Chordomas at High Prevalence in the Captive Population of the Endangered Perdido Key Beach Mouse (Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis).

The Perdido Key beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis) is a critically endangered subspecies of the oldfield mouse. The captive population, currently maintained by 3 Florida zoos, is entirely derived from just 3 wild-caught ancestor mice. Necropsy and histopathology revealed chordoma of the vertebral column in 38 of 88 (43%) mice. The tumors were locally expansile and invasive masses of large physaliferous (vacuolated) cells with small, round, hyperchromatic nuclei, similar to the "classic" form of chordomas described in humans. Primary tumors rarely contained small amounts of bone and cartilaginous matrix, characteristic of the "chondroid" form. Neoplastic cells contained abundant granules positive by the periodic acid-Schiff reaction. Brachyury and cytokeratin AE1/AE3 were detected in neoplastic cells by immunohistochemistry, but uncoupling protein 1 was not identified. Primary tumors occurred along the entire vertebral column--cervical, 5 of 38 (13%); thoracic, 16 (42%); lumbar, 13 (34%); and sacral, 10 (26%)--and 10 (26%) mice had multiple primary masses. Metastases to the lungs were noted in 13 of the 38 (34%) mice. Mice diagnosed with chordomas postmortem ranged from 424 to 2170 days old, with a mean of 1399 days. The prevalence of chordoma was not significantly different between males (n = 23 of 50; 46%) and females (n = 15 of 38; 39%).

Pharmacokinetics and i.m. bioavailability of ceftiofur in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus).

Captive elephants are prone to infections of the feet, lungs, and skin. Often treatment regimens are established with no pharmacokinetic data on the agents being used for treatment in these species. A pharmacokinetic study using ceftiofur (1.1 mg/kg) was conducted in four adult female captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida. Elephants were given both i.v. and i.m. administrations in a complete crossover design with a 3-week washout period between treatments. Blood samples were collected prior to drug administration and at 0.33, 0.67, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h postadministration. Ceftiofur analysis was performed using a validated liquid chromatography/mass spectrophotometric (LC/MS) assay. Plasma concentrations for the i.m. samples were lower than expected. The mean C(max) following i.m. administration was 1.63 microg/mL with a corresponding T(max) of 0.55 h. Following i.v. administration, the median V(d(ss)) was 0.51 L/kg and a median Cl(p) of 0.069 L/kg/h. Mean i.m. bioavailability was 19%. The results indicate that ceftiofur used at 1.1 mg/kg i.m. could be useful in elephants when given two to three times a day or alternatively, 1.1 mg/kg i.v. once daily, depending upon the MIC of the pathogen.

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection in an addax (Addax nasomaculatus).

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis was cultured from a single fecal sample collected from a 10-yr-old, captive-bred male addax (Addax nasomaculatus). Attempts to confirm infection with additional fecal cultures, serology, semen culture, and tissue biopsy were unsuccessful. There were no gross lesions on necropsy. On histopathology there were neither acid-fast organisms nor microscopic changes suggestive of active or clinical Johne's disease. Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis was isolated from four organ tissues: ileum, jejunum, colon, and mesenteric lymph node.

Treatment of bilateral nasal polyposis and chronic refractory inhalant allergic rhinitis in a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes).

Over a 15-yr time span, a 30-yr-old female chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) exhibited recurrent upper respiratory disease that was suspected to be allergen induced. Until 1993, symptomatic therapy with several different antibiotics and antihistamines yielded variable results. In early 1993, the chimpanzee was consistently observed to be open-mouth breathing despite medication. Nasal polyposis was diagnosed using rigid endoscopy in September 1993, and the polyps were removed by loop excision. A fluorescent allergosorbent test was performed to differentiate hypersensitivity to specific regional allergens causing chronic inhalant allergic rhinitis. Oral immunotherapy was then instituted using standard human treatment for Sacramento Valley pollens. This combination of polyp removal and immunotherapy resulted in a marked reduction of clinical signs, and continuous oral immunotherapy has controlled these signs. Hyposensitization therapy will continue for at least 2-3 yr. The chimpanzee continues to breath normally following occasional antihistamine treatment.

Emergency treatments for police dogs used for illicit drug detection.

The key to saving police dogs that have been exposed to large quantities of illicit substances is rapid action. Removal from the gastrointestinal tract, adsorption, and catharsis are the first steps. Some of these measures can be instituted on site by the attending officer. In case of accidental drug exposures of a dog during a search, police officers should have on hand apomorphine, syringes for administration of the drug and rinsing of the conjunctival sac, activated charcoal, a saline cathartic such as sodium sulfate (not needed if the activated charcoal product contains sorbitol), a resuscitator bag, and a well-fitting canine face mask. If bags of drugs are ingested intact, immediate surgery by a veterinarian may be required to remove the bag and prevent an obstruction or rapid absorption of a lethal dose. Injectible medications to antagonize the effects of the drugs should be reserved for administration by a readily available veterinarian upon arrival of the dog at the veterinary hospital. Pharmacologic antagonistic agents may have adverse side effects, especially if used in the treatment of a drug exposure against which they are not specifically indicated. Proper dosage and route of administration are additional important factors with such treatment. The veterinarian must instruct the police officers on the proper use, dosages, and methods of administration of the detoxifying agents as well as the proper procedures for using the face mask and resuscitator bag before an emergency arises. The officer should also be aware of the clinical signs likely to be produced following exposure to the agents for which these dogs search.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)