect the blood lead concentrations.

Use of Blood Lactate in Assessment of Manual Capture Techniques of Zoo-Housed Crocodilians.

Species-specific welfare indicators are important in promoting positive welfare for zoo animals. Reptiles are a notoriously understudied group in regards to behavior, welfare needs, and husbandry requirements. Using opportunistically obtained samples, we evaluated how blood lactate is affected by variation in manual capture and restraint in crocodilians.

AUSTWICKIA CHELONAE IN A WILD GOPHER TORTOISE (GOPHERUS POLYPHEMUS) AND EVIDENCE OF POSITIVE SELECTION ON THE DIPHTHERIA-LIKE TOXIN GENE.

Austwickia (Dermatophilus) chelonae is a filamentous, Gram-positive Actinobacteria in the Dermatophilaceae family. It has caused fatal granulomatous disease in diverse captive reptile species on three continents, but its presence in wild or free-ranging populations was unknown. An adult female gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) was presented euhydrated, but cachectic and infested with ticks, with two firm, encapsulated masses over the cranioventral neck and right stifle.

Sedation and Anesthesia of Galapagos (), Aldabra (), and African Spurred Tortoises (): A Retrospective Review (2009-2019).

Tortoises belong to the taxonomic family which is considered one of the most imperiled families of the order . Anesthesia is often required for the medical and surgical management of large tortoises. The objectives of this retrospective study were to review drug regimens used to successfully anesthetize Galapagos ( Aldabra and African spurred ( tortoises, and to compare the times to effect and to extubation in tortoises administered different premedication protocols.

Retrospective analysis of ocular disease in a population of captive pteropodid bats, 2003-2020.

Objective: To perform retrospective analysis of captive pteropodid bats presented to the University of Florida for ocular or adnexal disease from 2003-2020.

Animals Studied: Twenty-four individuals from seven species were included.

Procedures: Records were analyzed for disease process, methods of treatment, and surgical techniques and complications.

Gastric Intussusceptions in a Red Corn Snake Associated with Cryptosporidiosis.

A 3-year-old female red corn snake was presented for a three-week history of anorexia and decreased defecations. On physical examination, a soft midbody intracoelomic swelling was palpated. Transcutaneous coelomic ultrasound revealed a target-like mass on a transverse section of the stomach, suggesting the presence of a gastrointestinal intussusception.

ACUTE NONCOMPRESSIVE NUCLEUS PULPOSUS EXTRUSION CAUSING PARAPLEGIA IN A SIBERIAN TIGER ( PANTHERA TIGRIS ALTAICA).

A neutered male Siberian tiger ( Panthera tigris altaica) presented with paraplegia of 5 days' duration. Thoracolumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a focal, linear T2-W hyperintense intramedullary lesion at the level of T10-11 as well as reduced size of the nucleus pulposus of the T10-11 intervertebral disc. The animal was humanely euthanatized as a result of the severity of clinical signs and the poor prognosis.

GRANULOMATOUS ENCEPHALOMYELITIS IN A FALSE GHARIAL (TOMISTOMA SCHLEGELII) ASSOCIATED WITH A NOVEL CHLAMYDIA SPECIES.

A 5-yr-old, captive, hatched, female false gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii) presented with a 1-mo history of cervical spinal curvature. Antemortem diagnostics, including blood work, electromyography, muscle biopsies, and advanced imaging tests, were either within reference ranges or did not identify any specific etiology. Necropsy revealed extensive, marked, chronic granulomatous encephalomyelitis along with neuronal necrosis, rarefaction, gliosis, and astrocytosis of the white and gray matter of the cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord.

BLASTOCYSTIS SP. AND BLASTOCYSTIS RATTI IN A BRAZILIAN PORCUPINE (COENDOU PREHENSILIS) WITH DIARRHEA.

A hand-raised, 5-mo-old, intact male Brazilian porcupine (Coendou prehensilis) was evaluated for chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive, and anorexia. On presentation the porcupette was dull, dehydrated, and passing yellow, malodourous, watery diarrhea. Cytologic examination of feces revealed a large number of organisms, morphologically consistent with Blastocystis.

MANAGEMENT OF A PATENT URACHUS AND YOLK COELOMITIS IN A PREHENSILE-TAILED SKINK (CORUCIA ZEBRATA).

An 11-day-old, captive-born, male prehensile-tailed skink (Corucia zebrata) was evaluated for a chronically swollen umbilicus. On presentation, the skink appeared dehydrated and weak. The umbilical stump was sensitive, edematous, and erythematous.

Successful management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a Matschie's tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei).

A 3-yr-old, intact male Matschie's tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei) was examined for a 1-wk history of intermittent lethargy and tachypnea. An echocardiogram revealed concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricular free wall and interventricular septum. These findings were compared to measurements from healthy Matschie's tree kangaroos, supporting a diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Non-lethal sampling of liver tissue for toxicologic evaluation of Florida cottonmouths snakes, Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti.

Due to their longevity, strong site tenure, poikilothermic metabolism, and low-energy specializations, reptiles might serve as excellent environmental sentinels. Cottonmouth snakes are generalist predators and scavengers, and as such, may have higher exposure to persistent environmental contaminants as a result of bioaccumulation. Traditionally, assessment and monitoring of contaminant exposure in reptiles have involved lethal sampling techniques.

Blood mineral concentrations in manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris and Trichechus manatus manatus).

Limited information is available regarding the role of minerals and heavy metals in the morbidity and mortality of manatees. Whole-blood and serum mineral concentrations were evaluated in apparently healthy, free-ranging Florida (Trichechus manatus latirostris, n = 31) and Belize (Trichechus manatus manatus, n = 14) manatees. Toxicologic statuses of the animals and of their environment had not been previously determined.

Molecular detection of hematozoa infections in tundra swans relative to migration patterns and ecological conditions at breeding grounds.

Tundra swans (Cygnus columbianus) are broadly distributed in North America, use a wide variety of habitats, and exhibit diverse migration strategies. We investigated patterns of hematozoa infection in three populations of tundra swans that breed in Alaska using satellite tracking to infer host movement and molecular techniques to assess the prevalence and genetic diversity of parasites. We evaluated whether migratory patterns and environmental conditions at breeding areas explain the prevalence of blood parasites in migratory birds by contrasting the fit of competing models formulated in an occupancy modeling framework and calculating the detection probability of the top model using Akaike Information Criterion (AIC).

Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma in a Perdido Key Beach mouse (Peromyscus poliontus trissyllepsis).

The Perdido Key beach mouse (Peromyscus poliontus trissyllepsis) is an endangered mammal indigenous to the panhandle beaches of Northwest Florida. A captive 3.5-y-old female mouse was evaluated because of severe pruritus, diffuse alopecia, skin reddening, and ulcerations over the dorsum of her body.

Computed tomography of granulomatous pneumonia with oxalosis in an American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) associated with Metarhizium anisopliae var anisopliae.

An 18-yr-old, male, albino, American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) was evaluated for decreased appetite and abnormal buoyancy. Computed tomography (CT) of the coelomic cavity showed multifocal mineral and soft tissue attenuating pulmonary masses consistent with pulmonary fungal granulomas. Additionally, multifocal areas of generalized, severe emphysema and pulmonary and pleural thickening were identified.

Comparison of intravenous medetomidine and medetomidine/ketamine for immobilization of free-ranging variable flying foxes (Pteropus hypomelanus).

Medetomidine (0.03 mg/kg) and medetomidine/ketamine (0.05/5.

Evaluation of parenteral drugs for anesthesia in the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of several parenteral anesthetics in blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus). Thirty-one animals were administered one or more of the following drugs by injection into the hemolymph (i.v.

Detection and phylogenetic characterization of a novel herpesvirus from the trachea of two stranded Common Loons (Gavia immer).

Two wild adult Common Loons (Gavia immer) were evaluated after being found stranded in mainland north-central Florida on separate occasions. On the basis of upper airway endoscopic and cytologic findings, we diagnosed severe ulcerative tracheitis antemortem in one of the birds while more subtle lesions were observed in the other. A novel herpesvirus was detected in antemortem tracheal samples using nested consensus PCR amplification of the polymerase gene and sequencing.