FUNGAL FLORA OF ROSETTE QUILLS IN THE NORTH AMERICAN PORCUPINE () IN THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES.

The North American (NA) porcupine () is a rodent species with specialized hair structures called quills designed to detach and penetrate into tissues of any human or animal coming into contact with them. The objective of this study was to characterize the fungal flora of the quills in the region of the rosette in wild NA porcupines to further define health risks to NA porcupines and any animal coming into contact with the quills. A total of 17 adult NA porcupines were sampled, and fungal culture was performed.

Cutaneous Lesions in the Gular Region Caused by Feather Follicle Infestation with Harpirhynchidae sp. Mites in Great Crested Flycatchers (Myiarchus crinitus) in New York, USA, 2016-23.

Great Crested Flycatchers (Myiarchus crinitus), migratory passerines with a breeding range throughout the northeastern, midwestern, and southern US, are banded annually at the Braddock Bay Bird Observatory located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, New York, USA. In 2016, a Great Crested Flycatcher was observed with distinct lesions in the gular and ventral neck region, which prompted evaluation for similar lesions in subsequently trapped flycatchers and other passerine species. From 2016 to 2023, 62/102 banded Great Crested Flycatchers had their gular region examined, and seven were found to have lesions (11.

SERUM VITAMIN D AND SELECTED BIOMARKERS OF CALCIUM HOMEOSTASIS IN ASIAN ELEPHANTS () MANAGED AT A LOW LATITUDE.

An understanding of species-specific vitamin D metabolism and its role in calcium homeostasis is essential for correct diet formulation and development of husbandry protocols for managed nondomestic species. This study documented serum vitamin D metabolites and other analytes involved in calcium homeostasis in Asian elephants () managed at a latitude similar to their wild natural habitat. Serum values for 33 elephants managed at a low latitude were measured in the peak of summer, revealing low vitamin D (25(OH)D 2.

SARCOPTIC MANGE IN FREE-RANGING NORTH AMERICAN PORCUPINES IN NEW YORK STATE.

Sarcoptic mange causes pruritic and crusting dermatitis in a large number of mammalian species with varying population impacts. Between 2016 and 2022, 15 North American porcupines () were diagnosed with sarcoptic mange at Cornell University's Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital in Ithaca, New York.

Ciprofloxacin-resistant ST198 Salmonella Kentucky in a hospitalized American black bear (Ursus americanus), with evidence of subsequent nosocomial transmission.

Global emergence of ciprofloxacin-resistant ST198 Salmonella Kentucky poses an important public health threat. While conducting Salmonella surveillance among wildlife patients admitted to our veterinary medical teaching hospital in central New York, we isolated multidrug-resistant (MDR) ST198 Salmonella Kentucky from an American black bear (Ursus americanus) in September 2020. The isolate was phenotypically resistant to numerous antimicrobial agents, including ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin, and several antimicrobial resistance genes and mutational resistance determinants were detected.

EXPERIMENTAL CHOLECALCIFEROL SUPPLEMENTATION IN A HERD OF MANAGED ASIAN ELEPHANTS ().

Vitamin D supplementation may pose a significant health risk in species where levels of deficiency, sufficiency, and toxicity have not been clearly established, and species-specific research on vitamin D supplementation should be performed. This study documented the effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum vitamin D metabolites and other analytes of Ca homeostasis in Asian elephants (). Six adult Asian elephants received PO supplementation with cholecalciferol at 300 IU/kg of body weight (BW) once a week for 24 wk.

Histopathologic and molecular characterization of papillomavirus 1 and papillomavirus 2 infection in North American porcupines ().

papillomavirus 1 (EdPV1) and papillomavirus 2 (EdPV2) are associated with cutaneous papillomas in North American porcupines (). This study defined gross, histopathologic, and molecular characteristics of viral papillomas in 10 North American porcupines submitted to the New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center. Investigation for the presence of EdPV1 and EdPV2 DNA via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed in 9 of the 10 (90.

CONFOCAL MICROSCOPY FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF MYCOTIC KERATITIS IN OWLS (, ) AND A WOODCOCK (): THREE CASES.

This case series describes the use of confocal microscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of mycotic keratitis in two owls (one , one ) and one woodcock (). Each bird was at increased risk of fungal infection due to recent injury or stress. Ophthalmic findings in all birds included blepharospasm, ocular discharge, ulcerative keratitis, white or yellow corneal plaques, and anterior uveitis.

EVALUATION OF β-HYDROXYBUTYRATE, AMINO ACIDS, AND SELECTED CHEMISTRY VALUES IN THE PLASMA OF FREE-RANGING RED-TAILED HAWKS ().

The red-tailed hawk () is a raptor species native to North America that is commonly presented to wildlife rehabilitators and veterinarians, but little is known about biomarkers of metabolic status in this species. This study evaluates plasma β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and free amino acids in 24 free-ranging red-tailed hawks in good body condition in order to establish reference intervals for these values. Standard biochemical analytes were also measured.

Survival and Release of 5 American Crows () Naturally Infected With West Nile Virus.

West Nile virus (WNV) has had a significant effect on avian populations in the United States since being first identified in 1999. Avian species in WNV endemic areas do not suffer the same level of mortality that has been reported in birds within the United States since the virus was first identified in North America. Because of their unique susceptibility, American crows () are often used to monitor the spread and severity of WNV in North America.

Characterization of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from wildlife in central New York.

Background: Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) present in farming soil and food-processing facilities threatens food safety, but little is known about the carriage of Lm by wildlife.

Objectives: We estimated the prevalence of faecal Lm shedding among wildlife admitted to a veterinary medical teaching hospital in central New York and characterized a subset of the Lm isolates.

Methods: Wildlife samples were collected between May 2018 and December 2019.

VITAMIN D STATUS OF INDOOR-HOUSED HOFFMANN'S TWO-TOED SLOTHS (): A PILOT STUDY.

Disorders of calcium homeostasis have been reported with some frequency in two-toed sloths, yet little investigation has been performed on vitamin D and mineral metabolism in these species. This study evaluates biomarkers involved in vitamin D and calcium metabolism in a group of nine managed Hoffmann's two-toed sloths (), correlated with diet analysis. Serum was analyzed for both vitamin D and D metabolites, minerals (calcium [Ca], phosphorus [P], and magnesium [Mg]), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and ionized calcium (iCa).

SALMONELLA ISOLATED FROM CENTRAL NEW YORK WILDLIFE ADMITTED TO A VETERINARY MEDICAL TEACHING HOSPITAL.

The role of wildlife as a source of zoonotic Salmonella transmission is poorly understood, as are the clinical implications of this pathogen among wildlife species. Wildlife hospitals represent an important location to conduct Salmonella surveillance, given the wide variety of species admitted for medical and surgical care. Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence of fecal Salmonella shedding among wildlife admitted to a veterinary medical teaching hospital, to identify risk factors for infection, and to fully characterize the isolates.

Cutaneous concentrations of 7-dehydrocholesterol in Hoffmann's two-toed sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni) in managed care.

Hoffmann's two-toed sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni) are unique animals popular in zoological settings. The role of vitamin D in the maintenance of calcium homeostasis in this species is unexplored, although disorders of calcium homeostasis have been reported in managed sloths, including urolithiasis and soft tissue mineralization. This study assessed cutaneous concentrations of 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) in nine indoor-housed Hoffmann's two-toed sloths, as a means of evaluating the potential for cutaneous photobiosynthesis of vitamin D .

Regional alopecia and dermatitis due to Lodderomyces elongisporus in a North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum).

Background: Lodderomyces elongisporus is a yeast with a worldwide distribution that has been reported as a cause of infection in immunocompromised humans and in a dog that had been quilled by a porcupine.

Objectives: The objective of this report is to describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of dermatitis caused by L. elongisporus in a North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum).

THE VITAMIN D STATUS OF ASIAN ELEPHANTS () MANAGED IN A NORTHERN TEMPERATE CLIMATE.

Knowledge about the normal metabolism and involvement of vitamin D in elephant calcium homeostasis is essential to understanding the possible role of vitamin D in Asian elephant () health, as well as to informing accurate diet formulation. This study provides an evaluation of analytes involved in vitamin D metabolism, in conjunction with dietary intake and ultraviolet light (UV) exposure, in Asian elephants managed in a northern temperate climate. Once monthly, for a total of 12 mo, serum from six adult Asian elephants was analyzed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [24,25(OH)D], 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)D], parathyroid hormone (PTH), total calcium (Ca), ionized calcium (iCa), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg).

DETECTION OF SKUNK ADENOVIRUS 1 IN TWO NORTH AMERICAN PORCUPINES () WITH RESPIRATORY DISEASE.

Adenoviruses have been reported to affect a broad range of host species, tend to be species specific, and often affect the respiratory system. This report describes the isolation of an adenovirus from deep nasal swabs of two wild North American porcupines () with respiratory diseases that presented to a wildlife hospital. Partial sequences of the deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase gene of the isolated virus were identical to skunk adenovirus (SkAdV-1), also known as pygmy marmoset adenovirus.

EVALUATION OF 25-HYDROXYVITAMIN D IN HOFFMANN'S TWO-TOED SLOTHS () USING DRIED BLOOD SPOTS ANALYZED BY LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY-TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRY.

Although biochemical analytes have typically been measured using serum or whole blood samples, an increasing number of assays are validated for measurement of analytes from dried blood spots (DBS) on filter paper. DBS techniques are minimally invasive, require only a small sample volume, and simplify processing, storage, and shipment of samples. These qualities make DBS-based assays ideal for sampling of wildlife species in both captive and field settings.

SURGICAL ANATOMY OF CELIOTOMY APPROACHES TO THE STOMACH IN THE COMMON SNAPPING TURTLE ().

Entanglement in or ingestion of fishing gear is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in chelonians. Commercial and recreational fishing activities exert bycatch pressures sufficient to cause population declines in the common snapping turtle () and the alligator snapping turtle ( spp.).

Oral Capillariosis Due to in Migrating Sharp-shinned Hawks () in New York, USA, 2016-18.

Oral lesions focused around the oral commissures were documented in several Sharp-shinned Hawks () in the 2016-18 spring migration season at a banding station located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, New York, US. Samples of the inflamed and caseous lesions repeatedly tested negative for and poxvirus; however, large numbers of capillariid eggs and embedded worms were consistently present. Morphologically, the nematodes were identified as , which was confirmed by PCR and genetic sequencing.

EVALUATION OF THE I-STAT PORTABLE CLINICAL ANALYZER FOR MEASUREMENT OF IONIZED CALCIUM AND SELECTED BLOOD CHEMISTRY VALUES IN ASIAN ELEPHANTS (ELEPHAS MAXIMUS).

Thei-STAT® portable clinical analyzer (PCA) provides patient-side results for hematologic, biochemical, and blood gas values when immediate results are desired. This analyzer is commonly used in nondomestic animals; however, validation of this method in comparison with traditional benchtop methods should be performed for each species. In this study, the i-STAT PCA was compared with the Radiometer ABL 800 Flex benchtop analyzer using 24 heparinized whole blood samples obtained from healthy E.

HEPATIC OSTEODYSTROPHY IN A GOLDEN LION TAMARIN (LEONTOPITHECUS ROSALIA).

An 8-yr-old, captive, female golden lion tamarin ( Leontopithecus rosalia ) with a 6-yr history of hyperbilirubinemia was examined for inappetence and weight loss. Physical examination and blood pressure monitoring under anesthesia revealed hypothermia and hypotension, and blood work revealed hypoglycemia, markedly elevated liver enzymes, including serum alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase, and confirmed the hyperbilirubinemia. A complete blood count suggested chronic lymphoid leukemia.

RADIATION THERAPY OF A PRESUMPTIVE URETHRAL TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA IN AN EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL (SCIURUS CAROLINENSIS).

An adult female Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), with a previous history of primary renal transitional cell carcinoma treated by nephrectomy, was diagnosed with a metastatic urethral transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) utilizing the veterinary bladder tumor antigen test in combination with other noninvasive diagnostic tests. The squirrel was treated with piroxicam and external beam radiation therapy given in 18 treatments over 30 days to achieve a total of 54 gray. Mild to moderate side effects from the pelvic irradiation were self-limiting and easily managed.

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in a closed colony of Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus).

An outbreak of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (Yptb) occurred in a closed colony of Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) and resulted in the death of seven bats over a 6-week period. An initial survey of the remaining bats revealed visceral abscessation characteristic of pseudotuberculosis in five of the 12 bats examined (41.7%), inciting depopulation of the colony.