Retrospective review of neoplasms of captive lizards in the United Kingdom.

Background: Neoplasia has historically been regarded as an unusual occurrence in reptiles. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of neoplasms in routine diagnostic samples submitted to a specialist exotic animal laboratory.

Methods: Over a 10-year period, 690 lizard samples were submitted for histopathological or cytopathological examination by Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons specialists in Veterinary Pathology (Zoo and Wildlife).

Determination of vertebral heart score in three species of Spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps, A. hybridus and A. paniscus).

Background: The vertebral heart score (VHS) is a method of evaluation of cardiac size well documented in domestic mammals and in other primate species, and the aim of this study was to determine the VHS in three species of Spider monkey.

Methods: In this retrospective study, right lateral radiographs of thirty clinically well animals were reviewed and VHS determined. The species included were Ateles fusciceps (n=17), Ateles hybridus (n=8) and Ateles paniscus (n=5).

The Influence of a Combined Butorphanol and Midazolam Premedication on Anesthesia in Psittacid Species.

Premedication is considered routine for domestic animal and human anesthesia but is rarely applied to avian patients, and few controlled studies exist to document effects of premedication in avian species. To determine the effects of a butorphanol and midazolam premedication on general anesthesia and quality of induction and recovery phases in psittacid species, 17 clinically healthy birds undergoing anesthesia were randomly allocated into either a premedicated or control group. Anesthetic parameters were subsequently compared.

Determination of vertebral heart score in Goeldi's monkeys (Callimico goeldii).

Background: Goeldi's monkeys (Callimico goeldii) are callitrichid primates commonly kept in zoological collections, and to date, no cardiac parameters have been recorded. The vertebral heart score (VHS) is an objective method of evaluation of cardiac size well documented in domestic mammals, and the aim of this study was to determine the VHS in Goeldi's monkeys.

Methods: In this retrospective study, right lateral radiographs of thirteen clinically well animals were reviewed and vertebral heart score determined.