1
|
Scheelings TF, Koehler AV, Gasser RB. New records of Hepatozoon and Oswaldofilaria from saltwater crocodiles ( Crocodylus porosus) in Australia. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 23:100926. [PMID: 38560660 PMCID: PMC10981083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Diseases affecting wild Australian saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are rarely reported due to the difficulty in capturing animals and obtaining samples. In this investigation, we identified two haemoparasites (Hepatozoon and a filarial nematode) in saltwater crocodiles in Darwin, Australia. Light microscopic examination identified Hepatozoon in 7/7 (100%) wild crocodiles and in 2/20 (10%) of captive ones. When genomic DNAs from these same samples were further investigated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based sequencing, we detected Hepatozoon in all 27 blood samples. Using both microscopy and PCR-based sequencing, we detected a filarial worm (proposed to be Oswaldofilaria) in one of 20 captive crocodiles. The sequence data were compared with sequence data available in public databases, and phylogenetic analyses indicated that the operational taxonomic units of Hepatozoon and Oswaldofilaria discovered here in these crocodiles are likely new species. This study is the first to use molecular tools to explore haemoparasites in Australian saltwater crocodiles and highlights the importance of health investigations in poorly studied vertebrate hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T. Franciscus Scheelings
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Anson V. Koehler
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Koehler AV, Scheelings TF, Gasser RB. Cryptosporidium cf. avium in an inland-bearded dragon ( Pogona vitticeps) - A case report and review of the literature. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2020; 13:150-159. [PMID: 33088709 PMCID: PMC7560628 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Here, we report the first case of Cryptosporidium cf. avium from an inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) from a wildlife sanctuary in Victoria, Australia. Molecular characterisation was conducted by PCR-coupled sequencing of regions in the small subunit of nuclear RNA (SSU), actin and large subunit of nuclear RNA (LSU) genes. The sequences obtained grouped with those of C. ornithophilus and other C. avium genotypes/variants originating from reptiles or birds. We discuss this case in relation to the current state of knowledge of C. avium of birds and reptiles, considering provenance and environment (agricultural, pet industry, wildlife, zoo or wildlife park) as well as clinical context, and pathological changes associated with cryptosporidiosis in these host animals. Characterisation of Cryptosporidium cf. avium from an inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps). Molecular differentiation of C. cf. avium from other members of the C. avium clade. Pathogenicity of C. cf. avium seems higher than other members of this clade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anson V Koehler
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences,The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010,Australia
| | - T Franciscus Scheelings
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences,The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010,Australia.,Australian Wildlife Health Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Zoos Victoria, Healesville, Victoria 3777,Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences,The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010,Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Scheelings TF, Gatto C, Reina RD. Anaesthesia of hatchling green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) with intramuscular ketamine-medetomidine-tramadol. Aust Vet J 2020; 98:511-516. [PMID: 32643182 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterise intramuscular ketamine-medetomidine-tramadol anaesthesia in hatchling green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). STUDY DESIGN Prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS Ten hatchling green sea turtles. MATERIALS AND METHODS Prior to anaesthesia, cardiopulmonary parameters, cloacal temperature, and venous blood gas and biochemistry were obtained from hatchling green sea turtles while they were being gently restrained. Animals were then anaesthetised with ketamine (5 mg kg-1 ), medetomidine (0.05 mg kg-1 ) and tramadol (5 mg kg-1 ) via intramuscular injection. Turtles were checked for the depth of anaesthesia at five-min intervals by recording reflexes (righting, palpebral, pinch, cloacal) and measuring heart rate, respiratory rate and cloacal temperature. After 20 min, a second venous blood sample was obtained for further blood gas and biochemical analysis and the medetomidine was antagonised using atipamezole (5:1 medetomidine, 0.25 mg kg-1 ). RESULTS All turtles were successfully anaesthetised with a mean time to induction of 3.4 min (±1). In all animals, a loss of reflexes (except for palpebral reflex) and voluntary movement was observed for the entire 20 min. Anaesthesia resulted in marked apnoea for the duration of the procedure. Venous blood gas and biochemistry analysis indicated that a 20 min period of apnoea had no measurable effects on venous blood gas results. All turtles recovered uneventfully after atipamazole antagonisation, with a mean time to first breath 4.5 min (±3.7), and mean recovery time 15.5 min (±15.4). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Intramuscular ketamine-medetomidine-tramadol, antagonised with atipamazole appears to be an effective anaesthetic protocol in hatchling green sea turtles for short procedures with no deleterious effects on venous blood gases or biochemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T F Scheelings
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - C Gatto
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - R D Reina
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Scheelings TF, Moore RJ, Van TTH, Klaassen M, Reina RD. The gut bacterial microbiota of sea turtles differs between geographically distinct populations. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2020. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbiota of metazoans can be influenced by a variety of factors including diet, environment and genetics. In this study we sampled multiple populations from 2 host species that do not overlap in distribution, in order to test whether their bacterial microbiotas are species-specific or more variable. Intestinal swabs were collected from loggerhead turtles originating from Florida, USA, and Queensland, Australia, as well as from flatback turtles from Crab Island, Queensland, and Port Hedland, Western Australia. We then manually extracted bacterial DNA and used 16S rRNA sequencing to explore bacterial microbial community composition and structure. Our investigation showed that the bacterial microbiota of sea turtles is heavily influenced by geography, with loggerhead turtles originating from the USA and Australia harbouring significantly different bacterial microbial populations in terms of composition. Similarly, we also found that flatback turtles from Crab Island had significantly less diverse microbiotas, with a predominance of the bacterial phylum Firmicutes, in comparison to their genetically similar counterparts from Port Hedland. Factors that may explain these observed differences between populations include host genetics, differences in foraging habitat quality and differences in migratory distance (and thus durations of inappetence) between foraging and breeding grounds. The mechanisms by which these factors may influence bacterial microbial composition of sea turtle gastrointestinal tracts warrants further investigation. The results of this study highlight the importance of interpreting microbiota data of wild animals in the context of geography.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- TF Scheelings
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - RJ Moore
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Plenty Rd, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - TTH Van
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Plenty Rd, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - M Klaassen
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - RD Reina
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Scheelings TF, Moore RJ, Van TTH, Klaassen M, Reina RD. No correlation between microbiota composition and blood parameters in nesting flatback turtles (Natator depressus). Sci Rep 2020; 10:8333. [PMID: 32433567 PMCID: PMC7239873 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65321-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The microbiota is considered critical for normal vertebrate homeostasis and it may exert its effects at a local level within the gastrointestinal tract, or systemically through the production of bacterial metabolites. To date, investigations into the role that the microbiota plays in reptile physiology are rare. To address this knowledge gap, we explored the relationship between differences in microbial communities to see if they accounted for differences in haematology and biochemistry values, in different populations of nesting flatback turtles (Natator depressus). We found that microbiota composition was not correlated to any of the blood analytes we measured in flatbacks. This study is the first of its kind in reptiles and highlights the need for further investigations to determine mechanisms by which the microbiota influences the physiology and health of reptiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Franciscus Scheelings
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
| | - Robert J Moore
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Plenty Rd, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Thi Thu Hao Van
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Plenty Rd, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Marcel Klaassen
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Richard D Reina
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Scheelings TF, Slocombe RF, Bayley C. Metastatic mineralisation caused by vitamin D intoxication in hand-raised short-beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus). Aust Vet J 2017; 95:427-430. [PMID: 29076218 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
CASE REPORT Two cases of metastatic mineralisation caused by dietary excess of vitamin D are reported in hand-raised short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) puggles at the Australian Wildlife Health Centre. Oversupplementation was attributed to excessive levels of vitamin D in Wombaroo Echidna Milk Replacer fed to the puggles. No information exists regarding the naturally occurring vitamin D levels in echidna milk, but, given the low serum levels that have been observed in free-ranging animals, it is likely to be low. CONCLUSION The vitamin D concentration in Wombaroo Echidna Milk Replacer has been reduced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T F Scheelings
- Australian Wildlife Health Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Healesville, VIC, Australia
| | - R F Slocombe
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia
| | - C Bayley
- Gribbles Pathology, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Speight KN, Whiteley PL, Woolford L, Duignan PJ, Bacci B, Lathe S, Boardman W, Scheelings TF, Funnell O, Underwood G, Stevenson MA. Outbreaks of sarcoptic mange in free-ranging koala populations in Victoria and South Australia: a case series. Aust Vet J 2017; 95:244-249. [DOI: 10.1111/avj.12598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- KN Speight
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus; The University of Adelaide; Roseworthy South Australia 5371 Australia
| | - PL Whiteley
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences; The University of Melbourne; Werribee Victoria Australia
| | - L Woolford
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus; The University of Adelaide; Roseworthy South Australia 5371 Australia
| | - PJ Duignan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Calgary; Calgary, Alberta, Canada; The Marine Mammal Center, Fort Cronkhite Sausalito CA USA
| | - B Bacci
- School of Veterinary Medicine; University of Surrey; Guildford UK
| | - S Lathe
- Adelaide Koala and Wildlife Hospital, Plympton; South Australia Australia
| | - W Boardman
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus; The University of Adelaide; Roseworthy South Australia 5371 Australia
| | - TF Scheelings
- School of Biological Sciences; Monash University; Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - O Funnell
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus; The University of Adelaide; Roseworthy South Australia 5371 Australia
| | - G Underwood
- Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources; Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - MA Stevenson
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences; The University of Melbourne; Werribee Victoria Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Scheelings TF, McLaren PJ, Tatarczuch L, Slocombe RF. Plasmodium infection in a Leadbeater's possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri). Aust Vet J 2017; 94:299-303. [PMID: 27461356 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
CASE REPORT A wild-caught, adult female Leadbeater's possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) died while in captivity after suffering from chronic ill-thrift that progressed to acute respiratory distress. On histopathological examination of tissues, the cause of death was determined to be severe acute pneumonia with pulmonary oedema associated with an intracellular protozoan parasite present within erythrocytes. Transmission electron microscopy was performed on lung tissues and organisms consistent for Plasmodium sp. were identified within numerous erythrocytes. Molecular characterisation of the parasite from DNA extracted from tissue blocks of fixed lung determined the organism to belong to the genus Plasmodium (100% similarity to Plasmodium species when a BLAST analysis was performed); however, speciation of the organism was not possible. CONCLUSION This is the first report of Plasmodium sp. infection and subsequent disease in a native Australian mammal. The lifecycle of this parasite remains unknown. It is also unknown what effects haemoparasitism may have on the population dynamics of this endangered possum species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T F Scheelings
- The Australian Wildlife Health Centre, Healesville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - P J McLaren
- Gribbles Veterinary Pathology, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - L Tatarczuch
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - R F Slocombe
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Scheelings TF. Morbidity and mortality of monotremes admitted to the Australian Wildlife Health Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Australia, 2000-2014. Aust Vet J 2016; 94:121-4. [PMID: 27021894 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The medical records of individual monotremes admitted to the Australian Wildlife Health Centre from 2000 to 2014 were reviewed to determine the causes of morbidity and mortality. RESULTS During this period, a total of 38 platypus (Ornithorhyncus anatanus) and 273 short-beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus) were examined. Trauma was the most significant reason for monotreme admissions, accounting for 73.7% of platypus cases and 90.1% of short-beaked echidna cases. Within the category of trauma, entanglement (28.6%) and unknown trauma (28.6%) were most significant for platypus, while impact with motor vehicle (73.2%) and domestic dog attack (14.2%) were the most significant subcategories for short-beaked echidnas. CONCLUSION Indirect anthropogenic factors are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality of monotremes in Victoria, Australia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T F Scheelings
- Australian Wildlife Health Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Healesville, Victoria 3777, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Scheelings TF, Dobson EC, Hooper C, Eden P. Cutaneous and systemic mycoses from infection with Lecanicillium spp. in captive Guthega skinks (Liopholis guthega). Aust Vet J 2016; 93:248-51. [PMID: 26113350 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guthega skinks have been listed as critically endangered and are considered particularly vulnerable to extinction because of their isolation and restricted distribution. There is no information on their captive husbandry, or the diseases that affect them. CASE REPORT Cutaneous and systemic mycosis from infection with Lecanicillium spp. was diagnosed in a captive colony of Guthega skinks (Liopholis guthega). Infection resulted in the death of five lizards. Diagnosis of infection was confirmed using a combination of histopathology, fungal culture and DNA sequencing from all affected animals. An additional four similarly affected individuals were successfully treated with a combination of voriconazole (10 mg/kg PO once daily) and shallow baths of benzalkonium chloride and polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (F10) (1 : 250, 20 min once daily). This is the first report of Lecanicillium spp. infection in reptiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T F Scheelings
- Australian Wildlife Health Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Zoos Victoria, Healesville, Victoria, 3777, Australia
| | - E C Dobson
- Gribbles Veterinary Pathology, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - C Hooper
- Gribbles Veterinary Pathology, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - P Eden
- Australian Wildlife Health Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Zoos Victoria, Healesville, Victoria, 3777, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Scheelings TF, Dobson EC. Retrospective analysis of causes of death in mountain pygmy-possums (Burramys parvus) at Healesville Sanctuary, Victoria, Australia. Aust Vet J 2015; 93:424-9. [PMID: 26503538 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification and characterisation of deaths is important for the veterinary management of both wild and captive animals. It is especially important as a tool for monitoring health and disease within populations of endangered species for which little information on morbidity and mortality is known. Investigations into the causes of death and other important necropsy findings were made in a captive population of the critically endangered mountain pygmy-possum (Burramys parvus). METHODS Necropsy records from January 2000-December 2013 were reviewed for all possums that had lived and died at Healesville Sanctuary (n = 48). RESULTS The average age of death of possums in this population was 4.7 years. The most common histological change in mountain pygmy-possums was varying degrees of chronic progressive kidney disease (n = 17). Of these cases, eight animals (47%) had histological changes suggesting the kidney disease was the likely cause of death. Other causes of death included neoplasia (n = 5), necrotising pancreatitis (n = 4), pneumonia (n = 2), reproductive disease (n = 2) and trauma (n = 2). No cause of death was able to be identified in 33.3% (n = 16) of cases. Hepatic lipidosis (n = 5), pneumonia (n = 2) and degenerative joint disease (n = 2) were the most common comorbidities found. CONCLUSION Progressive renal disease, often with secondary metastatic mineralisation, appears to be a significant cause of mortality in captive mountain pygmy-possums and further investigation into its pathophysiology, antemortem diagnosis and treatment is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T F Scheelings
- Australian Wildlife Health Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Healesville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - E C Dobson
- Gribbles Pathology, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Medical records of wild bird admissions to the Australian Wildlife Health Centre at Healesville Sanctuary were analyzed for cases of unilateral coracoid fractures with known final outcomes. Forty-seven birds, comprising 13 species, fit these criteria. Of those birds, 18 were treated conservatively with analgesia and cage rest without coaptation bandaging, and 29 were treated with surgical correction of the fracture. Of the conservatively managed birds, 89% (16 of 18) were released back into the wild. Conversely, 34% (10 of 29) of the surgically managed birds were released. Treatment success for release differed significantly between treatment groups (P < .001). Intraoperative death from concurrent trauma was the major reason that surgically treated birds were not released. Given the high risks associated with surgical treatment and the high success rate of conservative management, cage rest without surgery appears prudent when managing coracoid injuries in birds.
Collapse
|
13
|
Scheelings TF, Devi JL, Woodward AP, Whittem T. Pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin following oral and subcutaneous administration in the common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus). J Vet Pharmacol Ther 2015; 38:482-7. [PMID: 25622984 DOI: 10.1111/jvp.12201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
[Correction added on 23 March 2015, after first online publication: Terminal half-life values of enrofloxacin is corrected in the fourth sentence of the abstract] Clinically healthy common ringtail possums (n = 5) received single doses of 10 mg/kg enrofloxacin orally and then 2 weeks later subcutaneously. Serial plasma samples were collected over 24 h for each treatment phase, and enrofloxacin concentrations were determined using a validated HPLC assay. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by noncompartmental analysis. Following oral administration, plasma concentrations were of therapeutic relevance (Cmax median 5.45 μg/mL, range 2.98-6.9 μg/mL), with terminal-phase half-life (t½ ) shorter than in other species (median 3.09 h, range 1.79-5.30 h). In contrast, subcutaneous administration of enrofloxacin did not achieve effective plasma concentrations, with plasma concentrations too erratic to fit the noncompartmental model except in one animal. On the basis of the AUC:MIC, enrofloxacin administered at 10 mg/kg orally, but not subcutaneously, is likely to be effective against a range of bacterial species that have been reported in common ringtail possums.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T F Scheelings
- Australian Wildlife Health Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Healesville, Vic., Australia
| | - J L Devi
- Translational Research and Animal Clinical Trial Study (TRACTS) Group, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - A P Woodward
- Translational Research and Animal Clinical Trial Study (TRACTS) Group, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - T Whittem
- Translational Research and Animal Clinical Trial Study (TRACTS) Group, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Rafferty AR, Scheelings TF, Foley LJ, Johnstone CP, Reina RD. Reproductive investment compromises maternal health in three species of freshwater turtle. Physiol Biochem Zool 2014; 87:411-9. [PMID: 24769705 DOI: 10.1086/675310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Life-history theory predicts that a trade-off in the allocation of resources between different physiological systems exists because resources are finite. As a result, females investing heavily in reproduction may compromise their future health. We used hematology, serum biochemistry, mass, and morphometric measurements as indicators of physiological health state to investigate whether reproductive investment altered subsequent maternal health in three Australian freshwater turtles: the oblong turtle (Chelodina oblonga; n = 12), the Macquarie turtle (Emydura macquarii; n = 9), and the eastern long-necked turtle (Chelodina longicollis; n = 8). Maternal health was impaired in turtles that produced larger and heavier eggs and clutches. In C. oblonga and E. macquarii, increased reproductive investment generally resulted in negative changes to the hematology and serum biochemistry profile of maternal blood. Generally, increases in heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, aspartate transaminase, creatine kinase, calcium/phosphorus ratio, and albumin/globulin ratio were observed following reproduction, in addition to a decrease in glucose and total protein. These findings agree with the physiological constraint hypothesis and highlight the connection between life-history evolution and animal physiology by documenting, for the first time, how measures of physiological health state relate to reproductive investment in Australian freshwater turtles. Additionally, our findings suggest that body condition, a readily used morphological biomarker, is a poor predictor of health in turtles. Our results emphasize the need to investigate how maternal health is influenced by the reproductive process in different species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony R Rafferty
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; 2Australian Wildlife Health Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Healesville, Australia; 3Biogeochemistry Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruth Tesdorpf
- 2. Gribbles Pathology, 1868 Dandenong Road, Clayton, Victoria, Australia, 3168
| | - Celia Hooper
- 2. Gribbles Pathology, 1868 Dandenong Road, Clayton, Victoria, Australia, 3168
| | - Kathryn Stalder
- 1. Australian Wildlife Health Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Victoria, Australia, 3777
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Rafferty AR, Evans RG, Scheelings TF, Reina RD. Limited Oxygen Availability In Utero May Constrain the Evolution of Live Birth in Reptiles. Am Nat 2013; 181:245-53. [DOI: 10.1086/668827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
17
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)-D) were diagnosed in captive short-beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus) from three different zoological facilities within Australia. RESULTS The mean serum 25(OH)-D concentration in the wild echidnas was 24.7 nmol/L and was significantly higher in captive echidnas from all three facilities: Facility 1, mean 335.5 nmol/L (P < 0.001); Facility 2, mean 187.2 nmol/L (P = 0.003); Facility 3, mean 194 nmol/L (P = 0.005). Animals did not appear to have clinical manifestations of vitamin D toxicosis. The increased serum 25(OH)-D concentration was attributed to excessive dietary intake and a reduction in the amount of vitamin D(3) in the diet of echidnas from Facility 1 resulted in a marked decrease in the serum 25(OH)-D concentrations (mean 33 nmol/L). The reduction in serum 25(OH)-D concentration was statistically significant (P = 0.002) and the resulting concentrations were similar to those of wild echidnas (P = 0.212). CONCLUSION It is not known what effect an elevated serum 25(OH)-D concentration has on echidnas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T F Scheelings
- Australian Wildlife Health Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Healesville, Victoria 3777, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Scheelings TF, Jessop TS. Influence of capture method, habitat quality and individual traits on blood parameters of free-ranging lace monitors (Varanus varius). Aust Vet J 2011; 89:360-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00815.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
19
|
Scheelings TF, Baker RT, Hammersley G, Hollis K, Elton I, Holz P. A Preliminary Investigation into the Chemical Restraint with Alfaxalone of Selected Australian Squamate Species. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.5818/1529-9651-21.2.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T. Franciscus Scheelings
- Australian Wildlife Heath Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Zoos Victoria, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Rupert T. Baker
- Australian Wildlife Heath Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Zoos Victoria, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Gerry Hammersley
- Australian Wildlife Heath Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Zoos Victoria, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Kim Hollis
- Australian Wildlife Heath Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Zoos Victoria, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Ian Elton
- Australian Wildlife Heath Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Zoos Victoria, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Peter Holz
- Australian Wildlife Heath Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Zoos Victoria, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Scheelings TF. Surgical Management of Maxillary and Mandibular Fractures in an Eastern Bluetongue Skink, Tiliqua scincoides scincoides. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.5818/1529-9651.17.4.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T. Franciscus Scheelings
- Australian Wildlife Health Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Badger Creek Rd, Healesville, Victoria 3777, Australia
| |
Collapse
|