Single oral dose of gabapentin reduces vigilance and increases play behavior without changing mobility in New Zealand white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

Objective: To evaluate rabbit behavioral responses and activity after gabapentin administration.

Methods: In this study, 5 intact female and 3 intact male New Zealand white rabbits aged 8 to 12 months were administered a single oral 25-mg/kg dose of gabapentin. This study was conducted from December 2020 to February 2021.

Evaluation of three doses of oral trazodone and their impact on handling, activity, and physiological parameters in rabbits: a prospective, blinded, randomized cross-over study.

No study has determined the minimal effective dose of trazodone required to induce behavioral changes and its safety profile in rabbits. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the minimal effective dose of trazodone to improve compliance to handling, and to evaluate associated changes in motor activity, physiological and arterial blood gas parameters. Eight intact female New Zealand White rabbits (2-month-old; 1.

Behavioral Development of Pediatric Exotic Pets and Practical Applications.

The discovery of epigenetics and the interaction between genes and the environment have moved our understanding of how animal behavior develops from gestation to adulthood, and even throughout generations, to a new level. Studying the natural biology of exotic pets is key to providing them with a rich social and physical environment that will encourage species-specific behaviors. Combining parent-raising with appropriately timed human handling is likely to result in individuals with more resilience to stress.

Behavioral and Physiologic Effects of a Single Dose of Oral Gabapentin in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

Stress in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) may influence veterinarians' ability to assess their health and can lead to complications such as gastrointestinal hypomotility and poor anesthetic outcomes. Gabapentin has been used as an anxiolytic in various species, but little information is available on its use in rabbits. To assess the effect of gabapentin on stress in rabbits, 5 female and 3 male New Zealand white rabbits, aged 8-12 months, weighing 3-4.

VALIDATION OF ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY TECHNIQUES TO MEASURE SERUM DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE (DHEA) AND DHEA-S IN NARWHALS ().

Narwhals () are increasingly exposed to anthropogenic disturbances that may increase their stress levels with unknown consequences for the overall population dynamics. The validation and measurement of chronic stress biomarkers could contribute toward improved understanding and conservation efforts for this species. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated metabolite DHEA-S are collectively referred to as DHEA(S).

EFFECTS OF A SINGLE ORAL DOSE OF TRAZODONE ON BEHAVIOR AND SERUM CORTISOL LEVELS IN BLUE WILDEBEEST ().

Trazodone is a dose-dependent serotonin antagonist and agonist used to treat anxiety-related conditions. Trauma has been identified as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in several nondomestic ruminant species and can be exacerbated by stress. In a recent study in domestic goats (), trazodone reduced activity levels without adverse effects.

HEALTH STATUS INCLUDING LEAD LEVELS OF NESTLING BALD EAGLES () ON PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, CANADA IN 2012 AND 2013.

Published research on the health status of wild bald eagles () in Eastern Canada is limited. This study examined the health status of 53 nestling bald eagles on Prince Edward Island in the summers of 2012 and 2013, including biochemistry reference intervals, a summary of hematological parameters, and background lead accumulation. Baseline lead levels of greater than 0.

Association between Pet Ownership and Mental Health and Well-Being of Canadians Assessed in a Cross-Sectional Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the association between pet ownership and quality of life (QoL), loneliness, anxiety, stress, overall health, and mental health of Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic using a One Health perspective. An online bilingual survey was completed by 1500 Canadians in April-May 2021. Socio-demographics, health, QoL, stress and anxiety, loneliness, social support, pet ownership, and attitude towards pets data were collected.

Impact of Dietary Fructose on the Lipid Profile in Six Macaws.

Atherosclerosis is frequently diagnosed in captive parrots. Recent studies have highlighted the potential role of high fructose intake in the development of human cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary fructose on the lipid profile in psittacine birds.

A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF FEMORAL FRACTURES IN WILD BIRDS OF PREY: 119 CASES.

A retrospective study was performed to describe patient and fracture characteristics, treatments, complications, and outcomes associated with femoral fractures in free-ranging birds of prey. Cases were identified from the electronic database and included raptors admitted with femoral fractures at the Bird of Prey Clinic of the Université de Montréal, from 1986 to 2018. In total, 119 individuals from 24 species, with 123 femoral fractures, were included in the study.

PHARMACOKINETICS AND CLINICAL EFFECTS OF A SINGLE ORAL DOSE OF TRAZODONE IN THE DOMESTIC GOAT () AS A MODEL FOR WILD RUMINANTS.

Trazodone is an antianxiety medication commonly used in human and veterinary medicine. Stress-related trauma is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in wild ruminant species. Trazodone could reduce stress and allow safer capture and handling, thus having a positive effect on their welfare.

Clinical Reptile Behavior.

Reptile behavior varies widely among the approximately 11,000 species of this class. The authors' objective is to allow practitioners to discriminate between normal and abnormal behaviors in reptiles. Some of the most common reasons for presentation of behavioral issues are discussed, including hyperactivity, self-mutilation, biting, repetitive behaviors, and postural abnormalities.

Clinical Psychopharmacology for the Exotic Animal Practitioner.

Literature regarding the clinical use of psychotropic drugs in exotic animals remains scarce. Psychotropic drugs acting on serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid pathways work by decreasing fear and anxiety, reactivity, and hypervigilance, and by improving impulse control. They are indicated for some cases of aggression, self-mutilation, and compulsive and anxiety disorders, including feather-damaging behavior.

Animal Behavior and Learning: Support from Applied Behavior Analysis.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a relevant field for veterinarians helping clients whose animals engage in problem behaviors. In ABA, learning is defined as behavior change due to changes in the environment. Changing behavior then requires changes in conditions.

SURGICAL ORCHIECTOMY IN FRUIT BATS-DESCRIPTION OF TWO TECHNIQUES IN THE RUWENZORI LONG-HAIRED FRUIT BAT () AND THE JAMAICAN FRUIT-EATING BAT ().

Contraception is needed to prevent overpopulation and inbreeding in highly fecund captive bat colonies. Reports on surgical contraception in bats are limited. The objective of this study was to describe surgical castration techniques in a megachiropteran and a microchiropteran fruit bat species.

Horner Syndrome in Birds of Prey.

Horner syndrome, which results from oculosympathetic denervation, has rarely been reported in birds. A retrospective study was conducted in a raptor rehabilitation program to gain further insight into Horner syndrome in birds. Data from 5128 live raptors admitted over 20 years were reviewed.

HUMAN PARAINFLUENZA 2 RELATED ILLNESS AND A DEATH IN A GROUP OF CAPTIVE WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLAS ().

An onset of respiratory disease in a captive bachelor group ( = 3) of western lowland gorillas () was concomitant with peak attendance of visitors at the institution and with unwanted occurrences of food items being thrown in the gorillas' enclosure. While the condition of two individuals improved with supportive therapy and antibiotics, the third gorilla died three days following initiation of treatment. A fatal bacterial pneumonia, secondary to an infection by a human parainfluenza virus 2 (HIPV-2), was considered to be the cause of death based on histopathology, lung cultures, and reverse transcription PCR.

Determination of the pharmacokinetics of a single oral dose of trazodone and its effect on the activity level of domestic pigeons (Columba livia).

Objective: To determine the pharmacokinetics of a single oral dose of trazodone and its effect on the activity of domestic pigeons (Columba livia).

Animals: 6 healthy adult male domestic pigeons.

Procedures: During the first of 3 experiments, birds received orally administered trazodone at doses ranging from 3 to 30 mg/kg to determine the dose for subsequent experiments.

ANESTHESIA OF AQUARIUM-HOUSED WALRUS ( ODOBENUS ROSMARUS): A CASE SERIES.

  Walruses are a challenging species to anesthetize as a result of their large mass, limited access for drug delivery, unique physiology, and small number of reports describing anesthetic procedures. Three aquarium-housed walruses ( Odobenus rosmarus) ranging in age from 3 to 11 yr old (344-1,000 kg) were anesthetized for dental or ophthalmic surgical procedures, with one animal anesthetized twice and one anesthetized three times. Preanesthetic medication was with intramuscular midazolam (0.

Pneumatosis coli in a domestic ferret .

A 4-year-old spayed female ferret was presented with acute diarrhea and partial anorexia. Pneumatosis coli and segmental enteropathy were identified by ultrasonography and radiography. Fecal culture did not identify any pathogenic bacteria.

Poorly differentiated cutaneous carcinoma of non-sebaceous origin in a 3-year-old Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus).

A 3-year-old female gerbil developed a non-healing skin wound due to a malignant neoplasm. Histology, immunohistochemistry (cytokeratin 19 positive; vimentin, estrogen, and progesterone receptor negative), and electron microscopy (no desmosomes or melanosomes) revealed an undifferentiated carcinoma with pulmonary metastasis. Unlike in previous reports, it did not arise from the abdominal pad's sebaceous gland.

Transient diabetes mellitus in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo).

A 3.5-year-old spayed female ferret, fed a diet high in refined sugar, was referred for lethargy, polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. Diabetic ketoacidosis was diagnosed.

The Value of Endoscopy in a Wildlife Raptor Service.

Although endoscopy is part of the basic standard of care in most avian practices, many wildlife rehabilitation centers do not have access to the equipment or do not use it on a regular basis. Endoscopic equipment is easily available at a lower cost on the used market or can be acquired through donations from local human hospitals. Several medical conditions encountered in wild raptors have an improved prognosis if they are diagnosed or treated early with the aid of endoscopy.