The measurement and validation of chronic stress biomarkers could contribute to enhanced understanding and conservation strategies for this species. In reference to DHEA(S), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated form, DHEA-S, are included. The ratio of cortisol to DHEA(S) in serum samples emerges as a potentially valuable marker of chronic stress, applicable to both humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. In 2017 and 2018, while conducting field tagging operations in Baffin Bay, Nunavut, Canada, 14 wild narwhals were sampled at the commencement and conclusion of each capture-tagging procedure. Quantification of serum DHEA(S) levels was accomplished using commercially available competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) developed explicitly for human samples. The ELISA assays were partially validated through measuring the intra-assay coefficient of variation, verifying the dilutional linearity of DHEA(S), and calculating the percentage of recovery. Following handling, narwhal serum cortisol, DHEA(S), and cortisol/DHEA(S) ratios were measured (mean values ± standard error of the mean, in nanograms per milliliter). Initial values for cortisol were 3074 ± 487, with final values of 4183 ± 483. DHEA(S) values were 101 ± 052 and 099 ± 050, while DHEA-S values were 872 ± 168 and 770 ± 102. Cortisol/DHEA ratios were 7543 ± 2435 and 8441 ± 1176, and cortisol/DHEA-S ratios were 416 ± 107 and 614 ± 100. Subsequent to the capture, a statistically significant increase was detected in both serum cortisol levels and the cortisol/DHEA-S ratio; the respective p-values were 0.0024 and 0.0035. Lastly, serum cortisol at the conclusion of the handling phase was positively linked to total body length (P = 0.0042), and there was an inclination towards higher levels in the male population (P = 0.0086). Narwhal serum DHEA(S) measurements were facilitated by simple, fast, and appropriate assays; the calculated cortisol/DHEA(S) ratio also presents itself as a potentially valuable biomarker for chronic stress in narwhals, and may well extend to other cetaceans.
Cardiac pathologies were the most frequent cause of death among adult captive red pandas (Ailurus fulgens), based on a recent mortality review. This study sought to delineate standard echocardiographic parameters in a cohort of 13 captive, healthy, adult red pandas undergoing elective health assessments. The study investigated echocardiographic disparities between the red panda subspecies A. f. styani and A. f. fulgens, and investigated how these differences relate to the animals' age, sex, and body condition score. Employing isoflurane as an inhalation anesthetic, anesthesia was both induced and maintained. In all animals, a full physical examination was accompanied by a comprehensive echocardiogram incorporating 2D, M-mode, and Doppler ultrasound. Mean and standard deviation data for echocardiographic variables are tabulated. The anesthetic agent's influence caused the systolic performance to be deemed subnormal. Echocardiographic analysis revealed comparable findings for the two subspecies and sexes, except for left atrial dimension (2D), demonstrating a larger size (P=0.003) in A. f. styani than in A. f. fulgens, and left ventricular internal diameter in diastole, which was greater (P=0.004) in male specimens than in female specimens. Several echocardiographic measurements demonstrated a correlation with age (P < 0.05), in contrast to the finding that only end-diastolic volume correlated meaningfully with body condition score (P = 0.01). These results furnish ranges that can act as a guide for anticipating cardiac disease in red pandas.
Systemic mycotic infections caused the deaths of six adult eastern bongo antelope (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) from a single institution, occurring over a period of six years. At the time of death, each animal exhibited the same genetic heritage, coupled with a strong physical state. The general pathology in all specimens showed multifocal white to tan nodules, measuring up to 10 cm in diameter, and occurring in highest numbers in the heart, lung, and kidney tissues. Histopathological analysis indicated that these nodules were characterized by granulomatous inflammation, containing branching, septate, broad, and undulating fungal forms. Fungal species identification was undertaken through PCR sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and culturing. Multiple fungal species were determined through varied methodologies, with Cladosporium sp. being the sole consistent finding in four of the observed cases. RO4929097 research buy These cases showcased matching clinical and postmortem findings, suggesting a unified infectious disease process. This emerging, fatal infectious agent, potentially the Cladosporium sp., was observed in this bongo antelope population. RO4929097 research buy In each of these cases, the individuals' demise was attributed to conduction issues related to the cardiac lesions, or the act of euthanasia.
The London Zoo (LZ) necropsy (n = 144) and medical (n = 121) files for captive northern bald ibis (NBI), African sacred ibis (ASI), and scarlet ibis (SCI) from 2000 to 2020 were the focus of this study. Among all species (247 examinations), pododermatitis was a substantial cause of morbidity, resulting in 79 confirmed cases. Mortality in the zoo was significantly impacted by trauma, largely from collisions with stationary objects (58 of 144 cases), infectious diseases (32 of 144), primarily valvular endocarditis (10 of 32), and aspergillosis (9 of 32). NBI demonstrated a 44-fold increased likelihood of morbidity due to toxicosis compared to ASI (95% CI, 15-133; P < 0.005). All NBI cases were characterized by plumbism. The data reveals a 34-fold higher likelihood of undetermined morbidity in females of all species than males (95% confidence interval: 15-79; P < 0.005). A majority of the cases (16 of 25) involved underweight birds, without a readily apparent cause for their condition. Nutritional morbidity was 113 times more prevalent among nestlings than among adults (95% confidence interval, 17 to 730) and 55 times more prevalent than among juveniles (95% confidence interval, 7 to 410; P-value < 0.005). Further examination of these data suggests the need for additional study in the NBI, ASI, and SCI populations residing at LZ.
The objective of this study, a retrospective review of the captive population of Arabian sand cats (Felis margarita harrisoni) at Al Ain Zoo (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates), is to pinpoint the common and significant drivers of mortality and disease. The complete postmortem records of 25 Arabian sand cats, who died between 2009 and 2022, were examined using a retrospective approach. Each postmortem examination was fully completed, and the details were meticulously recorded in the Al Ain Zoo's database and pertinent files. A total of 25 animal deaths were documented; 11 of these were adult animals (aged 4 to 12 years), while 12 were categorized as geriatric (greater than 12 years old). Only two deaths were recorded amongst neonatal animals (0-4 months), and no deaths were reported in the juvenile animal population (4 months to 4 years). Remarkably, and predictably considering the demographic profile, 24% of the deceased exhibited concurrent pathologies. A significant portion (60%) of adult and geriatric feline cases, as anticipated, developed nephropathies, representing either a critical contributing factor or the principal cause of death for these animals. In four instances, diverse neoplastic lesions were identified, representing a novel benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor within this subspecies, along with hepatobiliary carcinoma and two different types of thyroid neoplasms, each of which was reported for the first time. One of the cases involved peliosis hepatis, a vasculoproliferative liver disorder. The observed clinical signs, postmortem lesions, and diagnoses of thyroid neoplasia and hyperplasia, in at least four instances, strongly implicated hyperthyroidism. Six cases, including the sole two reported neonatal deaths, presented traumatic causes of death. Enhanced veterinary care for the Arabian sand cat is achievable through this information, which identifies common pathologies in this species, leading to potential early diagnosis and, ultimately, improved management and husbandry practices within captive breeding populations.
Veterinary reports and case studies about illnesses in binturongs (Arctictis binturong) are common, yet comprehensive population-level data on the subject remains limited. North American institution morbidity and mortality data were compiled via survey responses or submitted medical records. From 1986 to 2019, a compilation of data from 22 institutions was conducted regarding 74 individuals: 37 male, 30 female, and 7 unknown neonates. RO4929097 research buy A total of 39 individuals provided antemortem data, while 53 more contributed postmortem data. A total of eighteen individuals exhibited documented histories that included pre-death and post-death events. A mean age at death of 152 years, with a standard deviation of 43 years, was observed in 41 adults. Organ systems affected by morbidity events were used to summarize; 160 events were recorded. Gastrointestinal issues, reported in 33% (53 out of 160 cases), were the most frequent system-related events, followed closely by integumentary problems (19%, 31 of 160 cases) and musculoskeletal concerns (19%, or 12% of 160 instances). Urinary issues, seen in 12% (20 out of 160 cases), rounded out the top four most-reported system-related events. In subjects not classified as neonates, the key causes of mortality were neoplasia (51%, 21 of 41 cases), infectious/inflammatory diseases (24%, 10 of 41 cases), and cardiovascular disease (17%, 7 of 41 cases). From a total of 41 samples, histopathological analysis revealed 21 (51%) cases with confirmed neoplasms, comprising renal adenocarcinoma (47%, 10/21), mammary carcinoma (14%, 3/21), two cases (10%) of pancreatic islet cell carcinoma, and isolated instances of multicentric lymphoma, uterine carcinoma, and submucosal urethral adenoma. Three additional cases of suspected neoplasia, without histopathological confirmation, exhibited masses in the locations of the liver, the base of the heart, and the pancreas. Fifteen of twenty-one (71%) neoplasms exhibited reported metastases.