Chronic gastric instability (CGI), potentially part of the gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) syndrome, was identified in four free-ranging Virginia opossums () treated at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota in Roseville, Minnesota. These individuals displayed lack of expected weight gain, inappetence, gastric gas distension, and delayed gastric emptying time. One was diagnosed with GDV via diagnostic radiology, whereas the other three were diagnosed with suspected CGI using radiographs, ultrasound, and confirmed with exploratory surgery.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLead poisoning remains a persistent health issue for both humans and wildlife, despite strides to reduce lead contamination in the environment. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), this study explores the associations between blood lead levels (BLLs) in wildlife sentinels and possible built environment lead exposure risk factors in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota urban area. Results show a high-level of heterogeneity in animal BLLs (n = 472) across our urban environment and suggest that each kilometer increase in road density is associated with a 17.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPapillomaviruses, which are epitheliotropic and may induce epithelial tumors, have been identified in several avian species, including ducks. An adult female mallard duck () was admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation center with 2 beige, well-demarcated, firm masses: one in the subcutis under a wing, and the other on a digit of the right foot. After euthanasia, the masses were fixed in formalin for histologic examination.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe order Piroplasmida contains a diverse group of intracellular parasites, many of which can cause significant disease in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Two piroplasm species have been reported from raccoons (), ( sensu stricto clade) and a species related to (called -like sp.).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn 2011, the Minnesota Rehabilitation Center submitted four dead Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) for necropsy to the Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. All four chickadees were underweight and dehydrated and their intestinal contents were watery and yellowish. No significant lesions were observed upon histopathologic examination.
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