Use of alfaxalone in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps): optimizing pharmacodynamics and evaluating cardiogenic effects via echocardiography.

Objective: Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), a popular zoological companion species, frequently require sedation for procedures. A novel formulation of alfaxalone with preservatives was FDA approved for 28-day use after the vial is breached. Research has been performed in squamate species using alfaxalone without preservatives at various doses and routes of administration, but it is unknown whether preservatives affect quality of sedation or cardiac function.

Clinical disease and treatment of Leptospira kirschneri sv Grippotyphosa in a Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae).

Case Description: A 12-year-old sexually intact male zoo-managed Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) was evaluated for a 3-day history of vomiting, hyporexia, and lethargy. Radiographs were supportive of gastrointestinal obstruction, and an exploratory laparotomy was performed.

Clinical Findings: Diffuse tan foci were present on the liver parenchyma, and the tiger became icteric throughout the procedure.

OPTIMIZING THE PHARMACODYNAMICS AND EVALUATING CARDIOGENIC EFFECTS OF THE INJECTABLE ANESTHETIC ALFAXALONE IN PRAIRIE RATTLESNAKES ().

North American vipers are commonly housed in zoological institutions or studied as free-ranging populations. Because of their venomous predatory and defensive mechanism, sedation or anesthesia is frequently employed to facilitate safe handling and medical procedures, especially of the head. A new formulation of alfaxalone with proprietary preservatives was recently approved and indexed for 28-d use post-vial puncture.

EVALUATION OF THE INTER- AND INTRAINDIVIDUAL AGREEMENT OF A PODODERMATITIS SCORING MODEL IN GREATER FLAMINGOS ().

Pododermatitis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in flamingos under human care; management and treatment options vary widely based on subjective assessment from veterinarians or animal care staff (ACS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the agreement of pododermatitis severity scores assigned by veterinarians, ACS, and veterinary students when given a standardized rubric. Twenty-four greater flamingos () from a single zoo-managed flock were evaluated over time for pododermatitis.