Utilizing NMR fecal metabolomics as a novel technique for detecting the physiological effects of food shortages in waterfowl.

Metabolomics is the study of small, endogenous metabolites that participate in metabolic reactions, including responses to stressors. Anthropogenic and environmental changes that alter habitat and food supply can act as stressors in wild waterfowl. These alterations invoke a series of physiological processes to provide energy to restore homeostasis and increase survival.

Behavior and Cognition of the Senior Cat and Its Interaction with Physical Disease.

In cats, age-related pathologic condition and neurologic degeneration can produce changes in activity, vocalization, appearance, appetite, litter box use, sleep-wake cycle, personality, and cognitive ability. These changes can influence the relationship between owner and pet. Although cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) can cause altered behavior later in life, other medical or behavioral causes may mimic these clinical signs or complicate diagnosis.

The effects of pre-hatch elevated corticosterone and post-hatch restrictive food availability on the HPA axis development of mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos).

Environmental changes can be stressors (altered habitat and food supply, climate change, etc.) to wild animals. Stressors trigger the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis to release corticosterone (CORT) which modifies energy homeostasis.

Evaluation of intravenous T-61 as a euthanasia method for birds.

The use of T-61 as a sole euthanasia agent for birds was investigated. Nine broiler chickens were euthanized by intravenous T-61 and assessed for insensibility [brainstem reflexes: nictitating membrane reflex (NIC), palpebral blink reflex (PAL)], brain death [isoelectric electroencephalogram activity (EEG)], cessation of audible heartbeat, and abnormal electrocardiogram. Birds were considered dead when the heart rate was less than 180 beats/minute with an isoelectric EEG.

Experimental relationships between levels of corticosterone in plasma and feathers in a free-living bird.

Integrated measures of corticosterone (CORT), such as from feathers (CORTf), have intuitive appeal because they incorporate both the duration and amplitude of glucocorticoid secretion. An association between CORTf and plasma CORT has never been shown in wild birds, and it is unclear as to when and whether these measures should be correlated, given that they are fundamentally different yet related measures of physiology. We hypothesized that CORTf should correlate with instantaneous measurements of plasma CORT when the latter reflect sustained changes in the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

Corticosterone in relation to tissue cadmium, mercury and selenium concentrations and social status of male lesser scaup (Aythya affinis).

Combined lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) and greater scaup (A. marila) populations have declined steadily from the 1970s. Accompanying the population decline have been two shifts in lesser scaup demographics: a decrease in the proportion of young birds and an increase in male to female ratio.

Assessment of the analgesic effects of ketoprofen in ducks anesthetized with isoflurane.

Objective: To determine whether administration of ketoprofen would have analgesic effects in spontaneously breathing ducks anesthetized with isoflurane.

Animals: 13 healthy adult wild-strain Mallard ducks.

Procedure: Each duck was anesthetized twice in a crossover study design with 6 days between randomized treatments.