Respiratory diseases, diagnostics, and treatment of marsupials

Mortality trends for five species of macropods from a single institution from 1995 to 2016

Macropods are commonly kept and exhibited species worldwide. Mortality records were reviewed for five species of macropods housed at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo from 1995 to 2016. One hundred sixty-seven deaths occurred including Western grey kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus) (n = 22), Bennett's wallaby (M. rufogriseus) (n = 64), red kangaroo (M. rufus) (n = 56), wallaroo (M. robustus) (n = 9), and Tammar wallaby (M. eugenii) (n = 16). The leading cause of death was trauma, followed by bronchopneumonia for all species. Gastric dilatation was identified as a concern for red kangaroo. Females lived longer than males across species and were overrepresented by the data set. Oral necrobacillosis and osteomyelitis were health concerns for macropods in this review. Mortality reviews are important as they identifying collection trends and influencing long-term care.

TREATMENT OF MYCOTIC RHINOSINUSITIS IN A BENNETT'S WALLABY ( MACROPUS RUFOGRISEUS) USING TOPICAL VORICONAZOLE SUSPENDED IN A REVERSE THERMODYNAMIC PLURONIC GEL

An approximately 4-yr-old female Bennett's wallaby ( Macropus rufogriseus) was evaluated for chronic left-sided facial swelling and nasal discharge. Computed tomography, endoscopy, biopsy, mycologic culture, and panfungal polymerase chain reaction were consistent with destructive mycotic rhinosinusitis. The patient's infection was treated with a long-term injectable antibiotic, oral antifungal therapy, and multiple intranasal infusions of voriconazole suspended in a reverse thermodynamic pluronic gel. This case represents the first documented case of mycotic rhinosinusitis in a macropod and underlines the importance of advanced cross-sectional imaging in the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of nasal cavity disease in zoo animals.

Hedgehogs and sugar gliders: respiratory anatomy, physiology, and disease

This article discusses the respiratory anatomy, physiology, and disease of African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) and sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps), two species commonly seen in exotic animal practice. Where appropriate, information from closely related species is mentioned because cross-susceptibility is likely and because these additional species may also be encountered in practice. Other body systems and processes are discussed insofar as they relate to or affect respiratory function. Although some topics, such as special senses, hibernation, or vocalization, may seem out of place, in each case the information relates back to respiration in some important way.

Diagnostic testing for fungal diseases

Fungal infections can be challenging to diagnose, and accurate interpretation of laboratory data is important to ensure the most appropriate treatment for the patient. An overview of the nonspecific diagnostic aids and specific fungal diagnostics is presented. Additionally, a brief summary of the role of free-living saprophytes and pathogenic dimorphic fungi is discussed in relation to exotic animals seen in veterinary practice. The important fungal diseases are reviewed with reported prevalence, hosts and with specific diagnostic testing recommendations.