Exploratory rigid laparoscopy in an African elephant (Loxodonta africana).

In March 2009, a 25-yr-old captive female African elephant (Loxodonta africana) underwent an exploratory laparoscopy after several weeks of diarrhea, submandibular and ventral edema, and swelling on medial and lateral aspects of all feet. Although there have been recent advances in laparoscopic vasectomies in free-ranging African elephants in South Africa utilizing specially designed rigid laparoscopes and insufflation devices, this was the first attempt at using these same techniques for an exploratory purpose. The elephant was sedated in a static restraint chute and remained standing for the duration of the procedure.

Laparoscopic vasectomy in African elephants (Loxodonta africana).

Objective: To describe a surgical technique for, and outcome after, laparoscopic vasectomy of free-ranging elephants.

Study Design: Case series.

Animals: African elephants (Loxodonta africana; n = 14).

Laparoscopic vasectomy in African savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana); surgical technique and results.

Several small, enclosed reserves in southern Africa are experiencing significant elephant population growth, which has resulted in associated environmental damage and changes in biodiversity. Although several techniques exist to control elephant populations, e.g.

Mycobacterium kansasii infection in a bontebok (Damaliscus pygaragus dorcas) herd: diagnostic challenges in differentiating from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex.

Two adult female bontebok (Damaliscus pygarus dorcas) were euthanized because of signs of pneumonia and weakness (case 1), and a nonresponsive lameness with draining fistula (case 2). Necropsy findings were similar in both cases and consisted of disseminated granulomatous lesions in the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, pleural surfaces, and multiple lymph nodes. Mycobacterium kansasii was isolated from both cases after multiple attempts on a variety of samples by two laboratories.

Changes in serum calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels in captive ruminants affected by diet manipulation.

A combination of low serum calcium (Ca), high serum phosphorus (P), and low serum magnesium (Mg) has been observed in individual captive ruminants, primarily affecting kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), eland (Taurotragus oryx), nyala (Tragelaphus angasii), bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus), and giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis). These mineral abnormalities have been associated with chronic laminitis, acute tetany, seizures, and death. Underlying rumen disease secondary to feeding highly fermentable carbohydrates was suspected to be contributing to the mineral deficiencies, and diet changes that decreased the amount of starch fed were implemented in 2003.

Minimally invasive surgical techniques in bony fish (osteichthyes).

Rigid laparoscopic surgery can be performed on bony fish. It is expected that laparoscopy will become a standard technique in veterinary medicine and will provide the zoo and aquarium clinician with a greater variety of diagnostic and therapeutic options. Laparoscopy has been found to be a very effective technique to directly visualize visceral organs and collect tissue samples.

Siadenovirus infection in two psittacine bird species.

Consensus polymerase chain reaction was used to identify a novel adenovirus from two psittacine birds: a plum-headed parakeet (Psittacula cyanocephala) with lethargy, weight loss, and marked leukocytosis; and an umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba) with lethargy, weight loss, and feather abnormalities. Phylogenetic and comparative sequence analysis suggested that this virus is a member of the genus Siadenovirus, and is here termed psittacine adenovirus 2. This extends the characterized adenoviruses of psittacine birds beyond Aviadenovirus to include the genus Siadenovirus.

Health evaluation of free-ranging Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) in Peru.

As part of ongoing ecological studies of Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) at Punta San Juan, Ica Department, Peru, health surveys were conducted in November 1992, 1993, and 1994. In the three surveys, 98 birds in total were handled for examination, and blood was collected for laboratory analysis from 90 of these birds. All birds seemed to be in good condition.

Standing sedation in African elephants (Loxodonta africana) using detomidine-butorphanol combinations.

Standing sedation was provided for 14 clinical procedures in three African elephants (Loxodonta africana) managed by combined protected and modified-protected contact and trained through operant conditioning. An initial hand-injection of detomidine hydrochloride and butorphanol tartrate at a ratio of 1:1 on a microg:microg basis was administered intramuscularly, with a dosage range of 50-70 mg (12.9-19.

Clostridium septicum myositis in a western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla).

A 10-yr-old male gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) with a history of conspecific bite wounds was evaluated for acute onset of depression, anorexia, and right hemiparesis. The animal was immobilized for diagnostic examination and treatment for suspected toxic shock from a necrotizing, emphysematous wound infection, but was euthanized due to complications during recovery. Gross and histopathologic examination revealed acute necrotizing myositis, fasciitis, cellulitis, and emphysema in the affected wound area, with large numbers of large Gram-positive rods among necrotic muscle fibers.

Anesthetic induction of captive tigers (Panthera tigris) using a medetomidine-ketamine combination.

Six adult female tigers (Panthera tigris) were anesthetized repeatedly for elective medical procedures using 3 mg medetomidine and 200 mg ketamine i.m. Inductions were rapid and smooth, although supplemental ketamine was needed for safe transport after induction in 6 of 17 procedures.