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Glassman AR, Zachariah TT. RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF BLOOD CULTURES AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH CLINICAL FINDINGS AND OUTCOME IN GREEN SEA TURTLES ( CHELONIA MYDAS) AT A FLORIDA SEA TURTLE REHABILITATION FACILITY, 2017-2020. J Zoo Wildl Med 2024; 54:766-775. [PMID: 38252000 DOI: 10.1638/2022-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Septicemia is commonly suspected of sea turtles entering rehabilitation. However, blood culture results of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are infrequently reported in the literature. Aerobic blood cultures were performed for intake examinations of 167 green sea turtles undergoing rehabilitation at Brevard Zoo's Sea Turtle Healing Center, Melbourne, Florida, USA from 2017 to 2020. The incidence of positive cultures during intake examinations was 24% (40/167). The most common bacterial isolates identified were Vibrio alginolyticus, Shewanella algae, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, Photobacterium damselae, Sphingomonas paucimobilis, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. There was a statistically significant association (P < 0.05) between culture status and evidence of external injury. There was no significant association between culture status and Caryospora-like coccidia infection, or fibropapillomatosis. Culture-positive turtles had significantly lower (P < 0.05) total white blood cell, lymphocyte, monocyte, total protein, albumin, and calculated globulin values compared to turtles with negative blood cultures. Significantly more culture-positive turtles died in rehabilitation compared to culture-negative (P = 0.042). Positive blood cultures suggestive of septicemia are commonly found during intake examinations at a Florida sea turtle rehabilitation facility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan R Glassman
- Department of Veterinary Programs, Brevard Zoo, Melbourne, FL 32940, USA,
| | - Trevor T Zachariah
- Department of Veterinary Programs, Brevard Zoo, Melbourne, FL 32940, USA
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Pees M, Brockmann M, Steiner N, Marschang RE. Salmonella in reptiles: a review of occurrence, interactions, shedding and risk factors for human infections. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1251036. [PMID: 37822870 PMCID: PMC10562597 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1251036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Salmonella are considered a part of the normal reptile gut microbiota, but have also been associated with disease in reptiles. Reptile-associated salmonellosis (RAS) can pose a serious health threat to humans, especially children, and an estimated 6% of human sporadic salmonellosis cases have been attributed to direct or indirect contact with reptiles, although the exact number is not known. Two literature searches were conducted for this review. The first evaluated reports of the prevalence of Salmonella in the intestinal tracts of healthy reptiles. Salmonella were most commonly detected in snakes (56.0% overall), followed by lizards (36.9%) and tortoises (34.2%), with lower detection rates reported for turtles (18.6%) and crocodilians (9%). Reptiles in captivity were significantly more likely to shed Salmonella than those sampled in the wild. The majority of Salmonella strains described in reptiles belonged to subspecies I (70.3%), followed by subspecies IIIb (29.7%) and subspecies II (19.6%). The second literature search focused on reports of RAS, revealing that the highest number of cases was associated with contact with turtles (35.3%), followed by lizards (27.1%) and snakes (20.0%). Reptiles associated with RAS therefore did not directly reflect prevalence of Salmonella reported in healthy representatives of a given reptile group. Clinical symptoms associated with RAS predominantly involved the gastrointestinal tract, but also included fever, central nervous symptoms, problems with circulation, respiratory symptoms and others. Disease caused by Salmonella in reptiles appears to be dependent on additional factors, including stress, inadequate husbandry and hygiene, and other infectious agents. While it has been suggested that reptile serovars may cause more severe disease than human-derived strains, and some data is available on invasiveness of individual strains in cell culture, limited information is available on potential mechanisms influencing invasiveness and immune evasion in reptiles and in RAS. Strategies to mitigate the spread of Salmonella through reptiles and to reduce RAS focus mostly on education and hygiene, and have often been met with some success, but additional efforts are needed. Many aspects regarding Salmonella in reptiles remain poorly understood, including the mechanisms by which Salmonella persist in reptile hosts without causing disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Pees
- Department of Small Mammal, Reptile and Avian Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | | | - Natalie Steiner
- Department of Small Mammal, Reptile and Avian Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
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Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intramuscular alfaxalone in central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps): Effect of injection site. Vet Anaesth Analg 2023; 50:280-288. [PMID: 36973133 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaa.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the pharmacodynamic effects and pharmacokinetics of a single intramuscular (IM) injection of alfaxalone in central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) when injected at a cranial versus a caudal site. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, masked, randomized crossover study. ANIMALS A total of 13 healthy bearded dragons weighing 0.48 ± 0.1 kg. METHODS Alfaxalone (10 mg kg-1) was administered IM to 13 bearded dragons in the triceps muscle (cranial treatment) or the quadriceps muscle (caudal treatment) separated by 4 weeks. Pharmacodynamic variables included movement score, muscle tone score and righting reflex. Blood was obtained from the caudal tail vein using a sparse sampling methodology. Plasma alfaxalone concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. Differences in variables between injection sites were analyzed using a nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired data with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS Time to loss of righting reflex score was not different, median (interquartile range), between cranial and caudal treatments [8 (5-11) and 8 (4-12) minutes, respectively, p = 0.72]. Time to recovery of righting reflex was also not different between cranial and caudal treatments [80 (44-112) and 64 (56-104) minutes, respectively, p = 0.75]. Plasma alfaxalone concentrations were not significantly different between treatments. The population estimate (95% confidence intervals) for volume of distribution per fraction absorbed was 1.0 (0.79-1.20) L kg-1, clearance per fraction absorbed was 9.6 (7.6-11.6) mL minute-1 kg-1, absorption rate constant was 2.3 (1.9-2.8) minute-1 and elimination half-life was 71.9 (52.7-91.1) minutes. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Regardless of the injection site, IM alfaxalone (10 mg kg-1) produced reliable chemical restraint in central bearded dragons, appropriate for nonpainful diagnostic procedures or anesthetic premedication.
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Horvath-Pereira BDO, Paulini F, Sotelo MO, Leardini EG, Tavares DC, Almeida GHDR, da Silva Júnior LN, Pinho LBM, Miglino MA, Araujo MS. Case report: An innovative non-invasive technique to manage shell injuries in C. carbonarius. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:930419. [PMID: 35982919 PMCID: PMC9379249 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.930419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Shell fractures are one of the most traumatic and recurrent injuries observed in chelonians during clinical practice. The most common causes of fractures are falling, being run over by automobiles, being burned, and wild animal bites. Epoxy, acrylic resin, polyester, fiber-grass blanket, and screw fixation are among the current techniques used to treat fractures. Regarding the difficulty of fracture repair in the carapace, this case report aimed to report a procedure that is effective, less time-consuming, accessible, affordable, and safe for shell fractures in C. carbonarius. During the physical examination, the animal showed two fractures, in the dorsal region of the carapace and right lateral side of the bridge, with subcutaneous tissue exposure and loss of a small piece of dorsocranial carapace. To treat these injuries, the animal was submitted to a resin application. The procedure consists of using ethyl-cyanoacrylate associated with sodium bicarbonate, which produces a more resistant resin that is bactericidal, non-toxic, and easy to apply in a low surgery time compared to the common methods used to fix shell fractures. The resin application was successfully done, and the animal was under care for a month after the fracture reduction. It was observed that the treatment was effective, presenting reduction of the fracture. A month after the procedure, the animal showed no intercurrence. Three years after the procedure, the animal still presents part of the material still fixed to the shell, normal growth, without interference in locomotor capacity. This resin proved to be an innovative and promising alternative way to treat fractures, suggesting the development of new non-invasive approaches for several tissues and different animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fernanda Paulini
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Letícia Beatriz Mazo Pinho
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Angelica Miglino
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michelle Silva Araujo
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- School of Veterinary Medicine, UniEduk University Center, Indaiatuba, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Michelle Silva Araujo
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Hagen KB, Marie Lima K, Ang J, Montealegre-Golcher F, Alonso FH, Soto E. Glucose and Lactate Reference Intervals for White Sturgeon and Evaluation of Two Point-of-Care Devices in Sturgeon Infected with Veronaea botryosa. JOURNAL OF AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2022; 34:28-37. [PMID: 35014103 DOI: 10.1002/aah.10146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
White Sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus are cultured for human consumption as well as for conservation purposes. In this study, two commercially available portable devices for measuring glucose and lactate were compared to a benchtop analyzer and blood reference intervals were generated using heparin plasma collected from 43 healthy White Sturgeon yearlings. The generated normal ranges were used to compare plasma values collected from Veronaea botryosa-infected White Sturgeon at 10, 20, and 30 d postchallenge (dpc). In the 43 healthy yearlings, significantly different glucose and lactate values were obtained when comparing the portable devices to the benchtop analyzer. In the portable devices, blood glucose showed a consistent bias of 12.3 mg/dL and blood lactate showed a proportional bias. The detected blood glucose values in infected sturgeon were significantly different from those in noninfected controls when using the benchtop analyzer at 20 and 30 dpc and when using the portable device at 20 dpc. However, blood glucose in infected individuals and controls was within the reference interval on either device. No significant difference was noted for lactate measurements in infected sturgeon. The results of this study indicate that portable devices for blood glucose and blood lactate evaluation in White Sturgeon may be useful in a setting where relative values are an acceptable approximation of absolute values.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelly Marie Lima
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, 95616, USA
| | - June Ang
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, 95616, USA
| | | | - Flavio H Alonso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Esteban Soto
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, 95616, USA
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Whittington CM, Van Dyke JU, Liang SQT, Edwards SV, Shine R, Thompson MB, Grueber CE. Understanding the evolution of viviparity using intraspecific variation in reproductive mode and transitional forms of pregnancy. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:1179-1192. [PMID: 35098647 PMCID: PMC9064913 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
How innovations such as vision, flight and pregnancy evolve is a central question in evolutionary biology. Examination of transitional (intermediate) forms of these traits can help address this question, but these intermediate phenotypes are very rare in extant species. Here we explore the biology and evolution of transitional forms of pregnancy that are midway between the ancestral state of oviparity (egg‐laying) and the derived state, viviparity (live birth). Transitional forms of pregnancy occur in only three vertebrates, all of which are lizard species that also display intraspecific variation in reproductive phenotype. In these lizards (Lerista bougainvillii, Saiphos equalis, and Zootoca vivipara), geographic variation of three reproductive forms occurs within a single species: oviparity, viviparity, and a transitional form of pregnancy. This phenomenon offers the valuable prospect of watching ‘evolution in action’. In these species, it is possible to conduct comparative research using different reproductive forms that are not confounded by speciation, and are of relatively recent origin. We identify major proximate and ultimate questions that can be addressed in these species, and the genetic and genomic tools that can help us understand how transitional forms of pregnancy are produced, despite predicted fitness costs. We argue that these taxa represent an excellent prospect for understanding the major evolutionary shift between egg‐laying and live birth, which is a fundamental innovation in the history of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla M. Whittington
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences The University of Sydney Heydon‐Laurence Building A08 Sydney NSW 2006
| | - James U. Van Dyke
- Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, School of Molecular Sciences La Trobe University Building 4 Wodonga VIC 3689 Australia
| | - Stephanie Q. T. Liang
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences The University of Sydney Heydon‐Laurence Building A08 Sydney NSW 2006
| | - Scott V. Edwards
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Harvard University, and Museum of Comparative Zoology Cambridge MA 02138 U.S.A
| | - Richard Shine
- Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University North Ryde NSW 2109 Australia
| | - Michael B. Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences The University of Sydney Heydon‐Laurence Building A08 Sydney NSW 2006
| | - Catherine E. Grueber
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences The University of Sydney Heydon‐Laurence Building A08 Sydney NSW 2006
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Fitzgerald BC, Dias S, Martorell J. Cardiovascular Drugs in Avian, Small Mammal, and Reptile Medicine. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2018; 21:399-442. [PMID: 29655477 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2018.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease, including congestive heart failure, pericardial disease, and atherosclerosis, is becoming increasingly better recognized in companion birds, small mammals, and reptiles. A wide range of medications is available to treat these conditions, including diuretics, vasodilators, positive and negative inotropes, antiarrhythmic agents, and pentoxifylline. This review systematically discusses each of these drug classes and their potential applications in exotic species. Although treatment approaches remain largely empirical and extrapolated from small animal and human medicine, the management strategies presented here have the potential to both maintain quality of life and extend survival time for the exotic cardiac patient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Dias
- Exotic Animals Department, Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Carrer de l'Hospital, Campus UAB, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallés), Barcelona 08193, Spain
| | - Jaume Martorell
- Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Hospital Clinic Veterinari, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain
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Iannaccone M, Rossi G, Magi GE, Campolo M. Acute respiratory distress syndrome in a uromastyx ( uromastyx acanthinura nigriventris , 1820). J Exot Pet Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Abba Y, Ilyasu YM, Noordin MM. Isolation and identification of bacterial populations of zoonotic importance from captive non-venomous snakes in Malaysia. Microb Pathog 2017; 108:49-54. [PMID: 28478198 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2017.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM Captivity of non-venomous snakes such as python and boa are common in zoos, aquariums and as pets in households. Poor captivity conditions expose these reptiles to numerous pathogens which may result in disease conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the common bacteria isolated from necropsied captive snakes in Malaysia over a five year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 27 snake carcasses presented for necropsy at the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) were used in this survey. Samples were aseptically obtained at necropsy from different organs/tissues (lung, liver, heart, kindey, oesophagus, lymph node, stomach, spinal cord, spleen, intestine) and cultured onto 5% blood and McConkey agar, respectively. Gram staining, morphological evaluation and biochemical test such as oxidase, catalase and coagulase were used to tentatively identify the presumptive bacterial isolates. RESULTS Pythons had the highest number of cases (81.3%) followed by anaconda (14.8%) and boa (3.7%). Mixed infection accounted for 81.5% in all snakes and was highest in pythons (63%). However, single infection was only observed in pythons (18.5%). A total of 82.7%, 95.4% and 100% of the bacterial isolates from python, anaconda and boa, respectively were gram negative. Aeromonas spp was the most frequently isolated bacteria in pythons and anaconda with incidences of 25 (18%) and 8 (36.6%) with no difference (p > 0.05) in incidence, respectively, while Salmonella spp was the most frequently isolated in boa and significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in python and anaconda. Bacteria species were most frequently isolated from the kidney of pythons 35 (25.2%), intestines of anacondas 11 (50%) and stomach of boa 3 (30%). CONCLUSION This study showed that captive pythons harbored more bacterial species than anaconda or boa. Most of the bacterial species isolated from these snakes have public health importance and have been incriminated in human infections worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Abba
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor D.E, Malaysia; Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Maiduguri 600233, Borno State, Nigeria.
| | - Yusuf Maina Ilyasu
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor D.E, Malaysia.
| | - Mustapha Mohamed Noordin
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor D.E, Malaysia.
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Waugh L, Ramachandran A, Talent S, Cole G, D'Agostino J. Survey of Aerobic and Anaerobic Blood Cultures in Free-Ranging Western Ratsnakes (Pantherophis obsoletus). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.5818/1529-9651-27.1-2.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lynnette Waugh
- 1. Oklahoma City Zoo, 2101 NE 50th, Oklahoma City, OK 73111, USA
| | - Akhilesh Ramachandran
- 2. Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, W Farm Road, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Scott Talent
- 2. Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, W Farm Road, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Gretchen Cole
- 1. Oklahoma City Zoo, 2101 NE 50th, Oklahoma City, OK 73111, USA
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Abstract
Reptile emergencies are an important part of exotic animal critical care, both true emergencies and those perceived as emergencies by owners. The most common presentations for reptile emergencies are addressed here, with information on differential diagnoses, helpful diagnostics, and approach to treatment. In many cases, reptile emergencies are actually acute presentations originating from a chronic problem, and the treatment plan must include both clinical treatment and addressing husbandry and dietary deficiencies at home. Accurate owner expectations must be set in order to have owner compliance to long-term treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera Kumar Music
- The Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine, 11401 NE 195th Street, Bothell, WA 98011, USA.
| | - Anneliese Strunk
- The Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine, 11401 NE 195th Street, Bothell, WA 98011, USA
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Abstract
Most reptile emergencies are the result of improper husbandry and nutrition. Reptiles are good at masking disease, and owners, failing to recognize early signs of illness, only seek veterinary assistance when issues are advanced and near terminal. The veterinarian should be familiar with reptile species-specific husbandry and nutritional requirements and basic clinical techniques. The same principles and techniques used in small animal medicine can be applied to reptile emergencies. This article reviews general emergency principles that apply to the reptilian patient and common emergency presentations. The main areas of discussion focus on cardiopulmonary resuscitation, fluid therapy, and analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Martinez-Jimenez
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-7390, USA.
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